Kicker Brett Maher’s 52-yard field goal hit off the right crossbar not only cost the Dallas Cowboys the game but first place in the division as they fell to the Washington Redskins 20-17 to fall to 3-4. Here are four of our takeaways from the game.
1. Cole Beasley
Beasley came in clutch once again. The slot receiver hauled in seven catches for 56 yards, all of which were crucial including a handful in the fourth quarter. He had two big catches on the final drive including one on fourth down allowing the Cowboys to kick what could’ve been the game-tying field goal. Rookies Michael Gallup snagged his first touchdown pass and Dalton Schultz made his first career reception. They will need more than Beasley to step up moving forward.
2. Offensive line
13. That’s the number of rushing yards running back Ezekiel Elliott had in the first half the second lowest of his career. They were also a key reason why the offense only mustered up four yards in the third quarter. However, it was a sequence in the middle of the fourth quarter that was the most impactful. Rookie guard Connor Williams was called for holding on a third down play that resulted in a first down. On the next play, quarterback Dak Prescott was hit from behind by defensive end Ryan Kerrigan and fumbled allowing defensive end Preston Smith to pick the ball up and run for a touchdown. Because of that one mistake, the deficient grew from three to ten. One that was too great to overcome.
3. Dak Prescott
Prescott did everything he could to will his team to victory. After taking a brutal shot early in the first quarter he rebounded well going 23-of-35 for 273 yards and one touchdown while also adding a score on the ground. His late-game scoring drive cutting the lead to three and then leading the offense to field goal range in under a minute was impressive. Say what you will about his mistakes, he proved tonight that he has what it takes to win no matter how bad the supporting cast.
4. Defense
After surrendering an opening drive touchdown the Cowboys defense settled down and turned in another strong performance. They forced the Redskins into kicking two field goals in the red zone and came up with a huge three and out late in the fourth quarter to give the team a chance. Allowing 305 yards on 58 plays is impressive. Not allowing a touchdown in the last six trips in the red zone is spectacular.
Other notes
- 0-4 on road this season
- Have alternated wins and losses in 10 straight games
- Allowed first opening drive touchdown in 12 games
- In the third quarter, the Cowboys allowed first red zone drive in seven games
