Now that’s the way to make a good first impression.
Coach Mike Shanahan delivered a disciplined team. Donovan McNabb looked like a real quarterback. Washington Redskins mainstays Chris Cooley, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry made plenty of big plays, but the offseason moves for a new coach and quarterback brought instant results in a heartstopping 13-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Maybe the Redskins can contend in an NFC East that looks down from last year. The New York Giants looked sloppy beating Carolina. Philadelphia surely regrets peddling McNabb to Washington; its passers stunk in losing to Green Bay. By besting expected front-runner Dallas, Washington suddenly looks as good as anyone at the start of a long season.
Sure, the Redskins got some breaks. An end zone interception was negated by a penalty. A promising fourth-quarter drive was derailed by three penalties, including a false start prompted by the boisterous crowd of 90,670 — fourth largest in FedEx Field’s 14 seasons.
Finally, Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall scored on a fumble as the first half expired. Then Dallas’ winning touchdown pass at the gun was negated by another penalty.
Washington’s defense showed why Jim Haslett is the team’s best coordinator since Richie Petitbon departed in 1994. Haslett rotated the 3-4 like a NASCAR pit crew changing tires. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo never looked certain what he was facing until late in the third quarter.
Even defensive lineman and dissident Albert Haynesworth was often used, though he never contributed. It was another lifeless outing by the $41 million man presently know as “The Bust.”
The Redskins might look for a punter, though. First, Josh Bidwell muffed a snap to blow a 20-yard field goal attempt, then he followed with a blown punt to set up a Cowboys touchdown for a 10-point swing. Tryouts are Tuesday if the Redskins wait that long.
Overlooked was the offense only scoring once after booting a field goal on the opening drive. Only Hall’s score kept local pizza eaters from a “Crust Monday” of no touchdown toppings. That can’t continue. A preseason worry, the offensive line, is now a regular-season concern. Rookie left tackle Trent Williams was twice beaten by Cowboys Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Ware. He also was whistled for a late false start penalty.
For now, though, Washington enjoys a good first impression.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
