LANDOVER, Md. (AP) – Robert Griffin III threw an interception for the error-plagued Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame a costly turnover by Michael Vick to take a 12-7 lead after the first quarter Monday night.
Washington’s first three possessions ended with a lost fumble by Alfred Morris, an interception and a fumble by Morris in the end zone that resulted in a Philadelphia safety.
The Eagles’ new-look offense under first-year coach Chip Kelly produced a field goal and a 25-yard touchdown pass from Vick to DeSean Jackson. But Vick threw an apparent lateral that was picked up by Washington’s DeAngelo Hall and returned 75 yards for a score.
Griffin returned to run the Washington offense only eight months after having two ligaments repaired in his right knee, a procedure that occurred only a few days after the Redskins’ playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
He had to wait to get onto the field, because Philadelphia’s first drive ended in Hall’s touchdown. The Eagles then held the ball for more than 2 1/2 minutes following the ensuing kickoff.
Washington’s first three plays were a lost fumble by Morris, a 3-yard loss and a penalty. After Griffin completed a screen pass, he threw a third down pass that was intercepted by Brandon Boykin.
The Eagles punted, however, and on second down Morris fumbled a pitch in the end zone. He pounced on the ball and was immediately tackled.
The game marked the debut of Kelly, who went 46-7 at Oregon before deciding to give his fast-paced offense a whirl in the NFL.
After the Eagles got the opening kickoff, Vick immediately went to work. Operating without a huddle, Vick started with four straight passes in taking Philadelphia to a first-and-goal at the Washington 4.
Vick then threw to his right, and the ball was deflected by Washington’s Ryan Kerrigan. Hall picked it up and took it the other way for a touchdown.
Following a lengthy replay review, officials ruled the pass was a lateral and confirmed the score.
Undaunted, Vick moved the Eagles 51 yards in five plays before his third down pass to tight end Zach Ertz was ruled incomplete. Kelly challenged the call, was denied, and Alex Henery followed with a 48-yard field goal.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
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