Wikipedia

2008 Washington Redskins season

The 2008 season was the Washington Redskins' 77th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Jim Zorn.

2008 Washington Redskins season
OwnerDaniel Snyder
General managerVinny Cerrato
Head coachJim Zorn
Offensive coordinatorSherman Smith
Defensive coordinatorGreg Blache
Home fieldFedExField
Results
Record8–8
Division place4th NFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersRB Clinton Portis
OT Chris Samuels
FB Mike Sellers
TE Chris Cooley
AP All-ProsRB Clinton Portis (2nd team)
Redskins' wide receiver Santana Moss, 2008

They failed to improve upon their 9–7 record from 2007 and finished with an 8–8 record despite starting the season 6–2. In addition to their regular games with NFC East rivals, the Redskins played teams from the NFC West and AFC North as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games against the Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints based on divisional positions from 2007.

Offseason

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The 2008 offseason opened with the announcement on January 8, 2008 of the retirement of head coach Joe Gibbs.[1] The Redskins immediately began a national search for a new head coach. On January 25, 2008, Jim Zorn was hired as offensive coordinator.[2] The following day, associate head coach Al Saunders and assistant head coach Gregg Williams were fired and Greg Blache was named defensive coordinator.[3][4] On February 9, Jim Zorn was hired to be head coach.[5] On February 15, Sherman Smith, the former running backs coach for the Tennessee Titans, was hired as an offensive coordinator.[6]

Key departures

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On February 26, 2008, the Redskins released WR Brandon Lloyd.[7] Lloyd later signed with the Chicago Bears.[8]

Mark Brunell, Reche Caldwell, Rick DeMulling, Randall Godfrey, Brian Kozlowski, David Macklin, Keenan McCardell, Pierson Prioleau, Mike Pucillo, and Omar Stoutmire were free agents and not re-signed by the Redskins.

On August 30, the Redskins released veterans Ryan Boschetti (DT), Derrick Frost (P), and Todd Wade (OT) .[9]

Key additions

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On May 27, 2008, the Redskins traded a conditional 2009 seventh-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for DE Erasmus James. According to the terms of the deal, James must play in at least one regular season game in order for the Vikings to receive the draft pick.[10]

On July 20, 2008, the Redskins traded a 2009 second-round draft pick and a 2010 sixth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for DE Jason Taylor.[11]

On November 6, 2008,[12] the Redskins signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a one-year contract.[13]

Free agents heading into the 2008 season

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[14]

Position Player Free agency
tag		 Date signed 2008 team
DT Ryan Boschetti UFA March 12 Washington Redskins[15]
FB Nehemiah Broughton ERFA April 2 Washington Redskins[16]
QB Mark Brunell UFA March 13 New Orleans Saints[17]
WR Reche Caldwell UFA March 25 St. Louis Rams[18]
RB Rock Cartwright UFA March 7 Washington Redskins[19]
QB Todd Collins UFA February 29 Washington Redskins[20]
OL Rick DeMulling UFA
OL Jason Fabini UFA March 25 Washington Redskins[21]
P Derrick Frost UFA March 24 Washington Redskins[22]
LB Randall Godfrey UFA
TE Brian Kozlowski UFA
CB David Macklin UFA March 20 St. Louis Rams[23]
WR Keenan McCardell UFA
S Pierson Prioleau UFA April 30 Jacksonville Jaguars[24]
OL Mike Pucillo UFA
S Omar Stoutmire UFA
K Shaun Suisham ERFA February 29 Washington Redskins[25]

2008 NFL Draft

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Main article: 2008 NFL draft
2008 Washington Redskins draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
2 34 Devin Thomas  WR Michigan State from Oakland via Atlanta
2 48 Fred Davis  TE USC from Houston via Atlanta
2 51 Malcolm Kelly  WR Oklahoma
3 96 Chad Rinehart  OG Northern Iowa Compensatory pick
4 124 Justin Tryon  CB Arizona State from Tennessee
6 168 Durant Brooks  P Georgia Tech from St. Louis
6 180 Kareem Moore  S Nicholls State from Denver via St. Louis
6 186 Colt Brennan  QB Hawaii
7 242 Rob Jackson  DE Kansas State Compensatory pick
7 249 Chris Horton  S UCLA Compensatory pick
      Made roster  

The Redskins traded their #21 (1st round), #84 (3rd round), and #154 (5th round) selections to the Atlanta Falcons for their #34 (2nd round), #48 (2nd round), and #103 (4th round) selections. They then traded their #103 selection to the Tennessee Titans for their #124 (4th round) and #157 (5th round) selections. Lastly, they traded their #157 and #228 (7th round) selections to the St. Louis Rams for their #168 (6th round) and #180 (6th round) selections.

