(Sports Network) – DeAngelo Hall returned a fumble for a score and Graham Gano kicked two field goals, as the revamped Redskins held on to edge the Cowboys, 13-7.
Washington made its debut under new head coach Mike Shanahan and quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Shanahan was hired by the Redskins in January to replace Jim Zorn, who was fired after a 4-12 season, while Washington acquired McNabb from NFC East rival Philadelphia in April.
McNabb spent his first 11 NFL seasons with Philadelphia, leading the team to five NFC Championship Games and becoming the franchise leader in many categories. The six-time Pro Bowl selection completed 15-of-32 passes for 171 yards Sunday to help the Redskins (1-0) win their season-opener for the first time since 2007.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw for 282 yards and a touchdown, and led Dallas (0-1) on a potential game-winning drive with under two minutes left. On the final play of the game, Romo completed a pass to Roy Williams in the right corner of the end zone, but a holding call on tackle Alex Barron negated the score as Washington held on.