DeMarco Murray made up for a late blunder in a thrilling finish
Romo to Murray 4th Down Winner
When: December 22, 2013
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Final Score: DAL 24, WAS 23
Back Story
The Dallas Cowboys entered FedEx Field on this late December day with a playoff berth in their sights.
Sitting at 7-7 on the season, it was imperative that the Cowboys win their final two games to make that happen.
I’m not sure in which season it originated, but the nickname “Cardiac Cowboys” definitely applied to the 2013 version of the Cowboys.
They seemed destined to give Cowboys fans heart attacks on a weekly basis.
Dallas could have had a playoff spot locked up if a couple of very close games had gone their way.
Up to that point, four of the Cowboys seven losses came by a combined six points.
Including three of those losses by one point, and a three point loss even after the offense put up 48 points.
The Cowboys had already defeated the Redskins in October at AT&T Stadium by the score of 31-16.
Washington went into the Week 16 game looking to play the role of spoiler.
With a 3-12 record, the Redskins were playing solely for pride, and getting experience for young players like second year QB Kirk Cousins.
A 30-24 overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers in Week 9 moved Washington to 3-5 on the season.
Instead of building on that win, the Redskins dropped six straight games before the bout with Dallas.
Game Summary
The Redskins received the opening kickoff, and promptly went three & out, punting the ball to Dallas.
Punt returner Michael Spurlock fielded the punt and returned it all the way to the Washington three yard line.
DeMarco Murray punched it in from three yards out to give Dallas the early 7-0 lead.
The Cowboys offense stalled until late in the 2nd quarter while the Redskins managed two field goals to bring the score to 7-6.
With under five minutes left in the 1st half, Tony Romo connected with Dez Bryant for a 14 yard touchdown to give Dallas a 14-6 lead heading into halftime.
Dallas received the 2nd half kickoff, but their first turnover of the day gave the ball to Washington in Cowboys territory.
Kirk Cousins capitalized on the short field with an eight yard touchdown pass to WR Pierre Garcon.
With the score 14-13 in Dallas’ favor, the Cowboys turned the ball over for the second straight possession.
This time a Romo pass intended for Dez Bryant was intercepted by DeAngelo Hall in Cowboys’ territory.
Again capitalizing on the short field, Alfred Morris banged it in from four yards out to give Washington a 20-14 lead.
Washington extended their lead with a Kai Forbath field goal on the first play of the 4th quarter.
Now down 23-14, Romo and the offense went to work.
Romo engineered an 18 play drive lasting nearly nine minutes. The drive ended only with a field goal by Dan Bailey.
The defense needed a stop. After giving up one first down, they tightened up and forced a punt.
Now with 3:39 on the clock and 87 yards to go, Romo engineered the comeback.
Facing a 3rd & Goal from the Washington one yard line, Murray inexplicably lost nine yards on a handoff.
Dallas burned their final timeout to discuss a play that would score from the 10 yard line on 4th down.
Romo dropped back to pass. The protection broke down and he sprinted out to the right side of the formation.
He double clutched the ball before firing a pass to Murray who made the catch and backpedaled to the front pylon.
Dan Bailey’s extra point attempt was successful, and Dallas went home with a victory.
Season Results
The win in Washington came at a cost.
It was revealed that QB Tony Romo would not be available for a Week 17 showdown with Philadelphia.
Romo broke a bone in his lower back that wasn’t found until he sought medical attention after the win in Washington.
With the NFC East crown and a playoff spot on the line, veteran backup Kyle Orton couldn’t get it done.
Dallas lost 24-22, relinquishing the NFC East to the rival Eagles.
Washington finished the season with a loss to the New York Giants, marking their eighth straight loss.
