Brown Leaves Redskins Out in Cold : NFC: Giant quarterback passes for two touchdowns and runs for another in a driving rain during 21-19 victory over Washington.

In the muddy depths of the NFC East, Dave Brown and the New York Giants withstood a cold, driving rainstorm for a victory.

Brown passed for two touchdowns and ran for another Sunday in the Giants’ 21-19 victory over the Washington Redskins.

It was the second consecutive victory for the Giants (5-7) after a seven-game losing streak during which Brown lost his job to Kent Graham.

Last week, Brown started against Houston but a concussion forced him out and Graham led the team to a 13-10 victory.

“I’m happy that the team got the monkey off its back last week,” said Brown. “This week, I got the monkey off my back. I haven’t had a win since the last time we played Washington.”

Brown, who led the Giants to a 31-23 victory over Washington on Sept. 18, completed 10 of 17 passes for 161 yards.

The Redskins (2-10) failed to get anything going, scoring their points on four field goals by Chip Lohmiller and a 60-yard fumble return by Martin Bayless.

The Redskins have lost 14 consecutive NFC East games and are 0-7 at home this season.

“For whatever reason, we don’t make the plays when we have to,” Redskin Coach Norv Turner said. “This is a very competitive level of football, and the New York Giants are capable of making plays. When you’re in this position, mistakes are things that end up costing you.”

Brown connected on touchdown pass plays with Chris Calloway and Mike Sherrard. Rodney Hampton had 106 yards in 34 carries.

Rookie Heath Shuler, meanwhile, started for the Redskins for the first time since he sprained his ankle against Arizona on Oct. 16.

The rookie began poorly--he was four of 14 for 69 yards and an interception in the first half--and finished 11 of 28 for 165 yards.