Roster

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2008 Washington Redskins roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 8 reserve, 8 practice squad

Preseason

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
HOF August 3 Indianapolis Colts W 30–16 1–0 Fawcett Stadium Recap
1 August 9 Buffalo Bills W 17–14 2–0 FedExField Recap
2 August 16 at New York Jets W 13–10 3–0 Giants Stadium Recap
3 August 23 at Carolina Panthers L 3–47 3–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
4 August 28 Jacksonville Jaguars L 3–24 3–2 FedExField Recap

Hall of Fame Game vs. Indianapolis Colts

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 10 3016
Redskins 7 3 61430

at Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio

Washington started the game on a high note when they recovered a surprise onside kick by the Colts. Three plays later, quarterback Jason Campbell threw a touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El and gave the Redskins a 7–0 lead. The Colts responded on their own drive which ended in a field goal by K Adam Vinatieri. In the second quarter, Colts C Jamey Richard snapped the ball over the head of the QB and it sailed out of the endzone for a safety. Later in the quarter, the Colts scored a touchdown when QB Quinn Gray threw a 30-yard pass to WR Onrea Jones. After a missed field goal attempt by Shaun Suisham, the Colts were able to end the first half with a field goal of their own making the halftime score Colts 13 – Redskins 10. The Colts received the ball following halftime and marched down the field to score another field goal. The Redskins responded with a drive resulting in a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Colt Brennan to WR Maurice Mann. The Redskins were able to follow up with another touchdown drive when Brennan hit RB Marcus Mason on a 5-yard pass. After the Colts got the ball back a couple of series later, QB Jared Lorenzen threw an interception to Redskins CB Matteral Richardson who took it back for a touchdown and sealed the victory for the Redskins. The Redskins had two former players, WR Art Monk and CB Darrell Green, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[26]

Preseason Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 11 0014
Redskins 7 7 3017

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins received the ball first but immediately gave it to the Bills when RB Marcus Mason fumbled during the kick return. After the turnover, the Redskins defense was able to hold the Bills to a field goal. Later in the 1st quarter, the Redskins drove down the field and RB Clinton Portis scored on a 1-yard rushing play on a 4th down. Two series later, the Redskins drove down the field again and QB Todd Collins passed to RB Ladell Betts on a screen play which resulted in a 12-yard touchdown. Buffalo responded with a drive of their own which resulted in a field goal. When the Redskins got the ball back after the field goal, Collins threw a pass which was intercepted by CB Ashton Youboty. QB J. P. Losman threw a touchdown pass to WR James Hardy and the Bills completed a successful 2-point conversion to tie the game before halftime. The second half was dominated by both defenses and the only score was a 46-yard field goal by Redskins K Shaun Suisham in the 3rd quarter.

Preseason Week 2 at New York Jets

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 3 3713
Jets 7 0 0310

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Jets scored first in this game when newly signed QB Brett Favre completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to TE Dustin Keller. The Redskins responded with a drive that ended with a 30-yard field goal from K Shaun Suisham. The Redskins had another chance to score later in the 2nd quarter, but that drive ended when QB Derek Devine threw an interception to CB James Ihedigbo at the Jets' 19-yard line. Neither team scored for the rest of the half. The Redskins received the ball first starting the 3rd quarter and ended a 51-yard drive with a 36-yard field goal from Suisham. Later in the 4th quarter, the Jets scored when K Mike Nugent kicked a 43-yard field goal. After two more drives stalled, the Redskins received the ball with 2:04 left in the game. QB Colt Brennan and the Redskins drove down the field and scored a touchdown when Brennan threw a short pass to TE Jason Goode who took it 33 yards to the endzone. The Jets received the ball again and had a chance to tie the game, but K Mike Nugent missed a 23-yard field goal as time expired.

Preseason Week 3 at Carolina Panthers

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 0 303
Panthers 3 31 7647

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Although the game was close after the first quarter, the Panthers dominated the second quarter. Both RBs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams rushed for a 50 and 60 yard TDs, respectively. WR Steve Smith scored on a fumble recovery and QB Jake Delhomme threw a 24-yard TD pass to TE Dante Rosario. The Redskins were finally able to get on the scoreboard with a field goal in the 3rd quarter, but only after Delhomme threw a screen pass to Steve Smith for a 33-yard touchdown. The high note for the Redskins was holding the Panthers to just 6 points (two field goals) in the 4th quarter.

