Redskins' win puts them in NFC picture

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By Ryan O'Halloran

IRVING, Texas — IRVING, Texas | With a quarter of their season complete, the Washington Redskins proved Sunday, against tall odds, that they belong in the NFC East discussion.

Double-digit underdogs, the Redskins handed the Dallas Cowboys their first setback with a 26-24 victory in the final regular-season game of the rivalry at Texas Stadium. The victory proved home wins over Arizona and New Orleans were relevant, the maligned secondary knows how to make game-altering plays and quarterback Jason Campbell's toughness and patience always will give his team a chance.

The Redskins have a 3-1 record, leaving them a half-game behind the undefeated New York Giants (3-0). More importantly, they're 1-1 in division road games, with their only loss coming in the opener to the Giants.

"This division is unbelievable, and all four teams can't make it - that's impossible," tight end Chris Cooley said. "Beating a team like this is a huge step for us."

• Click here for a photo gallery of the game

It was a particularly huge step for Campbell, who has won three consecutive starts for the first time in his career, and a giant leap for a young secondary that played most of the fourth quarter without injured cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot.

And it was a huge sign of progress for the entire operation, especially the rookie coach.

"What feels even better is having the team believe in what we're doing and the direction we're going," coach Jim Zorn said. "That part feels good - they're responding to this style of leadership."

The Redskins' last win in Dallas came via a miracle finish in 2005. This win was more complete.

When Dallas put together a quick rally to tie the score at 17-17 early in the third quarter, the Redskins responded by getting field goals of 33, 33 and 29 yards from Shaun Suisham and not letting Dallas sniff the end zone until the final two minutes.