DeAngelo Hall returns fumble 32 yards to give Redskins 10-0 lead against Cowboys

Hall’s fumble return gives Redskins a 10-0 lead

LANDOVER, Md. — DeAngelo Hall returned a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first half to give the Washington Redskins a 10-0 halftime lead over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Hall forced the fumble by Cowboys running back Tashard Choice on a screen pass and the cornerback scooped up the ball, running down the left sideline and somersaulting into the end zone.

It was Hall’s third career touchdown, and his first fumble return for a score. It was also Washington’s first fumble return for a touchdown since Sean Taylor did it against the Eagles on Jan. 1, 2006.

Graham Gano kicked a 29-yard field goal in the first quarter to give the Redskins an early lead.

The Cowboys had a chance to tie the game early in the second quarter, but David Buehler’s 34-yard field goal attempt was wide right. The kick was Buehler’s first NFL field goal attempt.

Dallas outgained the Redskins 177 total yards to 117 and drove inside the Redskins 40-yard line on three of its first four possessions. However, the Cowboys’ only trip inside the red zone resulted in the missed field goal.

Donovan McNabb, making his first start for Washington after 11 seasons with Philadelphia, completed 8 of 15 passes for 88 yards. He was also Washington’s leading rusher with one scramble for 17 yards during the scoring drive.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo was 18 of 25 for 131 yards in the half. Marion Barber led all rushers with 26 yards on five carries.

The Redskins drove 69 yards on their opening possession leading to the field goal. McNabb completed 3 of 5 passes for 32 yards on the Redskins’ only drive of the opening quarter.

The game marked the Redskins debut for coach Mike Shanahan, who entered the game with a 146-98 regular season record as coach of the Los Angeles Raiders and Denver Broncos.

Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth did not start but entered the game for a handful of plays. The status of the two-time All-Pro’s status had been uncertain after a troublesome offseason, training camp and preseason in which he was often at odds with Shanahan.