Redskins blow chance to bury the ’Boys, fall into crowded playoff chase
The Redskins had a chance to stay close to New York; knock down a hated division rival; and gain an advantage in the wild card race. But last night was about wasted chances. And the Redskins did just that.
They lost to Dallas 14-10, dropping into a tie for second place in the NFC East with the Cowboys. Both teams now are 6-4. A once-certain march to the playoffs now enters a tenuous stretch in a crowded NFC field. Atlanta also is 6-4 while Tampa Bay is 7-3 and neither is in first place in the NFC South.
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“We talked at the beginning of the season that this is the time that teams start making that climb,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “We haven’t made that climb.”
The Redskins now have serious problems offensively. They haven’t scored more than two touchdowns in their last five games. Last night, stymied by Dallas’ hard-hitting defense, the Redskins gained just 228 yards. Running back Clinton Portis played despite a sprained knee, gaining 68 yards.
The Cowboys consistently applied pressure and prevented the Redskins from taking many shots downfield.
“Sometimes I just tried to get the ball out of my hand as quick as possible,” Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said.
Redskins coach Jim Zorn lamented one lost opportunity in the first half when Campbell had to settle for a short toss to Chris Cooley that did manage a first down. However, had Campbell been given more time, receiver Devin Thomas was starting to break free downfield.
“They bit on the play action,” Zorn said. “We had an easy touchdown and if Jason has time, he throws it.”
The win rejuvenates Dallas’ season. The Cowboys won because they were able to run the ball, with Marion Barber rushing for a physical 114 yards. Dallas got its ground game going by using Barber first on tosses around the end. Later, they ran him more inside. He helped run out the final 6 minutes, 40 seconds.
After a sluggish start, quarterback Tony Romo found his rhythm and started to hit big plays downfield. He, and the play calls, did a good job of getting receivers in open spaces downfield for key throws. He hit tight end Martellus Bennett for a 25-yard touchdown with 10 minutes, 36 seconds remaining in the game.
The Redskins also didn’t pressure Romo much, though newly-signed DeAngelo Hall did stop one drive with an interception.
“We have to get more pressure on the quarterback and keep people off of ours,” Zorn said.
The Redskins last legitimate chance to win came when it had fourth and 4 at the Dallas 37. But Campbell’s pass to Santana Moss on a crossing route was knocked down by corner Terence Newman.
But, put simply, the Redskins wasted too many chances. In the second quarter, they had a first and 10 at the Dallas 40-yard line. But on third and six, they lost five yards on a penalty and then another 10 on a sack, one of three for Dallas.
In the third quarter, they drove to the Dallas 20. But on third and 13, Campbell was sacked again. Shaun Suisham was then short on a 46-yard field goal.
However, the Redskins were able to take a 10-7 halftime lead, thanks in part to Rock Cartwright’s 58-yard kickoff return with 53 seconds remaining. That set up a 14-yard drive capped by Suisham’s 41-yard field goal.
The Redskins scored on their opening possession for the second time this season. Campbell capped the 49-yard drive with a 2-yard pass to Mike Sellers.
The Redskins now have lost two straight and have not played a complete game since their four-game winning streak ended in early October.
“I don’t think we’re wavering in our confidence,” center Casey Rabach said.
Not yet.
“For some reason when we face adversity we play great ball,” Sellers said, “so hopefully that is the way it’s going to work out.”
