Cowboys and Indians? Not quite. But if they could, we bet there were a few moments where both the Redskins and Cowboys would've liked to bring the bow and arrows and pistols to the gridiron. Over the past forty years, everyone from the president of Big D (II) to the 'Skins fans have played an important part in keeping the historical match-up alive and well. And while the feud has died down some in comparison to the previous decades, whenever Dallas and Washington do square off, you should always expect the unexpected.
Cowboys and Indians? Not quite. But if they could, we bet there were a few moments where both the Redskins and Cowboys would've liked to bring the bow and arrows and pistols to the gridiron. Over the past forty years, everyone from the president of Big D (II) to the 'Skins fans have played an important part in keeping the historical match-up alive and well. And while the feud has died down some in comparison to the previous decades, whenever Dallas and Washington do square off, you should always expect the unexpected.
10. A Comeback For The Ages
Date: 11/28/1965
The Redskins were down by 21 points to the Cowboys. Most teams probably would've packed it in, but not Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny "Sonnin' Fools" Jurgensen. OK, we added the middle name but he deserves it with the way he led Washington to a huge comeback victory with 411 passing yards and three touchdowns.
9. The Longest Yard
Date: 10/8/1973
Ken Houston will forever be in Redskins history for preventing the Cowboys from scoring the game-winning touchdown at the one yard line. If you ever wanted to know how disappointed that Cowboys player must have felt, just ask Kevin Dyson.
8. The Legend Of Clint Longley
Date: 11/28/1974
Unless you're a die-hard Cowboys fan, Clint Longley may not ring a bell. But for those who do know, Longley made a name for himself when Roger Staubach had been knocked out in the third quarter after a vicious hit by Redskins linebacker, Dave Robinson. Longley came into the Thanksgiving Day game with the Cowboys losing 16-3, but began a comeback that culminated with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson with 28 seconds left. The Boys won 24-23. Though he only spent three years in the league, Longley is kind of like a big deal in Cowboys' folklore.
7. The Rivalry Turns Personal
Date: 11/2/1975
After Redskins head coach George Allen celebrated an overtime victory over Dallas by bringing a huge cake into the Redskins' locker room, Dallas president Tex Schramm was quoted saying: "I hope he chokes on that cake.” We doubt homie choked but he probably got a face full of the white stuff. Ayo!
6. Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
Date: 10/2/1978
With the game in the bag for the Redskins, Washington quarterback Joe Theismann decided to have some fun with the Dallas crowd. Leading 9-5, on the final play of the game Theismann took a safety on purpose and started to wave the ball mockingly at Cowboys fans. Definitely a dick move. Remember, karma's the baddest bitch. Sorry, Trina.
5. The Worst Birthday Ever
Date: 9/9/1985
Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann was having a horrible game. He was picked off five times, and head coach Joe Gibbs had seen enough. Gibbs eventually decided to pull Theismann from the game. And since the Cowboys fans couldn't let a good moment pass by, they began singing "Happy Birthday" to Theismann because the game ironically took place on his birthday. Kind of like those times you've been arrested or had regrettable hook-ups on your birthday, right? Well, not at all really but we can kind of relate.
4. The Ending Of Aikman's Career
Date: 12/10/2000
So, how did Troy Aikman end his 12-year Hall of Fame career? With a touchdown? At least nice short completion or hand off to Emmitt Smith? Nah, how about a brain-rattling sack courtesy of LaVar Arrington. A rookie treating Aikman like that? SMH, young'ns have no respect for their elders these days.
3. Stephen Davis Fumbles The Game Away
Date: 10/15/2001
The Redskins were clinging onto to a slim 7-6 lead, all Stephen Davis needed to do was run out the clock. But he forgot that he needed to keep two hands on the ball, too. Somehow, the Cowboys were able to strip the ball and recover it to eventually set up a game-winning field goal. You'd think Davis would quit the team and joined the witness protection program after that but he actually set single-season rushing record for the Redskins by running for 1,432 yards that year.
2. Santana Moss Strikes Twice
Date: 9/19/2005
A single mention of the name Santana Moss to a Cowboys fan and they're likely to go into conniption fits. Prior to the game's start, Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith were inducted into the Cowboy's "Ring of Honor," but it was the sloppy game and its ending that would be long remembered. The Cowboys led 13-0 with less than four minutes on the clock when Mark Brunell and Santana Moss took over by connecting on a 39-yard and later a 70-yard touchdown to win the game. We bet dude had this on repeat all week.
1. WTF Just Happened?
Date: 11/5/2006
With the game tied 19-19 and only 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Redskins set up for the go-ahead field goal from 49 yards out. Newly acquired kicker Nick Novack missed and the Cowboys quickly made plays down the field for a 35-yard field goal attempt of their own. Guaranteed win or overtime at worse, right? Nah, son. Mike Vanderjagt's kick was blocked and later picked up by Sean Taylor who was grabbed on the face mask by Kyle Kosier. With the Redskins now in field goal range, Novak came short on the 49-yard field goal attempt, but a penalty on Dallas gave Novak another chance. He makes the second attempt and the Redskins win 22-19. Tons of changes of possession and drama? Sounds like your average neighborhood ho. Just sayin'...
