Cowboys’ defense contains Redskins, forces turnovers
Stop the big plays.
That’s the mantra the Dallas Cowboys’ defense had going into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins.
“We knew these guys couldn’t drive the ball on us,” safety Barry Church said. “All they had were big plays.”
It proved to be true. On their third offensive play, the Redskins struck for a 69-yard touchdown pass from Robert Griffin III to DeSean Jackson on a wide receiver screen.
Church was taken out on a block by Redskins left tackle Trent Williams, and Jackson went untouched into the end zone.
When plays like that happen, most begin to wonder whether this defense is going to be exposed. Has their success been more smoke and mirrors than substance?
It’s hard to forget about the historically bad unit from a year ago, and the defensive questions coming into this year.
But, once again, the defense responded by limiting the big plays the rest of the way and forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions by linebacker Bruce Carter. It marked the third consecutive game that the defense has forced three turnovers.
Nobody expected that type of production from this makeshift unit going into the season, but they are far from the liability most envisioned. Instead, they are peaking at the right time.
“Right now, we feel highly confident that our team can compete with anybody,” defensive end Jeremy Mincey said. “We’re as confident as anybody in the league.”
There’s no reason they shouldn’t be after a performance like they had on Sunday.
They forced consecutive three-and-outs after Jackson’s touchdown, and allowed only a field goal the rest of the first half. The turnovers followed in the second half.
The Redskins were driving the ball well early in the third quarter, taking it down to the Cowboys’ 7. Facing a fourth-and-1, Griffin tried to hit Pierre Garcon, but Carter made an athletic play to intercept the pass.
Carter then had another interception early in the fourth quarter on a deflected pass that bounced his way. He now has a career-high and team-leading five interceptions on the season.
“He’s the closer, man,” defensive end Anthony Spencer said. “He does everything right, right now. He’s making plays in the open field, getting the interceptions when they come to him. You can’t do anything but congratulate him.”
Spencer earned a few congratulations himself, too.
Late in the fourth quarter, defensive tackle Terrell McClain busted through a double team and had a sack-fumble of Griffin. Spencer happened to be in the right place, scooping up the ball and running in for a touchdown.
It was Spencer’s first career touchdown and the first time he’s scored since high school.
“It felt great,” Spencer said. “When I turned the corner, the ball was on the ground and was happy to pick it up and score.”
The Cowboys hadn’t had a defensive touchdown since Week 10 against Jacksonville when Tyler Patmon scored on an interception return.
In the end, it became another successful day for the defense. Most probably didn’t even realize they were missing arguably their best player, linebacker Rolando McClain, who stayed back with an illness.
“Honestly, man, I don’t know if we’ve reached our potential,” cornerback Brandon Carr said. “We’re steadily improving each and every week.”
Drew Davison, 817-390-7760
This story was originally published December 28, 2014 at 7:49 PM with the headline "Cowboys’ defense contains Redskins, forces turnovers."