Flynn, Raiders Struggle in 24-14 Loss to Redskins
By Greg Nguyen
Sep 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Flynn (15) throws the ball while being pursued by Washington Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders started off on a high note against the Washington Redskins, but injuries and a stagnant offense resulted in a 24-14 loss for the Silver and Black on Sunday afternoon at the O.co Coliseum.
The Raiders jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead over the Redskins on a blocked punt and recovery and a Matt Flynn-to-Mychal Rivera 18-yard touchdown pass. Rashad Jennings blocked a Redskins punt by Sav Rocca, which Jeremy Stewart recovered in the end zone for the Raiders’ first touchdown.
The Redskins mounted a first-half comeback on a 25-yard field goal by John Potter, followed by a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie cornerback David Amerson.
Players on both rosters were falling by the wayside due to injuries, including Darren McFadden and Marcel Reece of the Raiders, along with Joshua Morgan and Chris Neild of the Redskins. Redskin running back Alfred Morris would later leave the game due to a rib contusion.
With quarterback Terrelle Pryor out with a concussion, Matt Flynn started for the Raiders. After an impressive drive punctuated by a touchdown pass to Rivera, Flynn threw an ill-advised pass into the flat which Amerson easily intercepted and returned for a pick-six.
The second half started with a series of punts by both teams, until Redskins’ tight end Logan Paulsen was stripped by Nick Roach after a long reception. The Raiders’ Kevin Burnett recovered the fumble, but the Redskins defense held, forcing Sebastian Janikowski to miss a 52-yard field goal.
On the ensuing drive, Robert Griffin III connected on a 5-yard pass to Pierre Garcon over the middle for the Redskins’ first offensive touchdown of the game and a 17-14 lead.
Redskins defensive end Ryan Kerrigan sacked Flynn for a third time, forcing the Raiders quarterback to cough up a fumble which Barry Cofield recovered. Griffin then scrambled right to hit Roy Helu, Jr. on a long pass completion, and Helu immediately converted with a 14-yard run up the middle for another Redskins touchdown.
The Redskins clinched the game when their defense held the Raiders on downs deep in Redskins territory with a stop on fourth-and-one with three minutes left in the game. The Redskins defensive front won the game with seven sacks of Flynn.
The Redskins’ Griffin completed 18-of-31 passes, for one touchdown and zero interceptions. Morris rushed 16 times for 71 yards in limited action, while Garcon led the Redskins in receiving with six catches for 71 yards and one touchdown.
Flynn completed 21-of-32 passes, for one touchdown and one interception. Jennings rushed for 15 carries and 45 yards, and Jennings also led the Raiders in receiving with 8 catches for 71 yards.
The Raiders host the San Diego Chargers on October 6 at 1:25 Pacific time.