2002 Washington Redskins season
2002 Washington Redskins season
The 2002 season was the Redskins’ 71st in the NFL and their 66th in Washington, D.C. They finished 7–9, placing 3rd in the NFC East and missing the playoffs. It was a year of transition, with Steve Spurrier in his first season as head coach. The team wore special 70th‑anniversary uniforms inspired by the 1969 look, and cornerback Darrell Green played his 20th and final season with the Redskins.
Coaching, leadership, and home
- Owner: Daniel Snyder
- General manager: Vinny Cerrato
- Head coach: Steve Spurrier
- Offensive coordinator: Kim Helton
- Defensive coordinator: Marvin Lewis
- Home stadium: FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Offseason highlights
- 2002 NFL Draft: Redskins selected Patrick Ramsey (QB) in the first round, Ladell Betts (RB) in the second, and several additional players including Rashad Bauman (CB), Cliff Russell (WR), Andre Lott (S), Robert Royal (TE), Reggie Coleman (OT), Jeff Grau (C), Greg Scott (DE), and Rock Cartwright (RB). The draft laid the groundwork for a roster focused on young talent alongside veteran leaders.
Key players and roster notes
- Pro Bowlers: Chris Samuels (OT), LaVar Arrington (LB), Champ Bailey (CB)
- All-Pros: None
- Notable players: Darrell Green (CB) finished his 20th Redskins season
- The team emphasized Spurrier’s pass-heavy “Fun & Gun” offense, while the defense included veterans and former stars under coordinator Marvin Lewis.
Regular season overview
- Final record: 7–9
- Notable results:
- Week 1: Won 31–23 vs. Arizona Cardinals (home)
- Week 2: Lost 7–37 to Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 3: Lost 10–20 at San Francisco 49ers
- Week 5: Won 31–14 at Tennessee Titans
- Week 8: Won 26–21 vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Week 9: Won 14–3 at Seattle Seahawks
- Week 12: Won 20–17 vs. St. Louis Rams
- Week 16: Won 26–10 vs. Houston Texans
- Week 17: Won 20–14 vs. Dallas Cowboys
- The team had flashes of excellence but also several disappointing losses, reflecting the growing pains of Spurrier’s new system.
Standings and playoff picture
- NFC East standings: Philadelphia Eagles (12–4) led the division, followed by the New York Giants (10–6), then the Redskins (7–9), and Dallas Cowboys (5–11).
- The Redskins did not reach the postseason.
Overall assessment
The 2002 season was a transitional year for the Washington Redskins as Steve Spurrier implemented his offense and the team integrated younger players with seasoned veterans. A 7–9 record showed both promise and shortcomings, highlighted by star performances from players like Samuels, Arrington, and Bailey, and marked by Darrell Green’s final season in the NFL.
This page was last edited on 29 January 2026, at 12:48 (CET).