Welcome to Flashback Friday, where we take a trip down memory lane to revisit yesteryear moments in Washington football history. From jaw-dropping plays to nail-biting finishes, Washington football has provided its fans with countless memories throughout the years. Today, we turn our attention way back to October 6, 2002, when the Washington Redskins took on the Miami Dolphins. As we dive into the archives, let’s try relive the events that unfolded on that historic day.
Each #FlashbackFriday, we’ll uncover performances and milestones that are part of the franchise’s storied history. So, grab your virtual time machine, fasten your seat belts, and get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of franchise history. Let’s relish in the nostalgia, as we honor the past and pay tribute to the legends who’ve donned the burgundy and gold.
On This Day
Washington Redskins 17 Miami Dolphins 16
Date: October 13, 2019
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
Attendance: 59,808
It came right down to the very last play of the game. In fact, it came right down to a coaching decision from the Dolphins’ Brian Flores.
The Dolphins opted to go for a two-point conversion with six seconds to go – instead of just kicking a point after attempt, tying the game, and sending it into overtime.
Miami had called on backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick at the start of the 4th quarter to replace a struggling Josh Rosen. Fitzpatrick had responded as well as could be hoped for, and had led his team all the way back from a 17-3 deficit.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, running back Kenyan Drake dropped the pass on the two-point try, and Washington was able to secure the victory.
It was Washington’s first game under interim head coach Bill Callahan. He replaced Jay Gruden, who had been at the helm for five straight losses to start the season.
Callahan, a fantastic offensive line coach, put the ball in the hands of veteran running back Adrian Peterson, and rode that horse to Washington’s first win of the season. Peterson posted 118 yards on a solid 23 carries, which was more yardage than he had posted collectively in the first five games. An impressive 72 of those yards, came after contact.
Washington got a fantastic game from rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin. He not only caught touchdown passes of 25 and 33 yards, but posted 100 yards receiving on just 4 catches.
Case Keenum returned at quarterback after missing one game with a sore foot. He threw the two TDs to McLaurin but was largely ineffective going 13-of-25 for 166 yards. He did not get sacked or picked off.
Washington struggled on third downs though, going 2-for-11, and managing only 13 first downs in the game.
Fitzpatrick did everything he could to get the Dolphins their first win of the season, including leading a 75-yard drive with just 2:02 to go in the fourth. He finished 12-of-18 for 132 yards in just one quarter of work.
Rosen had been abyssmal going 15-of-25 for 85 yards. He was sacked five times – two by Jonathan Allen. He also threw two interceptions.
It was a very positive debut for Callahan, but it came against the one team in the NFL that was playing as poorly as Washington was.
They moved to 1-5 on the season with the victory, but would manage just two more wins in 2019 under Callahan.
Flashback Fridays
Thank you for joining us as we step back in time and celebrate the rich heritage of Washington football. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the team, this series aims to ignite your passion and deepen your appreciation for the remarkable moments that have defined our beloved franchise.
Stay tuned each week for a new Flashback Friday article, and be transported back to the unforgettable moments that have defined our beloved team.
Feel free to hit up the Twitter account at @TheHogsdotNetv2 and give your thoughts on the match-up.