Preseason Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 7 10 0724
Redskins 0 3 003

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

For the second week in a row, the Redskins were held to just a field goal. The Jaguars scored on their second drive when QB David Garrard threw a 3-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams. The Jaguars were able to score again early in the second quarter when QB Cleo Lemon threw a 4-yard TD pass to TE Greg Estandia. Early in the 4th quarter, the Jaguars scored on their first play of the drive when QB Todd Bouman threw a 51-yard TD pass to WR Troy Williamson. After a 3–0 start to the pre-season, the Redskins suffered two consecutive defeats to close out their exhibition games.

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Time (ET) Result Game Site TV Record Match Report
1 September 4, 2008 at New York Giants 7:00 pm L 7–16 Giants Stadium NBC 0–1 Recap
2 September 14, 2008 New Orleans Saints 1:00 pm W 29–24 FedExField Fox 1–1 Recap
3 September 21, 2008 Arizona Cardinals 1:00 pm W 24–17 FedExField Fox 2–1 Recap
4 September 28, 2008 at Dallas Cowboys 4:15 pm W 26–24 Texas Stadium Fox 3–1 Recap
5 October 5, 2008 at Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 pm W 23–17 Lincoln Financial Field Fox 4–1 Recap
6 October 12, 2008 St. Louis Rams 1:00 pm L 17–19 FedExField Fox 4–2 Recap
7 October 19, 2008 Cleveland Browns 4:15 pm W 14–11 FedExField CBS 5–2 Recap
8 October 26, 2008 at Detroit Lions 1:00 pm W 25–17 Ford Field Fox 6–2 Recap
9 November 3, 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers 8:30 pm L 6–23 FedExField ESPN 6–3 Recap
10 Bye
11 November 16, 2008 Dallas Cowboys 8:15 pm L 10–14 FedExField NBC 6–4 Recap
12 November 23, 2008 at Seattle Seahawks 4:15 pm W 20–17 Qwest Field Fox 7–4 Recap
13 November 30, 2008 New York Giants 1:00 pm L 7–23 FedExField Fox 7–5 Recap
14 December 7, 2008 at Baltimore Ravens 8:15 pm L 10–24 M&T Bank Stadium NBC 7–6 Recap
15 December 14, 2008 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 pm L 13–20 Paul Brown Stadium Fox 7–7 Recap
16 December 21, 2008 Philadelphia Eagles 4:15 pm W 10–3 FedExField Fox 8–7 Recap
17 December 28, 2008 at San Francisco 49ers 4:15 pm L 24–27 Candlestick Park Fox 8–8 Recap

Standings

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NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New York Giants 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 427 294 L1
(6) Philadelphia Eagles 9 6 1 .863 2–4 7–5 416 289 W1
Dallas Cowboys 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 362 365 L2
Washington Redskins 8 8 0 .500 3–3 7–5 265 296 L1

Week 1: at New York Giants

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 007
Giants 10 6 0016

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Redskins began their 2008 campaign on the road against their NFC East rival and defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants. In this annual kickoff game, coach Jim Zorn made his official NFL head coaching debut. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Giants QB Eli Manning closed out their opening drive with a 1-yard TD run. Later in the quarter, New York added onto their lead when John Carney kicked a 24-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the 'Skins continued to trail as Carney kicked two more field goals of 25 and 47 yards. Near the end of the half, Washington finally got on the board as QB Jason Campbell completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. However, the second half was an all-out defensive struggle as New York held on for the win.

With the loss, the Redskins began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 10 14024
Redskins 3 6 61429

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

 
Against the Saints in week 2

Hoping to rebound from their divisional road loss to the Giants, the Redskins played their Week 2 home opener against the New Orleans Saints. In the first quarter, the 'Skins took the early lead when Shaun Suisham kicked a 22-yard field goal.

In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with Suisham's 36-yard field goal. The Saints responded with RB Pierre Thomas's 1-yard TD run and kicker Martín Gramática's 49-yard field goal. This score marked the 269th consecutive game in which the Redskins allowed a point, tying the Cincinnati Bengals (1989-2006) for the longest streak ever.

In the third quarter, New Orleans increased its lead with QB Drew Brees completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Robert Meachem. Afterwards, the 'Skins responded when RB Clinton Portis scored on a 9-yard TD run (with a failed 2-point conversion). The Saints responded with a Reggie Bush 55-yard punt return for a touchdown.

The Redskins were able to mount a fourth quarter comeback by rallying for 14 points in the final stanza. The comeback started with a Clinton Portis 8-yard TD run, and was completed when QB Jason Campbell threw a 67-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss.

With the come from behind win, the Redskins improved to 1–1.

