The 2015 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 83rd season in the National Football League and the second under head coach Jay Gruden and first under general manager Scot McCloughan. Quarterback Robert Griffin III suffered a concussion during the second preseason game and consequently missed the rest of the preseason. Kirk Cousins was later named the starter for the season, and set multiple Redskins franchise records.
The Redskins improved from their 4–12 record from the previous season, going 9-7 and clinching the NFC East Division title for the first time since 2012. However, they were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
2015 draft class
Main article:
2015 NFL draft- Draft trades
- The Redskins traded their original third-round selection (No. 69 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for the Seahawks' third- (No. 95 overall), fourth- (No. 112 overall), fifth- (No. 167 overall), sixth- (No. 181 overall) round selections.[1]
- The Redskins traded their fifth-round selection (No. 167 overall) acquired by Seahawks to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for the Saints' sixth-round selection (No. 187 overall) and sixth-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.[2]
Staff
| 2015 Washington Redskins staff |
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Front office
- Owner – Daniel Snyder
- President – Bruce Allen
- General Manager – Scot McCloughan
- Personnel Executive – Doug Williams
- Vice President of Football Administration – Eric Shaffer
- Director of Player Personnel – Scott Campbell
- Director of Pro Personnel – Alex Santos
- Director of Football Operations – Paul Kelly
- Director of Player Development – Malcolm Blacken
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
- Special Teams Coordinator – Ben Kotwica
- Assistant Special Teams – Bradford Banta
Strength and conditioning
- Head Strength and Conditioning – Mike Clark
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Chad Englehart
- Head Athletic Trainer – Larry Hess
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Final roster
| 2015 Washington Redskins final roster |
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics
53 Active, 16 Inactive, 10 Practice squad
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Schedule
Preseason
Regular season
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Postseason
Game summaries
Regular season
Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week One: Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins – Game Summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins |
0 |
7 |
0 | 10 | 17 |
| Redskins |
3 |
7 |
0 | 0 | 10 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Kai Forbath 45 yard FG 0-3, WAS
- Second quarter
- Jordan Reed 4 yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Kai Forbath Kick), 0-10, WAS
- Rishard Matthews 3 Yd pass from Ryan Tannehill (Andrew Franks Kick) 7-10 WAS
- Third quarter
- Andrew Franks 22 Yd Field Goal, 10-10 tie
- Fourth quarter
- Jarvis Landry 69 Yd Punt Return (Andrew Franks Kick) 17-10 MIA
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- Top passers
- MIA – Ryan Tannehill- 22/34, 236 yards, 2 TDs
- WAS – Kirk Cousins- 21/31, 196 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTS
- Top rushers
- MIA – Lamar Miller- 13 carries, 53 yards
- WAS – Alfred Morris- 25 carries, 121 yards
- Top receivers
- MIA – Jordan Cameron- 4 REC, 73 yards
- MIA- Jarvis Landry- 8 REC, 53 yards.
- WAS – Pierre Garçon- 6 REC, 74 yards
- WAS- Jordan Reed- 7 REC, 63 yards, 1 TD
- Top tacklers
- MIA – Reshad Jones- 12 tackles
- WAS – DeAngelo Hall- 8 tackles
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The Redskins kicked off their 2015 regular season by hosting the Miami Dolphins. After a Kai Forbath field goal put the Redskins up 3-0, they got the ball back, and newly minted starting quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a deep pass to DeSean Jackson. The ball was overthrown, and Jackson sustained a hamstring injury while stretching out to attempt to catch it. Early in the second quarter, Cousins would be intercepted by Miami cornerback Brent Grimes at the Redskins' 25-yard-line, continuing a trend from previous seasons of turnovers and ill-advised throws. Grimes returned the interception 11 yards to the 14-yard-line, but the Dolphins would fail to score any points off of the turnover. Near the end of the first half, with Washington still nursing a 3-0 lead, Cousins would throw a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Reed, putting the Redskins up 10-0. Miami would try to close the deficit before halftime, and they would do so, with Ryan Tannehill throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rishard Matthews with 27 seconds remaining. Washington led 10-7 entering halftime.
