Michael Irvin was ready for the challenge.

The Dallas Cowboys' star receiver battled Darrell Green, the Washington Redskins' Pro Bowl cornerback, and dominated in a superlative performance, catching nine passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns as the '92 Cowboys opened their Super League season with a 26-17 victory over their longtime rivals.

With Washington focusing on stopping Emmitt Smith (just 42 yards on 20 carries), Dallas opened up its passing game, as Troy Aikman threw the ball 35 times and finished with 316 yards. The key drive was the opening possession of the second half, with Dallas leading 13-7. Aikman connected four times with Irvin, including a 29-yard touchdown in which Irvin beat Green's man coverage down the sideline.

The Redskins had trouble running the ball, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Sloppy play didn't help, either. Kicker Chip Lohmiller missed two field goal attempts and Earnest Byner fumbled late in the first half as the team was driving for a potential touchdown.