2007 Washington Redskins season

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2007 Washington Redskins season
FedExField
Results
Record9–7
Division place3rd NFC East
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(at Seahawks) 14–35
Pro BowlersTE Chris Cooley
OT Chris Samuels
FS Sean Taylor
LS Ethan Albright
AP All-ProsFS Sean Taylor (2nd team)
Redskins' linebacker Rocky McIntosh and London Fletcher versus Green Bay, October 14

The

season was the franchise's 76th season in the National Football League (NFL). The Redskins finished their regular season with a record of 9–7 and a playoff appearance. This was an improvement over the 2006 season when they went 5–11 and finished last in the NFC East
.

Over the course of the season, Washington went 5–3 in

road; they lost 6 of their 7 games by one touchdown or less. After losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round, Coach Joe Gibbs announced his retirement, thus ending his second stint as head coach of the Redskins. During the season, the tragedy of Sean Taylor
's death occurred before a game against the Buffalo Bills. For the first defensive play, they fielded 10 men leaving the usual free safety spot empty to honor Taylor.

Coaching staff

Head coach

Super Bowls
with the Redskins. On January 8, 2008, three days after the season ended, Gibbs announced his retirement from the position of head coach and president.

The Redskins fired former

to their coaching staff.

Offseason

Signings

On March 2, the Redskins signed London Fletcher, formerly with the Buffalo Bills, to a 5-year, $25 million contract. The deal also includes a $10.5 million signing bonus.[1]
On March 3, the Redskins signed Fred Smoot, formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, to a 5-year deal. Smoot was drafted by the Redskins in 2001 and signed with the Vikings in 2005.[2]
On March 8, the Redskins signed Ross Tucker, formerly with the Cleveland Browns, to an undisclosed contract.[3]
On March 21, the Redskins signed Jason Fabini, formerly with the Dallas Cowboys, to an undisclosed contract.[4]
On April 5, the Redskins signed David Macklin, formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, to a 1-year contract.[5]
On June 1, the Redskins signed Jason McAddley, formerly with the San Francisco 49ers, to an undisclosed contract.[6]
On August 21, the Redskins signed Randall Godfrey, formerly with the San Diego Chargers, to an undisclosed contract.[7]

Departures

On February 22, the Redskins released


On February 28, the Redskins released
tight end Christian Fauria.[9]
On March 2, Derrick Dockery signed with the Buffalo Bills.[10]
On March 4, Kenny Wright signed with the Cleveland Browns.[11]
On March 7, the Redskins released
John Hall.[12]

On March 9,
T. J. Duckett agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions.[13]
On March 20, Adam Archuleta was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft pick.[14]
On March 22, the Redskins released wide receiver David Patten.[15]
On April 26, Warrick Holdman signed with the Denver Broncos.
On August 21, the Redskins released linebacker Lemar Marshall.
On September 1, the Redskins released cornerback Ade Jimoh and Defensive end Renaldo Wynn.

Free agents heading into the 2007 season

[16]

Position Player Free agency
tag
Date signed 2007 team
LS Ethan Albright UFA January 12
Washington Redskins
DT Ryan Boschetti RFA March 12
Washington Redskins
G Derrick Dockery UFA March 2 Buffalo Bills
RB T. J. Duckett UFA March 9 Detroit Lions
S Vernon Fox UFA March 2
Washington Redskins
P Derrick Frost RFA April 2
Washington Redskins
LB Warrick Holdman UFA April 26 Denver Broncos
TE Brian Kozlowski UFA
OT Jim Molinaro RFA March 21 Dallas Cowboys
LB Jeff Posey UFA
OL Mike Pucillo UFA February 28
Washington Redskins
OT Todd Wade UFA March 14
Washington Redskins
CB Kenny Wright UFA March 4 Cleveland Browns
TE Todd Yoder UFA March 13
Washington Redskins

2007 NFL Draft

2006 Washington Redskins draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 6 LaRon Landry *  S LSU
5 143 Dallas Sartz  LB USC
6 179 H. B. Blades  LB Pittsburgh
6 205 Jordan Palmer  QB UTEP From Chicago
7 216 Tyler Ecker  TE Michigan
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Roster

2007 Washington Redskins final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 10 inactive, 8 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 11 at Tennessee Titans W 14–6 1–0
LP Field
Recap
2 August 18 Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–12 1–1
FedExField
Recap
3 August 25 Baltimore Ravens W 13–7 2–1
FedExField
Recap
4 August 30 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 14–31 2–2
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Recap