Miami got the ball to begin the second half, and on 3rd and 7 from the Miami 45-yard-line, Tannehill threw deep down the right sideline to former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron for a gain of 27. However, on 3rd and 4 from the Redskins' 22-yard-line, inside of Miami kicker Andrew Franks' range, defensive end Jason Hatcher forced a Tannehill fumble that was bobbled all the way back to the Miami 40 and recovered by Redskins rookie outside linebacker Preston Smith. The Redskins would not capitalize, however, losing two yards on an Alfred Morris run and two short Cousins passes. On their next possession, Washington would drive to the Miami 22-yard-line—easily inside Forbath's range—but three consecutive penalties pushed them back 24 yards and forced a punt, squandering a valuable chance to extend the lead. On the ensuing drive, Franks would connect on a 22-yard field goal to tie the score at 10-10 entering the fourth quarter. The Redskins continued to have no success on offense, resulting in a punt to Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry, who fielded the ball at the Miami 31-yard-line, broke a few tackles and burst into the clear for a 69-yard score and a 17-10 Dolphins lead. On 3rd and 13 from their own 29-yard-line, with a chance to cut into or tie the Dolphins' lead, Cousins threw to the endzone for Pierre Garcon, but the ball was intercepted by Miami cornerback Brice McCain, ending the Redskins attempt at a potential field goal to narrow the deficit. That would be Washington's best chance, as they could not score on any of their subsequent possessions. Miami scored 17 unanswered points and shut out the Redskins in the second half to win 17-10 and win their third straight season opener under coach Joe Philbin. Washington, by contrast, lost in Week 1 for the third consecutive season and for the second straight time under head coach Jay Gruden.
After the game, it was announced receiver DeSean Jackson would miss several weeks with his hamstring injury, and that kicker Kai Forbath had been released and replaced by former Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints kicker Dustin Hopkins.
Week 2: vs. St. Louis Rams
Week Two: St. Louis Rams at Washington Redskins – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Rams |
0 |
0 |
10 | 0 | 10 |
| Redskins |
10 |
7 |
0 | 7 | 24 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Matt Jones 39 yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick) 0-7 WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 46 yard field goal 0-10 WAS
- Second quarter
- Pierre Garcon 4 yard touchdown pass by Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) 0-17 WAS
- Third quarter
- Greg Zuerlein 52 yard field goal 3-17 WAS
- Kenny Britt 40 yard touchdown pass by Nick Foles (Greg Zuerlein kick) 10-17 WAS
- Fourth quarter
- Matt Jones 3 yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick) 10-24 WAS
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- Top passers
- STL – Nick Foles- 17/32, 150 yards, 1 TD
- WAS – Kirk Cousins- 23/27, 203 yards, 1 TD
- Top rushers
- STL – Tavon Austin- 4 carries, 40 yards
- WAS – Matt Jones- 19 carries, 123 yards, 2 TDS
- Top receivers
- STL – Jared Cook- 5 REC, 47 yards
- WAS – Jordan Reed- 6 REC, 82 yards
- Top tacklers
- STL – Alec Ogletree- 16 tackles
- WAS – Trenton Robinson- 6 tackles
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In Week 2 the Redskins played their second straight home game, this time hosting the St. Louis Rams, who had upset the 2-time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks the previous week. Despite concerns that former Pro Bowl running back Alfred Morris was not a good fit for coach Jay Gruden's offensive scheme, he rattled off a 35-yard run in the first quarter to give Washington some momentum. 3rd-round draft pick and former Florida Gator running back Matt Jones was able to capitalize, breaking loose on a 39-yard run for his first NFL touchdown and a 7-0 Redskins lead. In the second quarter, with the Redskins having added a Dustin Hopkins field goal for a 10-0 lead, their offensive line continued to overpower the Rams' vaunted defensive front, with Jones bursting through for a gain of 25 down to the St. Louis 23-yard-line. A few plays later Kirk Cousins threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to receiver Pierre Garcon, and the Redskins would lead 17-0 at halftime, their first shutout in the first half in nearly four years.
St. Louis began the second half with a 52-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal to get back within two scores, 17-3. On Washington's ensuing drive Cousins handed the ball off to Jones near midfield but fumbled, and the ball was recovered by Rams safety T.J. McDonald. The Rams would take advantage of the turnover a few plays later, with quarterback Nick Foles, a free agent pickup from Philadelphia, throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kenny Britt. All of a sudden St. Louis had pulled to within 7 points. Still holding onto that slim lead with 6 minutes remaining in the game, Cousins hit tight end Jordan Reed for a 29-yard gain, which got the Redskins into field goal range at the Rams' 31-yard-line. The Redskins were able to run 3 more minutes off the clock while driving down to the St. Louis 3-yard-line, where Jones overpowered several Rams defenders for his second touchdown of the day and a 24-10 lead to put the game away.
The story of the day was the Redskins offensive line. They were able to block for running back Matt Jones well enough that he scored the first two touchdowns of his career and rushed for over 120 yards. They also kept the pressure away from Kirk Cousins, allowing him to throw for a career-high 85% completion percentage and zero interceptions. With the win, both teams moved to 1-1 on the season. St. Louis would host the Pittsburgh Steelers the following week, while Washington would make their road debut against the divisional rival New York Giants.
