Since Dan Snyder took over as owner of the Washington Redskins, embarrassing losses, such as Sunday’s 19-14 defeat at Detroit, have brought change, some of it for the better, some not. Here are the worst losses of Snyder’s tenure and what happened in the aftermath.
Bengals 20-13 (2008) » Cincinnati came into the game 1-11-1, but forced a Mike Sellers fumble at the goal line and went on to shock Washington behind QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Response » With some saying Jim Zorn was coaching for his job, the Redskins rebounded with a 10-3 win over Philadelphia to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Bills 17-16 (2007) » Playing their first game after the tragic death of Sean Taylor, the Redskins lose at home when coach Joe Gibbs calls consecutive timeouts, allowing Rian Lindell to kick the winning field goal. Afterward, Gibbs admits he didn’t know the rule.
Response » Rallying behind QB Todd Collins, the Redskins win their final four games to finish 9-7 and secure a playoff berth.
Raiders 16-13 (2005) » Redskins fans are fed up with QB Mark Brunell (14 of 32, 155 yards) and an anemic offense that produces just 246 yards. Worse yet, the FedEx loss is delivered by former Redskins head coach Norv Turner.
Response » After falling the following week to another castoff, Marty Schottenheimer (San Diego), Brunell rallies Washington to five straight wins and a playoff berth.
Cowboys 27-0 (2003) » On a cold and wet December Sunday at FedEx, which epitomized the Steve Spurrier Era, Dallas rolls behind QB Quincy Carter and RB Troy Hambrick (189 yards rushing), while Redskins QB Tim Hasselbeck (6 for 26, 56 yards, 4 interceptions) establishes a new low for futility.
Response » The Redskins lose their final two games to finish 5-11. Three days later, Spurrier faxes in his resignation.
Giants 9-7 (2000) » With the most expensive roster in NFL history, the Redskins lose their third straight game at FedEx Field as Eddie Murray’s 49-yard field goal try falls short as Washington falls to 7-6 on the season.
Response » Snyder fires coach Norv Turner and replaces him with Terry Robiske, but the Redskins fall flat, losing in blowouts at Dallas and Pittsburgh.