Week 1: at Tennessee Titans

The Redskins started their first preseason against the Tennessee Titans on the road on August 11. The Redskins defense allowed only six points and caused four fumbles, one of which they recovered. Many were surprised to see the Redskins' Quarterback Jason Campbell play the whole 1st half. Campbell wasn't productive, fumbled twice, and didn't score any touchdowns. The Redskins scored two late touchdowns in the last 1:17 to win the game. Marcus Mason scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown, and Byron Westbrook recovered a fumble in the endzone.GameBook

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

In the Redskins' second preseason game, they scored first but not without having a scare first. On their second drive, Quarterbacks

Chris Cooley—Campbell hobbled off the field with a bruised knee. Todd Collins took over for Campbell with some early success in the game; he threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lloyd. The Redskins had four goal-line stands, and only allowed 12 points (four field goals). However, their offense struggled to really got back into the swing of things without Campbell; their only other score of the game was a field goal. The Redskins' sustained some injuries during the game: linebacker Marcus Washington suffered a dislocated elbow, and wide receiver Mike Espy ruptured his tendon and subsequently was out for the season due to the injury. GameBook

Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Due to severe thunderstorms, the Redskins' third preseason game was shortened at the 11:38 mark in the third quarter. The

field goals. The Redskins' defense looked great the whole night, only allowing the Ravens to a touchdown. In the third quarter, linebacker Dallas Sartz intercepted a Kyle Boller pass and ran it back for a touchdown. The game ended shortly thereafter. GameBook

Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Redskins started their last preseason game strong. The defense forced a 3-and-out on Jacksonville's first drive and the Redskins scored on their first possession. Jason Campbell finished the game with 5 of 5 completions and a touchdown to Antwaan Randle El. Mark Brunell also threw a touchdown pass to Ryan Hoag. Though the Redskins were leading at halftime, they did not score again for the rest of the game. They eventually gave up three more touchdowns as the Jaguars rallied past the Redskins' backups. GameBook

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 9 Miami Dolphins W 16–13 (OT) 1–0
FedExField
Recap
2 September 17 at Philadelphia Eagles W 20–12 2–0 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
3 September 23 New York Giants L 17–24 2–1
FedExField
Recap
4 Bye
5 October 7 Detroit Lions W 34–3 3–1
FedExField
Recap
6 October 14 at Green Bay Packers L 14–17 3–2 Lambeau Field Recap
7 October 21 Arizona Cardinals W 21–19 4–2
FedExField
Recap
8 October 28 at New England Patriots L 7–52 4–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
9 November 4 at New York Jets W 23–20 (OT) 5–3 The Meadowlands Recap
10 November 11 Philadelphia Eagles L 25–33 5–4
FedExField
Recap
11 November 18 at Dallas Cowboys L 23–28 5–5 Texas Stadium Recap
12 November 25 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–19 5–6 Raymond James Stadium Recap
13 December 2 Buffalo Bills L 16–17 5–7
FedExField
Recap
14 December 6 Chicago Bears W 24–16 6–7
FedExField
Recap
15 December 16 at New York Giants W 22–10 7–7 Giants Stadium Recap
16 December 23 at Minnesota Vikings W 32–21 8–7 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
17 December 30 Dallas Cowboys W 27–6 9–7
FedExField
Recap

Standings

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Dallas Cowboys 13 3 0 .813 4–2 10–2 455 325 L1
(5) New York Giants 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 373 351 L1
(6) Washington Redskins 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 334 310 W4
Philadelphia Eagles 8 8 0 .500 2–4 5–7 336 300 W3

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Dolphins 0 7 33013
Redskins 0 3 73316

at

FedExField, Landover, Maryland

The Redskins scored the first points of the game when

right tackle Jon Jansen for the year when he fractured his ankle in the second quarter. GameBook

Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles

The Redskins' second regular season game, against the

Chris Cooley
for a touchdown to end the first half up 10–6.

In the third quarter, the Eagles and Redskins both scored another field goal, bringing the score to 13–9 prior to a Redskins drive that began with 1:15 remaining in the third quarter. That eventually led to Clinton Portis running for a six-yard touchdown early in the 4th quarter, bringing the score to 20–9.

The Eagles, with a field goal late in the 4th quarter, were down by 8 as they drove down to the Redskins 9-yard line. The Eagles' drive stalled and they turned the ball over on downs with an incomplete pass. With possession on their own 9-yard line, the Redskins ran out the clock on their way to a victory. The final score was 20–12.

