FEDEX FIELD -- The Redskins played one of their wildest games of the decade against Houston, almost pulling off a comeback win on the arm of backup quarterback Colt McCoy.

It really was nuts. The game looked over early when Houston jumped out to a 10-0 lead, especially considering the Redskins had not won a game all season when they did not score first.

A lot happened from there, however, as the Texans offense did not take advantage of turnovers and the Redskins finally did. The game was a roller coaster, and leaves plenty to be dissected, but here are five quick reactions from the epic matchup.

Hard to watch - Alex Smith went down in the third quarter on a sack that pinned his right leg under his falling body. His leg bent in a way it wasn't supposed to, and it's hard to think he will play again this year. Before his injury, Smith had an up-and-down afternoon. He completed just 12 of 27 passes and threw two interceptions, but also threw for 135 yards, a large total for him in just over a half of play.

About Colt - McCoy looked strong in relief duty. He completed 6 of 12 passes for 54 yards and one touchdown and seemed to have a command of the offense the second he entered the game. In fact, McCoy's entrance to the game seemed to energize the crowd. And it helped that on his second play from scrimmage McCoy threw a touchdown to Jordan Reed in the corner of the end zone. It wasn't just McCoy's arm, he also ran for 35 yards and picked up a number of important first downs on the ground.

Coming and going - The Redskins built a formula for victories this season that largely relied on winning the turnover battle, and it seemed that Sunday would be decided due to Smith's interceptions. But Washington's opportunitistic defense generated three turnovers of their own, two interceptions and one fumble. That kept the Redskins one up in the turnover margin, and proved just enough for the team to compete to the final whistle.

Contain the big play - DeAndre Hopkins came into the contest averaging just under 100 yards-per-game receiving, and while he hauled in a first quarter touchdown, largely the Redskins defense contained the Texans star wideout. He finished with 5 catches for 56 yards and the touchdown, but his biggest play was just a 16-yard gain.

Call and respond - Much discussion of the last week centered around Redskins fans involvement at home games. Josh Norman and D.J. Swearinger said they wanted more from fans, more cheering and no booing. While FedEx Field wasn't packed on Sunday, the fans that were there cheered loudly. On multiple occasions, the Redskins defensive players exhorted the crowd for loud applause, especially on big third down plays, and the crowd responded. Houston converted just 4 of 11 third downs.

This is a bonus observation, but that was a very tough holding call on Josh Norman that effectively ended the game for the Redskins. Refs generally aren't supposed to make calls like that in those situations, especially something that seemed to have absolutely no impact on the game. Expect Norman to have plenty to say about the call.

Bonus bonus observation - Jay Gruden made the right call to try for a game-winning field goal at the last second, even if it was 63 yards. That play had better odds than a hail mary or trying to get more yardage. There just wasn't enough time for another play. Dustin Hopkins, playing through a groin injury, didn't have the leg.

MORE REDSKINS NEWS: