Redskins Prevail as Rally by Buccaneers Falls Short

The Washington Redskins survived a fourth-quarter passing show by Vinny Testaverde Sunday and escaped with a 32-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Testaverde threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns in the final quarter, but couldn’t overcome the Redskins’ early lead.

The Redskins scored on all three of their third-quarter possessions to increase a 12-7 halftime lead to 29-7, then held on for another close win. Six of Washington’s seven games have been decided by five points or less.

The Buccaneers had managed just two first downs on their opening drive and two more in the last minute of the third period, and none in between.

Meanwhile, Washington (4-3) established control with 17 points in the third quarter.

But a third-quarter wrist injury to the Darrell Green, the Redskins’ best cornerback, opened the way for Tampa Bay’s comeback. After Green went out, Testaverde started throwing.

Tampa Bay (3-4) got two touchdowns within a 22-second span of the fourth quarter to cut the margin to 29-21 with 14:10 left. The Redskins pushed the lead to 32-21 when Chip Lohmilller kicked a 32-yard field goal.

Until they staged their fourth-quarter comeback, the Buccaneers had been limited to 110 yards through the first three quarters.