Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins was full of praise for his team's defense after a 27-10 win over the Oakland Raiders. The Redskins defense locked down the Raiders offense at FedExField on "Sunday Night Football." The Redskins had a comfortable 21-0 lead when the visitors scored a touchdown at the end of the third quarter to finally get on the board.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will be hoping to forget the matchup against Washington. The Redskins defense did a great job on Carr, forcing him into a rough night. The 26-year-old completed 19-of-31 of his passes, enough for 118 yards.
He also threw two interceptions and was sacked four times during the game.
"I can't say enough about the domination that the defense had. I couldn't believe it when you think how successful that (Raiders) offense has been, not only this season, but going back to last season. They've always protected the quarterback," Cousins said post-game, per ESPN.
Cousins confident in the Redskins defense
Redskins quarterback Cousins insists his side could snatch a win on the night they are not at their best due to their good defense. Washington suffered a disappointing 17-30 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, but bounced back with wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Raiders. The team's defense held the Rams offense to 20 points in Week 2.
Cousins hopes the defense will continue to deliver going forward as well.
Washington's next test will be the Kansas City Chiefs. The Redskins will absolutely need its defense to be at their best against the undefeated Chiefs. The Chiefs offense has had its way so far this year. The team scored 42 points against the New England Patriots, scored 27 points on the Eagles, and left L.A.
with 24 points scored against the Chargers this past Sunday.
"And I think they've really put it together now three straight weeks with really good performances on defense. And if we can get that all year, it really gives us a chance, regardless of how our offense is playing, it's going to keep us in a lot of games," Cousins claimed.
The defense set to get better?
Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger believes his team's defensive efforts on Sunday were a "statement made." The 26-year-old safety collected two tackles against Oakland. Washington put up one of its best defensive performances in years and maybe decades. The Raiders were held to just 128 yards by the Redskins -- the fewest the D.C. has allowed since 1992. The Redskins defense came up clutch in key moments, forcing the Raiders to be 0-of-11 on their third down conversions.
"We control the game. They don't score, they don't win," Swearinger said, per John Keim of ESPN. "Our defense stood up and really made a statement."
Swearinger also claimed the Redskins defense will "keep getting better."
