Birds exposed in brutal loss to Washington

LANDOVER, MD. >> Missing their biggest offensive target and facing one of the NFL’s top defenses, the Washington Redskins looked as in command as they’ve been all season.

Kirk Cousins threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, the three-headed running attack of Matt Jones, Robert Kelley and Chris Thompson combined for 231 yards and a touchdown and the Redskins ran roughshod over the Philadelphia Eagles in a 27-20 victory on Sunday.

The Redskins (4-2) put up 493 offensive yards against the Eagles (3-2), who came in allowing of 266.8 yards and 12.6 points as the league’s second-best defense.

“In spurts today I think we showed what we’re capable of. The challenge will always be to do it from the first whistle to the last,” said Cousins, who was 18 of 34. “But it was a good offensive showing because so many guys contributed and made a difference.”

Cousins rebounded when Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted him and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown, and Washington showed restraint and balance offensively without tight end Jordan Reed, who was out with a concussion . After starting the season 0-2, the Redskins have their best record through six games since 2008.

Cousins connected with Jamison Crowder on a 16yard touchdown and with Vernon Davis on a 13-yard touchdown. Jones ran for a 1-yard touchdown and sealed the victory with a 57-yard run on third down with 1:27 left as part of his 135-yard day.

The Redskins defense made things difficult for rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, sacking him five times. Wentz was 11 of 22 for 179 yards, and the Eagles finished with 239 total yards.

“I’ve got to be better, especially late in the game,” Wentz said. “You’ve got to learn from it. It’s all about how you react and respond to losses.”

Philadelphia got its points on an 86-yard kickoff return touchdown by Wendell Smallwood, Jenkins’ interception return and two field goals by Caleb Sturgis. The Eagles opened the season with three wins before losing two straight.