Cowboys vs. Redskins 2013: Washington blows lead, Dallas stays alive for the playoffs

The Redskins had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter, but that was not enough to defeat the Cowboys. Dallas remains in the playoff hunt with the 24-23 victory and quarterback Tony Romo is a big reason why they are still alive. Romo led the team on two scoring drives to close the game, including the game-winning touchdown throw to running back DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys defense was even able to stop the Redskins on a last minute drive.

The Redskins were led by Kirk Cousins, who had a productive game. Washington also used Pierre Garcon a lot and he had one of the most productive games in Redskins history. Garcon caught 11 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately for Washington, the Redskins defense could not stop the Cowboys in the fourth quarter and Cousins failed to score on their last few drives.

The situation that faces the Dallas Cowboys is far from ideal. At the end of the day they are still a mediocre team that is fighting for its playoff life. While there are plenty of unknowns facing the team, there is one thing that they have shown this season. That is that they are willing to get in there and fight. Will the home field advantage and a fighting spirit be enough? Who knows? I don't know about you, but with the way things have gone recently, my gut says that we are going to see a game that comes down to the final possession of the game. In spite of the public impression of Tony Romo, I certainly hope that he has the ball in his hands.

While there will be much virtual ink spent over the pending showdown, for now I am just going to sit back and savor the fact that for the third straight year the Cowboys enter week 17 playing for something other than just pride. They've gotta pull one of these things out eventually, right? Why not this year?