Week 3: vs. Arizona Cardinals

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 10017
Redskins 7 3 7724

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins remained at home for Week 3 to play the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, the Redskins scored first with RB Clinton Portis scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead when Shaun Suisham kicked a 48-yard field goal. The Cardinals closed out the first half with QB Kurt Warner completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin. In the third quarter, Arizona tied the game when kicker Neil Rackers made a 26-yard field goal attempt. The Redskins responded with QB Jason Campbell completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Todd Yoder. Arizona followed with a 62-yard Warner TD pass to WR Larry Fitzgerald. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins pulled away with Campbell's 17-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 2–1, though infamously set a record for most consecutive games without a shutout at 270.

Week 4: at Dallas Cowboys

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 17 3626
Cowboys 7 3 7724

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

After defeating the Cardinals at home, the Redskins flew to Texas Stadium for a divisional game with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys led early when QB Tony Romo completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Washington responded with 17 points. QB Jason Campbell threw touchdown passes of 3 & 2 yards to WR James Thrash and WR Antwaan Randle El respectively, and kicker Shaun Suisham added a 20-yard field goal. Dallas ended the first half scoring with a Nick Folk 36-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Cowboys tied the game with Romo throwing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. The Redskins answered with a 33-yard field goal by Suisham. In the fourth quarter, Washington increased its lead with Suisham field goals of 33 and 29 yards. Dallas scored late in the game with an 11-yard Romo completion to WR Miles Austin. The Cowboys then attempted an onside kick, however, the kick was recovered by the Redskins and they were able to seal the victory.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 3–1.

Also, head coach Jim Zorn became the first Redskins rookie head coach since George Allen to earn a victory over the Cowboys in Dallas on his first attempt.

Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 9 7723
Eagles 14 0 0317

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Coming off a road win over the Cowboys, the Redskins traveled to Lincoln Financial Field for a Week 5 NFC East duel with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, the Redskins trailed early as RB Brian Westbrook scored on a 9-yard TD run and the Eagles DeSean Jackson returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Washington responded with Shaun Suisham kicking field goals of 41, 48, and 50 yards. In the third quarter, the Redskins took the lead on a trick play as WR Antwaan Randle El threw an 18-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins increased their lead when Clinton Portis scored on a 4-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Eagles were unable to rally, only managing a 23-yard field goal by kicker David Akers.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 4–1.

Week 6: vs. St. Louis Rams

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 3 7 6319
Redskins 7 0 01017

at Fedex Field, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins played the winless St. Louis Rams in week 6. The Redskins obtained an early lead when RB Clinton Portis scored on a 3-yard TD run. The Rams responded with a Josh Brown 51-yard field goal. St. Louis scored again later in the second quarter when free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe returned a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown. The Rams increased their lead as Brown kicked field goals of 25 and 44 yards early in the 2nd half. In the fourth quarter, Washington regained the lead with a Shaun Suisham 38-yard field goal and a Clinton Portis 2-yard rushing touchdown. St. Louis came back to win the game on a 49-yard Brown field goal.

With the unexpected loss, the Redskins fell to 4–2.

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 3811
Redskins 0 0 7714

at Fedex Field, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins played at home for a Week 7 with the Cleveland Browns visiting. After a scoreless first half, the Redskins scored in the third quarter on a Clinton Portis 3-yard TD run. The Browns responded when kicker Phil Dawson made a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Washington increased its lead as QB Jason Campbell completed an 18-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. After falling behind 14–3, Cleveland staged a late rally with QB Derek Anderson completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Joshua Cribbs and a successful 2-point conversion pass to WR Braylon Edwards. The Browns had a chance to tie the score in the final seconds of the game, however, Phil Dawson's 54-yard field goal attempt went wide right and the Redskins prevailed.

Redskins Season Record: 5–2

Week 8: at Detroit Lions

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 3 10925
Lions 7 3 0717

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

The Redskins scored first when Shaun Suisham kicked a 25-yard field goal. Detroit running back Rudi Johnson scored on an 11-yard run at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Detroit added to its lead on a 43-yard Jason Hanson field goal. Washington ended the half with another field goal.

In the third quarter, the Redskins regained the lead as Suisham made a 45-yard field goal. Washington scored again when Jason Campbell completed a 50-yard pass to wide receiver Santana Moss. In the fourth quarter, Moss returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky answered with a 17-yard pass to Calvin Johnson. Washington closed out the scoring with a Suisham field goal of 42 yards, and the Redskins won the game 25–17.

Redskins Season Record: 6–2

Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 10 6723
Redskins 6 0 006

at Fedex Field, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins donned their burgundy uniforms and played at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a special pre-election day edition of Monday Night Football.

