Tony Romo’s fourth down pass to Dez Bryant was knocked down by Bashaun Breeland to give the Washington Redskins a 20-17 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.
Colt McCoy passed for 299 yards with a rushing touchdown and an interception to help lead Washington to victory in his first start since Dec. 8, 2011 with the Cleveland Browns. McCoy completed 25 of 30 passes and made some key throws late, particularly on throws to tight end Jordan Reed.
Romo left the game and was taken to the locker room after being sacked by Washington Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson in the third quarter.
Romo turned his back to absorb a blow from the blitzing Robinson and appeared to have taken a knee to his surgically repaired back on the play. Romo spent a few minutes down on the turf at AT&T Stadium before walking off the field incredibly gingerly while flanked by members of the team’s training staff.
In Romo’s absence, Brandon Weeden helped lead the Cowboys on two scoring drives to keep level with Washington.
Dan Bailey’s 21-yard field goal tied the game at 10-10 with four minutes left in the third quarter.
Colt McCoy then scored on a 7-yard touchdown run to cap a nine-play, 80-yard drive to put Washington back on top.
But the Cowboys would answer again. Weeden led Dallas on an 80-yard drive of their own with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten with 9:27 left to play leveling the score at 17-17.
Romo returned to the game for the Cowboys final possession of regulation and nearly fumbled away the game. Brandon Meriweather came free on a blitz and stripped Romo of the ball. Ryan Kerrigan fell on the loose ball but it somehow squirted free and Dallas recovered to keep possession inside their own 10-yard line.
Romo was nearly intercepted by Bashaud Breeland as well but the ball slipped through his hands to Terrance Williams for 18 yards instead. Either turnover would have likely led to a game-winning field goal try or Washington at the end of regulation.
After winning the coin toss, McCoy led Washington inside the Dallas 30-yard line. The drive stalled when J.J. Wilcox stopped Jordan Reed for no gain on third down to force a 40-yard field goal from Kai Forbath to give Washington a 20-17 lead.
Bryant scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Romo in the second quarter to give Dallas a 7-3 lead. Alfred Morris scored on a 5-yard touchdown run to put Washington back on top 10-7 in the third quarter.
Washington’s defense had five sacks on the night and forced four fumbles, two of which they recovered for turnovers.
DeMarco Murray went over the 100-yard mark for the eighth straight game this year, finishing with 141 yards on the night.