By defeating the Dallas Cowboys 41-16 at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving, the Washington Football Team surpassed their win total of three for all of the 2019 season. Washington also swept their division rival for the first time since the 2012 season.
Washington had not been victorious in Dallas, losing four straight outings dating back to January 3, 2016.
The win over the Cowboys puts Washington in sole possession of first place within the NFC East division, at least for a few more days. Consecutive victories for Washington is a first for the season and a new standard for first-year coach Ron Rivera.
Over the past three weeks, since 16-year veteran Alex Smith has returned to the starting lineup, Washington has had a balanced offensive attack.
Smith threw for over 300 yards in each of his first two starts but like last week in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, only needed to be a game manager because the run game significantly carried the load.
Against the Cowboys, Smith completed 19-of-26 passes for 149 yards, one touchdown, and an 83.7 passer rating. Along with most of the country, however, Smith witnessed rookie running back Antonio Gibson continue his torrid first-year campaign.
Gibson produced three touchdowns and rushed for 115 yards on 20 carries. The former Memphis standout scored for a fifth-straight game, tying franchise legendary WR Charlie Brown [1982] for most games in a row with a touchdown by a rookie.
Second-year wideout Terry McLaurin continued to give defensive backs and coordinators fits by hauling in seven receptions for 92 yards. The former Ohio State product McLaurin (1,882) has joined Charlie Brown (1,975) as the only Washington players since the 1970 merger with 1,800+ rec yards in their 1st 25 career games. McLaurin also tied [5] Bobby Mitchell [1962-63] for the second-longest streak of 8+ receiving yard games in franchise history. Santana Moss [2005] holds the franchise record with six.
McLaurin also provided the game’s most crucial play by chasing down Jaylon Smith and preventing the Cowboys’ linebacker from scoring a game-tying interception.
In a game of many big plays, the biggest today was Terry McLaurin chasing down Jaylon Smith and stopping Dallas from tying the game. Washington’s defense held and the blowout ensued. Dallas coaching blunders were big as well.
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) November 27, 2020
.@TheTerry_25 ran him down 👀
📺: #WASvsDAL on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/t8ECNxwRaz pic.twitter.com/nXBnzt6kKX— NFL (@NFL) November 27, 2020
The defense produced and held Cowboys QB Andy Dalton and RB Ezekiel Elliot in check for most of the game. Elliot rushed for only 32 yards, the second-lowest single-game mark of his career.
Montez Sweat had a spectacular 15-yard interception for a touchdown that sealed the game.
On the other side of the defensive line, rookie Chase Young continued his resurgent first-year campaign by posting two solo tackles, a nine-yard sack, and two tackles for loss. Young said after the game that he wanted to make an impact on the game and be dominant.
Chase Young: I wanted to be remembered for this game. I wanted to make an impact. I used to watch this game (Thanksgiving Day) as a kid all the time. I played with a few chips on my shoulder today and I'm glad we came away with a team win. pic.twitter.com/REpXsJQsXU
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) November 27, 2020
The defense amassed a total of four sacks, four tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and an interception of the Cowboys’ offense.
After the game, players such as Gibson, McLaurin, and defensive tackle Tim Settle – one sack and a tackle for a loss – spoke about the complimentary football that took place in all facets.
Several players tonight in their pressers said today’s win was complimentary football. It was almost the same message being spoken. It’s apparent that the young players have bought into what they are being told by the coaches and that’s exciting in itself. #WashingtonFootball
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) November 27, 2020
Not be outdone in the win, the special teams unit excelled as well.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins connected on 2-of-2 field goals and 5-of-5 PATs. He ties a career-high with five PATs, doing so for the first time since Week 15 of 2019.
Punter Tress Way punted twice for 117 yards [58.8 avg.] with one inside the 20-yard line. His average sets a single-game career-high (min. two punts).
Washington is trending upwards but will have a real measuring stick next week when they face the only undefeated team left in the NFL, in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will be on the road at Heinz Field and give Rivera an accurate assessment of his team in a late playoff push with only five games remaining.
