Shouldering attention from a missed opportunity that resulted in a victory for the Falcons, Redskins wide receiver Ryan Grant is using the moment as a learning tool.
It obviously wasn't supposed to end the way it did, but Washington Redskins wide receiver Ryan Grant isn't hiding from the fact that his slip against the Atlanta Falcons was one of several factors that led to a game-ending pick-six in overtime.
"I slipped. My fault," Grant said on Wednesday per CSNMidAtlantic.com. "I blew the game. It is what it is."
After winning the overtime coin toss and electing to receive, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins led the offense to midfield in just five plays.
But on the next play, one that would ultimately be the final score, the worst possible outcome occurred.
As he dropped back, Cousins was being blitzed from his left side by Falcons linebacker Nate Stupar, who came untouched into the backfield.
Hurried to make a decision, Cousins released the ball on a comeback route for Grant, but as he planted and attempted to turn, the second-year Tulane product slipped and fell to the turf, leaving cornerback Robert Alford allowed to make a grab.
He would get both feet inbounds, pause and then sprint down the field for a touchdown.
"It was supposed to be on my outside shoulder," Grant said of the play. "I slipped. It threw the play off, and that's how the game ended."
In part due to DeSean Jackson being sidelined with a hamstring injury, but also due to his own play, Grant has already received more action this season than he did his entire first season.
Check out images of second-year wide receiver Ryan Grant during the 2015 offseason.
Through five games, Grant has 12 receptions for 118 yards, numbers Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is sure will grow bigger as the season wears on.
"I think Ryan is a developing football player," Gruden said. "He's filled in for DeSean Jackson in a positive way and he's going to get better and better through these experiences, both good and bad. I know he's got great hands. He's a great route runner. It's just unfortunate he got a turf monster at the wrong time. We're not down on Ryan at all. He's going to continue to get better and be a good player for us for a long time."
Holding himself to a high standard, Grant said the play will not define him, but it will make him a "strong, better player" in the long run.
"From this point on, just move on, get better, work harder, spend more time in the film room, in the playbook," Grant said. "Just have amnesia from this point. Not think about the past and just move forward into the future."
RELATED LINKS:
-- Hard Working Ryan Grant Ready To Make Noise
-- Game Ends In Disappointing Result For Kirk Cousins
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