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Post by riley82 on Aug 11, 2010 15:34:35 GMT -5
Keep you up to date in anything and everything Redskins, The Redskin Review!
- August 11, 2010 16:33 est Washington D.C.
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Post by riley82 on Aug 11, 2010 17:23:00 GMT -5
REDSKINS REVIEW REDSKINS FALL TO COWBOYS IN SEASON OPENER 27-28 Monday, September 13, 2010
This past Sunday saw the most-watched of all rivalries in the United States displayed and the Redskins vs. Cowboys rivalry lived up to its reputation as the game turned into yet another NFL classic.
The game started out on a very high note for Washington as LaRon Landry forced an early fumble from Marian Barber deep in Dallas territory on the first drive of the game. However, the Cowboys defense flexed unrelentingly, forcing a quick three-and-out and a Washington field goal. The next possession for the Cowboys was a showcase of the speed and firepower, as they marched down the field and scored a touchdown on a Felix Jones run near the goaline to cap off a long drive. The Redskins would respond on a clumsy, slow, but scoring response none-the-less, in the form of a 43yd field goal by Graham Gano as would be the story of the first half for Washington. Tony Romo and company, would continue to torch the Redskin defense for two touchdowns on consecutive drives after Washington would go three-and-out in their intervening possession. The Cowboys seemed nearly unstoppable, gaining large sums of yardage on the drives. Washington would tack on another field goal before the half concluded to cut the lead to 12, 21-9.
The feebleness of the Redskins' offense drew concern from the quieted crowd in FedEx Field. The arrival of Donovan McNabb was the godsend that fans and the city, had hoped for, and discomfort arose during the first two quarters, as halftime came like rain on a hot day in the desert.
The Redskins would receive the ball after halftime and start a methodical and dominating six and a half minute drive capped off by a Clinton Portis 3yd touchdown run, cutting the lead to just 5, 21-16. Portis would finish with 81 yards on 18 carries and his sole touchdown. The Redskins defense, riding the momentum of the offense's drive and score, would finally show up, forcing Dallas to punt after a short, futile drive. The Redskins, looking to take the lead once again, would drive the Cowboys down the field once more for a touchdown, this time by incoming running back, Larry Johnson. Wanting to attain a field goal lead, Washington went for two and converted on a Portis hand-off. Washington, now leading by three kicked the ball back to Dallas. As quickly as it came, the three point lead evaporated right before the defense's eyes. Tony Romo stood in the pocket under pressure. With the Redskins' defensive line collapsing the pocket around him, Romo would scramble to his left and hit Miles Austin on a crossing route near the sideline. Two missed-tackles and a burst of speed from the wideout would shock FedEx Field in a flash that erased the lead in less than one minute. Down by four, 28-24, with about five minutes left, McNabb and the Redskins would again orchestrate a drive into the redzone. But the Cowboys defense showed their might as they had in the first half, stopping the Redskins in their tracks inside the 20 yard-line. Faced with a decision to take points now and pray for a stop or challenge 'Big D' on a medium 4th in the redzone, Mike Shanahan conceded to a 31yd field goal by Gano to cut it to one, 28-27. The Redskins would get the stop they needed but an injury to Deangelo Hall on a crucial third down, lead to a Miles Austin catch and first down, resulting in the Redskins getting the ball with just 36 seconds left and no timeouts. To worsen matters, the drive would start from their own three yard-line thanks to a brilliant punt from Mat McBriar and fantastic punt coverage by the Cowboys. The odds were simply too steep for Washington and they would relinquish a victory to Dallas in the home and season opener, 28-27, as time winded down in the fourth.
Among bright spots in the Redskin performance, Chad Rinehart, the right guard drafted out of Northern Iowa in the second round two years ago by the Redskins, played extremely well, opening holes for the running game and protecting McNabb in the pocket. In addition, Malcolm Kelly had a break-out game exploding with 7 receptions for 119 yards. He and Chris Cooley would both top the century mark in receiving yards. Kelly's draft-mates, Devin Thomas and Fred Davis, would also make a good showing, posting 31 and 21 yards respectively. Perhaps the most perplexing fact on the stat sheet is what's not on it. That would be the Redskins' best, and most productive receiver since Art Monk, Santana Moss. Number 89 is absent from the sheet, not touching the ball once. Moss, the Redskins' ultimate deep threat, rarely goes without a catch in a game but simply said "at 31, it's all about winning. If me not getting the ball because there's good coverage means we win the game, then that's fine with me." It was relaxed words from a well-respected veteran, but the problem is, the Redskins did not win. Moss will need to see the ball a lot more if the Redskins plan on going anywhere this season.
At 0-1, the Redskins have nothing to be concerned about yet, but surely losing is something they do not want to make a habit. Washington will get another shot to win at home against the Houston Texans Sunday at 4:15.
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