Week 3: at New York Giants
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Safety (Tress Way punt BLOCKED by Rashad Jennings) 0-2, NYG
- Andre Williams 3 yard run (Josh Brown kick) 0-9, NYG
- Josh Brown 35 yard field goal 0-12, NYG
- Second quarter
- Dustin Hopkins 44 yard field goal 3-12, NYG
- Josh Brown 36 yard field goal 3-15, NYG
- Dustin Hopkins filed goal 6-15, NYG
- Third quarter
- Josh Brown 48 yard field goal 6-18, NYG
- Fourth quarter
- Odell Beckham, Jr. 30 yard touchdown pass by Eli Manning (Josh Brown kick) 6-25, NYG
- Chris Thompson 4 yard touchdown pass by Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) 13-25, NYG
- Rueben Randle 41 yard touchdown pass by Eli Manning (Josh Brown kick) 13-32, NYG
- Rashad Ross 101 yard kickoff return (Dustin Hopkins kick) 21-32 NYG
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- Top passers
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 30/49, 316 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
- NYG – Eli Manning - 23/32, 279 yards, 2 TD
- Top rushers
- WAS – Matt Jones - 11 carries, 38 yards
- NYG – Rashad Jennings - 11 carries, 32 yards
- Top receivers
- WAS – Jordan Reed - 6 receptions, 96 yards
- NYG – Rueben Randle - 7 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD
- Top tacklers
- WAS – Keenan Robinson - 10 tackles
- NYG – Jonathan Casillas - 7 tackles
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With the news that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had fractured his left clavicle in Dallas' Week 2 win coupled with star wide receiver Dez Bryant's broken foot, Washington and New York, both one game behind Dallas, looked to use this primetime game as a springboard to the division lead. In Week 4 of the 2014 season, Kirk Cousins threw a career-high four interceptions against the Giants in a 45-14 blowout loss. This game began inauspiciously for Washington as well; after their opening drive stalled, punter Tress Way's punt was blocked by, strangely, Giants running back Rashad Jennings. The ball rolled out of the endzone for a safety and a 2-0 Giants lead. On the Redskins' next possession they again had the ball near their own endzone, and Cousins' pass intended for Pierre Garcon was intercepted by Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara and returned to the Washington 15-yard-line. Giants second-year running back Andre Williams capitalized, running through Redskins defenders for a 1-yard touchdown and a 9-0 Giants lead just 9 minutes into the game. The teams exchanged field goals to make the score 12-3 in the middle of the second quarter, when Giants tight end Larry Donnell, who had caught 3 touchdown passes in Week 4 of 2014, dropped a pass that would have given New York a 1st and goal. They would settle for another Josh Brown field goal to go up 15-3. On the Redskins' next possession, Kirk Cousins would underthrow tight end Jordan Reed, who was open in the endzone, and they would settle for a Dustin Hopkins field goal to make the score 15-6 entering halftime.
The Giants would again drive into Redskins territory but again were unable to get in the endzone, leading to Josh Brown's third field goal of the game. Later in the third quarter, a promising Redskins drive into Giants territory was disrupted by a Cousins pass being tipped into the air and intercepted by New York linebacker Uani 'Unga. It was Cousins' 8th career interception against the Giants to go with only 1 career touchdown. With the score still 18-6 in the fourth quarter, Eli Manning hit star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who had sprinted past Redskins corner Bashaud Breeland, for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Kirk Cousins would throw a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Chris Thompson to provide a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly squashed by a 41-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Rueben Randle to put the Giants lead at 32-13. Redskins rookie receiver and returner Rashad Ross would later have a kickoff return from his own endzone to make the final score 32-21.
After losing 4th-quarter leads in their first two games, the Giants got their first win of the season to move to 1-2. After leading the NFL in rushing yards per game through the first two weeks of the season, the Redskins' leading rusher was Matt Jones, with only 38 yards, followed by Alfred Morris with 19. Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions, giving him a total of four in three games. The Redskins would host their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, also with a 1-2 record, in Week 4 to determine who would hold last place in the NFC East.
Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Four: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Eagles |
0 |
0 |
13 | 7 | 20 |
| Redskins |
6 |
7 |
3 | 7 | 23 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- Date: October 4
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 74,767
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, David Diehl and Kristina Pink
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Dustin Hopkins 20 yard field goal (0-3) WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 38 yard field goal (0-6) WAS
- Second quarter
- Kirk Cousins 1 yard rush (Dustin Hopkins kick) (0-13) WAS
- Third quarter
- Riley Cooper 62 yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford (Caleb Sturgis kick FAILED) (6-13) WAS
- Brent Celek 10 yard touchdown pass by Sam Bradford (Caleb Sturgis Kick) (13-13) TIE
- Dustin Hopkins 33 yard field goal (13-16) WAS
- Fourth quarter
- Miles Austin 39 yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford (Caleb Sturgis kick) (20-16) PHI
- Pierre Garcon 4 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (20-23) WAS
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- Top passers
- PHI – Sam Bradford - 15/28, 270 yards, 3 TD
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 31/46, 290 yards, 1 TD
- Top rushers
- PHI – DeMarco Murray - 8 carries, 36 yards
- WAS – Alfred Morris - 17 carries, 62 yards
- Top receivers
- PHI – Riley Cooper - 2 receptions, 72 yards, 1 TD
- WAS – Jamison Crowder - 7 receptions, 65 yards
- Top tacklers
- PHI – Malcolm Jenkins - 7 tackles
- WAS – Will Compton - 5 tackles
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The Redskins would host the Eagles in an NFC East matchup with both teams at 1-2. The Redskins would get the ball first, and running back Chris Thompson kicked the drive off with a 42-yard run into Eagles territory. Just 3 plays later, he took a short Cousins pass 19 yards to the 21-yard-line. They would drive down to the 2, but could not score a touchdown. They took a 3-0 lead off of a Dustin Hopkins field goal. Philadelphia would lose 8 yards on their next drive and punt back to Washington. The Redskins were able to move from midfield down to the Eagles' 20-yard-line, but the drive stalled there and they settled for another Hopkins field goal. Last year's leading rusher DeMarco Murray rattled off a 30-yard gain on the Eagles' next possession, but the teams would exchange punts after it. After several short passes by Cousins got them inside the red zone, the Redskins got the ball at the 1-yard-line after a pass interference call on Eagles rookie cornerback Eric Rowe. Kirk Cousins then ran the ball in for the first rushing touchdown of his career, and Washington led 13-0. On the Eagles' next drive, a Sam Bradford deep ball to rookie receiver Nelson Agholor was offset by a Ryan Mathews fumble on a trick play that was recovered by Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson. After a Redskins punt (which speedy returner Darren Sproles returned to the Washington 30-yard-line), Bradford threw an apparent touchdown to tight end Zach Ertz that was nullified by an illegal formation penalty of Agholor. With all the momentum lost and a sack by Redskins rookie linebacker Preston Smith moving the Eagles back to the 25-yard-line, kicker Caleb Sturgis missed a short field goal to keep the score at 13-0. It was the first time the Redskins had shut out back-to-back home opponents in the first half since 1997.
After driving to their own 38-yard-line, Philadelphia got the break they needed, with Bradford connecting with Riley Cooper for a 62-yard score. This cut the Redskins' lead to only 7 points, as Sturgis would miss the extra point. Washington would move the ball only 9 yards before punting back to Philadelphia, who got the ball at their own 29-yard-line. Two Redskins penalties would move the ball 29 yards in total, and Bradford later connected with tight end Brent Celek from 10 yards out to tie the game at 13-13. The Redskins would immediately get into Eagles territory with a 43-yard bomb from Kirk Cousins to rookie receiver Rashad Ross, and another rookie receiver, Jamison Crowder, got them into the red zone. From there, Hopkins would boot it through from 33 yards out, allowing Washington to regain its 16-13 advantage. The Redskins would get the ball back after an Eagles punt with a chance to go up by two scores, but Jordan Reed would fumble in Eagles territory to end the third quarter. Three plays later, Philadelphia burned Washington on another deep ball, this one 39 yards to veteran wide receiver Miles Austin. More importantly, the Eagles took their first lead of the game, 20-16. The Redskins would stay scoreless in the second half, punting from the Eagles' 35-yard-line instead of attempting a 53-yard field goal. The Eagles were barely able to cross midfield before punting back to Washington. With under 9 minutes remaining, they needed to regain some offensive momentum, but could not, going three-and-out. However, they were able to get a defensive stop, forcing the Eagles to go three-and-out as well. Alfred Morris runs of 16 and 13 yards got the offense rolling, and Pierre Garcon catches of 14 and 12 yards helped get Washington down to the Eagles' 4-yard-line with 35 seconds left. Cousins threw one incomplete pass to Crowder before connecting with Garcon for the game-winning touchdown and the 23-20 win.
It was the second game-winning drive of Cousins' career, the first being Week 14 of the 2012 season against the Baltimore Ravens, when he entered the game in relief of the injured Robert Griffin III. This win was also Cousins' first division win, after previously going 0-5 against the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles. With the win the Redskins moved to 2-2 for the season. Cousins would throw zero interceptions for the second consecutive home game, a first in his career, and the Redskins defense would not allow a 40-yard rusher for the second straight week. They would be put to the test again the following week, having to travel to the Georgia Dome to play the undefeated Atlanta Falcons. Kirk Cousins' career TD-INT ratio on the road is 11-13, and he has never played in a road game without throwing at least one interception.
Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Five: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Redskins |
0 |
7 |
0 | 12 | 0 | 19 |
| Falcons |
0 |
3 |
3 | 13 | 6 | 25 |
at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Derek Carrier 7 yard touchdown pass by Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (7-0) WAS
- Matt Bryant 42 yard field goal (7-3) WAS
- Third quarter
- Matt Bryant 28 yard field goal (7-6) WAS
- Fourth quarter
- Devonta Freeman FUMBLED recovered in end zone by Julio Jones (Two-point FAILED) (7-12) ATL
- Matt Jones 2 yard rush (Two-point FAILED) (13-12) WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 28 yard field goal (16-12) WAS
- Devonta Freeman 6 yard rush (Matt Bryant kick) (16-19) ATL
- Dustin Hopkins 52 yard field goal (19-19) TIE
- Overtime
- Kirk Cousins pass to Ryan Grant INTERCEPTED by Robert Alford for 59 yard touchdown (19-25) ATL
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- Top passers
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 21/32, 219 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
- ATL – Matt Ryan - 24/42, 254 yards, 2 INTs
- Top rushers
- WAS – Matt Jones - 11 carries, 20 yards, 1 TD
- ATL – Devonta Freeman - 27 carries, 153 yards, 1 TD
- Top receivers
- WAS – Jamison Crowder - 8 receptions, 87 yards
- ATL – Jacob Tamme - 8 receptions, 94 yards
- Top tacklers
- WAS – Dashon Goldson - 7 tackles
- ATL – Paul Worrilow - 8 tackles
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The Redskins played a 4-0 Atlanta Falcons team for the second time in four years; they had previously hosted the 4-0 Falcons in the 2012 season, when Atlanta won 24-17 to move to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. That game, coincidentally, was Kirk Cousins' first appearance in an NFL game. Three years later, now as the starter, he was attempting to lead Washington to their first 3-2 start since 2011.
The Redskins got the ball first, but were only able to run four plays before having to punt to Atlanta. The Falcons were able to cross midfield before quarterback Matt Ryan's pass to superstar receiver Julio Jones was tipped and intercepted by Redskins safety Trenton Robinson; it was Washington's first interception of the season. They would again be unable to enter Atlanta territory, which would lead to another punt. The home team only advanced the ball to their own 26-yard-line on their next drive, with a Ryan Kerrigan sack helping to keep Atlanta's high-scoring offense at bay Nearing the end of a scoreless first quarter, the Redskins would try to accumulate some momentum in the running game, as their longest run so far had been only 4 yards. Alfred Morris and Matt Jones would both see action, but it was the passing game that began to heat up. The two longest plays on the drive were a 14-yard pass to Chris Thompson and a 21-yarder to Pierre Garcon. The drive culminated in tight end Derek Carrier's first career touchdown pass, a 7-yard pass from Cousins that gave the Redskins a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter. Atlanta would respond with a methodical drive, including only 2 plays longer than 7 yards, to get on the board. Kicker Matt Bryant connected on a 42-yard field goal and the Falcons cut the deficit to 7-3. Looking to extend their lead, Washington's next drive would not be as effective, with only one out of five plays gaining positive yards before Cousins threw deep and was intercepted by Falcons cornerback Robert Alford, who returned the ball into Redskins territory. Of the 8 career road games in which Cousins had now played, he totaled 14 interceptions, and had thrown at least one interception in each.
The Falcons would now try to capitalize on the turnover, and would drive down to the Redskins' 23-yard-line, easily within field goal range. Defensive end Chris Baker had other ideas, sacking Ryan on 3rd and 3 and forcing a fumble, which was recovered by linebacker Will Compton. However, three incomplete Cousins passes dashed hopes of a long scoring drive and a 14-3 lead. Atlanta would get the ball back with 1:39 left and all three of their timeouts. Running back Devonta Freeman and tight end Jacob Tamme helped get the Falcons into field goal range, but Bryant would miss a short 38-yard attempt, bouncing the ball off of the right upright. The Redskins would take a 7-3 lead into halftime.
