Preston Smith turns in a career day while playing with a heavy heart

Redskins linebacker, left, Preston Smith looks over a play during the game against the Bills. (Mark Tenally/Associated Press)Rookie outside linebacker Preston Smith had a career day against the Eagles, recording three sacks to help lead Washington’s defense in their 38-24 victory.

Smith’s performance came despite the fact that he played with a heavy heart after learning early Saturday morning that his cousin, Donna Champion of Gainesville, had lost her battle with cancer.

Until this year, Smith hadn’t seen his cousin since he was a child. But once the Redskins drafted him and he moved to Northern Virginia, the two were reunited, and Champion – who is around the age of Smith’s mother – became…