NFC East Blog: Did the Redskins Win or did the Cowboys lose?

by Bill Young

Last week, the Washington Redskins put forth a professional, workman-like effort to defeat the Dallas Cowboys. However, before we anoint the Redskins as an NFC contender and demote the Cowboys to being cellar dwellers, we need to take a closer look at some key factors that happened during the game.

First, the Redskins defense played a great game. This was greatly aided by the poor playcalling of Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Only last year's Redskins and this year's Jets have managed to butcher a game plan to a greater extent. The Redskins fought valiantly to cover the other receivers, but in the end, the Redskins had no answers for Miles Austin (10 catches 146 yards 1TD). One would think this would lead to even more balls his way. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, the majority of the first half was spent throwing screen passes to Dez Bryant and trying to get Roy Williams involved.

The running game was also ignored. The Cowboys have always been a better team when they commit to the run. It allows the offensive line to get better protection for Romo on play action situations. In addition, without the running game, the talent of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice was benched. It is always easier for the defense when their are less great offensive players to worry about.

On top of the playcalling blunders, the Cowboys fumbled at the end of the first half which led to Deangelo Hall scoring the Redskins only touchdown. Coach Wade Phillips admits that kneeling down was the right play. Unfortunately, Jason Garrett bungled the play call again.

This play would have been of no consequence if the Redskins offense had been putting points on the board. While the Cowboys played a strong defensive game, QB Donovan McNabb was up to his old tendencies including bouncing the ball to his receivers and having receivers drop the ball when he finally threw accurate passes. While it is possible that the receivers were shocked that McNabb actually threw accurate passes, the injury to Damarcus Ware is certainly a huge loss if Ware has to miss any more time this season. Without a pass rush, the Cowboys corners have been exposed in the past to be no more than average.

Ultimately, despite all of these shortcomings, the Redskins still BARELY won on the last play after a holding penalty was called on OT Alex Barron, one of two backup offensive linemen the Cowboys were forced to play due to injuries. The stars aligned perfectly for the Redskins on this night. As for the Cowboys, better days are ahead as OT Marc Colombo will return for Week 2 vs the Chicago Bears.