A must win for the Dallas Cowboys now turns into a must win for the Washington Redskins.
The Cowboys (6-4) avoided a seemingly early playoff ouster last night by outlasting the Redskins 14-10. Now it’s Washington (6-4) that heads to Seattle on Sunday worrying whether its early-season momentum is disappearing after two straight losses.
It’s not panic time yet. But, it’s close.
Washington needs a win badly. To regain its momentum. To regain its confidence. The Redskins haven’t looked good since reaching 4-1 with surprise road wins over Dallas and Philadelphia. The five-week offensive malaise shows no signs of recovery.
Dallas regularly anticipated Washington’s next move. Third and longs were constant. The running game was given no room. Then again, Clinton Portis showed little spark with 68 yards in a surprise start after not practicing all week. His backup Ladell Betts left injured in the third quarter. Receiver Antwaan Randle El followed moments later. A team struggling to get healthy seemed to get worse with linebacker Marcus Washington departing earlier with a sprained ankle.
The second straight home loss offset a big night inside FedEx Field where a partisan crowd waved free white towels while former Redskins Darrell Green and Art Monk received Hall of Fame rings during a pregame ceremony. There were few Cowboys fans after the previous debacle when Pittsburgh backers owned the stands, but not nearly as many as past years.
They cheered a defense that appeared revived after a week off. The Skins took turns banging on Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens with newcomer DeAngelo Hall’s interception ending Dallas’ second possession.
It was a night of dominant defenses — the Cowboys line and Redskins secondary looking unshakable. That is, until Tony Romo shook off two interceptions in returning from his month-long absence to throw a 25-yard touchdown strike with 10:36 remaining.
Now Washington will look for help. The NFC East title is essentially out of reach with the New York Giants (9-1) three games ahead with six remaining. Instead, the Redskins are tied for the final wild card spot in a jumbled conference race. The Cowboys appear dangerous once more with Romo back and Atlanta also is a postseason contender.
Washington’s defense will keep the Redskins in contention. It’s the offense that has Washingtonians worried. There’s no bailout for this bunch. They have to do it themselves.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
