Best and Worst

Worst loss: The Redskins lost for the 14th time in 15 games against Dallas and continued a string of futility at Texas Stadium dating from 1995, when they last beat the Cowboys on the road. Bonus points for remembering that Heath Shuler was the Redskins' quarterback in their last victory in Irving. The Redskins also blew a chance to win for the first time after trailing in any game this season.

Worst coverage: The league's No. 2 defense failed to protect a four-point lead in the closing minute when Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton came free down the right sideline and secured a 39-yard touchdown pass from Vinny Testaverde with 30 seconds to play. Crayton got behind cornerback Shawn Springs and rookie safety Sean Taylor for the easy catch.

Worst bounce: H-back Brian Kozlowski had to reach behind him to try to make a catch near the goal line on the Redskins' first series, but the ball slipped through his hands. Cowboys safety Lynn Scott caught the deflection and ended a promising opening drive that lasted 14 plays and covered 65 yards.

Best return: After the Redskins forced the Cowboys to punt on their possession following the turnover, Antonio Brown returned the kick 39 yards to the Dallas 23-yard line.

Worst use of hands: Dallas was facing second down and two from the 50 and the Redskins had stuffed tailback Eddie George for no gain. But defensive tackle Joe Salave'a was penalized for holding. When was the last time a defensive player was called for holding on a running play?

Best strip: Cowboys tailback Julius Jones had burst threw the line of scrimmage late in the second quarter and appeared headed to the end zone, but Taylor got his left hand on the ball and pried it loose. Cornerback Fred Smoot dove on the loose ball, and the Redskins recovered at their 1-yard line.

Best delay: The Cowboys were on the Washington 4, and Jones had just carried for no gain. Dallas had no timeouts left, so Redskins players, including cornerback Ryan Clark, who was in on the tackle, were in no hurry to get up for the next play. That strategy almost worked, but Cowboys quarterback Vinny Testaverde was able to spike the ball with one second to play. Dallas then kicked a field goal as time expired in the first half for a 6-3 lead.

Worst tackle attempt: Cowboys wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson caught a short slant for a first down on fourth and one late in the third quarter in front of Smoot, who tried for the tackle around Johnson's helmet. Smoot instead grabbed the face mask and pulled off Johnson's helmet. Johnson kept running for another 10 yards to the Redskins 6 before being tackled, and Smoot wound up getting hurt on the play.

Best interception: Springs thwarted a Cowboys drive in the third quarter when he stepped in front of a pass intended for Johnson in the end zone and made the interception. Springs returned it 38 yards to the Redskins 35, but teammate Renaldo Wynn was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, forcing the Redskins to begin their drive at their 20-yard line.

Best challenge: The Cowboys were facing third down and eight at their 42 and completed a pass to Quincy Morgan that officials spotted across the 50-yard line. But replays showed Morgan was tackled short of the first down, and the Redskins challenged. Officials upheld the challenge and placed the ball a half-yard short of the 50, forcing the Cowboys to punt.

Worst injuries: First Redskins tailback Clinton Portis, who finished the game with 32 yards on 10 carries, bruised his shoulder in the third quarter and did not come back into the game. Then Smoot, after getting hurt trying to make a tackle, left the field on a cart with a towel covering his head.

-- Gene Wang