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 back to November 3, 2013, when the Washington Redskins took on the San Diego Chargers. 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 30 San Diego Chargers 24
Date: November 3, 2013
Venue: Fed Ex Field
Attendance: 80,115
On November 3rd, 2013, Darrel Young had a career game. In fact, Young scored as many touchdowns on the day as he had scored up to that point, in his three-plus years in the league.
Among those touchdowns, was a 4-yard run 6:01 into overtime to seal a Redskin victory over the San Diego Chargers. He had previously already scored one-yard touchdown runs in both the third and fourth quarters. It had to catch the Chargers off guard considering that Young had previously only run the ball twice all season.
In reality, Washington was fortunate to have been in the position to win in the first place.
The Chargers had scored what looked like a touchdown in the dying embers of the game, when Danny Woodhead hit the end zone pylon on a run. The referee even signalled that it was a touchdown. Upon further consideration, the touchdown was taken away and the ball placed at the goal line. First and goal inside the one-yard line with 21 seconds remaining. Surely the game was still going to go their way.
Instead, the Redskins defense dug in and put up one hell of a goal line stand. One run and two passes later – all failed attempts – the Chargers had to kick a short field goal to send the game into overtime.
Getting to that juncture, Robert Griffin III had looked like a good, young quarterback often does – inconsistent. He threw a bad interception in the first quarter. He was picked off on his own goal line, resulting in San Diego’s first score of the game from nose tackle Sean Lissemore.
However, the second year quarterback settled down and was solid after that. He completed 23 of his 32 passes for 291 yards. He also put up 17 more yards on six carries.
Pierre Garcon had a fantastic game, hauling in seven receptions for an astounding 172 yards. Leonard Hankerson chipped in 55 yards on 5 receptions. Jordan Reed also had 37 yards on 4 catches.
The Redskins also managed to run the ball well, with Alfred Morris posting 121 yards and a touchdown on 25 rushes.
The game might not have come down to the crunch had it not been for not one, but two blocked Kai Forbath field goals in the first half. Lawrence Guy blocked a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter, and Corey Liuger then blocked another on the very last play of the first half.
That left Washington with a 14-7 first half deficit, that they managed to overcome and earn the victory.
The win moved Washington to 3-5 on the season. It looked like they were still in the hunt in the NFC East, but the wheels absolutely fell off after this game. They lost an astounding eight in a row under coach Mike Shanahan, and finished the season with a 3-13 record. That would prove the end for Shanahan, and he hasn’t coached a game since.
The Chargers fell to 4-4 with the loss, but would win five of their next eight and make the playoffs. They even beat the Bengals in their Wild Card game before ultimately bowing out to the Denver Broncos.
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.
