Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins Live Gameday Blog
The Dallas Cowboys are facing playoff elimination on Sunday following a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
The Cowboys will have to do it short-handed, however, with left tackle, Tyron Smith, defensive tackle, Antwaun Woods, and defensive back, Byron Jones, all ruled out for the game.
Dallas will also be without linebackers Joe Thomas and Leighton Vander Esch, which forced them to scramble for free agents at the position this past week.
Join in on the discussion below with your fellow Cowboy fans and Cowboy Maven's staff as we bring you our live updates throughout the game.
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First Quarter
The Cowboys went against their typical operating procedures and elected to receive the opening kickoff. The plan did not go according to plan, however, after the Cowboys went three and out, and were forced to punt to the Redskins.
The defense was able to answer the bell on the Redskins first drive though, when Jaylon Smith intercepted a Case Keenum pass on third down, giving the Cowboys the ball at the Washington 36 yard line.
After being stopped on third down on the ensuing drive, the Cowboys were forced to go for it on fourth down and converted thanks to a run up the middle from Zeke Elliott. Jason Witten added another first down after that, but after an Amari Cooper penalty, the drive stalled. Dallas was forced to settle for a Kai Forbath field goal as a result, taking a 3-0 lead.
Just two plays into the next Redskins drive, linebacker Malcolm Smith forced an Adrian Peterson fumble, giving Dallas the ball in great field position at the Washinton 21 yard line. Once again, the Cowboys could not capitalize, however, and settle for another field goal, extending their lead to 6-0.
Second Quarter
The Redskins responded by putting a methodical drive together, getting within field goal range before being forced to go for a fourth-down conversion. Keenum's pass was incomplete on fourth down, giving the Cowboys the ball back with 14:49 to go in the half.
The Cowboys would give the ball right back to Washington, however, when Dak Prescott was stripped by Montez Sweat, allowing Washington to take over at the Dallas 11. the Redskins were unable to capitalize, with the Dallas defense forcing a field goal attempt on the short field, making the score 6-3 Cowboys.
Sparked by a long pass to Amari Cooper, Dallas was finally able to get into the endzone on their next drive, which culminated in a Zeke Elliott Touchdown catch. Dallas would go up 13-3 as a result, taking a 10-point lead with 11 minutes to go in the half.
The Dallas defense continued their dominant showing on the next Redskin possession, forcing another punt after Keenum was sacked by Robert Quinn. Dallas started their next drive at their own 30 but would go three and out, giving Washington the ball back with great field position after just an 18-yard punt.
The Dallas defense stood strong again, however, forcing another turnover on downs from Washington. The Dallas offense then used the momentum of the possession change to move down the field quickly behind the arm of Dak Prescott. Ezekiel Elliott then broke the game open with a 32-yard touchdown run, putting the Cowboys up 20-3 with 3:50 to go in the half.
On their next possession, the Redskins were finally able to penetrate the Cowboys defense, driving 74 yards in 10 plays to score a touchdown on a Keenum to Sims connection, cutting the Dallas lead to 20-10 with 34 seconds to go in the half.
Third Quarter
Starting the third quarter with the football, the Redskins next drive got off to a great start with a big run from Adrian Peterson to get the ball to midfield. After getting into field goal range, however, the drive was halted by the Dallas defense, forcing a Washington field goal attempt. The kick was good, making the score 20-13 Dallas early in the second half.
The next Dallas drive was quick and decisive, with Prescott marching the team down the field for another touchdown drive. The drive ended with an incredible contested catch by Michael Gallup in the end zone, putting Dallas up 27-13 midway through the third quarter.
Washington refused to go away, however, with Steven Sims breaking loose for a 65-yard reception down to the Cowboys 11 yard line. From there, the Cowboys defense put the clamps on though, forcing another Redskins field goal, and making the score 27-16 Cowboys.
Dallas was able to extend their lead back out to two touchdowns on the next drive, knocking through another Kai Forbath field goal after a seven-play 43-yard drive, making the score 30-16 with under five minutes to go in the third quarter.
Riding the momentum of the score, Robert Quinn sacked Case Keenum and forced another Redskins three and out. Dallas took over from their own 47.
Dallas took advantage of the opening, with Dak Prescott hitting Michael Gallup for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The score put Dallas up 37-16 with 52 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
After the Dallas defense stopped the Redskins yet again, the offense put the game away for good when Dak Prescott hit Michael Gallup for the third touchdown connection of the game between the two players, making the score 44-16 Cowboys with 12 minutes to go in the game.
After the Redskins came up empty once again, the Cowboys put a final exclamation point on the game knocking through a field goal with 2:40 to go in the game to make the score 47-16.
The Redskins punted once more after that, and from there the Cowboys would drain the clock, winning 47-16 in the regular-season finale.