The Steelers opened the game with a failed onside kick attempt which gave the Redskins position at their opponent's 41-yard line. The drive ended with a Shaun Suisham field goal. The Redskins regained possession on a tipped Ben Roethlisberger pass that was intercepted by Cornelius Griffin early in the first quarter. The drive resulted in another field goal giving Washington a 6–0 lead over the Steelers. In the second quarter, Steelers' Jeff Reed scored on a 35-yard field goal. Pittsburgh took the lead as they turned a blocked Ryan Plackemeier punt attempt into a 1-yard touchdown run by Roethlisberger, who exited the game following the score due to an injury to his shoulder and did not return.[27]

In the second half, Byron Leftwich entered the game for the injured Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh rusher Willie Parker ran for a touchdown in the third quarter (with a failed extra point). Early in the fourth quarter, Leftwich completed a 5-yard touchdown reception to Santonio Holmes, giving the Steelers a 23–6 lead. Jason Campbell appeared to score a rushing touchdown later in the quarter but the ruling was reversed on a Pittsburgh challenge.

Byron Leftwich played for only one half and threw for 129 yards. Clinton Portis was held to 51 yards rushing. Jason Campbell was sacked seven times. His streak of avoiding an interception also ended at 249 pass attempts.[28]

With the loss, the Redskins entered their bye week 6–3.

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 0 7 0714
Redskins 7 3 0010

at Fedex Field, Landover, Maryland

Coming off their bye week, the Redskins stayed at home for a Week 11 NFC East rematch with the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. In the first quarter, the 'Skins struck first as QB Jason Campbell completed a 2-yard TD pass to FB Mike Sellers. In the second quarter, the Cowboys responded with RB Marion Barber 2-yard TD run. Washington closed out the half with kicker Shaun Suisham nailing a 41-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Dallas took the lead when Dallas QB Tony Romo completed a 25-yard TD pass to TE Martellus Bennett. The 'Skins attempted to mount a comeback, however the Cowboys’ defense was able to secure the win.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 6–4.

Week 12: at Seattle Seahawks

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 10320
Seahawks 3 7 0717

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Cowboys, the Redskins flew to Qwest Field for a Week 12 duel with the Seattle Seahawks. In the first quarter, the Redskins trailed early as the Seahawks Olindo Mare kicked a 45-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Washington took the lead as RB Ladell Betts scored on a 1-yard TD run. Seattle responded when QB Matt Hasselbeck connected with RB Maurice Morris on a 4-yard TD pass.

In the third quarter, the Redskins took the lead on successive scores by Shaun Suisham (26-yard field goal) and a Jason Campbell 8-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El. In the fourth quarter, the Seahawks tied the game when Hasselbeck completed a 10-yard TD pass to TE John Carlson. Afterwards, Washington regained the lead as Suisham nailed a 22-yard field goal. Late in the game, a Ledell Betts fumble opened the door for a Seattle comeback. However, Matt Hasselbeck threw an interception to CB Shawn Springs on the first play of the series with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. The Redskins ran out the clock, and sealed the win in Seattle.

The game marked the return of Redskins head coach Jim Zorn and running back Shaun Alexander to their former team. Clinton Portis, who was questionable to play, led the running game with 143 yards.[29] Washington ended a 2-game losing streak with the win.

With the win, Washington improved to 7–4.

Week 13: vs. New York Giants

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 10 3 7323
Redskins 0 7 007

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins played at home for an NFC East division rematch against the New York Giants. Prior to the game, the franchise held a pregame ceremony where the late Sean Taylor was added to the Redskins Ring of Honor.[30]

In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Amani Toomer. New York kicker John Carney also scored on a 31-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Redskins continued to trail as Carney kicked a 38-yard field goal. Washington closed out the half as rookie wide receiver Devin Thomas ran for a 29-yard touchdown.

In the third quarter, New York answered with running back Brandon Jacobs scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Giants pulled away as Carney connected on a 39-yard field goal.

Redskins Season Record: 7–5

Week 14: at Baltimore Ravens

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 0 01010
Ravens 14 0 3724

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Washington traveled to Baltimore for an inter-conference game against the Ravens. Washington won the toss, and elected to receive the opening kick. Washington quarterback Jason Campbell was intercepted early in the drive by Ravens safety Ed Reed. Baltimore running back Le'Ron McClain converted the turnover into points when he scored a rushing TD on the ensuing Ravens possession. Later in the first quarter, the Ravens defense struck for a defensive touchdown when Ed Reed recovered a fumble from Washington running back Clinton Portis.

