Week 17: Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

First Quarter

The Dallas Cowboys open the game, in week 17, with a three and out, even though the Washington Redskins start the game with eight defensive backs on IR. However, after two incompletions, quarterback, Case Keenum, throws an interception to linebacker, Jaylon Smith.

The Washington Redskins defense, with the help of an illegal shift penalty, force a field goal. Dallas kicker, Kai Forbath connects on a 28-yard attempt, giving the Cowboys an early 3-0 lead.

The next Redskins possession also ends with a turnover, as running back, Adrian Peterson is stripped by Malcolm Smith. The fumble is returned nine yards by the Cowboys, Xavier Woods. However, the Redskins defense forces another field goal attempt. This time, Kai Forbath, connects on a 48-yarder. Dallas now leads 6-0.

Redskins running back, Adrian Peterson, collects the teams first, first down with a 12-yard run. This is followed by two completions from Keenum to tight end, Hale Hentges, covering 28-yards. The first quarter ends with Keenum hitting wide receiver, Cam Sims for 12-yards.

Second Quarter

Instead of attempting a short field goal, Washington elects to go for it on fourth down. However, they are unsuccessful, turning the ball over again. But, because of a sack and a forced fumble by the Redskins Montez Sweat, the Redskins get the ball back. Unable to move the ball, the Redskins settle for a 31-yard field goal from the kicker, Dustin Hopkins. The score is now 6-3 in favor of the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys, facing third down, convert with a 48-yard pass from, quarterback, Dak Prescott, receiver, Amari Cooper. Two plays later, Prescott connects with running back, Ezekiel Elliot, for a 13-yard touchdown pass. Early in the second quarter, the Cowboys lead 13-3.

The Washington Redskins’ next possession ends with a sack of Case Keenum by a defensive lineman, Robert Quinn. However, the Redskins defense forces a punt on the Cowboy’s ensuing possession.

Again, unable to convert a fourth-down attempt, the Washington Redskins give the ball back to Dallas

After a couple of completions from Dak Prescott to receivers, Cooper and Randall Cobb, Ezekiel Elliot rushes to the right for a 33-yards touchdown. This is running back, Ezekiel Elliot’s longest touchdown run of the year. The Cowboys now lead 20-3.

The Washington Redskins finally hit on a big play, as Quarterback, Case Keenum, finds receiver, Kelvin Harmon, for 25-yards. Finally, after several short passes, Case Keenum delivers a dart to wide receiver, Steven Sims Jr., for a six-yard touchdown. This is the rookies’ fourth touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Washington cuts into the lead, making it a 20-10 game going into the half.

Third Quarter

Adrian Peterson opens the third quarter with a vintage 32-yard run full of jumps cuts and stops and starts. The very next play is a 24-yards pass from quarterback, Case Keenum to tight end, Hale Hentges. However, the drive stalls and the Redskins settled for a 42-yard field goal from Dustin Hopkins. Washington cuts the lead to 20-13.

The Dallas Cowboys respond to the Redskins scoring drive with one of their own. Behind the arm and legs of Dak Prescott, Dallas is quickly down to the Washington 23 yard line. After a 17-yard pass from Prescott to Cobb, Dak finds a wide-open receiver, Michael Gallup for a short four-yard touchdown pass. Dallas, quickly, pushes the lead to 27-13.

Trying to answer right back, Keenum rifles on into Steven Sims Jr., who strides for a huge 65-yard pass play. However, Case is unable to connect with tight end Jeremy Sprinkle, and Washington has to settle for a 28-yard field goal. Dallas now leads, 27-16.

Dallas extends their next drive on third down with a 32-yards pass play from Dak Prescott to Randall Cobb. Because of a sack by Washington Redskins defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen, Dallas settles for a 48-yard field goal. The Cowboys now lead 30-16.

A sack by the Cowboys, Kerry Hyder, forces another Redskins punt.

Four plays later, quarterback, Dak Prescott, hits receivers, Michael Gallup. Gallup, keeping his balance, runs for a 32-yard touchdown pass play. Dallas, pouring it on, now leads 37-16.

Final Quarter of Week 17

Once again, the Washington Redskins failed to convert on fourth down, giving the ball back to Dallas.

On a third and six, Dak hits Gallup in stride and Gallup, gallops for a 45-yard catch and run. Michael Gallup’s third touchdown reception of the day. It is now 44-16 in favor of Dallas.

The Cowboys force a punt. Because of the score, the Cowboys were content to run the ball and the clock. However, appearing to want to achieve a personal goal of most passing yards in a season, Dak Prescott misses a pass and the Cowboys added three more points on a short field goal. Dallas now leads 47-16

Content to run out the clock and the rest of the season, the Washington Redskins are forced to punt. Fittingly, the final offensive play of the 2019 season for the Washington Redskins, is a punt by Pro-Bowler, Tress Way. The Game ends with a kneel down. Final. 47-16, Dallas.

Overall for Week 17

With a defensive injury report too long to list, the Washington Redskins stayed in this game as long as they could. With their starting quarterback and star receiver sidelined, the offense could only muster 16 points. It was a lackluster ending to a tumultuous season with Dallas piling it on at the end.

Washington Redskins Season

Although it was an ugly season, there were bright spots. Although there was a mid-season coaching change, there were signs of hustle and pride. Although there were only three wins, there are reasons for optimism. Haskins improved before our eyes. Terry McLaurin is a potential superstar. Steven Sims Jr. and Kelvin Harmon are emerging as solid players. The defensive line is stout. Montez Sweat, Cole Holcomb, Ryan Anderson all flashed. Quinton Dunbar and Jimmy Moreland played well.

We left plays on the field. Players were carted off the field. But the team grinded it out for 16 games with week 17 being no different. Some players, coaches and even fans will not return. But, hopefully, with a few additions and a few subtractions, the Washington Redskins can return to the storied franchise that they once were. I believe the future is bright. I believe things will change. HTTR!

Week 17 Game Balls

The final game ball of the year goes to all the Washington Redskin fans who stuck it out this year!

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