The Patriots held Redskin running back Terry Allen to just 71 yards on 21 carries (2.7 avg.) and kept him out of the end zone for the first time in 11 games, but the Redskins still scored a 27-22 victory over th4e Patriots to improve their record to 5-1 and remain in first place in the NFL East. Gus Frerotte threw two 13-yard third quarter touchdown passes, the second to veteran wide out Henry Ellard, to lead Washington back from a 10-6 halftime deficit. Ellard finished with a game-high eight receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown. He was also on the receiving end of two critical third down conversions on the Redskins' final possession – a time consuming drive which ended with a 24-yard field goal to secure the 27-22 victory.
The Patriots were led by Curtis Martin, who was the unanimous selection for Miller Lite Player of the Game and Staples Star of the Game honors as he rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries (9.6 avg.). It was the second highest rushing total and the 10th 100-yard game in his 22 game career. His second touchdown of the game brought the Patriots to within two in the forth quarter, 24-22, but Martin was swarmed and dropped for a loss on a two-point conversion attempt that would have tied the score. The Patriots' defense was unable to stop the Redskins on their final possession, despite two third and long situations. Washington capped a 12-play, 74-yard drive with a 24-yard field goal by Scott Blanton to take a 27-22 lead, leaving the Patriot just under a minute to navigate the final 67-yards for the go-ahead touchdown. Four consecutive pass attempts fell incomplete and the Patriots fell to 3-3.
