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 another game of epic significance on December 29, 2002, when the Washington Redskins took on the Dallas Cowboys, and Darrell Green played his final game for the franchise. 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 20 Dallas Cowboys 14
Date: December 29, 2002
Venue: Fed Ex Field
Attendance: 84,142
Twenty years in one burgundy and gold uniform. Words that might never, ever be used to describe another Washington player.
But they do describe Redskins great Darrell Green.
It is a feat of longevity that may be impossible to duplicate. It is a feat of team dedication, that is made even more mystical by modern free agency and the lure of the almighty dollar.
On December 29th, 2002 – Washington fans witnessed his final game. Playing the Dallas Cowboys. There was no more fitting way for Green to go out.
It completed the circle.
Setting the Stage
Green’s first ever NFL game had been against the Cowboys in 1983. A most memorable Monday Night Football battle where Green let the football world know, that the fastest player they had ever seen, had arrived.
The Redskins blew a 23-3 half-time lead in that game. One of just two losses in a 14-2 season. But the thing that most people remember – the play that sticks in every Washington fans brain – is rookie cornerback Green legging down veteran running back Tony Dorsett like he had been shot out of a cannon.
That was the momentous beginning, of what would become an illustrious 20-year career in the burgundy and gold, that might never be duplicated.
The Game
Patrick Ramsey had a very average day, going 17-of-31 for 209 yards. He was also intercepted twice and sacked once.
That was in some part to Washington relying mainly on the running game to move the ball and control the game. They would ultimately dominate in time of possession, with almost an 11-minute advantage over Dallas (35:27 to 24:33).
Ladell Betts had a very respectable 98 yards on just 17 carries. Kenny Watson also had 17 carries, for another 58 yards. Watson also scored Washington’s only offensive touchdown on a 5-yard run in the second quarter.
After that, both teams scored defensive touchdowns.
First, Roy Williams picked of a Ramsey pass in the second quarter and took it 85 yards to pay dirt on a pick six.
Then Lavar Arrington responded in kind, by recovering a fumble for a score in the third quarter. Bruce Smith forced the fumble, sacking Chad Hutchinson in the end zone and jarring the ball loose.
Arrington’s touchdown put the Redskins ahead for good. The linebacker had a good day, recovering another fumble and having a sack as well.
Jose Cortez kicked a field goal in the third quarter and again in the fourth quarter to put Washington up 20-7.
Hutchinson and Antonio Bryant hooked up on a 46-yard pass late in the fourth for Dallas, but that was as close as they would come.
It was a sloppy game for both offenses. The two teams combined for 9 turnovers (WAS 5, DAL 4), and just 26 first downs between them (WAS 18, DAL 8).
Hutchinson was swarmed by the Washington defense, with Arrington, Smith, Renaldo Wynn, Carl Powell, and Andre Lott all sacking the Dallas quarterback once each.
What It Meant
The win meant little to the Redskins season. They finished 7-9 in Steve Spurrier’s first year at the helm.
But beating the Cowboys was definitely the appropriate way for Green’s career to end.
Green played 295 games for Washington – the franchise record.
Green had 54 career receptions and 6 defensive touchdowns – also both franchise records.
There was only one Darrell Green.
And on this day 21 years ago, he wore the uniform for the last time.
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.
