Redskins Slap Sleeper Hold On 'Boys Offense

J.T. Sounds OFF-  Monday, September 13th 

High expectations are a regular around Dallas Cowboy headquarters.  More so this year with a chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy in their back yard. 

For Dallas, that quest began tonight against their arch rival Washington Redskins.

The Redskins have a new sheriff in town running the show in Mike Shanahan.  And a new quarterback behind center in Donovan McNabb.  But it was Jim Haslett's defense that was putting the pressure on the 'Boys all night long. As a matter of fact, the Skins defense held the high powered Cowboy offense to just 7 points.  

Applying pressure to a short handed Cowboy offensive line seemed to be the game plan going in.  Not only did they do that, but they did it effectively throughout the entire ball game. 

This one came down to two key plays.  One to end the first half and the other to end the ball game. 

Tashard Choice fumbled the ball on a screen play that turned into a Redskin touchdown heading into half time.  A mojo killer for any team heading into halftime. 

The other Cowboy killer came on the very last play.  

The Cowboys drove the length of the field with less than two minutes to play in the game.  And with :03 seconds to go it came down to one final play inside the 20-yard line. 

Quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Roy Williams in the end zone for what they and all their fellow fans watching at home thought would be a game tying touchdown.  One major problem though.  Dirty laundry on the field and it's not on the defense.  

A sleeper hold call err close line err holding call on back up right takle Alex Barron would negate any chance at the Cowboys pulling off a late game rally. 

I give kudos to not only head coach Mike Shanahan of the Redskins, but to his defensive coordinator Jim Haslett who did a fantastic job of putting the sleeper hold on the Cowboys offense tonight. 

Not being a fan of either team.  This is however, one of my favorite rivalries inside the NFL.  And maybe just maybe the Cowboy and Redskins have re-lit the fire on it after tonight's Week 1 classic battle.  

Can't wait for Round 2 in Week 15. 

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