LANDOVER, Md., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Rob Gronkowski entered the NFL record books with two touchdown receptions Sunday and the New England Patriots hung on for a 34-27 win over Washington.
The rookie's two scoring grabs gave him 14 for the year, the most ever in a season for an NFL tight end, but the AFC East-leading Patriots (10-3) needed to avoid a late Washington charge to secure their fifth straight win.
Cornerback Josh Wilson intercepted Tom Brady (22-of-37, 357 yards, three TDs, one interception) in the end zone with 6:30 left in the game, allowing the Redskins (4-9) to stay within seven points.
Rex Grossman (19-of-32, 252 yards, two TDs, one interception) then engineered a pair of third-down plays in the Redskins' last-chance drive, moving the ball to the New England 5-yard line with a minute left.
But Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo sealed the victory with an interception of a Grossman pass that went through the hands of Santana Moss.