The Falcons began the second half aggressively, throwing on 6 of their first 7 plays. This got them into field goal range and gave Bryant a chance at redemption. Incredibly, this kick, 10 yards longer than the previous one, would miss by the ball hitting the left upright. Bryant’s poor fortune gave the Redskins new life, and they would use several short Cousins passes to get into field goal range themselves, albeit a 53-yard attempt. Dustin Hopkins had made a longer field goal earlier in the season, but was unable to convert this 53-yarder, missing wide right. 3 missed field goals in just over 8 minutes had kept the score at 7-3. Atlanta would cross midfield on their next drive, trying to spark some momentum, but faced a decision on 4th and 6 from the Redskins' 40-yard-line, outside of Bryant's range. Ryan would pass to Jones, his most reliable target, for a gain of 9 and the first down. Two plays later, Bashaud Breeland was called for a horse-collar tackle, which moved the ball from the Redskins' 30-yard-line to the 15. This was close enough for Bryant to convert a field goal, and Atlanta had crept within one of Washington, 7-6. Still unable to move the ball effectively, the Redskins went three and out to give the ball back to Atlanta. Washington would then struggle on defense as well, allowing 4 plays of 10+ yards. Chris Baker forced a Freeman fumble at the goal line, but Julio Jones jumped on the ball in the endzone for the go-ahead score. Falcons first-year head coach Dan Quinn would attempt a two-point conversion to go up by a full seven points, but Ryan's pass would fall incomplete to keep the lead at 12-7. The Atlanta drive covered 91 yards in just 11 plays, and now only 9 minutes remained in the game.
With their lead gone, having been shut out in the second half, and knowing the Falcons' offense was beginning to heat up, the Redskins began a crucial drive from their own 20-yard-line. A 10-yard pass and a 26-yard pass, both to rookie receiver Jamison Crowder, were followed by a shot to the endzone to fellow rookie Rashad Ross. The pass would fall incomplete, but Robert Alford would be called on a 42-yard pass interference penalty to give the Redskins the ball at the 2-yard-line. On the next play, Matt Jones completed the all-rookie drive with a touchdown, giving Washington the lead back, 13-12. Now Redskins coach Jay Gruden would go for two to extend the margin to a field goal, but it, like the Falcons' attempt, fell incomplete. Atlanta would commit a surprising turnover, a Ryan pass intercepted by Breeland, who returned the ball all the way back to the Atlanta 21-yard-line. This allowed the Redskins to extend the lead to 16-12, significant because Atlanta now needed a touchdown to win. Atlanta's next 6 plays would cover 67 yards, followed by an apparent 13-yard touchdown pass on 3rd and 2; however, the play was reviewed, and it was ruled an incomplete pass because Freeman did not maintain possession of the ball all the way to the ground. The clock read only 51 seconds left, so the Falcons had to convert the next play, a 4th and 2, to keep any hope of a perfect season. Veteran receiver Roddy White made the catch despite being surrounded by Redskins defenders, and Freeman would redeem himself on the next play with a touchdown, resulting in a 19-16 Falcons lead. They had run the clock down to 24 seconds, leaving almost no time for the Redskins to respond, but Washington still had all three timeouts. Their next three plays, gains of 20, 19, and 7 to Carrier, Garcon, and Crowder, would take up only 19 seconds, leaving 5 seconds for a 52-yard attempt at a game-tying field goal. Hopkins drilled the kick, tying the game at 19-19, and the game would go into overtime. In 24 previous meetings, dating back to 1966, Washington and Atlanta had never gone into overtime, and Atlanta had won the last four meetings.
The Redskins would win the coin toss and get the ball first in overtime. After a few short plays, a Crowder 17-yard catch would move Washington near midfield, only needing about 20 more yards to get in Hopkins' range. Three plays later, though, Cousins would attempt a pass to rookie receiver Ryan Grant, but Grant would slip on the route, allowing Robert Alford to intercept the pass and return it 59 yards for a touchdown, a Falcons 25-19 win, and their second 5-0 start in franchise history.
For the Redskins, the heartbreaking loss was the second time in four seasons they had lost to Atlanta in Week 5 by 7 points or fewer. Cousins moved to 0-3 in his career against the Falcons and threw the 15th career interception on the road in only 8 games. In each of Washington's three losses, Cousins had thrown 2 interceptions; in their two wins, he had not thrown any. The demoralizing defeat would send them to East Rutherford to play the 4-1 New York Jets, another tough matchup.
