Dwayne Haskins picked up his first NFL victory in dramatic fashion. The Washington Redskins defeated the Detroit Lions 19-16 on Sunday at FedExField, snapping a four-game losing streak and earning their second win of the season.
Last-Second Heroics
Dustin Hopkins connected on a 39-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining to give Washington the comeback victory. Haskins guided the Redskins into field-goal range with crucial completions in the final drive. The rookie quarterback scrambled for 11 yards before finding Kelvin Harmon for 5 yards and Terry McLaurin for 17 yards.
Cornerback Fabian Moreau’s interception of Jeff Driskel secured the victory. The turnover gave Washington the ball back with 2 seconds left and set up the game’s bizarre ending.
Selfie Celebration Goes Wrong
Haskins was so excited about his first victory that he took a selfie with a fan in the first row. The only problem: the game wasn’t over yet. Case Keenum had to enter the game to kneel down and run out the final seconds.
“I was so hype I think I broke a water bottle,” Haskins said. “I look up and we were in victory formation and said, ‘Oh, I thought the game was over with already.'”
Even interim coach Bill Callahan seemed confused by the unusual ending. “We were looking for him,” Callahan said. “I think he thought the game was over.”
Rookie Struggles but Delivers
Haskins completed 13 of 29 passes for 156 yards and one interception. The rookie quarterback dealt with a wrist injury that contributed to several overthrows of open receivers. Despite the struggles, Haskins came through when it mattered most.
“Closer — it’s what I do,” Haskins said after the game. The 15th overall draft pick showed composure in the final moments to set up the winning field goal.
Special Teams Spark
Undrafted rookie Steven Sims provided the game’s most explosive play. After initially muffing a kickoff return, Sims took advantage of blown coverage to score on a 91-yard touchdown return. The score marked Washington’s first kick return touchdown since 2015.
“I tried to catch the ball while I’m running forward so I hit it full speed,” Sims explained. “I knew once I picked the ball up, they were going to be in my face, so I had to go.”
Lions Turn Ball Over
Detroit quarterback Jeff Driskel threw three interceptions in the loss. Moreau picked off two passes, while Quinton Dunbar added another crucial interception in the final minute. The turnovers proved costly for the Lions, who dropped their fourth straight game.
“We turned the ball over,” Driskel said. “It really is frustrating, and you got to go in that locker room and take accountability.”
The victory improved Washington to 2-9 and marked their first home win in 13 months. Haskins may have missed the final snap, but he delivered when his team needed him most.