Dallas: Third-string quarterback Colt McCoy, who was making his first start in almost three years, engineered the game-winning drive in overtime as the Washington Redskins stunned the Dallas Cowboys 20-17 on Monday.
Kai Forbath booted a 40-yard winning field goal on the Redskins’ first possession of overtime in a game that saw Dallas quarterback Tony Romo sidelined for a long stretch.
Romo injured his back in the third quarter and returned late in the fourth, but couldn’t get the first-placed Cowboys down the field in the extra session in front of a crowd of 87,055 at the AT&T Stadium.
McCoy became the latest quarterback to showcase his talents on the National Football League’s Monday night stage as this long-time NFC East rivalry lived up to its pre-game billing.
Nobody seized the moment better than McCoy. He has now become the darling of the last-placed Redskins, who have had a revolving door on the quarterback position this year. McCoy is the third quarterback to start for the Redskins in eight games.
“I made a tonne of mistakes, first start on the road and I missed some calls, I missed some throws, I was a little shaky at the start,” said McCoy, who completed 25-of-30 passes for 299 yards. “I felt like at half-time I just came out and got a whole lot better and moved the offence. We were fortunate to win this one.”
Washington first-year head coach Jay Gruden appears to have a new starter while Robert Griffin continues to rehabilitate a dislocated ankle suffered in week two against Jacksonville. Griffin could be close to returning.
McCoy began the season third on Washington’s depth chart behind Griffin and Kirk Cousins. He relieved the turnover-prone Cousins last week and led a come-from-behind win over Tennessee.
The University of Texas product McCoy made his first start since December 8, 2011, when he led the Cleveland Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCoy struggled early but, at the same time, he battled and played well in the pocket when he had to.
“I am learning on the fly. I am so happy our defence played the way they did,” McCoy said. “Everyone talks about what a huge opportunity you have. I just didn’t approach it that way.
“I was just living in the moment. Practising hard each day. I was preparing with the receivers.
“I didn’t look forward to this game. I just looked forward to each day. If I continue to have that approach, we will see what happens down the road.”
Romo left the game in the third quarter with a sore back and spent the majority of the second half in the locker room being evaluated by team doctors. He returned for the final series of regulation and the lone possession in overtime. The Cowboys said the X-rays came back negative on Romo, who has a history of back problems.
The Redskins won the coin toss and started overtime with a 23-yard pass from McCoy to Pierre Garcon.
Later, McCoy found Jordan Reed for five yards near the left sideline. On the next play from the Dallas 45, McCoy tossed a pass to a well-covered Reed, who rolled in mid-air and made a miraculous catch on the sideline.
The drive stalled at the 22 after Reed was tackled near the line of scrimmage on third-and-three, setting the stage for Forbath’s winner.
Romo and the Cowboys offence had a chance to tie the game or win it with a touchdown in overtime, but Bashaud Breeland knocked down a fourth down pass intended for Dez Bryant to secure the victory.
“Fumbles early on hurt us,” said Dallas coach Jason Garrett. “Anytime you give the ball up you eliminate an opportunity to score yourselves. We were playing catch-up.”
