Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Box Score on Jan 03, 2016

The Sports Xchange
Jan 3, 2016

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The game didn't mean much to playoff-bound Washington, but the Redskins wanted to win it anyway.

They did so with ease.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for three touchdowns and the NFC East champions closed out the regular season by rolling past the Dallas Cowboys 34-23 Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium.

Washington (9-7) heads into the playoffs on a four-game winning streak, the team's longest since 2012. The Redskins will host a wild-card playoff game next weekend.

The Cowboys (4-12) had a merciful end to one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Injuries to quarterback Tony Romo and receiver Dez Bryant began a downward spiral one year after winning the East.

That title now belongs to the Redskins, who finished last in the division in six of the previous seven years.

Washington coach Jay Gruden came into the game wanting to rest key players and maintain the club's edge going into the postseason.

The Redskins did both.

Cousins did his damage early, connecting with receivers Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder and Ryan Grant on touchdowns as Washington raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.

Cousins (12-15 for 176 yards) was replaced by backup quarterback Colt McCoy in after one series in the second quarter. McCoy had a 71-yard touchdown to wide-open receiver Rashad Ross in the fourth quarter.

Running back Alfred Morris had 100 yards rushing on 19 carries. Morris last hit the century mark in the season opener against Miami.

Cousins set the franchise record for passing yards in a season (4,166) before departing with a 24-0 lead. He had been one of four quarterbacks to take every offensive snap for his team this season.

Gruden was able to substitute liberally, making sure banged up starters such as tight end Jordan Reed, receiver DeSean Jackson, running back Matt Jones and tackle Morgan Moses took it easy.

Dallas quarterback Kellen Moore showed flashes in his second consecutive start, but it wasn't all pretty. Moore is hoping to be an option as Romo's backup next season.

Moore completed 33 of 48 passes for 435 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Moore hooked up with receiver Cole Beasley twice and tight end Jason Witten for the three TDs.

Moore had two turnovers in the first quarter, an interception and fumbled snap, leading to Washington touchdowns that put Dallas in a huge hole.

One of the few positives for Dallas this season was running back Darren McFadden. Despite his ups and downs, McFadden still managed to rush for 92 yards and finished the 2015 season with 1,089 yards.

McFadden did have a fumble while going in for a sure touchdown in the fourth quarter. The ball rolled out of the end zone resulting in a touchback for Washington.

Since the advent of the 16-game schedule, the only worse seasons for the Cowboys were 3-13 in 1988 and 1-15 in 1989.

NOTES: Cowboys LB Sean Lee was inactive with a hamstring injury, potentially costing him a $2 million escalator in his contract. Under the terms of his deal, Lee had to play in 80 percent of the defensive snaps this season to trigger the bonus to his $3 million base salary. Lee had played in 82 percent going into the regular-season finale. The Cowboys could choose to give Lee the bonus. ... Other Dallas inactives were CB Morris Claiborne, G La'el Collins, QB Jameill Showers, WR Rodney Smith and WR Vince Mayle. ... Redskins inactives: LT Trent Williams, QB Robert Griffin III, DE Jason Hatcher, RB Matt Jones, S Dashon Goldson, CB Quinton Dunbar and LB Perry Riley, Jr.