On this Redskins throwback for November 5, the Washington Redskins pulled out an exciting 22-19 home win versus the Dallas Cowboys. The 2006 game at FedExField was full of twists. Washington led early. Then the teams traded blows until a wild finish decided it. Troy Vincent and Sean Taylor combined for one of the craziest plays in franchise history.
Early Momentum and Big Plays
The Redskins defense set the tone right away. Lemar Marshall tackled Julius Jones in the end zone for a safety. That made it 2-0.
Nick Novak added a 28-yard field goal. Washington led 5-0 after the first quarter.
Dallas answered in the second when Tony Romo hit Terry Glenn for a 10-yard touchdown. Mike Vanderjagt added a field goal and the Cowboys led 9-5.
Then with just over two minutes to go in the half, Clinton Portis went around the left end and took off. He raced 38 yards for a touchdown. The Redskins took a 12-9 lead.
Washington couldn’t contain Romo on the two-minute drill and he marched down the field enough for a Vanderjagt field goal to tie it at 12-12 going into halftime.
Second-Half Drama
Dallas took the lead in the third when Romo found Terrell Owens for a 4-yard score. The Cowboys led 19-12 and it stayed that way until the fourth.
But Washington refused to fold and came back early in the fourth. Mark Brunell connected with Chris Cooley for an 18-yard touchdown to even the score at 19-19.
The Wild Finish
Neither team seemed to be able to move the ball very well after the game was tied. But eventually, Washington managed to get within field goal range with three minutes to go. Unfortunately, Nick Novak missed a 49-yard try.
Dallas had a chance to win.
The Unforgettable Moment
Dallas drove into range with four completed passes in just 18 seconds of game clock. Redskins fans were stunned and couldn’t believe this game was going to get away from them.
With six seconds left and a 19-19 tie, Vanderjagt lined up for a 35-yard field goal. A chip shot. And then…
The Block
Washington’s Troy Vincent rushed through the line – unblocked – and blocked the kick. Mayhem ensued.
The Return
Redskins safety Sean Taylor scooped up the loose ball. He initially ran backward toward his own end zone to dodge defenders before weaving upfield across midfield. Taylor knew this was the last play ofthe game and he had to try and score. He returned the ball a good thirty yards but was tackled. The clock had run out and it wouldn’t be enough. Except…
The Penalty
During the chaotic return, Dallas offensive lineman Kyle Kosier had grabbed Taylor’s facemask early in the return. This added a 15-yard penalty and gave Washington one untimed down with not a second left on the clock.
The Winner
Nick Novak came through. He trotted out and kicked a 47-yard field goal just inside the right upright to win the game for Washington. Pinch me.
Watch The Crazy Sequence on YouTube
Fandemonium
It’s a moment that still gives Redskins fans chills. Especially given the loss of Sean.
Taylor’s return turned potential defeat into pure celebration. 90,000 plus fans on hand experienced one of the most exhilarating moments in FedEx Field’s history.
Portis finished with 84 rushing yards and the long touchdown. Cooley had the tying score. Brunell threw for 192 yards. Vincent and taylor had combined for one of the most unexpected moments in organizational history.
This win snapped a three-game skid. It improved Washington to 3-5. Dallas fell to 4-4. Unfortunately, this was one of the high points of an otherwise forgettable 5-11 season.
Every win over the Cowboys feels good. This one ranks among the wildest.
Hail. Have a great #ThrowbackThursday.