NFL Week 8: Washington Redskins def. Dallas Cowboys, 20-17 in OT

Getting his first start for a team since 2011, Washington backup QB Colt McCoy set a completion percentage record for the team in an overtime win over the Cowboys.

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Washington defeated the Dallas Cowboys 20-17 in overtime on Monday Night football thanks to a stellar performance by 3rd string QB Colt McCoy.

With QBs Robert Griffin III still recovering from an ankle injury but coming back soon and QB Kirk Cousins benched for poor performance, Washington gave the start to Colt McCoy, who was given his first NFL start since 2011 when he was the starter for the Browns.  In a game with 4 lead changes in regulation, McCoy stayed sharp, going 25 of 30 for 299 yards and an 83.3% completion rate – the highest in Washington history.

Washington struck first with a first quarter FG which the Cowboys answered late in the second with an 8-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in an incredible TD from Dez Bryant where he caught the ball at the 3-yard line and fought to extend his arms all the way to the endzone.  In the third quarter Washington and Dallas tied the game at 10 but the Cowboys briefly lost Tony Romo to a back injury that forced backup QB Brandon Weeden into the game.

Tony Romo returned late in the 4th quarter but was unable to lead the Cowboys on an extra scoring drive, sending the game into overtime.  In OT, Washington scored a FG on their first drive, forcing the Cowboys into 4-down territory to tie or win the game, but the Cowboys failed to convert and Washington came away with the 20-17 win.

With the win Washington moved to 3-5 on the season – 4th in the NFC East though – but will likely get back star QB Robert Griffin III within the next few weeks.

With the loss the Dallas Cowboys move to 6-2, still retaining first place in the NFC East and tied with Detroit for 2nd place in the NFC playoff hunt.  The Cowboys face the Arizona Cardinals next week in a game that will determine the NFC leader to start November.