LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Kendall Fuller intercepted Russell Wilson's pass on a last-minute 2-point conversion attempt, and Washington held on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 17-15 Monday night for the team's third consecutive victory.
Wilson led the Seahawks on a 10-play, 96-yard touchdown drive in the final three minutes. He connected with Freddy Swain on a 32-yard TD pass with 15 seconds left but came up just short of leading a memorable comeback on his 33rd birthday.
Seattle (3-8) was called for an illegal formation penalty on the first onside kick attempt and failed to recover the second. Wilson was 20 of 31 for 247 yards and two TD passes, but he lost three consecutive games for the first time as the Seahawks' starting quarterback, with his team's playoff hopes fading in the process.
Washington (5-6) moved into the final NFC wild-card spot with the win. J.D. McKissic caught a touchdown pass from Taylor Heinicke, ran for another and accounted for 56 yards from scrimmage against the team he broke into the NFL with.
Heinicke and Co. had to do it all in the second half without the possibility of a field goal after kicker Joey Slye injured a hamstring late in the second quarter on an extra point attempt that was blocked and returned for two points. Heinicke evaded a couple of potential sacks and outdueled Wilson in a matchup of mobile QBs, going 27 of 35 for 223 yards with the TD throw to McKissic and an interception.
A departure from each team's typical results in prime time, Washington won at home on Monday night for the third time in 20 tries since FedEx Field opened in 1997. Seattle, which entered with the NFL's best winning percentage on Monday night, fell to 11-4 in these situations in Pete Carroll's 11 seasons as coach.
Carroll's Seahawks have fallen out of playoff contention over the past three weeks. They were right in it against Washington when Rasheem Green blocked, recovered and returned the extra point attempt late in the first half to tie the score at 9, but the offense went cold after halftime.
Washington outrushed Seattle 152-34 and held a 41:40-18:20 edge in time of possession.
CONVERSION HISTORY
Since the NFL allowed the defense to return a PAT for points in 2015, Green became the first player to block, recover and score on the same play, according to SportRadar. It was the first defensive conversion in the league since 2019 and the 11th over the past seven seasons, with seven coming on extra points.
SPRINKLER TIME
A sprinkler burst in a suite during the first half, the second public water malfunction at Washington's home stadium this season. A pipe burst over fans in the opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 12.
LEAP OF FAIL
Everett attempted a “Lambeau Leap” style jump into the stands after his TD catch in the first quarter. A fan in a burgundy No. 52 Washington jersey pushed Everett off to continue to celebration on the field.
REPORT IN SPOTLIGHT
Two former Washington employees used the occasion of the NFL's “Inspire Change” night to shine a spotlight on their efforts to get the league to release the findings of an investigation into the team's workplace misconduct. Owner Dan Snyder was fined $10 million last summer upon the completion of the investigation, but a written report was never produced.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said last month the NFL would not issue a report to protect the identities of those who testified.
Megan Imbert took issue with that stance.
“That’s not true — we can redact our names,” said Imbert, who was wearing a #ReleaseTheReport sweatshirt in the team's colors. "There’s over 120 participants, and we deserve to have the findings be shown to the public so there’s actual accountability.”
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform has asked the NFL for documents relating to the investigation. Former Washington employee Melanie Coburn said, “My hope is now that it’s in Congress’ hands that they continue to push for the truth.”
INJURIES
Seahawks: Starting LG Damien Lewis was out with an elbow injury. Kyle Fuller started in his place. ... RBs Rashad Penny (hamstring) and Travis Homer (calf) were inactive.
Washington: C Wes Schweitzer left in the second quarter with an ankle injury, pushing fourth-stringer Keith Ismael into action. ... TE Logan Thomas returned after missing six games with a hamstring injury. ... WR Curtis Samuel made his first catch since Week 4, playing in just his third game this season because of a groin injury that has lingered for months.
UP NEXT
Seahawks: Host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Washington: Visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
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Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
