Cowboys defeat Redskins 24-23: Tony Romo throws game winning pass
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Cowboys manage to still be in control of their post season destiny despite blowing a 23-point lead to the Green Bay Packers last week. The Minnesota Vikings managed to get a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles to help the Cowboys out.
The Cowboys needed a big win over their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins to stay alive. Fortunately for the Cowboys, the Redskins were playing back up quarterback Kirk Cousins instead of Robert Griffin III.
The Cowboys got on the board early and quickly. A punt return from Michael Spurlock gave the Cowboys the ball on the three yard line. A couple of plays later and Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray punched it in for the score.
The Redskins added a couple of field goals, one in the first quarter one in the second quarter. Late in the second quarter the Cowboys added another touchdown. It was a 14-yard pass from quarterback Tony Romo to wide receiver Dez Bryant that capped a six-play 93 yard drive.
That gave the Cowboys another halftime lead. In the third quarter, the Redskins took the lead back. Early in the third quarter, Cousins hit wide receiver Pierre Garcon with an eight-yard pass to pull within one point. Later in the quarter, running back Alfred Morris added a touchdown on a four-yard run.
Both those scoring drives for the Redskins were less than 50 yards, both came off of turnovers. One was the result of a fumble and one was the result of an interception.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Redskins added a field goal to take a 23-14 lead. On the next drive the Cowboys were able to march down field and get a field goal to pull within one score.
On the following drive the Cowboys were able to drive again. They marched down the field behind some big plays including a big reception by rookie wide receiver Terrance Williams.
The Cowboys were trying to score in a goal line situation. Murray tried to reverse a run and ended up taking a big loss on the play, giving the Cowboys a fourth and goal from the 10-yard line. The Cowboys went for it and got a big touchdown catch from Murray after Romo scrambled out of the pocket.
There was a lot of pushing and shoving at the end of the play, but penalties offset. Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey nearly missed the extra point that gave the Cowboys the lead. On the next possession the Cowboys got a big defensive stop to win the game.
Here is that game-winning touchdown catch:
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