2007 Washington Redskins season

The 2007 Washington Redskins season was the team's 75th season, and saw the team achieve a record of 9-7 and a playoff appearance. This was an improvement over the 2006 season in which they went 5-11 and finished last in the NFC East.

Over the course of the season, Washington went 5-3 in home games at FedExField, and 4-4 on the road. 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.

Coaching staff
Head coach Joe Gibbs entered his fourth year of his second stint with the Redskins. It was the second-to-last year on his existing contract. He previously coached the Redskins in the 1981-1992 seasons. On January 8, 2008, three days after the season ended, Gibbs announced his retirement from the position of Head Coach and Team President; he would remain on board as a special assistant to Dan Snyder.

The Redskins fired former linebackers coach Dale Lindsay and promoted Kirk Olivadotti to take his job. Olivadotti previously helped coach the defensive line and special teams. The Redskins also added Tony Spinosa, Matthew Shea, and Bill Khayat to their coaching staff.

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. 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. On March 8, the Redskins signed Ross Tucker, formerly with the Cleveland Browns, to an undisclosed contract. On March 21, the Redskins signed Jason Fabini, formerly with the Dallas Cowboys, to an undisclosed contract. On April 5, the Redskins signed David Macklin, formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, to a 1-year contract. On June 1, the Redskins signed Jason McAddley, formerly with the San Francisco 49ers, to an undisclosed contract. On August 21, the Redskins signed Randall Godfrey, formerly with the San Diego Chargers, to an undisclosed contract.

Departures
On February 22, the Redskins released safety Troy Vincent. On February 28, the Redskins released tight end Christian Fauria. On March 2, Derrick Dockery signed with the Buffalo Bills. On March 4, Kenny Wright signed with the Cleveland Browns. On March 7, the Redskins released kicker John Hall. On March 9, T. J. Duckett agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions. On March 20, Adam Archuleta was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional 6th round draft pick. On March 22, the Redskins released wide receiver David Patten. 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.

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' QB Jason Campbell play the whole 1st half. Campbell wasn't productive, fumbled twice, and didn't score any points. 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 their second preseason game, the Redskins scored first but there was a scare involved on the way. On their second drive, QB Jason Campbell was tackled at the knee while throwing a 29-yard pass to Chris Cooley. Campbell walked off the field by himself with a bruised knee. Todd Collins took over for Campbell and 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 was never really back in sync, and their only other score of the game was a field goal. Redskins' LB Marcus Washington suffered a dislocated elbow, and WR Mike Espy ruptured his tendon and is out for the season. 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 kickoff was delayed over an hour and the game started at 9:12. The Redskins scored first in the game. Shaun Suisham had two 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 would 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

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins
The Redskins scored the first points of the game when Shaun Suisham kicked a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter. On the last play of the 1st half, Trent Green threw a 1-yard pass to Justin Peelle to claim the lead. The Redskins started the third quarter with Clinton Portis running for a 19-yard touchdown. Miami later answered with a field goal to tie the game. In the 4th quarter, both teams scored a field goal and the game went into overtime. Washington won the coin toss. They ran the ball down to Miami's 22-yardline, and Shaun Suisham made a game-winning 39-yard field goal. Clinton Portis finished the game with 17 carries, 98 yards, and a touchdown. The Redskins lost 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 Philadelphia Eagles, started off with a Redskins field goal at the end of the first quarter. Less than five minutes into the second quarter, the Eagles earned a field goal to tie the game at 3-3. A few minutes later, the Eagles scored another field goal to go up 6-3, the only lead they would have in the game. Just before halftime, Jason Campbell hit 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 would eventually lead to Clinton Portis running for a 6 yard TD 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. Final Score: 20-12.

Week 3: vs. New York Giants
In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes got a 34-yard field goal. The 'Skins took the lead with RB Clinton Portis getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, QB Jason Campbell completed a 8-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley, while kicker Shaun Suisham made a 47-yard field goal. In the third quarter, New York RB Reuben Droughns made a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, New York took the lead with Droughns getting another 1-yard TD run, while QB Eli Manning completed a 33-yard TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress. Washington managed to get a late-game drive, but it ended up with RB Ladell Betts getting taken down at N.Y.'s 1-yard line on 4th & Goal.

With the loss, the Redskins would fall to 2-1 entering their bye week.

Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions
Coming off their bye week, the Redskins stayed at home for a Week 5 duel with the Detroit Lions, who have never beaten the Redskins in Washington, D.C. Though the first quarter was scoreless, the Washington Redskins began what would be a 14 play, 80 yard drive in the second quarter which started at their own 20 yard line and finished with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Jason Campbell to Chris Cooley. The 'Skins next possession began at their own 17-yard line and began an 83-yard drive in 7 plays, culminating in a touchdown for Mike Sellers in a 1-yard rushing play. The first half ended with the Redskins up 14-0. With 2:27 left in the third quarter, the Detroit Lions scored their first and only points with a 39-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-3. The Redskins next drive was only 9 yards and resulted in a punt, but put the Detroit Lions on their own 8-yard line. After a rushing play that resulted in a loss of 1 yard, the Washington Redskins sacked Detroit Lions QB, Jon Kitna in the endzone for a safety, bringing the Redskin's lead to 13 with a score of 16-3 to end the quarter. After a fourth quarter fumble by Redskins' running back Clinton Portis, the Detroit Lions took possession at their own 10-yard line. The Lion's drove 26 yards before punting to James Thrash, who returned the punt for 62 yards and fumbled towards the endzone, where Rock Cartwright recovered the ball on the 3-yard line. After a Redskin's five-yard penalty, Washington Redskins QB Jason Campbell threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Mike Sellers and then converted a 2 point attempt with a pass to Chris Cooley bringing the score to 24-3. Detroit's next possession ended with a Sean Taylor interception of 35-yards which would later help the Redskins finish a drive with a field goal. With less than 3 minutes in the fourth quarter, the Detroit Lion's began a drive at their own 43-yard line. After gaining 14 yards, Jon Kitna threw an interception to Carlos Rogers, who returned it 61-yards for a touchdown for the final point of the game.

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

Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
Coming off their dominating home win over the Lions, the Redskins flew to Lambeau Field for a Week 6 intraconference duel with the Green Bay Packers. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Packers RB DeShawn Wynn managed to get a 3-yard TD run. The 'Skins would respond with QB Jason Campbell getting a 6-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Redskins took the lead as Campbell completed a 14-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, Washington struggled as Packers kicker Mason Crosby got a 37-yard field goal, while CB Charles Woodson returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, in the fourth quarter, Green Bay held on to 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 RB Clinton Portis getting a 2-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the 'Skins increased its lead with LB London Fletcher returning an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals would get a touchdown as QB Kurt Warner completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin (with a failed PAT).

In the third quarter, Washington increased its lead with Portis getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Arizona managed to get within striking distance as Warner and Boldin hooked up with each other again on a 10-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Cardinals got within two points with QB Tim Rattay completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Leonard Pope (with a failed 2-point conversion). Later, Arizona managed to recover its onside kick and managed to set up a game-winning 55-yard field goal. Fortunately, the kick went wide left, securing the victory.

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

Week 8: at New England Patriots
Coming off their home win over the Cardinals, the Redskins flew to Gillette Stadium for a Week 8 interconference duel with the undefeated New England Patriots. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Patriots QB Tom Brady got a 3-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Redskins continued to fall behind as Brady completed a 2-yard TD pass to LB 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 TD pass to WR Randy Moss.

In the third quarter, Washington's deficit increased as Brady got a 2-yard TD run, along LB Rosevelt Colvin returning a fumble 11 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots finished their job with Brady completing a 2-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker, along with back-up QB Matt Cassel getting a 15-yard TD run. Afterwards, the 'Skins got their only score of the game as QB Jason Campbell completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley.

With the loss, not only did the Redskins fall to 4-3, but the Redskins allowed the most points in one game since 1961, when they gave up 53 points to the New York Giants.

