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The Washington Redskins’ first-string offense still isn’t clicking, but it did enough to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-17 at FedEx Field Sunday for the team’s first preseason victory in three chances.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was just 10 of 19 for 109 yards, throwing a second-quarter interception that linebacker Vontaze Burfict returned 62 yards for a touchdown to give the Bengals a 14-3 lead.
But Washington answered on its next possession with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown by running back Rob Kelly to cut the lead to 14-10.
“I liked the way we bounced back,” said Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said. “We had a pick-six, then we came back with a drive that we scored on. I liked that.”
In the fourth quarter, Washington took the lead as backup quarterback Colt McCoy threw a nine-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Derek Carrier to make the score 20-17. The home team sealed the deal with a 63-yard interception return by linebacker Fish Smithson that led to a 26-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal.
Gruden didn’t seem to be completely satisfied with the win but did see some positives.
“We still have to be a little more consistent,” he said. “We need to get off to better starts. We’ll keep working at it.”
Washington will play their final preseason game Thursday on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before its Sept. 10 regular-season opener at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.