The Sports Xchange

WASHINGTON — The Washington Redskins put Code Red to bed. At least for now.

Kirk Cousins threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed with 24 seconds left and the Redskins rallied from a 24-0 deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-30 on Sunday, completing the largest comeback in team history.

Following last week’s loss to the Jets, Washington head coach Jay Gruden used the term “Code Red” when referring to the Tampa Bay game, which leads into the bye week and then a date at New England.

“We laid an egg again in the first quarter,” Gruden said. “I like the fact that nobody blinked. Nobody stopped believing. Offense rallied, defense got some big stops. It has nothing to do with any Code Reds or talks at halftime.”

The Redskins largest previous comeback was 21 points, done on several occasions.

After getting the ball down by six with 2:24 left, Cousins drove the Redskins 80 yards in 11 plays, completing 9-of-11 passes for 75 yards along the way.

Reed, back after missing two games with a concussion, had 11 catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Cousins finished with 317 yards and three touchdowns on 33-of-40 passing for the Redskins (3-4).

Dominant early, the Buccaneers (2-4) led 24-0 midway through the second quarter.

“You know all losses really hurt, but you have some that really leave a great scar,” Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said. “This is definitely one of those. Definitely. Two drastically different halves we played.”

Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston finished 21-of-29 passing for 297 yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Doug Martin 19 carries for 136 yards, and wide receiver Mike Evans had eight catches for 164 yards and a touchdown, but Tampa Bay hurt themselves with 16 penalties for 142 yards.

What we learned about the Redskins:

1. Quarterback Kirk Cousin’s can respond to pressure. Following a pair of losses in which he threw two interceptions in each game, Cousins spent a week listening to speculation about his grip on the starting quarterback position. He responded by going 33-of-40 for 317 yards, three touchdowns and no picks in Sunday’s 31-30 win over Tampa Bay. He tied Jason Campbell’s club record for completions in a game. “It’s not just about Kirk, but I am happy he’s able to do what he did today with all the scrutiny around him,” head coach Jay Gruden said. “He’s got a level head and (did) a great job today.”

2. When healthy, tight end Jordan Reed continues to be a difference maker. After missing two games with a concussion, Reed caught 11 passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. “He’s a talented player,” Cousins said. “He’s wired to be able to separate. He’s got great hands, he’s a competitor and he makes a big difference.”

3. Cornerback Bashaud Breeland doesn’t take plays off. With Washington trailing 27-24, Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin broke free and raced 49 yards to the Washington 5. He would have scored had Breeland not chased him down, injuring his hamstring on the play. “At the end of the day, if they score there, the game’s over,” Gruden said. “That shows what kind of guy he is. I talk about Breeland being an ultimate competitor.” The Buccaneers settled for a field goal on that possession, setting up the Redskins game-winning drive.

Etc.:

–LB Ryan Kerrigan left in the first quarter of Sunday’s 31-30 win over Tampa Bay with a hand fracture. Head coach Jay Gruden said Kerrigan will see a specialist on Monday. Kerrigan has 3 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble so far this season.

–QB Kirk Cousins complete 33-of-40 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday’s 31-30 win over Tampa Bay. He also ran for a score. Cousins’ 124.7 passer rating for the game was the highest of his career, and his 33 completions tied Jason Campbell’s franchise record.

–WR Ryan Grant caught three passes for 54 yards, including his first career touchdown reception, in Sunday’s 31-30 win over the Buccaneers. The second-year player also had a 32-yard catch that ignited a Redskins scoring drive in the third quarter.