Week 3: vs. New York Giants

Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 3 0 71424
Redskins 7 10 0017

at

FedExField, Landover, Maryland

In the first quarter, the Redskins trailed early as The New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes got a 34-yard field goal. The Redskins took the lead with running back Clinton Portis getting a 1-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, quarter back Jason Campbell completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley, while kicker Shaun Suisham made a 47-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Giants running back Reuben Droughns made a 1-yard touchdown run for the only score that quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Giants took the lead with Droughns getting another 1-yard touchdown run, while quarter back Eli Manning completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Plaxico Burress. The Redskins managed to get a late-game drive, but it ended up with running back Ladell Betts getting taken down at the Giant's 1-yard line on 4th & Goal.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 2–1 entering their bye week.

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions

Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 303
Redskins 0 14 21834

at

FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Coming off their bye week, the Redskins stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with the

safety Sean Taylor for a 35-yard return which later helped the Redskins finish a drive with a field goal. With less than 3 minutes in the fourth quarter, the Lions began a drive at their own 43-yard line. After gaining 14 yards, Jon Kitna threw an interception to cornerback Carlos Rogers
, who returned it 61 yards for a touchdown for the final score of the game.

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

Week 6: at Green Bay Packers

Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 7 0014
Packers 7 0 10017

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C) (rain)
  • Game attendance: 70,761
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color commentator)

Coming off their dominating home win over the Lions, the Redskins flew to

Chris Cooley
for the only score in the quarter.

In the third quarter, Washington struggled as Packers'

kicker Mason Crosby got a 37-yard field goal, while cornerback Charles Woodson returned a fumble
57 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, the Packers held on for the win.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 3–2.

Week 7: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Trying to rebound from their road loss to the Packers, the Redskins went home for a Week 7 match-up against the Arizona Cardinals. In the first quarter, Washington took the early lead with running back Clinton Portis getting a 2-yard touchdown run for the only score of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Redskins increased its lead with linebacker London Fletcher returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals scored as quarterback Kurt Warner completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin (with a failed PAT).

In the third quarter, Washington increased its lead with Portis getting a 1-yard touchdown run for the only score of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals managed to get within striking distance as quarterback Warner and wide receiver Boldin hooked up on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Cardinals got within two points with quarterback Tim Rattay completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Leonard Pope (with a failed 2-point conversion). Later, the Cardinals managed to recover its onside kick and managed to set up a game-winning 55-yard field goal. Fortunately for the Redskins the Cardinals' kick missed wide left—securing the victory.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 4–2.

Week 8: at New England Patriots

Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 0 077
Patriots 7 17 141452

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Game time: 4:15 p.m.
    EST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), clear & windy
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color commentator)
  • Coming off The Redskins' home win over the Cardinals, they traveled to Gillette Stadium for a Week 8 inter-conference duel with the undefeated New England Patriots. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady got a 3-yard touchdown run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Redskins continued to fall behind as Brady completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to linebacker Mike Vrabel, kicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 36-yard field goal, and Brady pulled a "Marino"—by doing a fake spike and then completing a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Randy Moss.

    In the third quarter, Washington's deficit increased when Brady got a 2-yard touchdown run, along with linebacker

    Chris Cooley
    .

    With the loss, not only did the Redskins fall to 4–3, but the Redskins allowed the most points in a single game since 1961 (53 points to the New York Giants).

    Week 9: at New York Jets

    Period 1 2 34OTTotal
    Redskins 3 6 38323
    Jets 10 7 03020

    at The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey

    Coming off a humiliating road loss to the Patriots, the Redskins traveled to

    field goal, yet the Jets answered with their kicker Mike Nugent getting a 29-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Jets increased their lead with quarterback Kellen Clemens completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Joe Kowalewski
    . The Redskins ended the half with Suisham getting a 40-yard and a 22-yard field goal.

    In the third quarter, the Redskins drew closer with Suisham kicking a 40-yard field goal for the only score of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins took the lead with running back Clinton Portis getting a 1-yard touchdown run, along with quarterback Jason Campbell's 2-point conversion pass to wide receiver Antwaan Randle El. The Jets managed to force an overtime with Nugent getting a 30-yard field goal. In overtime, the Redskins managed to come out on top as Suisham nailed the game-winning 46-yard field goal.

    With the win, the Redskins improved to 5–3. The victory also improved Head Coach Joe Gibbs's overtime record to 10–3.

    Week 10: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

    Period 1 2 34Total
    Eagles 7 0 62033
    Redskins 0 12 31025

    at

    FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (color commentator) and Tony Siragusa (sideline reporter)