Cowboys Shell Redskins With New Guns : Walker, Pelluer Lead Dallas to a 30-6 Victory

In the past, the Dallas Cowboys turned to Danny White and Tony Dorsett when they were in trouble. Sunday, out of necessity, they did it with Steve Pelluer and Herschel Walker.

With White sidelined by an injury and Washington ganging up on Dorsett, Pelluer passed for 323 yards and Walker scored two touchdowns as the Cowboys rolled to a 30-6 victory over the previously undefeated Redskins.

The defeat dropped Washington (5-1) into a first-place tie with the New York Giants in the NFC East and prevented the Redskins from taking a three-game lead over Dallas (4-2).

“If we go 3-3, we’re in a mighty tough situation,” Dallas Coach Tom Landry said. “At least we are back in the race again. Of course, you don’t expect to score 30 points against the division leader, but we needed it after last week (a 29-14 loss at Denver).

“Herschel is a great catalyst. He’s just so big and so tough that he breaks tackles. He just gives you a lot of incentive.”

Walker caught 6 passes for 155 yards and rushed for 45 yards in addition to scoring on a pair of one-yard runs.

He picked up the slack as the Redskins held Dorsett to 22 yards in 18 carries.

The Redskins got nothing from their kicking game, Mark Moseley missing a 37-yard field goal and an extra point, and Steve Cox missing field goals from 50 and 51 yards.

Washington also a lost fumble and an interception as Jay Schroeder couldn’t get the offense untracked. George Rogers scored on a two-yard run in the third period but suffered a sprained ankle and was lost for the remainder of the game.

Rafael Septien kicked three field goals for the Cowboys and rookie wide receiver Mike Sherrard made a spectacular 27-yard touchdown catch of a Pelluer pass.

Landry said Pelluer “has a great command of the game and will get better with experience.” However, he said if White’s pulled groin muscle is healed, “he’ll start next week.”

Walker set up his own one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter with a 69-yard reception of a lobbed Pelluer pass.

Walker made three big plays to set up Dallas scores.

He was involved in a 36-yard pass interference penalty to the Washington seven to set up Septien’s 21-yard field goal.

Septien kicked a 38-yard field goal after Walker made a one-handed catch on a 26-yard pass from Pelluer to the Redskin 28 in the second period.

Walker made a spectacular 27-yard run with a screen pass to the Redskins’ one and scored the Cowboys’ final touchdown on the next play in the final quarter.

“I just want to help where I can,” said Walker, who played running back, tight end and flanker during the game. “Winning is the important part.”