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How The Redskins Got Where They Are

The Redskins are now in playoff mode after their victory over the Cowboys to close out the season.

To reflect on the regular season and the team's journey to hosting a postseason matchup, here's a look at some of the most memorable turning points in the season.

Miami, Week 1

Check out these top photos from the Washington Redskins' 2015 Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins Sept. 13, 2015, at FedExField.

The Redskins lost their home opener to the Dolphins 17-10. They could only muster one touchdown, a fade route to tight end Jordan Reed, and the difference came on a punt return by Jarvis Landry. Still, the team looked physical, instilling the brand of football that had been promised by general manager Scot McCloughan.

"I'm upset that we lost but I think there's a lot of good things going on," head coach Jay Gruden said. "I feel like we're competing. I feel like we're playing physical football and that's what I like. I think there's a lot to build off this game."

New York Jets, