Washington Football Team: Highs and lows from Week 7 win vs. Cowboys
Oct 25, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) recovers the ball after a Washington Football Team defensive end Montez Sweat (90) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci (7) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Highs, Part 1
Fast Start On Offense
Far too many times this season, Washington has come out and done nothing on offense in the first quarter, quickly falling behind, and putting additional pressure on the defense.
Today, on their first drive, Washington was able to quickly get down the field, benefitting from Antonio Gibson’s 40-yard run. Although the team wasn’t able to come out with any points on the drive, after Terry McLaurin’s touchdown reception was reversed, and the team failed to convert on fourth-and-goal, it gave the early momentum.
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After getting the ball back with good field position on their second possession following the safety, Washington again drove down the field on a seven-play 63-yard drive, ending with a 12-yard touchdown run from Gibson.
The early 9-0 lead took some pressure off the defense and allowed the offense to play smart football without needing to force plays to try to catch up, an issue that has plagued the team thus far in the season.
Defensive Clinic
The one similarity between this game and Washington’s other win this season against the Eagles was that the team was able to get pressure on the quarterback. Washington has 14 sacks in its two wins this season, which accounts for 64 percent of the season total.
On Sunday, Washington was able to take advantage of injuries on the Cowboys’ offensive line, getting six sacks to go along with six tackles for a loss.
Montez Sweat led the team with two sacks with Landon Collins, Ryan Kerrigan, Tim Settle, and Cole Holcomb all adding one sack each. Holcomb, who missed four weeks earlier this season, had a major impact throughout the game. In addition to his sack, where he totally blew up Ezekiel Elliott, he added five tackles, a tackle for a loss, and an interception near the goal line, which prevented Dallas from getting any momentum before the half.
Not only was the defense able to put points on the board before the offense, as Landon Collins forced a safety early in the game, but the defense was able to respond well when put in a tough situation.
After a 67-yard kickoff return from Tony Pollard gave Dallas excellent field position, the defense held the Cowboys to only seven yards, limiting the damage to only a field goal, which were the only points allowed all game.