A game that was a total snoozer for 55 minutes delivered a frantic finish that saw Dan Bailey kick a 54-yard game-winning field goal with nine seconds left to play to give the Dallas Cowboys a 19-16 victory over the Washington Redskins.
The Dallas win means there is a three-way tie for first place and the Cowboys playoff hopes remain alive in the pillow fight for the NFC East division crown.
A field goal kicking contest for most of the game left the score knotted at 9-9 with 4:22 remaining.
DeSean Jackson’s boneheaded punt return decision gave the ball back to Dallas and led to the Cowboys taking the lead. Jackson fumbled after retreating 20 yards on a punt return all the way back inside the Washington 5-yard line. Dallas recovered at the 15-yard line and Darren McFadden scored from six yards out to give Dallas the 16-9 lead.
Rashad Ross’ 41-yard kickoff return and a facemask penalty allowed Washington to start their final possession in Dallas territory at the Dallas 42-yard line. Four plays later, Jackson redeemed himself by beating Morris Claiborne in man-to-man coverage for a 28-yard touchdown to tie the game at 16-16.
Lucky Whitehead’s 46-yard kickoff return gave Dallas good field position to drive for the winning score.
A pair of completions from Matt Cassel to Dez Bryant moved the Cowboys to the 36-yard line to set up Bailey’s 54-yard field goal to take the lead.
Washington’s desperation kickoff return with several lateral attempts failed and the Cowboys held on for the win. It was the first victory this season for the Cowboys where Tony Romo was not at quarterback.
