The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Football Team on Sunday with a gutsy defensive performance by 27-20.
Critical plays by linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory kept Washington off the scoreboard until the third quarter and held off a furious rally in the final minutes of the game.
The Cowboys’ offense did just enough and got help from a defensive touchdown and four field goals from Greg Zeurlein to defeat the division-rival Washington team on the road. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw one touchdown in the first quarter and two interceptions including one in the fourth quarter that was run back for a Washington touchdown.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott split reps with third-string Corey Clement while Tony Pollard was out with a plantar fascia injury he sustained last week on a season-high 58-yard run. Elliott has been limited with a knee injury but rushed for 45 yards on 12 carries. Clement gained 44 on 13 attempts in his third game played this season. He had only nine carries going into the game.
At full strength for the first time since training camp, Dan Quinn’s defense showed what it is capable of against Washington. Three forced fumbles and an interception were game-changers. The final strip-sack of Washington QB Kyle Allen by Randy Gregory led to a Dallas ball and the ability to run out the clock after the two-minute warning.
In the first quarter, Gregory also had an interception on a pass he deflected into the air and caught. Gregory was playing for the first time since suffering a calf strain against the Denver Broncos in Week 9.
He was credited with one tackle and one sack, but his disruptive presence was an essential element of the defense’s overall performance.
Parsons continues to impress with gameplay that is beyond his experience level. Parsons had three tackles, a tackle for loss, and two sacks, bringing his season total to 12, just two and a half behind the NFL rookie season record. Lawrence, who was playing in only his second game since breaking a bone in his foot following Week 1 recorded a sack in the third quarter that led to a three-and-out for the Washington offense.
Gallimore, who had yet to play this season after dislocating his elbow in the preseason, added another sack in the fourth quarter. The sack led to Washington QB Taylor Heinicke suffering a knee injury that is not considered severe, but NFL cameras did catch him recovering a pair of scissors that had been dropped on the field.
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis caused a fumble in the third quarter along with Gregory following a short reception by Washington running back Antonio Gibson. Lewis led the Cowboys in tackles with six and had one pass defense. The forced fumble was his first of the year.
The Cowboys now hold a three-game lead in the NFC East and may have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot next week against the New York Giants. The Cowboys are 9-4 and a perfect 3-0 in division games. They will face Washington again in Week 16 at AT&T Stadium.