Week 9: at New York Jets
Coming off a humiliating road loss to the Patriots, the Redskins flew to The Meadowlands for a Week 9 interconference duel with the New York Jets. In the first quarter, Washington immediately trailed as Jets RB/KR/PR Leon Washington returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown. The 'Skins managed to respond with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 46-yard field goal, yet New York answered with kicker Mike Nugent getting a 29-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Jets increased with QB Kellen Clemens completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Joe Kowalewski. The Redskins ended the half with Suisham getting a 40-yard and a 22-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Washington drew closer with Suisham kicking a 40-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the 'Skins took the lead with RB Clinton Portis getting a 1-yard TD run, along with QB Jason Campbell's 2-point conversion pass to WR Antwaan Randle El. New York managed to force overtime with Nugent getting a 30-yard field goal. In overtime, Washington 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
Coming off their overtime road win over the Jets, the Redskins went home for an NFC East rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Eagles QB Donovan McNabb completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Brian Westbrook for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Redskins took the lead with QB Jason Campbell hooking up with WR James Thrash on a 4-yard TD pass (with a failed PAT) and a 12-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion).

In the third quarter, the Redskins increased their lead with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 23-yard field goal. Philadelphia managed to draw close with McNabb completing an 8-yard TD pass to TE L.J. Smith (with a failed 2-point conversion). In the fourth quarter, Washington added on to its lead with Campbell completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Keenan McCardell, yet the Eagles answered with McNabb's 45-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Brown. The Redskins tried to pull away as Suisham nailed a 21-yard field goal. However, Philadelphia sealed the win with Westbrook turning a 57-yard reception and a 10-yard run into touchdowns.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 5-4. This would turn out to be Sean Taylor's last ever game, as he would turn out to be injured the last two games before his death.

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
Hoping to rebound from their divisional home loss to the Eagles, the Redskins flew to Texas Stadium for a Week 11 NFC East showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Washington struck first as QB Jason Campbell completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Cowboys tied the game with QB Tony Romo completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens. Afterwards, the Redskins would take the lead into halftime as kicker Shaun Suisham managed to get a 45-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Dallas took the lead as Romo hooked up with Owens again on a 31-yard TD pass. Washington's response would be Suisham kicking a 39-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys added on to their lead as Romo and Owens hooked up with each other for the third time on a 46-yard TD pass, while the Redskins tried to fight back with Suisham nailing a 44-yard field goal. However, Dallas managed to put the game out of reach with Romo and Owens hooking up with each other for the fourth time on a 52-yard TD pass. Washington's only response would Campbell's 5-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 5-5.

Week 12: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Redskins flew to Raymond James Stadium for a Week 12 duel with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham got a 1-yard TD run, along with kicker Matt Bryant getting a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Redskins continued to struggle as Bryant gave Tampa Bay a 27-yard and a 48-yard field goal. Washington would get its only score of the half with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 43-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Redskins started to mount a comeback as QB Jason Campbell completed a 39-yard TD pass to TE Chris Cooley for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Washington managed to creep closer as Suisham nailed a 38-yard field goal. However, the Buccaneers' defense held on to secure the win.

With their third-straight loss, the Redskins fell to 5-6.

In the game, Washington was plagued with 6 turnovers (2 interceptions and 4 lost fumbles), which the most against one team in one game since committing 7 turnovers against the Giants in 2004.

Chris Cooley has a total of 24 TD receptions since 2004 (the most by an NFC tight end).

Death of Sean Taylor
On November 27, 2007, the Redskins lost Sean Taylor to a gunshot wound inflicted the day before. At the time, he was at home resting a knee injury that had kept him off the field for the two games prior to the incident. On November 26, 2007, at 1:45 a.m., Taylor was shot in the upper leg by an armed intruder at his Palmetto Bay home, critically wounding him by severing his femoral artery. His girlfriend tried to call police from the house line, but experienced difficulty calling. Initial reports suggested that the line had been cut, though Police investigation subsequently refuted that. Taylor's girlfriend proceeded to call 911 from her cell phone, which delayed response time.

Taylor was airlifted to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery. He emerged from surgery about 12:30 p.m. However, he had lost a significant amount of blood and remained unconscious and in a coma. His doctors speculated that he had suffered brain damage due to the blood loss. An unnamed Redskins source reported that Taylor's heart stopped twice during the emergency surgery. Washington running back Clinton Portis and owner Dan Snyder were at Taylor's hospital from the time they heard about the incident until Taylor's death. Portis was a junior on the University of Miami's National Championship team in 2001 while Taylor was a freshman.

In the early morning of November 27, 2007, Taylor died at the hospital. The news was released to the media by Richard Sharpstein (lawyer), who learned the news from Taylor's father around 5:30 a.m.

In 2004, when Gibbs made his comeback official, he had chosen Taylor, the fifth player selected in the 2004 NFL Draft, as his first round pick. Taylor, with agent Drew Rosenhaus, signed a seven-year, $18 million contract with the team - a contract which had 4 more years left when he died. Taylor was coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2006, and was the leading vote getter for NFC Free Safety in 2007 when his untimely death occurred. Taylor was posthumously elected to the starting Free Safety position for the NFC.

Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills
Just days after fellow teammate Sean Taylor died of his injuries, the Redskins tried to snap a three-game skid at home against the Buffalo Bills. Before the kickoff, the stadium held a memorial service for Sean Taylor, as well as players across the NFL wearing a #21 sticker on the back of their helmets. For the team's first defensive play, they would come out with only 10 players on the field, as their honor to Taylor.

In the first quarter, Washington took the early lead as kicker Shaun Suisham managed to get a 27-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Redskins increased their lead as Suisham kicked a 28-yard field goal. Later, the Bills got on the board as LB Angelo Crowell sacked QB Jason Campbell in his endzone for a safety. Washington would end the half as Suisham kicked a 33-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Buffalo drew closer as kicker Rian Lindell managed to get a 38-yard field goal. Later, the Redskins responded with RB Clinton Portis getting a 3-yard TD run. Afterwards, the Bills ended the half as Lindell kicked a 43-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Buffalo drew closer as Lindell kicked a 24-yarder, along with a 33-yard field goal. Later, the Bills got into position to kick a 51-yard field goal. They got the kick, but Head Coach Joe Gibbs called timeout. When Buffalo tried to kick again, Gibbs called timeout again, but unintentionally got his team an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty which not only moved the Bills 15 yards closer to their end zone but reduced Lindell's field goal attempt to 36 yards. Afterwards, the Bills ended the game with Lindell nailing the game-winning 36-yard field goal.

With their fourth-straight loss, Washington fell to 5-7.

Week 14: vs. Chicago Bears
Coming off a home loss to the Bills (along with attending Sean Taylor's funeral in Florida), the Redskins played at home for their Week 13 Thursday night intraconference game with the Chicago Bears. After a scoreless first quarter, the Redskins scored first as QB Todd Collins completed a 21-yard TD pass to TE Todd Yoder for the only score of the second quarter.

In the third quarter, Washington's FB Mike Sellers scored on a 1-yard TD run. The Bears would reply as kicker Robbie Gould made a 30-yard field goal, while QB Brian Griese completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Bernard Berrian. In the fourth quarter, the Redskins responded with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 23-yard field goal. Later, Chicago made it closer as Gould kicked a 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Redskins increased their lead with Collins completing a 16-yard TD pass to RB Ladell Betts. The Bears would answer with Gould making a 21-yard field goal, but their onside kick failed, which preserved a Washington win.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 6-7.

Starting QB Jason Campbell (10/16 for 100 yards) left the game in the second quarter with a dislocated left knee cap.

Week 15: at New York Giants
Coming off their home win over the Bears, the Redskins flew to Giants Stadium for a Week 15 Sunday night NFC East rematch with the New York Giants. QB Todd Collins would be making his first start since 1997.

In the first quarter, the 'Skins drew first blood as kicker Shaun Suisham nailed a 49-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with Suisham kicking a 31-yard field goal, along with RB Ladell Betts getting a 14-yard TD run. The Giants would get on the board with kicker Lawrence Tynes getting a 35-yard field goal. The Redskins would end the half with Suisham nailing a 28-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the 'Skins continued to its dominance with RB Clinton Portis getting a 5-yard TD run. New York tried to rally as QB Eli Manning completed a 19-yard TD pass to TE Kevin Boss. Afterwards, Washington's defense (along with the wind) held the Giants in check.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 7-7.

Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings
This game was a must-win for the Redskins in order to maintain their playoff hopes. During the first quarter, the Redskins appeared to be in the position to score after Fred Smoot intercepted Tarvaris Jackson and returned the interception deep into Viking territory. However, the Redskin offense was unable to score a touchdown. Mike Sellers appeared to score a touchdown on 4th and goal, but a replay challenge by Brad Childress nullified the touchdown and gave the Vikings the ball. However, the Redskins immediately tackled Tony Richardson in the end zone for a safety. Following the subsequent free kick, the Redskins marched down the field and took a 9-0 lead on a 33 yard pass from Todd Collins to Chris Cooley.

