Each week, THN will choose their three players of the game; one on offense, one on defense, and one on special teams. Here are week two's selections:
Offense: Santana Moss
The Redskins offense was anemic until late into the fourth quarter. Through the first half, Moss only managed 1 catch for 0 yards. The Redskins were able to build up a little steam in the third quarter but were still down by 13 with 3 minutes and 52 seconds to go in the fourth quarter. That all changed when quarterback Mark Brunell threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Moss to cut the Cowboys lead to 13-7. The Redskins kicked off and eventually forced the Cowboys to punt, giving the offense yet another opportunity to shine. With 70 yards standing between the Redskins and six points, Brunell gunned the ball down the field and connected with Moss for the game-winning touchdown. Moss ran virtually identical routes on each strike, and was able to beat the Dallas secondary both times. According to Portis, Moss discovered that the defense was biting on a move he had been using during the game and convinced Coach Joe Gibbs to devise the play-calling around him. That move proved to be the difference between a win and a loss. Moss finished the game with 5 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
Defense: Marcus Washington
Washington led the Redskins’ defense with 11 tackles, including 8 solo tackles. Despite being shaken up in the third quarter, his presence was felt all over the field, and his energy carried over through the end of the game. Washington had a tackle on all but four of Dallas’ offensive drives—and two of those drives consisted of just two plays. Marcus even downed a punt at the Dallas 39-yard line in the first quarter.
Special Teams: James Thrash
If he wasn’t making a tackle on special teams, he was nearby. Thrash had a nose for the ball on coverage units, contributing two tackles. The special teams return units had a horrible night overall, allowing the Cowboys to down the ball many times in Redskins territory and forcing the offense into bad field position. Thrash returned one punt for 9 yards in the first quarter. He also was the second leading receiver on the team with three receptions for 42 yards.
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