Any win in the NFL is a good win considering the high level of competition.
A win against a division rival feels like double points.
We continue today ranking the best wins the Cowboys have had versus each division rival.
To read the previous article, and see the third best win Dallas has had versus Washington, click here.
We stay on the subject of the Washington Commanders (Redskins), and take a trip back to 1999.
The previous article featured a game where Dallas had to claw back in the second half to secure a victory.
This game featured a similar ending, and was just as exciting.
Let's get into it.
2. Dallas Offense Takes Off Like a “Rocket”
When: September 12, 1999
Where: Redskins Stadium, Landover, Maryland
Final Score: DAL 41, WAS 35
Back Story
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 1999 season with question marks about the direction of the team.
In 1998, Dallas finished the regular season 10-6, winning the NFC East.
They earned a home game in the Wildcard round, only to be upset by the Arizona Cardinals, 20-7.
Arizona had not won a playoff game since 1947, so you can imagine the level of disappointment felt in Dallas after that loss.
One positive from the 1998 season is new Head Coach Chan Gailey revitalizing the offense.
Dallas finished the 1998 season ranked 9th in points per game with 23.9.
A big improvement from finishing 20th with only 19.0 points per game in 1997.
That offensive improvement carried over into the 1999 season, and was on full display for Week 1.
The Washington Redskins opened the 1999 season under the new ownership of Daniel Snyder.
They looked to improve on their 6-10 record from the year before, and focused on improving the defense.
Washington selected CB Champ Bailey with the 7th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.
He was one of three defensive players drafted by them in the first five rounds.
Game Summary
Dallas jumped out to a 14-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter behind two touchdown passes from Troy Aikman to TE David LaFleur.
It was all downhill from that point until the 4th quarter for the Cowboys on both sides of the ball.
After that touchdown to go up 14-3, the offense's next seven drives resulted in four punts, two interceptions, and a kneel down to end the first half.
With no help from the offense, the defense in that same span gave up four touchdowns and a field goal.
Led by QB Brad Johnson, RB Stephen Davis, and wide receivers Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell, Washington took a 35-14 lead into the 4th quarter.
Once the 4th quarter started, the Dallas defense tightened up, and the offense got back on track.
Aikman, Emmitt, Irvin, and newest free agent addition Raghib “Rocket” Ismail began to chip away at the seemingly insurmountable lead.
After a one yard touchdown run by Emmitt Smith, Special Teams Coach Joe Avezzano made a call that changed the momentum of the game.
Kickoff specialist Toby Gowin and the rest of the unit successfully converted an onside kick to get the offense immediately back on the field.
Dallas ended up failing on a 4th down play on that drive, but the momentum shift was already in motion.
The defense forced a three & out, and Aikman promptly hit Irvin for a 37 yard touchdown to bring the score to 35-28.
Brad Johnson hit Westbrook for a big 31 yard completion, but the drive stalled.
Taking possession from their own 10 yard line with 3:01 left in the game, Aikman and the offense marched down the field.
Dallas knotted up the score at 35 after another touchdown pass to Irvin. This time from 12 yards out.
Washington quickly went three & out once again, setting up Dallas for an attempt at the game winning drive.
Instead, Aikman threw his third interception of the day, and setup the Redskins in prime field position.
Aided by a 24 yard defensive pass interference penalty on CB Kevin Mathis, the Redskins setup for a game-winning 40 yard field goal.
Veteran holder Matt Turk fumbled the snap, sending the game into overtime.
Washington won the coin toss, and sent the offense out onto the field first in the extra period.
They were moving the ball, but a sack by DE Greg Ellis on 3rd down near midfield forced a punt.
Three plays into the ensuing drive, Aikman completed a beautiful play action fake on 3rd & 2.
Wide open down the middle of the field was “Rocket” Ismail streaking on a post.
Aikman hit him in stride, resulting in a walk off touchdown, completing the 4th quarter comeback for Dallas.
With five touchdown passes on the day, Aikman set a Cowboys franchise record that has since been tied by Tony Romo.
Along with 362 passing yards from Aikman, Dallas also got 109 yards rushing from Emmitt, and 149 and 122 yards receiving from Ismail and Irvin, respectively.
Season Results
Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, the Week 1 comeback victory was the highlight of the season.
Nobody knew it at the time, but it would be the last time the Triplets of Aikman, Emmitt, and Irvin would share the field versus Washington.
After a 3-0 start, the season fell apart in Week 5 after Irvin was lost to injury in Philadelphia that eventually forced him to retire.
The offense struggled without their vocal leader, and Dallas finished the season 6-10, and out of the playoffs.
Washington, however, used that loss as a springboard to a 10-6 season.
They won the NFC East, and even won a Wildcard game against the Detroit Lions before losing to Tampa Bay in the Divisional round.
