Kellen Moore throws for 435 yards in Dallas Cowboys’ loss

Overcoming a rough first quarter, former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore had an outstanding final three quarters for the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in their season finale against the Washington Redskins.

Moore was 3-of-7 for 25 yards with an interception and a lost fumble on a snap in the first quarter. He finished the game completing 33-of-48 passes for 435 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. His 435 yards are the sixth-most in a single game for any Cowboy quarterback in team history. Click here for highlights.

“Bottom line is that I am really appreciative of the opportunity,” Moore said. “A lot of guys wait in my situation and never get the chance to play in an NFL game. I got to play in a few down the stretch. I feel like there were some good things that came out of it.”

Dallas trailed 24-0 in the 34-23 loss, but Moore rallied, completing 14 of 15 passes in the second quarter, including his second career touchdown pass, a 4-yard strike to tight end Jason Witten. He added a 5-yard score to receiver Cole Beasley 3 minutes later just before halftime.

In the fourth quarter, Moore led a successful drive, but was intercepted at the goal line. He hit Beasley for a 7-yard touchdown on his final pass with 4:22 to play in the game. Check below for Fort Worth Star-Telegram video of Moore, who said he was “a lot more comfortable” in his second start.

Moore finishes the season 61-of-104 for 779 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions in his first NFL action. He played three quarters Dec. 19 against the Jets and got his first start Dec. 27 against the Bills.

The Cowboys finish 4-12. It was the ninth 400-yard game by a Dallas quarterback, and the team is 1-8 in such games. Moore also became the 129th NFL quarterback to throw for 400 yards in a single game. Moore’s status for next season is unknown, though he has one year remaining on his contract. He could be Tony Romo’s backup next season after being the third quarterback to start after the veteran was hurt.

After the game, owner Jerry Jones praised Moore.

“I think he’s got the potential to be a winning No. 2, I think he can ultimately win games in the NFL,” Jones said.

Jones also said “What I like is his ability to put a bad play behind and then I like his instincts. (Offensive coordinator Scott) Linehan is right, he has something that’s very special ... we have him and we want to go forward and try to develop his contribution to us winning.”

Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan was at the game (his father is Scott). He put the Vandal-Bronco rivalry aside for the Boise State legend.

In other Boise State alum news, Buccaneers running back Doug Martin finished No. 2 in the NFL in rushing yards. The fourth-year back ran for 1,402 yards this season, scoring seven total touchdowns. His 235 yards Nov. 22 against the Eagles were best in a game this season.

This story was originally published January 3, 2016 at 2:25 PM with the headline "Kellen Moore throws for 435 yards in Dallas Cowboys’ loss."