In the 2nd quarter, the Redskins expanded their lead to 16-0 on a 32 yard pass from Todd Collins to Santana Moss. Later in the quarter, the Redskins took a 22-0 lead when Clinton Portis took a handoff from Todd Collins and threw a 15 yard TD pass to Antwaan Randle-El in the end zone. Although the Redskins were not successful on the 2 point conversion attempt, they had a commanding lead at this point in the game, and the previously rowdy Metrodome crowd was very disheartened and silent at this point.

The Redskins stretched their lead to 25-0 on a 26 yard field goal by Shaun Suisham. Later in the quarter, the Vikings got the crowd back in the game when Tarvaris Jackson threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Jim Kleinhasser, cutting the Redskins' lead to 25-7.

The Vikings further cut into the Redskins' lead around the 10 minute mark of the fourth quarter when Tarvaris Jackson scored on a 6 yard run, making the lead 25-14. The Metrodome crowd began sensing a comeback as momentum appeared to turn in the Vikings' favor. This came to a head mid-way through the fourth quarter in which the Redskins appeared to complete a long pass to Santana Moss. Though initially ruled a catch by an official on the sideline, the call was considered questionable by the game's announcers since Moss had to drag his toes to stay inbounds as he caught the pass. Sensing an impending challenge by Childress, the Redskins raced down the field to snap the ball, since a play cannot be challenged after the ball has been snapped for the next play. However, the snap was fumbled and it appeared to be Vikings' ball after it was recovered by Vikings' defensive tackle Kevin Williams.

As the Vikings rushed onto the field to take over on offense, coach Joe Gibbs challenged that Minnesota had twelve defensive players on the field at the time the Redskins snapped the ball and fumbled it. After review, Gibbs' challenge was upheld and the call on the field was reversed—a five yard penalty was assessed to the Vikings for having too many men on the field and the Redskins maintained possession, eventually scoring on a 13 yard touchdown run by Clinton Portis, making the score 32-14 after driving 75 yards. Although Tarvaris Jackson later scored on a 1 yard run to make the score 32-21, the Vikings were unable to score again, and the Redskins emerged with a victory. This enabled them to ensure that they will be able to control their own chances to make the playoffs.

Week 17: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Needing a win to secure a playoff berth, the Redskins closed out the regular season at home with an NFC East rematch with the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, the 'Skins got off to a fast start with RB Clinton Portis getting a 23-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, Washington increased its lead with kicker Shaun Suisham getting a 46-yard field goal. The Cowboys would respond with kicker Nick Folk getting a 37-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Redskins closed out the half with Suisham nailing a 21-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the 'Skins increased their lead with Portis getting a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Washington closed out their hated rival with QB Todd Collins completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. Dallas finished their game with Folk getting a 30-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did the Redskins close out the regular season at 9-7, but they also clinched the NFC's #6 seed.

NFC: Seattle Seahawks 35, Washington Redskins 14

 * Scoring
 * 1st Quarter
 * SEA - Leonard Weaver 17 yd TD run (Josh Brown kick), 3:45. Seahawks 7-0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:21.
 * 2nd Quarter
 * SEA - Josh Brown 50 yd FG, 8:58. Seahawks 10-0. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 1:42.
 * 3rd Quarter
 * SEA - Josh Brown 33 yd FG, 4:30. Seahawks 13-0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:24.
 * 4th Quarter
 * WAS - Antwaan Randle El 7 yd TD pass from Todd Collins (Shaun Suisham kick), 14:53. Seahawks 13-7. Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 4:37.
 * WAS - Santana Moss 30 yd TD pass from Todd Collins (Shaun Suisham kick), 12:38. Redskins 14-13. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards, 1:19.
 * SEA - D.J. Hackett 20 yd TD pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Marcus Pollard pass from Matt Hasselbeck), 6:06. Seahawks 21-14. Drive: 5 plays, 42 yards, 1:57.
 * SEA - Marcus Trufant 78 yd interception return TD (Josh Brown kick), 5:38. Seahawks 28-14.
 * SEA - Jordan Babineaux 57 yd interception return TD (Josh Brown kick), 0:27. Seahawks 35-14.

Injuries
Current as of December 17, 2007:

Statistics
Through Week 16