LANDOVER — During Sunday’s game at FedEx Field, Washington periodically aired clips on its video boards highlighting its marquee moments in the team’s storied rivalry against the Dallas Cowboys. There was a throwback, for instance, to 1972 when the Burgundy and Gold knocked off Roger Staubach and the Cowboys to advance to the Super Bowl.
Now, they’ll have new footage to add to the montage.
Washington dominated the Cowboys in a 25-3 beatdown — bullying them on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Kyle Allen threw for two touchdowns, Antonio Gibson rushed for another and the defense had six sacks as Washington led the entire afternoon. The team improved to 2-5, climbing up the NFC East standings in the process.
Beginning the afternoon in last place, Washington is now a half-game behind the division-leading 2-4-1 Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington snapped a five-game losing streak and enters its bye week following its most complete performance of the season.
On offense, Washington took advantage of Dallas’ horrific defense. The Cowboys entered the afternoon having given up the most points since 1961 — and Washington, like other opponents, had no trouble scoring. The team was particularly efficient on the ground, rushing for 208 yards on 39 carries. Prior to Sunday, Washington was ranked last in rushing with 82.2 yards per game.
Washington also connected on explosive plays — an element that was desperately missing from its offense. On the very first drive on the game, Gibson burst through the line for a 40-yard pickup. Allen later hit Terry McLaurin for a 52-yard touchdown to take a 15-3 lead.
On defense, Washington’s controlled the game upfront. The team took a 2-0 lead in the first after safety Landon Collins forced a fumble that was recovered in the end zone for a safety.
Collins’ hit, resulting in a strip sack on Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton, was one of Washington’s two turnovers for the defense. Linebacker Cole Holcomb picked off Dalton just before halftime.
Washington defenders swarmed the Cowboys, to the point that the the refs eventually stepped in. Linebacker Jon Bostic was ejected in the third after lowering his shoulder into Dalton on a late hit. Dalton, who was sliding upon the contact, exited the game with a head injury and did not return.
James Madison product Ben DiNucci, a seventh-round rookie, replaced Dalton, but also struggled to generate offense. The Cowboys, of course, were without starter Dak Prescott, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury weeks ago.
The Cowboys had just 142 yards.
The win was Washington’s first against Dallas since Oct. 21, 2018. The victory was also the first in the rivalry since the team ditched its Redskins moniker in July.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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