Game Notes: Washington Redskins Lose To The Dallas Cowboys, 24-23

The Washington Redskins (3-12) have now lost seven consecutive games after their 24-23 deficit Sunday to the Dallas Cowboys (8-7).

Washington was able to capitalize on momentum in the third quarter — grabbing a nine point lead. However, Dallas took over early in the final quarter with a long 15 play, 73 yard drive capped off by a field goal to cut Washington’s lead by six. Washington responded with a bad series that included what I believe was a key play in the game: with 3:59 remaining (2nd and 10), the Redskins showed that bunch look (four receivers out wide on the left side; Pierre Garcon out wide on the right) and it ended up being a QB draw that gained four yards. Without watching the film back, it also could have been a broken play (one receiver route — Pierre was covered, but there was no outlet to check-down) and Cousins just decided to try gaining a few yards. Either way, that was a horrible play call in that situation. Washington’s offense had an opportunity to increase their lead or at least take some time off the clock on that series. They were unable to do so — giving Dallas an opportunity to take the lead on the ensuing drive.

Did Kirk Cousins seize the moment?

No, he didn’t. General Managers of teams that are in need of a quarterback, loves to see young QBs in moments like Kirk Cousins had towards the end of that game. With one minute remaining, no timeouts, ball on the 13 and down by one point — the stage was set for Kirk Cousins to carry the Redskins down-the-field for an opportunity to win with at least a field goal. Cousins went 1/4 for four yards. Three of those passes weren’t even close to the field of play.

“We didn’t get a first down,” Cousins said of that final drive. “We had three incompletions, and that was it. We have to find ways in those situations to move the chains and give us a chance.”

Kirk Cousins wasn’t able to seize the moment. He seemed a bit rattled. The moment just appeared to be too big for him at that point. Yes, it’s only his third start. But there are young QBs, including the guy Washington has sitting on the bench, who have set the bar pretty high. In order for Cousins to prove himself worthy of starting for another team, those are situations he simply has to seize. Same for the Redskins — if they want to get top value for Cousins in a trade, those are moments they need him to step up and shine.

Cousins also continues to show this hot/cold trait. As we talked about last week, it’s very Rex Grossman esque. This is nothing new — he was also a hot/cold player at Michigan State. He has a career eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. He was lucky to only have one interception against the Cowboys — they came close to picking off about four more.

Kirk Cousins shows a lot of good, but these issues will leave General Managers skeptical to trade much for him. You don’t give top value for a Quarterback unless you know he can be special. Cousins has proven to be good. But is he special? The jury is still out on that one.

Pierre Garcon’s big day:

Garcon was targeted 18 times against the Cowboys. The second most targeted Redskins’ receiver was Santana Moss with four. That’s Washington’s season in a nutshell. When the Redskins’ rookie tight end Jordan Reed was healthy, he was the team’s second most targeted receiver. Since Reed has been out, Washington is still searching for another player to consistently show up. But one thing is for sure, you can count on Pierre Garcon every single week.

Garcon posted a career-high 11 receptions, recording 144 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown against Dallas. He now has 107 receptions this season, breaking Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Monk’s team record for receptions in a single season (106 in 1984). Garcon joins Monk as the only players in team history to record triple-digit catches in a season.

“I’m excited for him,” the great Art Monk said of Garcon via statement through the team Sunday evening. “It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often, so whenever you have an opportunity to set a record with the NFL or a team, it’s a great opportunity. Having set the record myself, I understand how exciting it is, so I’m excited for him. Records are meant to be broken. I didn’t expect to have it as long as I had it, but I’m glad the pressure is off of me now. He has the opportunity to step forward and get all the praise and the glory for it.”

Quick note on Garcon: Director of Player Personnel, Morocco Brown played a huge role in scouting and signing Pierre Garcon to the Washington Redskins in 2012. I say this because he’s considered to be a guy who could soon become Washington’s General Manager.

Few More Thoughts On Why Mike Shanahan Will Be Fired:

• Many in the organization wanted modern field turf at FedEx Field after several players tore their ACL’s on that horrible grass, or lack thereof, including their own QB Robert Griffin III. Head Coach Mike Shanahan preferred grass. So Washington went with what they thought would be some sort of high tech, new age grass — re-sodded it in November and it still looks horrible. Yes, I’m blaming that on Shanahan. The team needs to go with modern field turf from this point forward.

• I don’t understand why Kyle Shanahan doesn’t take endzone shots. He prefers to settle for field goals. He also doesn’t like throwing beyond the first down marker on third downs.

Just my two cents. Merry Christmas!

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