Cowboys Vs. Redskins: Washington Takes First Lead With Field Goal

Mike Shanahan’s new-look Washington Redskins offense scored on its first possession of the 2010 season, as Donovan McNabb used his arm and his feet to keep the drive alive before eventually settling for a Graham Gano field goal.

For a moment, it looked as if Dallas would score first. The Cowboys started with good field position at their own 27 and moved the ball well, mixing Marion Barber runs with two long passes from quarterback Tony Romo to Miles Austin and Martellus Bennett. However, consecutive short passes to the right side to rookie Dez Bryant effectively killed the drive before DeAngelo Hall swatted away a third-down pass, forcing a punt.

The Redskins seemed destined for an even shorter drive before McNabb hit Santana Moss over the middle on third down to keep the drive alive -- aided by a roughing the passer penalty on Dallas. On the next third down, McNabb showed some of his vintage scrambling ability, tuckijng the ball and running left for a 17-yard gain, wisely scooting out of bounds instead of absorbing a hit.Two plays later, he hit tight end Chris Cooley out of the backfield foe a 14-yard gain to the Dallas 13. Three plays later Washington settled for the field goal.