In 2003, Steve Spurrier returned for his second season as head coach of the Washington Redskins. THN continued its unique weekly feature Sun Tzu and the Art of Coaching, with writer Eric Johnson once again examining each game through the lens of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. Delivered in the same distinctive “Shaolin Redskins / Ol’ Ball Coach / Master Sun Tzu” voice that defines the series, the 2003 columns tracked the highs, the growing pains, and the hard lessons of Spurrier’s second year in the NFL.
Here is every installment from the 2003 season.
2003 Season
Week 1: Flying High
A strong season-opening win over the Jets. Spurrier shows he has learned from 2002 by emphasizing offseason preparation, speed, and balance—using the run to set up the pass and protect a young Patrick Ramsey.
Read the full post
Week 2: Fluttering Falcons
A dramatic 33-31 comeback victory in Atlanta. The column highlights mid-game adjustments that attacked the Falcons’ weaknesses, Jessie Armstead’s perfectly timed safety, and LaVar Arrington’s instinctive play.
Read the full post
Week 3: Close to Giant
A hard-fought overtime loss to the Giants after a 17-point deficit. Focus falls on the team-record 17 penalties (a sign of youth and disarray) and Patrick Ramsey’s remarkable ability to mount late comebacks.
Read the full post
Week 4: A Strong Defense
An unexpected conservative, defense-and-run win over Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Spurrier shows prudence, the secondary creates turnovers, and the coaching staff demonstrates excellent read-and-react adjustments.
Read the full post
Week 5: The Eagles Soar Higher
A loss in Philadelphia. Lessons center on the need for true harmony between players and coaches, and the danger of impatience when the passing game is disrupted by a strong blitz.
Read the full post
Week 6: Plundered by Buccaneers
A second-half collapse against Tampa Bay. Jon Gruden attacks unprotected areas, momentum swings violently, and the Redskins learn the hard cost of defensive miscommunication.
Read the full post
Week 7: From the Bills to the Off-week
A crushing loss to the Bills that crystallizes the season’s core problem. The entire column is devoted to the need for discipline, the difficulty of enforcing standards, and the opportunity the upcoming bye week provides for real change.
Read the full post
Week 8: Deja Vu in Dallas
Another painful defeat to the Cowboys. The Redskins fail to capitalize on early Dallas turnovers, the pass rush overwhelms Patrick Ramsey, and morale becomes a central concern.
Read the full post
Week 9: The Seahawks Brought to Roost
A welcome home win over Seattle. Spurrier and the team show signs of learning leadership and execution lessons after the difficult stretch.
Read the full post
Week 10: Bitten by the Panthers
A controversial, hard-fought loss to Carolina. The column examines near-misses, the fine margins of NFL games, and the ongoing struggle to close out contests.
Read the full post
Week 12: The Saints Came Marching In
Another late collapse after holding a lead. Lessons focus on keeping the opponent under continuous strain and the difficulty of finishing games when momentum shifts.
Read the full post
Week 13: They Might Not Be Giants
A satisfying road win over the Giants. The team shows resilience and execution in cold weather, providing a bright spot in a difficult season.
Read the full post
Week 15: Wrestling with the Bears
A tough loss in Chicago. The column reflects on effort in adverse conditions and the reality that the season’s larger goals have slipped away.
Read the full post
Week 16: The Eagles’ Strike
The final installment of the series. A season-ending loss to Philadelphia closes the book on Spurrier’s two-year tenure in Washington, with the mountain-top narrator offering a reflective close.
Read the full post
The Original Introduction
The series began the previous year with this introductory post:
Steve Spurrier, Meet Sun Tzu
A weekly column comparing Steve Spurrier’s approach to coaching with Sun Tzu’s approach to warfare. Spurrier is an avowed fan of the military philosopher of ancient China, and it is clear that the ol’ Ball Coach gathers inspiration from his writings.
These 2003 columns capture the second act of one of the most distinctive features of THN. Enjoy the archive.
Unfortunately there will be no more editions of this feature because Steve Spurrier quit!
He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. – Sun Tzu… and Steve Spurrier
HTTR.