In the third quarter, Ravens kicker Matt Stover extended the Ravens lead with a 32-yard field goal. Early in the fourth quarter, Washington got on the board with a Shaun Suisham 43-yard field goal. Baltimore running back Willis McGahee fumbled on the Raven's next possession, and the Redskins cut the Ravens lead to 17–10 on a touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El. The Redskins defense was unable to come up with another stop, and the Ravens ended their next drive with quarterback Joe Flacco throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Derrick Mason.

Redskins Season Record: 7–6

Week 15 at Bengals

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See also: 2008 Cincinnati Bengals season
Washington Redskins (7–6) at Cincinnati Bengals (1–11–1)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 10 0313
Bengals 14 3 0320

at Paul Brown Stadium • Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

Needing (most likely) a must-win situation to maintain any playoff chances. The Redskins travel to Cincinnati Ohio, visiting the Bengals. The Redskins fumbled the ball on their first possession, and it gave the Bengals field position at the Redskins' 41-yard line. Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick scored in the first quarter with a 1-yard run. Fitzpatrick scored again in the quarter with a pass to wide receiver Chris Henry.

The Bengals began the second quarter with a Shayne Graham field goal. The Redskins later scored when quarterback Jason Campbell threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Santana Moss halfway through the quarter. Shaun Suisham successfully kicked a short field goal near the end of the first half. The Bengals and Redskins exchanged field goals in the fourth quarter.

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP WSH CIN
1 10:30 6 41 3:38 Bengals Fitzpatrick 1-yard touchdown run, Graham kick good 0 7
1 3:10 6 94 3:08 Bengals Henry 12-yard touchdown reception from Fitzpatrick, Graham kick good 0 14
2 11:19 9 44 4:06 Bengals 32-yard field goal by Graham 0 17
2 4:44 8 40 4:03 Redskins Moss 10-yard touchdown reception from Campbell, Suisham kick good 7 17
2 0:15 12 71 3:27 Redskins 23-yard field goal by Suisham 10 17
4 2:20 16 41 7:13 Bengals 45-yard field goal by Graham 10 20
4 1:43 4 –5 0:37 Redskins 36-yard field goal by Suisham 13 20
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 13 20

Week 16: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 0 303
Redskins 0 3 7010

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Hoping to rebound from their embarrassing road loss to the Bengals, the Redskins went home for a Week 16 NFC East rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. The game went scoreless until the Redskins were able to put together a long second quarter scoring drive. The drive began on their own 14-yard line with 11:55 left in the half, and ended 8½ minutes later on Shaun Suisham’s 33-yard field goal.

The Redskins intercepted Donovan McNabb in the third quarter, and took possession of the ball at the Philadelphia 19-yard line. Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley each helped move the ball to the 1-yard line, and Portis culminated the short drive with a touchdown run.

A 47-yard pass in the third quarter from Donovan McNabb to Brian Westbrook put the Eagles in position to score. They failed to convert a 3rd and 3 from the Washington 5-yard line, and settled for a 22-yard field goal by David Akers.

With 3:48 left in the game, the Eagles began a long drive that began at their own 9-yard line. With the ball at the Redskins 18-yard line and 12 seconds left in the game, Donovan McNabb completed a 17-yard pass to Reggie Brown. Fred Smoot and LaRon Landry tackled Brown to prevent him from breaking the goal line. With no timeouts remaining, the Eagles were unable to stop the clock or complete another play. The play was reviewed from the replay booth, and it was determined that Brown did not break the plane of the goal line and the on-field ruling was upheld.

Redskins Season Record: 8–7. They swept the season series against the Eagles for the first time since 2005. Washington was mathematically eliminated from playoff contention due to the Atlanta Falcons 24–17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings

Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers

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Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 17 0724
49ers 7 0 71327

at Bill Walsh Field at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Coming off their divisional home win over the Eagles, the Redskins closed out their season at Bill Walsh Field at Candlestick Park in a Week 17 duel with the San Francisco 49ers. Washington trailed early in the first quarter as 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill got a 2-yard touchdown run. The Redskins responded in the second quarter with running back Clinton Portis’ 4-yard touchdown run, kicker Shaun Suisham's 41-yard field goal, and quarterback Jason Campbell's 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El.

In the third quarter, San Francisco answered with running back DeShaun Foster scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers took the lead as Hill completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jason Hill and a 33-yard field goal by 49ers kicker Joe Nedney. Washington tied the game as Campbell scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, however San Francisco prevailed as Nedney kicked a game-winning 39-yard field goal.

With the loss, the Redskins' season ended at 8–8.

