Welcome to Flashback Friday, where we take a trip down memory lane to revisit yesteryear moments in Washington football history. From jaw-dropping plays to nail-biting finishes, Washington football has provided its fans with countless memories throughout the years. Today, we turn our attention way to October 27, 2014, when the Washington Redskins took on their most hated rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. As we dive into the archives, let’s try relive the events that unfolded on that historic day.
Each #FlashbackFriday, we’ll uncover performances and milestones that are part of the franchise’s storied history. So, grab your virtual time machine, fasten your seat belts, and get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of franchise history. Let’s relish in the nostalgia, as we honor the past and pay tribute to the legends who’ve donned the burgundy and gold.
On This Day
Washington Redskins 20 Dallas Cowboys 17
Date: October 27, 2014
Venue: AT&T Stadium
Attendance: 87,055
Redskins versus Cowboys. There isn’t a Washington fan in existence that doesn’t mark off both match-up dates on the calendar every single season. No regular season win is sweeter than one over Dallas, and consequently, no loss on the schedule is harder to swallow.
On this day in 2014, they were two teams in very different places. Jason Garrett and his Cowboys had managed to rattle off six wins in their first seven games. Meanwhile Jay Gruden’s Redskins were struggling at 2-5. Vegas had the Cowboys as heavy 9.5 point favorites and few expected an away victory for Washington.
Colt McCoy took over for an ineffective Kirk Cousins the week before against Tennessee and was able to drive the Redskins the length of the field for a a game winning Kai Forbath field goal on the last play of the game. Could McCoy find that magic touch again, and get his first win as a starter in almost three years?
It would take overtime, but yes he could.
With Robert Griffin III still sidelined by an ankle injury, McCoy came out and played his socks off. He put up an impressive 299 yards on a fabulous 25-for-30 outing. He ran for a touchdown and was only intercepted once.
Desean Jackson was on fire, pulling in 6 catches for 136 yards. Pierre Garcon had 47 yards on 4 catches in a supporting role.
Washington also put together a balanced running attack, with Alfred Morris carrying the ball 18 times for 73 yards, and scoring a touchdown. Roy Helu Jr. chipped in 29 yards on 5 carries, and McCoy snapped up 16 yards himself, including his 7-yard touchdown run.
Forbath kicked two field goals, including the 40-yard game winner in overtime.
For Dallas it was a mixed bag.
Tony Romo left the game with a back injury after a hit from linebacker Keenan Robinson in the third quarter. Romo laid motionless for a couple of minutes but was able to leave the field under his own power. X-rays proved negative, and Romo would return to the game at the very tail end of the fourth quarter.
He finished 17-of-28 for 209 yards with one touchdown. He was sacked five times (Brandon Meriweather x 2, Perry Riley, Ryan Kerrigan, Robinson).
The Redskins did not have an answer for running back DeMarco Murray, who finished with 141 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving. It was Murray’s eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing game – the best ever such streak in the NFL.
While the two teams were similar in total net yards, the Redskins held almost a 10-minute advantage in time of possession (38:12 vs 28:37).
With the win, Washington moved to 3-5 on the season and snapped a six-game winning streak for the Cowboys, who fell to 6-2.
Unfortunately, the Redskins would only win one more game all season, and finished a grotesque 4-12 under first year coach Gruden.
Flashback Fridays
Thank you for joining us as we step back in time and celebrate the rich heritage of Washington football. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the team, this series aims to ignite your passion and deepen your appreciation for the remarkable moments that have defined our beloved franchise.
Stay tuned each week for a new Flashback Friday article, and be transported back to the unforgettable moments that have defined our beloved team.
Feel free to hit up the Twitter account at @TheHogsdotNetv2 and give your thoughts on the match-up.
