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Redskins kicker Nick Novak celebrates. Novak booted the game-winning field goal in Washington's win over the Cowboys on Sunday.

Later in that quarter, a wide-open Owens dropped a long pass when he was behind the defense and seemed certain to give Dallas a two-touchdown lead.

“I owe this one to the team,” Owens said. “I let the team down. Honestly, I think it was a lack of concentration.”

So when beleaguered Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell connected with Chris Cooley on an 18-yard score on the third play of the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 19.

The Redskins came off their bye week knowing they needed a victory to make the rest of the season meaningful, and Gibbs vowed to revamp the playbook. There was only one significant personnel change, though: inserting Vincent as a starting safety in place of free-agent disappointment Adam Archuleta.

Still, Romo went 24-for-36 for 284 yards and two touchdowns. He repeatedly bought time by scrambling away from pressure and settled down after a rough start: Dallas gained 4 yards on its first two possessions, then totaled 235 with two TDs and two field goals on its next four drives.

But given these teams are coached by men who’ve won a total of five Super Bowls, there was an awful lot of sloppy or ineffective play.

The Redskins failed to score on their opening possession, despite starting seven plays inside the 5. Dallas’ first possession ended with a safety, when Lemar Marshall dragged down Julius Jones in the end zone.

Washington’s first possession of the second half began with a holding penalty, 3-yard run, loss of 9 on DeMarcus Ware’s sack, and a gain of 8 on third-and-26. That was enough to draw boos.

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By game’s end, there was nothing but cheers.

As Novak walked off the field, his helmet aloft in his hand, he was smiling, the kick he’d missed moments earlier a distant memory.

Notes: Parcells is 14-9 against Gibbs. ... Brunell was 14-for-23 for 192 yards and a TD, even though top target Santana Moss (hamstring) missed the game. ... Redskins RB Clinton Portis carried 23 times for 84 yards, including a season-long 38-yard run for a touchdown.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

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