Week 6: at New York Jets
Week Six: Washington Redskins at New York Jets – Game summary
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1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Redskins |
7 |
6 |
0 | 7 | 20 |
| Jets |
7 |
3 |
17 | 7 | 34 |
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Pierre Garcon 2 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (7-0) WAS
- Chris Ivory 1 yard rush (Nick Folk kick) (7-7) TIE
- Second quarter
- Nick Folk 35 yard field goal (7-10) NYJ
- Dustin Hopkins 54 yard field goal (10-10) TIE
- Dustin Hopkins 30 yard field goal (13-10) WAS
- Third quarter
- Nick Folk 39 yard field goal (13-13) TIE
- Ryan Fitzpatrick 18 yard rush (Nick Folk kick) (13-20) NYJ
- Brandon Marshall 35 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Nick Folk kick) (13-27) NYJ
- Fourth quarter
- Eric Decker 2 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Nick Folk kick) (13-34) NYJ
- Ryan Quigley punt BLOCKED and recovered in end zone by Rashad Ross for touchdown (Dustin Hopkins kick) (20-34) NYJ
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- Top passers
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 25/43, 196 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
- NYJ – Ryan Fitzpatrick - 19/26, 253 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Top rushers
- WAS – Alfred Morris - 11 carries, 21 yards
- NYJ – Chris Ivory - 20 carries, 146 yards, 1 TD
- Top receivers
- WAS – Jamison Crowder - 4 receptions, 40 yards
- NYJ – Brandon Marshall - 7 receptions, 111 yards, 1 TD
- Top tacklers
- WAS – Dashon Goldson - 7 tackles
- NYJ – Demario Davis - 5 tackles
|
|
Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Seven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers |
10 |
14 |
0 | 6 | 30 |
| Redskins |
0 |
7 |
14 | 10 | 31 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- Date: October 25
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 72,912
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Mike Evans 40 yard touchdown pass from Jameis Winston (Connor Barth kick) (7-0) TB
- Connor Barth 22 yard field goal (10-0) TB
- Second quarter
- Donteea Dye 7 yard touchdown pass from Jameis Winston (Connor Barth kick) (17-0) TB
- Kirk Cousins FUMBLED recovered by Howard Jones for 43 yards, touchdown (24-0) TB
- Kirk Cousins 8 yard rush (Dustin Hopkins kick) (24-7) TB
- Third quarter
- Ryan Grant 3 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (24-14) TB
- Jordan Reed 3 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (24-21) TB
- Fourth quarter
- Connor Barth 45 yard field goal (27-21) TB
- Dustin Hopkins 35 yard field goal (27-24) TB
- Connor Barth 21 yard field goal (30-24) TB
- Jordan Reed 6 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (30-31) WAS
|
- Top passers
- TB – Jameis Winston - 21/29, 297 yards, 2 TDs
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 33/40, 317 yards, 3 TDs
- Top rushers
- TB – Doug Martin - 19 carries, 136 yards
- WAS – Matt Jones - 9 carries, 29 yards
- Top receivers
- TB – Mike Evans - 8 receptions, 164 yards, 1 TD
- WAS – Jordan Reed - 11 receptions 72 yards, 2 TDs
- Top tacklers
- TB – Lavonte David - 6 tackles, 3 assisted tackles
- WAS – Bashaud Breeland - 7 tackles, 5 assisted tackles
|
|
Kirk Cousins led the Redskins to their largest comeback in franchise history, after they were down 24-0. It was perhaps notable for Cousins shouting "You like that?!" after the game. The phrase was later displayed on T-shirts and towels, and became the rallying cry of the season.
Week 9: at New England Patriots
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Julian Edelman 4 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) (0-7) NE
- LeGarrette Blount 5 yard rush (Stephen Gostkowski kick) (0-14) NE
- Second quarter
- Stephen Gostkowski 21 yard field goal (0-17) NE
- Dustin Hopkins 23 yard field goal (3-17) NE
- Third quarter
- Stephen Gostkowski 21 yad field goal (3-20) NE
- Fourth quarter
- Brandon Boldin 18 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) (3-27) NE
- Jordan Reed 3 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (10-27) NE
|
- Top passers
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 22/40, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- NE – Tom Brady - 26/39, 299 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Top rushers
- WAS – Matt Jones - 11 carries, 27 yards
- NE – LeGarrette Blount - 29 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD
- Top receivers
- WAS – Pierre Garcon - 4 receptions, 70 yards
- NE – Brandon LaFell - 5 receptions, 102 yards
- Top tacklers
- WAS – Chris Baker - 5 tackles, 2 assisted tackles
- NE – Logan Ryan - 6 tackles
|
|
Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Ten: New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Saints |
7 |
7 |
0 | 0 | 14 |
| Redskins |
14 |
13 |
10 | 10 | 47 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- Date: November 15
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 75,086
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Jordan Reed 6 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (0-7) WAS
- Brandin Cooks 4 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees (Kai Forbath kick) (7-7) TIE
- Jamison Crowder 11 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (7-14) WAS
- Second quarter
- Brandin Cooks 60 yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees (Kai Forbath kick) (14-14) TIE
- Matt Jones 78 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (14-21) WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 35 yard field goal (14-24) WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 23 yard field goal (14-27) WAS
- Third quarter
- Dustin Hopkins 40 yard field goal (14-30) WAS
- Jordan Reed 8 yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins (Dustin Hopkins kick) (14-37) WAS
- Fourth quarter
- Drew Brees pass INTERCEPTED by Dashon Goldson, returned for 35 yards, touchdown (Dustin Hopkins kick) (14-44) WAS
- Dustin Hopkins 22 yard field goal (14-47) WAS
