Falcons 25, Redskins 19: Atlanta remains undefeated with overtime victory

Robert Alford saved the day.

The cornerback intercepted Kirk Cousins in overtime and returned it 59 yards for the touchdown to keep Atlanta's undefeated season in tact.

It wasn't easy, but the Falcons still get the win.

Let's take a look:

First Quarter

Atlanta won the toss but deferred. Washington's first drive didn't net much. Trent Williams was called for holding Vic Beasley on the game's second play, and the Redskins were unable to convert the third and long.

The Falcons picked up a couple of first downs — including a 25-yard reception by Jacob Tamme — but Matt Ryan was intercepted Trenton Robinson on the drive's fifth play.

No score at the end of the first quarter, but Washington had the ball at Atlanta's 15.

Second Quarter

Washington converted a fourth down, and four plays later, Cousins connected with tight end Derek Carrier for a seven-yard touchdown.

The Falcons responded with a 12-play, 56-yard drive that ended with a 42-yard Matt Bryant field goal.

Neither team would score any more points in the quarter.

Alford intercepted Cousins on the following drive, but Ryan was sacked and fumbled at the Washington 18 yard line.

Atlanta was given great field position after Washington was hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty. But with 1:39 left and two timeouts from the Redskins' 45, the Falcons were unable to put any points on the board after Bryant (surprisingly) missed the 38-yard field goal.

Third Quarter

The Falcons looked renewed in the second half after Ryan connected with Julio Jones for 20 yards and Devonta Freeman picked up 16 on the next play.

Things slowed down a bit after that. Atlanta converted a fourth down but picked up just two yards in the next three plays. Bryant then missed his second field goal of the day, this time a 48-yarder.

Not to be outdone, Dustin Hopkins missed a 53 yard field goal on Washington's next drive.

Bryant found redemption, nailing a field goal from 28 yards away, and the quarter ended with a 7-6 Washington lead.

Fourth Quarter

Atlanta took the lead after Jones recovered a Freeman fumble in the end zone, capping off 91-yard drive that lasted 6:32 and took 11 plays.

But the Redskins answered immediately, thanks to a 42-yard pass interference call on Alford. Matt Jones scored from two yards out on the next play.

Bashaud Breeland picked off Ryan on the next drive, and Washington was able to put three points up to expand the lead to 16-12.

Now Ryan was in a position he's been in several times in his career. He engineered the 10-play, 80-yard comeback drive, with Freeman notching his eighth rushing touchdown from eight yards out. Freeman looked to have caught an 18-yard touchdown reception two plays prior, but the call was somehow reversed as referees ruled he did not complete the catch.

With just :24 remaining, Cousins complete three passes for 46 yards to set up the 52 yard field goal. Hopkins nailed it, and it was off to overtime.

Overtime

Washington won the toss and received first. After a few positive plays, Cousins made a fatal error, throwing a ball intended for Ryan Grant that was instead intercepted for the second time by Alford.

This time, he returned it 59 yards for the score, and that was all she wrote.