After their Week 11 dismantling of the lowly Eagles, the ‘Skins were flying high on the road to victory. There’s been some discussion as to whether or not fans should have hope for a playoff spot or instead focus on the future. But, for the most part, the informed discussion between strangers on buses has been about Them Cowboys. Cowboys supporters and ‘Skins faithful that populate our vibrant city have been yelling at each other from across the street about The Only Game That Matters.
This is the first time in 10 years that we were blessed with this division rivalry game on Thanksgiving Day, though it could have just as easily been a curse; the Cowboys were 6-0 on Thanksgiving against the ‘Skins heading into yesterday’s game. With the NFC East floundering in mediocrity, both teams entered this game with their playoff hopes still alive despite lousy records. With all the side bets laid, with all the shouting matches parried, it was finally time to indulge in gluttony, sloth and football.
By the end of the fourth quarter, stomachs and the scoreboard were equally bloated, with the ‘Skins standing on top 38-31.
The first quarter was a perfect time for drunkards to punish their livers and for gorgers to rouse from their tryptophan comas. It had all the look and feel of a game between a 4-6 team and a 5-5 team: penalties, miscues and punts. It was left to Robert Griffin III to resuscitate viewers. Just after Fox commentator Troy Aikman was praising the speed of rookie receiver Aldrick Robinson, Griffin hit him in stride and connected for a 68-yard touchdown.
After his near-perfect performance against the Eagles, Griffin was looking at halftime of this game like he was built to win against NFC East opponents. He had shown more of his big play ability with another 59-yard pass to Pierre Garcon. He’d also shown finesse with a back shoulder pass in the end zone to Santana Moss. By halftime, the ‘Skins were up 28-3.
The much-maligned ‘Skins defensive secondary would breath life back into the hopes of the Cowboys fans that were crazy enough to still be watching this game. Receiver Dez Bryant torched Washington’s secondary for an 85 yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo. The Cowboys fought back, and ‘Skins defenders gave them every opportunity to do so.
With 18 seconds left in the game, the Cowboys were down one score and had a chance for an onside kick. But the ball tumbled into the hands of ‘Skins cornerback D’Angelo Hall, who sped down towards the Cowboys end zone. He did the “team-first” thing by sliding down at the one yard line, guaranteeing the ‘Skins would be the last to touch the ball.
There had been too much Thanksgiving for most fans to leave the house to cause much ruckus, but you’re sure to hear about it soon enough. The ‘Skins are better than the Cowboys. This game proves it!