Awards

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Players of the Week

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  • S Chris Horton was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for games played September 14–15.[31]
  • S Chris Horton was named Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week for games played on September 28–29.[32]
  • Head Coach Jim Zorn was named Motorola Coach of the Week for games played on September 28–29.[33]
  • RB Clinton Portis was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for games played on October 5–6.[34]
  • RB Clinton Portis was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for games played on October 5–6.[35]
  • RB Clinton Portis was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for games played on October 19–20.[36]
  • WR/PR Santana Moss was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for games played on October 26–27.[37]
  • RB Clinton Portis was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for games played on October 26–27.[38]

Players of the Month

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  • S Chris Horton was named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for the month of September[39]
  • RB Clinton Portis was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the month of October.[40]

Pro Bowlers

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  • RB Clinton Portis
  • OT Chris Samuels
  • FB Mike Sellers
  • TE Chris Cooley

Final statistics

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Passing

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Player G QB Rat. Comp. Att. Pct. Yards TD INT Long Sack
Jason Campbell 16 84.3 315 506 62.3 3,245 13 6 67 38
Antwaan Randle El 16 152.1 3 4 75.0 46 1 0 18 0

Rushing

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Player G Att. Yards Y/G Avg. Long TD Fum FumL
Clinton Portis 16 342 1,487 92.9 4.3 31 9 3 3
Jason Campbell 16 47 258 16.1 5.5 23 1 6 1
Ladell Betts 13 61 206 15.8 3.4 14 1 1 1
Devin Thomas 16 3 53 3.3 17.7 29 1 0 0
Santana Moss 16 1 27 1.7 27.0 27 0 1 1
Mike Sellers 16 6 24 1.5 4.0 10 0 1 1
Shaun Alexander 4 11 24 6.0 2.2 8 0 0 0
Rock Cartwright 16 5 14 0.9 2.8 7 0 0 0
Antwaan Randle El 16 1 5 0.3 5.0 5 0 0 0
Fred Davis 11 1 −3 −0.3 −3.0 −3 0 0 0

Receiving

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Player G Rec. Yards Y/G Avg. Long TD
Santana Moss 16 79 1044 65.3 13.2 67 6
Chris Cooley 16 83 849 53.1 10.2 28 1
Antwaan Randle El 16 53 593 37.1 11.2 31 4
Clinton Portis 16 28 218 13.6 7.8 29 0
Ladell Betts 13 22 200 15.4 9.1 27 0
Devin Thomas 16 15 120 7.5 8.0 18 0
Mike Sellers 16 12 98 6.1 8.2 20 1
James Thrash 16 9 81 5.1 9.0 29 1
Todd Yoder 16 8 50 3.1 6.3 14 1
Fred Davis 11 3 27 2.5 9.0 15 0
Malcolm Kelly 5 3 18 3.6 6.0 7 0
Shaun Alexander 4 1 9 2.3 9.0 9 0
Rock Cartwright 16 1 −7 −0.4 −7.0 −7 0
Pete Kendall 16 1 −9 −0.6 −9.0 −9 0

Kicking

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Player G 0–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50 FGM FGA Pct. Long XPM XPA
Shaun Suisham 16 0–0 7–7 7–9 11–16 1–4 26 36 72.2 50 25 25

Punting

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Player G Punt Yards Avg. In20 In10 TB Long
Ryan Plackemeier 10 55 2291 41.7 15 9 10 62
Durant Brooks 6 26 1030 39.6 9 2 0 60

