Blue Star Helmet Guys Kicked DC Butts Today

The Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Redskins 28-23 today in Texas Stadium. The game is part of the quasi semi-annual Super Bowl series between the 2 rivals.

From SBR Forum.com, as which I didn't get to see any of the game today, other than occasional reports on CBS.

IRVING, Texas (Ticker) - Ten minutes before Sunday's kickoff, the Washington Redskins emerged from the locker room and gathered at midfield, jumping up and down on the large blue star that adorns Texas Stadium.

It was a move reminiscent of Terrell Owens years ago.

However, it was Owens who had the last laugh, catching four touchdown passes and leading the Dallas Cowboys to a 28-23 victory over their NFC East rival Washington Redskins.

Minus defensive backs Carlos Rogers and Sean Taylor, the Redskins' secondary was able to keep Dallas' big-play offense in check in the first half before Owens exploded in the second half.

Three of Owens' four TD receptions - which tied a Cowboys' franchise record - came after the intermission.

The Redskins (5-5) nearly spoiled Owens' spectacular day, reaching the Cowboys' 19-yard line with under two minutes remaining, but defensive back Terence Newman sealed the win with an interception.

Washington opened the scoring after taking the ball at their own 41-yard line following a missed field goal by Dallas.

Showing fresh legs despite their numerous injuries coming into Sunday, the Redskins moved methodically down the field and reached the end zone on Jason Campbell's 19-yard TD pass to tight end Chris Cooley.

The Cowboys (9-1) were unable to mount anything on their two first-quarter drives, but on their first possession in the second quarter, the offense came to life.

Quarterback Tony Romo relied almost exclusively on the short passing game, hitting tight end Jason Witten three times for for 16 yards and Owens three times for 32 yards, including a 4-yarder that tied the game at 7-7 with 1:21 left in the half.

Shaun Suisham kicked a 45-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to give Washington a 10-7 halftime lead.

But two major calls by the officiating crew in the third quarter helped give Dallas the lead for good.

With the Cowboys facing a 2nd-and-6 at their own 27, Romo's pass over the middle appeared to be intercepted by Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who returned it inside the 5-yard line.

Dallas coach Wade Phillips challenged the call, and replays showed the ball had hit the ground, giving the Cowboys renewed life.

On the next play, Romo looked long for wide receiver Patrick Crayton. The pass was underthrown but Washington safety Reed Doughty was called for a 51-yard pass interference penalty, taking Dallas down to Washington's 22-yard line.

Three plays later, Romo hit a streaking Owens in the end zone for 31 yards, giving Dallas a 14-10 lead.

Romo finished 22-of-31 for 293 yards with the four touchdowns.

The Redskins answered with an eight-play, 50-yard drive and closed to 14-13 on Suisham's 39-yard field goal.

It took Romo and the Cowboys only six plays to pad their lead. He hit Sam Hurd for 13 yards and Witten for 23 yards before hooking up with Owens for his third touchdown of the day.

Owens again beat Shawn Springs in a play that looked remarkably like his second touchdown - only this time from 46 yards - to put Dallas ahead, 21-13.

Owens finished the day with eight catches for 173 yards. It was his third straight 100-yard receiving day and moved him past Art Monk into 11th place on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list.

It also was Owens' fifth consecutive game with at least one touchdown catch.

While Washington closed the gap to 21-16 on Suisham's 44-yard field goal, the Owens' show wasn't over. His fourth touchdown of the day came on a 52-yard pass from Romo for a 28-16 lead midway through the final quarter.

Oliver Willis covered the game as well. Sorry Oliver, but your guys were off their turf and in America's Team-land today.

If one does not understand why this is a big deal, then s/he is neither a Pokes nor a Redskins fan.

As we say in Texas, "How 'bout those Cowboys!"

Done.