Redskins hold on to their lead in the NFC East with 20-17 victory over Dallas!
By:Darrell Owens
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-LMS Network
LANDOVER,MD- The Washington Redskins (3-2) came in to Week 7 of the 2018 NFL Season with a half game over Dallas Cowboys (3-3) and Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) in the NFC East. This week’s matchup between Washington & Dallas would be a battle for first place in the NFC East. Dallas won last week 40-7 over the one of the top defenses in the league in the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Washington had a hard fought victory over the Carolina Panther 23-17. All football fans know this is not like any other game, the Redskins/Cowboys rivalry is always an epic affair. Despite Dallas holding a 70-44-2 lead all-time in the rivalry, You can always expect a hard-hitting, trash-talking, exciting type of game. Washington has lost the last four matchup’s versus Dallas, giving Dak Prescott a 4-0 record vs Washington in his career. On top of that, Washington hasn’t won at home versus Dallas since 2012. The question is would Washington finally end the losing streak at home vs. Dallas. Well, here’s what happened.
Early In the first quarter after a Dallas punt, Washington was able to drive down the field score the first points of contest on a 23-yard dump pass from QB Alex Smith hitting RB Kapri Bibbs giving the Redskins the early 7-0 lead. The next quarter and a half was the filled with empty possessions from both teams, but finally with one minute left in the first half, Dallas QB Dak Prescott would find his rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup on a 49-yard touchdown pass that would tie this game 7-7 going into halftime.
Washington would continue their 3rd Quarter struggles. Washington has yet to score a touchdown in the third quarter this season. However, they were able to manage a Dustin Hopkins field goal giving them a 10-7 advantage. Early in the fourth quarter, Dallas and Washington would exchange field goals making this a 13-10 game heading towards the crucial part of the fourth quarter. With 4:55 seconds left on the clock, the Redskins would make their biggest play of the game, when defensive leader Ryan Kerrigan would force Dak Prescott to fumble in the Cowboys endzone and Redskins LB Preston Smith would scoop up the football scoring a Redskins touchdown giving Washington 20-10 lead. When Dallas received the ball back, they would go on a 12 play, 74 yard drive finished off with a Dak Prescott 1-yard touchdown run closing the gap 20-17. After the Redskins went three and out, Dallas had one more shot at tying the game or winning it on the last drive. The Cowboys find themselves on the Redskins 33-yard line with a chance to tie the game with a 52-yard field goal, but Dallas kicker Brett Maher attempt at sending this game to overtime would bounce off the left side of the field goal post & hand the Redskins their 4th Win of the season 20-17 and control in the NFC East.
After this victory, Washington will head to New York to take on the struggling Giants next week at MetLife stadium. Washington next week will have a chance to grow on their lead in the NFC East. With continued great play from their defense (4 sacks & a fumble) & Adrian Peterson (24 carries 99 yards) continuing to show the NFL that age is nothing but a number. The Redskins have a chance to make a lot more noise in the NFL this season.
The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand are on bye this week. Dak Prescott said this in the post game press conference…
In my opinion, Dallas has to find a way to be more consistent on offense and find their identity. Zeke Elliott having only 33 yards rushing will not do it and Dak Prescott has to find his rhythm on the field. At times he seems to be all over the place. I’m not sure if it’s the play calling or he is just not full comfortable or confident with the offense. Dallas has to have both Prescott & Elliott more comfortable in the offense in order for this team to take the next step.
