The Dallas Cowboys (4-8) squeezed by the Washington Redskins (5-7) on Monday night, 19-16, to earn just their fourth win of the season. Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey led the team to victory by nailing a 54 yard field goal with just 14 seconds left in the game.
Prior to Bailey’s game-winning kick, the game was tied 9-9 with just under two minutes to go, but both teams managed to quickly score their first touchdowns of the game to make the score 16 all.
Despite being anemic on offense through the first three quarters, Dallas quarterback Matt Cassel managed to get the Cowboys in field goal range after benefiting from a 46 yard kick return by receiver Lucky Whitehead.
Cassel says he knew he had to go out there and help the Cowboys get the win no matter what.
Cassel finished the game with 222 passing yards and one fumble. Dallas’ lone touchdown on offense was scored by running back Darren McFadden. McFadden was held to just 53 yards on 14 carries throughout the game.
The rushing attack for the Redskins wasn’t much better as running backs Alfred Morris and Matt Jones combined for just 61 yards rushing. Washington head coach Jay Gruden says they need to improve their execution on offense.
Despite their abysmal running game, the passing attack carried the Redskins during crunch time as quarterback Kirk Cousins connected with receiver DeSean Jackson for a 28 yard touchdown reception to keep them in the game toward the end of regulation.
Jackson redeemed himself on that play after fumbling the ball on a punt return a couple of series earlier; the fumble ultimately led to the Cowboys’ lone touchdown.
Jackson says he’s disappointed about the role he played in the team’s loss.
The Redskins will look to bounce back next week when they play the Bears in Chicago on Sunday.
And the Cowboys are set to face the Packers at Lambeau Field as they continue to try to keep their playoff hopes alive.