|
- Top passers
- NO – Drew Brees - 19/28, 209 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- WAS – Kirk Cousins - 20/25, 324 yards, 4 TDs
- Top rushers
- NO – Mark Ingram - 5 carries, 77 yards
- WAS – Alfred Morris - 15 carries, 92 yards
- Top receivers
- NO – Brandin Cooks - 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD
- WAS – Matt Jones - 3 receptions, 131 yards, 1 TD
- Top tacklers
- NO – Jo-Lonn Dunbar - 5 tackles, 3 assisted tackles
- WAS – Bashaud Breeland - 6 tackles, 3 assisted tackles
|
|
Week 11: at Carolina Panthers
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 12: vs. New York Giants
Week Twelve: New York Giants at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants |
0 |
0 |
0 | 14 | 14 |
| Redskins |
0 |
17 |
0 | 3 | 20 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- Date: November 29
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 77,367
- Referee: Carl Cheffers
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
This contest broke a 5-game losing streak to the Giants. In addition, the Redskins claimed first place in the division.
Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week Thirteen: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Cowboys |
0 |
3 |
3 | 13 | 19 |
| Redskins |
0 |
3 |
3 | 10 | 16 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 14: at Chicago Bears
Week Fourteen: Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Redskins |
7 |
7 |
7 | 3 | 24 |
| Bears |
0 |
7 |
14 | 0 | 21 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Date: December 13
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 61,026
- Referee: Ron Torbert
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
This was the Redskins' first road win of the season and second under Jay Gruden. This had been a problem during Gruden's time with the team.
Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week Fifteen: Buffalo Bills at Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills |
0 |
0 |
17 | 8 | 25 |
| Redskins |
7 |
14 |
7 | 7 | 35 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
- Date: December 20
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 80,124
- Referee: Clete Blakeman
- TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Week 16: at Philadelphia Eagles
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
With the win, the Redskins clinched the division title for the first time since 2012.
Week 17: at Dallas Cowboys
Week Seventeen: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Redskins |
21 |
3 |
3 | 7 | 34 |
| Cowboys |
0 |
14 |
0 | 9 | 23 |
at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Date: January 3, 2016
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
- Game attendance: 90,127
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
- Recap, Gamebook
| Game information |
- First quarter
- Second quarter
- Third quarter
- Fourth quarter
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- Top receivers
- Top tacklers
|
|
Postseason
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (#5) Green Bay Packers
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: (#5) Green Bay Packers at (#4) Washington Redskins – Game summary
|
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers |
0 |
17 |
7 | 11 | 35 |
| Redskins |
5 |
6 |
7 | 0 | 18 |
at FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland
| Game information |
- 1st quarter
- 2nd quarter
- WAS – Jordan Reed 24-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (kick failed; hru), 13:02. Redskins 11–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:22.
- GB – Randall Cobb 12-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:04. Redskins 11–7. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:58.
- GB – Mason Crosby 43-yard field goal, 2:54. Redskins 11–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:04.
- GB – Davante Adams 10-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:28. Packers 17–11. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 1:54.
- 3rd quarter
- WAS – Kirk Cousins 3-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 9:41. Redskins 18–17. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:19.
- GB – James Starks 4-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 4:12. Packers 24–18. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:29.
- 4th quarter
- GB – Eddie Lacy 2-yard run (2-pt conv. – Aaron Rodgers pass to Jared Abbrederis), 12:23. Packers 32–18. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:39.
- GB – Mason Crosby 29-yard field goal, 4:39. Packers 35–18. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 0:19.
|
- Leading passers
- Leading rushers
- Leading receivers
|
|
The Redskins, favored by 1, struggled in the second half, letting Green Bay end the game on a 17-0 run. The Redskins offense turned the ball over late and failed to convert a fourth down in their own territory with 5 minutes to play. Mason Crosby then kicked a field goal, putting the game out of reach.
Standings
Division
Conference
References
External links
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| | | | Franchise | |
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| | Stadiums | |
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| | Culture | |
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| | Lore | |
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| | Rivalries | |
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| | Division championships (14) | |
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| | Super Bowl appearances (5) | |
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| | League championships (5) | |
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| | Hall of Fame players | |
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| | All-time leaders | |
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| | Current league affiliations | |
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| | Seasons (84) | |
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