NFL-Takeaways lead Giants past Redskins

Sept 24 (The Sports Xchange) - New York picked off Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins twice and converted them into 14 points to roll to a 32-21 win over the Washington Redskins on Thursday. Cornerback Prince Amukamara made the first interception in the first quarter while linebacker Uani' Unga corralled a tipped pass in the third quarter. "The first one I thought the corner made a great play, he jumped the route," said Cousins who was 30-for-49 for 315 yards with one touchdown pass. "The second one, I'm just trying to find a completion and get it to a safe spot. So you can call it whatever you want." New York quarterback Eli Manning completed 23 of 32 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions for New York, who had suffered two agonising defeats to begin the season. Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle finished with seven receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown, while Odell Beckham Jr. made seven catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. The Giants (1-2) increased their 15-6 halftime lead on their opening drive of the third quarter. Kicker Josh Brown's third field goal of the game, a 48-yarder, put New York on top by 12. On the next drive, the Redskins, who made it to the Giants' 34-yard line, committed their second turnover when Cousins' pass intended for tight end Derek Carrier was tipped and grabbed by Unga. The turnover set up a 30-yard strike from Manning to Beckham that made it 25-6 early in the fourth quarter. New York had got off to a fast start, leading 12-0 after the first quarter following a blocked punt for a safety by running back Rashad Jennings, a two-yard touchdown run by running back Andre Williams and a 35-yard field goal by Brown. Amukamara's first-quarter, four-yard interception of Cousins set up the Williams touchdown. Washington wide receiver Rashad Ross made a 101-yard kickoff return with 3:21 remaining to end the scoring. "You definitely don't want to spend the whole weekend just thinking about this game and thinking about being 0-3," Amukamara said. "So I'm glad guys are in great spirits. We have to be prepared for the Bills next week." (Compiled by Greg Stutchbury)