Defense

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Player G Tackles Asst. TotalTK Sack YdL INT Yards TD FumR
London Fletcher 16 96 37 133 0.5 1 0 0 0 1
Rocky McIntosh 16 61 27 88 2.0 13 1 4 0 0
Chris Horton 14 57 19 76 1.0 8 3 13 0 1
LaRon Landry 16 49 16 65 0.5 4 2 18 0 0
Carlos Rogers 16 49 7 56 0.0 0 2 73 0 0
Fred Smoot 16 43 11 54 0.0 0 1 0 0 0
H.B. Blades 16 41 19 60 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Shawn Springs 9 31 5 36 1.0 9 1 0 0 0
Marcus Washington 10 25 19 44 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Andre Carter 16 23 14 37 4.0 19 0 0 0 0
Jason Taylor 13 21 8 29 3.5 30 0 0 0 0
Demetric Evans 16 20 13 33 3.5 14 0 0 0 0
DeAngelo Hall 7 20 5 25 0.0 0 2 6 0 0
Kedric Golston 13 19 9 28 2.0 8 0 0 0 0
Mike Green 8 16 4 20 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Cornelius Griffin 14 16 11 27 1.0 9 1 0 0 0
Anthony Montgomery 14 15 8 23 2.0 9 0 0 0 0
Reed Doughty 4 15 4 19 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Lorenzo Alexander 15 11 6 17 2.0 11 0 0 0 0
Mike Sellers 16 11 2 13 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Kareem Moore 14 11 6 17 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Leigh Torrence 9 11 5 16 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Khary Campbell 14 11 2 13 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
James Thrash 16 10 2 12 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Chris Wilson 16 8 6 14 1.0 8 0 0 0 0
Rock Cartwright 16 6 3 9 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Alfred Fincher 14 4 2 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Justin Tryon 14 4 0 4 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Shaun Suisham 16 3 0 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Devin Thomas 16 3 3 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Clinton Portis 16 3 0 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Todd Yoder 16 2 1 3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Antwaan Randle El 16 2 0 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Santana Moss 16 2 0 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan Boschetti 3 2 0 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Rob Jackson 3 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Casey Rabach 16 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Ladell Betts 13 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Ethan Albright 16 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Jason Campbell 16 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Chris Cooley 16 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Chris Samuels 12 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Stephon Heyer 9 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ "Gibbs Retires As Head Coach, President". Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  2. ^ "Redskins Name Zorn Offensive Coordinator". Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  3. ^ "Redskins Release Coaches Williams, Saunders". Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  4. ^ "Blache Moves to Top Spot On Defense". Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  5. ^ "Redskins Name Zorn Next Head Coach". Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  6. ^ Smith Is Named Offensive Coordinator Archived 2008-06-25 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Redskins Release Wide Receiver Lloyd". Archived from the original on February 27, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  8. ^ "Bears sign WR Brandon Lloyd to one-year contract". Archived from the original on April 6, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2008.
  9. ^ "Decision Day: Wade Among 22 Cuts By Redskins". Archived from the original on September 1, 2008. Retrieved August 31, 2008.
  10. ^ "Redskins Trade For DE Erasmus James". Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  11. ^ Skins trade for Dolphins' Taylor after Daniels goes down
  12. ^ Redskins Sign DeAngelo Hall Archived November 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Ex-Raiders CB Hall agrees with Redskins on 1-year deal
  14. ^ RFA: Restricted free-agent, UFA: Unrestricted free-agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
  15. ^ "Redskins Re-sign DT Ryan Boschetti". Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  16. ^ "Redskins Re-sign FB Nehemiah Broughton". Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  17. ^ "Saints Add Veteran QB Mark Brunell". Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  18. ^ "Rams sign Reche Caldwell". Archived from the original on April 30, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  19. ^ "Cartwright Agrees to Terms". Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  20. ^ "Collins Agrees to Terms". Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  21. ^ "Redskins Re-sign OL Jason Fabini". Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  22. ^ "Redskins Re-sign Punter Derrick Frost". Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved May 3, 2008.
  23. ^ "Romberg re-signs; cornerback is added". Archived from the original on May 22, 2008. Retrieved May 4, 2008.
  24. ^ Jaguars sign Prioleau in search of depth at safety
  25. ^ "Redskins Retain Suisham". Archived from the original on May 2, 2008. Retrieved March 3, 2008.
  26. ^ "Class of 2008 Announced". Pro Football Hall of Fame. February 2, 2008. Archived from the original on September 17, 2009. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  27. ^ Roethlisberger (shoulder) doesn't return for second half, Retrieved on 2008-11-07.
  28. ^ "Fast Facts" and "Air/Ground Leaders" in Pittsburg v. Washington – Recap, Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  29. ^ [1] Washington vs. Seattle
  30. ^ "Sean Taylor To Enter The Ring of Honor". The Washington Post. November 5, 2008. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  31. ^ "Horton Earns NFC Defensive Player of Week Honor". Archived from the original on September 20, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2008.
  32. ^ "Horton named Week 4 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week". Archived from the original on October 21, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2008.
  33. ^ Zorn named Week 4 Motorola Coach of the Week
  34. ^ "Portis named to NFC weekly player honor". Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  35. ^ "Roethlisberger, Portis FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week". Archived from the original on October 23, 2008. Retrieved October 10, 2008.
  36. ^ "Edwards, Portis named FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week". Archived from the original on October 27, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  37. ^ "Brees, Kiwanuka, Moss earn NFC weekly honors". Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  38. ^ "Brees, Portis voted FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Week". Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
  39. ^ NFL Rookies of the Month Announced[permanent dead link‍]
  40. ^ "Portis Wins NFC Offensive Player of the Month Honor". Archived from the original on November 1, 2008. Retrieved October 31, 2008.
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