Washington Redskins Beat Dallas Cowboys: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

It wasn't pretty, but there seemed to be a theme the first week of NFL play.

A win is a win.

The Washington Redskins and their fans know that well.

The Dallas Cowboys and their fans got a taste of victory, but by now everyone knows that was short lived.

So what can be learned from the NFC East's first matchup? 

The Good

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HOUSTON - AUGUST 28: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys encourages his offensive line after a penalty was called on the play during a football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Houston won

Washington Redskins

-Donovan McNabb was far from amazing, but when you play mistake free football, you can afford to be sub-par.

-The Redskins' defense was the difference in this game, which was something of a surprise. DeAngelo Hall's fumble recovery for a touchdown was easily the play of the game as time expired in the first half.

-Chris Cooley and Santana Moss proved to be solid targets for McNabb. As for everyone else...

-Hello LaRon Landry! 17 tackles? 13 unassisted? Stay away from this guy, he looked solid.

Dallas Cowboys

-Tony Romo had a better game than McNabb but similarly wasn't amazing. The easiest way to tell? Well, the Cowboys didn't win for one, but that really wasn't his fault.

-Miles Austin's 10 receptions for 146 yards made him far and above the best player on the Cowboys Sunday night.

-Dez Bryant didn't blow anybody away, but his eight receptions were a decent start to his rookie season. 

The Bad

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12: Marion Barber #24 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during the NFL season opener against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo by Larry

Washington Redskins

-22 rushes for 89 yards. OK, so it may not seem bad on the surface, but those stats include one rush from McNabb that went for 17 yards. The Redskins' running backs rushed 20 times for 71 yards for about three and a half yards a carry. For the 'Skins to compete, this number needs to increase. If teams have no fear of the 'Skins' rushing attack, then McNabb won't have the time he needs to throw the ball.

-No offensive touchdowns. Enough said.

-The Redskins got lucky in this game, and had Wade Phillips coached this game a bit better, they would be 0-1. For the Redskins to succeed, they more out of McNabb and their offense.

-McNabb not turning the ball over was good. His under 50 percent completion percentage was BAD.

Dallas Cowboys

Hmm...it's hard to distinguish between the bad and ugly for the Cowboys but here it goes....

-The Cowboys broke 100 yards on the ground, barely. The problem wasn't what the Cowboys' running backs did so poorly, it's that they didn't run the ball enough. If you're averaging almost five yards a carry, run the ball some more! 

-Tony Romo has a good arm. Why not throw some balls downfield? Just saying.

-Roy Williams! Where you at?

The UGLY

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Washington Redskins

-Albert Haynesworth! Where you at? The Redskins paid Haynesworth $892,857 per tackle on Sunday night. OK, so that isn't how it works, but you get the idea.

-Do the Redskins have a receiver whose last name isn't Moss? If so, please step forward. Quickly.

-Josh Bidwell. You're a punter. Your job is not safe from week to week. So learn how to catch a snap, and more importantly learn how to punt. 

Dallas Cowboys

-Wade Phillips. There are four seconds left on the clock and you're on your own 30 yard line. Why are you running a play? Oh, you're trying to lose? Makes sense now...

-David Buehler, welcome to the NFL. Or is it goodbye? Missing your first attempt from 34 yards doesn't exactly bode well for your NFL career. 

-Tashard Choice. There is no time left on the clock. Why are you fighting for an extra yard at the end of the half? OH you're trying to fumble! Got it.

-12 penalties. Do you need reminding of the most important one? Hint: It cost the Cowboys the game. Whoops.