The Washington Redskins capitalized on a Mark Sanchez interception late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game, leading to a 27-24 upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Sanchez passed for a career-high 374 yards, but was undone by a pair of mistakes. In addition to the backbreaking interception, Sanchez lost a fumble that led to a field goal early in the game. He has 13 turnovers in eight games, as the Eagles lead the NFL in interceptions thrown and fumbles lost. Sanchez has also absorbed 19 sacks compared to nine for Nick Foles in the same number of games, reflecting the former's poor decision-making and struggles reading defenses. Foles' broken collarbone is not expected to be healed in time for him to play in the season finale, which could end up as a meaningless game for Philadelphia's playoff chances. Sanchez's carelessness with the ball has almost certainly cost the impending free agent an opportunity for a shot at the 2015 starting job.
- Sanchez's interception saved Robert Griffin III from the ignominy of his own game-changing interception in the fourth quarter. On balance, this was Griffin's best performance of the season and the second consecutive game in which he has shown progress. Thanks to a pair of deep balls to DeSean Jackson, he finished with a season-high 9.6 yards per attempt. Jay Gruden protected his quarterback with play-action and clear shots down the field. Griffin responded with noticeably improved composure in the pocket, making throws under duress. The two are likely to be working together again in 2015, as owner Daniel Snyder is loathe to start over at the position, per NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
- The Eagles made it a point to get Zach Ertz more involved against a Redskins defense that has been burned by tight ends all season. Ertz responded with a franchise-record 15 receptions, three more than any NFL player has recorded this season. Entering the game, he had caught more than five passes in a game just once in 30 games.
- Philadelphia lost despite piling up 495 total yards to just 305 for Washington. Kicker Cody Parkey and the Eagles cornerbacks share the blame with Sanchez. Parkey pushed a pair of third-quarter field-goal attempts wide right, turning a lead into a deficit. Bradley Fletcher was the victim on both of Jackson's bombs, a scene to which Iggles fans have grown accustomed. Philadelphia's secondary has allowed as many big plays down the field as any in the league. Chip Kelly needs to find an upgrade on Fletcher and Cary Williams next offseason.
- As well as Jeremy Maclin has played, the Eaglesmiss Jackson. He leads the NFL with 12 catches of 40 yards or more, the same number as the entire Philadelphia team. Jackson has done well to generate 1,083 receiving yards in a season in which Gruden has changed quarterbacks five times.
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