Field goal as time expires lifts Redskins past Jaguars

Dustin Hopkins' 36-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Washington Redskins to a 16-13 road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Redskins (7-7) snapped a four game losing streak, which saw Washington starting quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colt McCoy suffer season-ending injuries. After watching Mark Sanchez struggle as their replacement, Washington turned to Josh Johnson on Sunday. Johnson was making his first start in seven years. Prior to throwing a pass in last week's loss to the Giants, Johnson hadn't thrown a pass since Dec. 11, 2011. Against the Jaguars' defense, Johnson was 16 of 25 for 151 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception. "I've always had belief in myself that I can do things like this," Johnson told reporters after the game. "But I've never been one to talk about it, because talking does nothing. I'm into action. To have it go our way and be able to just have everything that's been bottled up in my and let it out, it was a relief." His counterpart for Jacksonville, Cody Kessler, was only 9 of 17 for just 57 yards. He threw one costly interception as the Jaguars were driving for the potential winning score. His coach defended Kessler's play, but also said his quarterback needs to be a bit more patient. "Obviously I thought he made some plays with his feet, and some of them were good,? Marrone told the Florida Times-Union. "Some of them we had opportunities but were just a little late getting open on one or two that I saw that I wish he could hang in there and throw it. You want to come back. You want to be able to throw the football. A couple of times they were covered, or the protection broke down and he was able to run with his feet." After the Redskins tied the score at 13-all on Johnson's 6-yard toss to Jeremy Sprinkle, Kessler drove the Jags 30 yards before his deep pass to DeDe Westbrook was intercepted by Fabian Moreau, who returned the ball to the Washington 45-yard line. The interception was the first for Moreau. From there, Johnson engineered the game-clinching drive with Adrian Peterson shouldering the load. He rushed for 31 yards and caught a seven-yard pass to set up Hopkins' game winner. "We came out, and guys played with their hearts," Peterson told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "I felt the last four minutes showed the heart and dedication we have, as a group, coming up with the big pick." The Jaguars have now lost nine of 10 games and what was projected as a possible Super Bowl season has spiraled to an all-time low. It was hard to tell if the defenses were good or just the offenses lousy. Washington totaled just 245 yards and the Jaguars managed just 192 yards. Kessler led the Jaguars (4-10) rushing attack with 68 yards. Leonard Fournette carried 11 times for 46 yards. Kessler had to know he was in for a rough day from the get-go. On the Jaguars' first offensive drive, Ryan Kerrigan sacked Kessler, knocking the ball loose. Defensive lineman Daron Payne was there to pick up the fumble, and give Washington its first turnover of the game. Kessler ended up being sacked six times. The only highlight for the Jaguars was Westbrook's 74-yard punt return that put Jacksonville up 10-3 at intermission. "It's very frustrating,? Westbrook said. "We go throughout the week, we're grinding, putting the work in and of course putting the practices together to go out there and get a win and it hasn't been enough."