Donovan McNabb opens Redskins campaign with a win
The Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo ended up frustrated as their divisional rivals the Washington Redskins kept them in check for a 13-7 victory. Donovan McNabb made his first start as a member of the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and played the entire game despite an ankle injury sustained during this pre-season in an exhibition against the Baltimore Ravens.
McNabb showed no signs of the nagging injury and got contributions from unexpected veteran players to help secure the win. After a few quiet seasons in Washington, receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley each had a break out game respectively, and both finished with six catches each and combined for 157 receiving yards.
The Redskins got a scare on the final play of the game when Dallas appeared to have scored a touchdown after Roy Williams hauled in a pass from Romo. The Cowboys began celebrating prematurely as there was a flag on the field indicating a penalty.
"It was a little heart-wrenching," Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. "I saw that flag on the field. I didn't know what it was for. When I saw the referee make the holding signal [against Dallas] I sprinted off the field."
McNabb, who completed 15 of 32 attempts for only 171 yards passing, and head coach Mike Shanahan, were a little more reserved by raising their hands in the air and calmly walking on the field to join the celebration.
"We've had so many heartbreaking losses around here," Washington linebacker London Fletcher said. "It's a new era. New Redskins football. We are 1-0. Got a big win in the division."
The way the Dallas Cowboys offence has sputtered this pre-season carried over in their season opener. Aside from Miles Austin, hauling in 10 catches for 146 yards, the Cowboys were mediocre at best and the play calling was questionable at times.
With four seconds left before the end of the first half and deep inside their own territory, Dallas elected to run one last play instead of just taking a knee and letting time expire. Romo tossed the ball to running-back Tashard Choice, who was tackled immediately by Hall, who jarred the ball loose in the process. Hall then picked up the ball and ran for the score to increase Washington’s lead to 10-0 at halftime.
"Now, if you catch the ball with 4 seconds left, you don't need to make an extra yard or two, you go down with the ball," said head coach Wade Phillips. "Maybe that's our fault, too."
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