Redskins defense stands up when needed, fends off Cowboys 20-17
By Ian Cummings
Sometimes, defense is the best offense.
Saying “It wasn’t pretty” almost feels like plagiarism. We say it a little too often when talking about the Washington Redskins, and this week is no different. It wasn’t pretty. But in the end, Washington got the win, and now they’re one and a half games ahead of the rest of the division, in first place at 4-2.
The Redskins held their own through the first two quarters, using solid defense and respectable offense to maintain subtle control on the game. Adrian Peterson ran at will over the Cowboys’ line, and the Redskins defense was stifling, limiting Ezekiel Elliott to 13 yards on 10 carries through half no. 1.
The Redskins’ offense came into the second half with mounting pressure to convert on opportunity, as they had failed to do so all year. Despite that, they only scored one field goal in the third quarter, and began the fourth quarter with another batch of three.
The Redskins offensive stagnation seemed to be leading to a Dallas comeback, but any momentum Dallas had was snuffed out when Ryan Kerrigan logged a strip sack on Dak Prescott, which was recovered by Preston Smith in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Redskins up 20-10.
That lead, however, would not stay so comfortable. The Cowboys would score a touchdown, and after a stalled drive by Washington, they’d have a chance to send the game into overtime with a 52-yard field goal. Brett Maher kicked it off the upright, and Washington skated by with a close victory.
Next. Did the Redskins follow their Keys to Victory?. dark
The Redskins defense showed plenty of promise in this game, but the offense was anemic more often than not. They had a bit of an excuse, or three, as Jamison Crowder, Paul Richardson, and Chris Thompson were all out for the outing. But Alex Smith was inconsistent, the situational play calling late was horrible, and the unit was never able to mesh through four quarters. The Cowboys’ defense made them uncomfortable, and they’ll need to find some cohesion in the coming weeks. Playing the depleted Giants and a banged-up Falcons team, they’ll get their chance.