Redskins Recap - Graham GaNO GOOD

The Redskins returned home on Sunday to face their arch rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.  Although were on a pretty bad streak, there is always something about a Skins/Cowboys match up that brings out the best in players.  Well, most of them any way. 

The Cowboys got the ball to start the game and drove 45 yards only to be stopped by the Skins’ D, led by London Fletcher.  But the Skins didn't do much better.  On their 3^rd offensive play of the game, Fred Davis fumbled and the Boys recovered.  2 plays and 24 yards later, Tony Romo had connected with Dez Bryant for a TD.  The teams traded punts for the rest of the quarter.

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

After another Redskin drive that ended with a punt, the Cowboys drove 38 yards and put up a field goal, giving them a 10 – 0 lead.  After a couple of more punts, the Skins finally got on the scoreboard with a Rex Grossman QB sneak for a touchdown.  The next Skins’ drive ended with a 16 yard pass from Grossman to Jabar Gaffney for a second touchdown.  The Redskins took the lead for the first time in ages, 14-10.  This was the score going into the 2^nd half.

The Redskins received to start the 3^rd and they drove for a 3^rd straight score.  This time it was a 40 yard field goal from Graham Gano.  The Cowboys didn’t do much and on the Redskins were able to get an opportunity for a 49 yard field goal from Gano.  But, he missed it wide right.  The Cowboys didn’t score in this period and it ended with the Skins up 17 – 10. 

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

But early in the 4^th quarter, the Boys put up another TD, evening up the score at 17.  The Redskins did nothing with their drive and the Cowboys scored a second straight touchdown on a 59 yard touchdown pass from Romo to Jason Whitten.  Rex immediately threw the interception the fans had been dreading, but expecting, all game.  But, the D played well and forced a punt.  The Redskins took advantage and put together another drive.  This one ended with a 4 yard TD pass to Stallworth.  At the end of regulation, the score was tied at 24.

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The Skins won the coin toss and got the ball first in OT.  They didn’t do much, but did put Graham Gano in position to hit a game winning 52 yard field goal.  He choked and missed wide right again.  The Cowboys kicker took advantage of his chance and hit a 39 yarder minutes later.  Cowboys win.  Crap.

Here are the numbers.  Grossman was 25/38 for 289 yards, 1 rushing TD, 2 passing TDs and 1 interception.  The Skins had a total of 60 yards rushing – ugh.  Gaffney was the leading receiver catching 7 passes for 115 yards and a TD.  London Fletcher was out of his mind with 16 tackles and a sack.  Gomes was right behind him with 14 tackles.  D Hall had 11 tackles, but honestly, got burned about 5 zillion times (slightly over-estimated).  The Skins did not force any turnovers – that can’t happen with this team.  Punter Sav Rocca averaged 48.6 yards per punt and also had a pretty good tackle.

Silver lining - it was an exciting game, we were competitive and we put points on the boards.  This Sunday the Skins head to Seattle for a 4:00 match up with the Seahawks.