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The Redskins averaged 26th in the Power Rankings last week. Then the Redskins pulled off the biggest upset of the week and beat the division rival Dallas Cowboys who were at home and favored by 9.5 points. They were able to pull off the victory over the 6-1 Cowboys with 3rd string QB who hasn't started a game in almost 3 years. Now they wait for word on when Robert Griffin III will be medically cleared to return and try to continue their 2 game winning streak. How much did the Redskins rise in the Power Rankings this week?
19. OddsShark
20. TeamRankings.com
20. Numberfire
There is no reason to rush back Robert Griffin III. Colt McCoy, until recently the No. 3 QB, should keep the job for at least one more week. The Redskins played with passion and intensity in Monday night's victory at Dallas. Griffin will have his chance soon enough to come back and try to show he's the franchise's long-term answer at QB. For now, the Redskins should see what McCoy can give them in the short term. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett called a brilliant game against the Cowboys, who didn't have answers for the Redskins' blitzes and pass-rushing stunts.
22. Washington Post(Greenberg)
22. SBNation
Not to be overlooked, Washington was the only team in the division to grab a win this week, and has now won two in a row after a slow start to the year. Can it be a threat as well? There's still time.
Washington jumps up a full point due to its 20-17 overtime win at Dallas as a 9.5-point road underdog. Who is the starting QB and can the Redskins keep him healthy?
So happy for Colt McCoy, who I saw at an airport this past offseason when he was still looking for a team and probably wondering what his future in pro football would entail. He hadn't started a game since 2011. Yet there he was Monday night, leading the Redskins to a road win versus one of the NFC's best teams. Big props to Jim Haslett, too -- that was legit defensive play calling, to say the least.
The Redskins went into Dallas with their third-string QB and beat the then-No. 2 team. Washington moves ahead of theBears. The Redskins defense was impressive with their aggressive pressure packages against Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
23. Business Insider
One thing to know:
Lost in Colt McCoy lighting the world on fire is the emergence of rookie corner Bashaud Breeland, who was awesome against the Cowboys.
23. Fanspeak
No one gave the Redskins any chance of knocking off the Dallas Cowboys, but they went into Dallas with nothing to lose and came away with the victory. It wasn't easy and early on it looked like the Redskins squandered their opportunities, but they played much better in the 2nd half and overtime and came away with the win. The Redskins now sit at 3-5 with their next two games @ Minnesota and home versus the Buccaneers so they have a chance to get back to .500 in the coming weeks. It won't be easy traveling on a short week, and playing a tough Vikings Defense but it's doable.
23. AP Poll
24. Covers.com
The Redskins won in Colt McCoy's first start but it could be short lived for him with RGIII set to return soon. 2-6 ATS L8 games following a win.
24. ESPN
QB controversy! OK, probably not, but Colt McCoy was 6-of-7 for 136 yards targeting DeSean Jackson. McCoy's 7-yard quarterback draw touchdown looked like a Robert Griffin III play call.
24. CSNWashington
Colt McCoy played mistake-free football after an early interception, but the Redskins defense won this game. Bashaud Breeland in particular ran down DeMarco Murray to save a touchdown and batted four passes, including a fourth-down attempt to Dez Bryant in OT that sealed the victory. It's hard to extrapolate a lot from this win because McCoy may not start again this season, Washington capitalized on Tony Romo's injured back and these rivals often play each other close.
24. USA Today
Colt McCoy did a nice job as the new No. 2 QB, but a swarming defense was the true key to Monday night upset of Cowboys.
24. Yahoo
Give defensive coordinator Jim Haslett a ton of credit. He called a great game, and then when Tony Romocame back in after a back injury, he blitzed constantly and dared the gimpy Romo to win the game. He couldn't.
Give them credit for finding a way at Dallas. The defense is growing up.
25. FoxSports
Colt McCoy managed the win after looking mostly unimpressive aside from his rushing touchdown, but the real story was the improvement on the defensive side of the ball thanks to an even more aggressive approach from DC Jim Haslett.
Average: 23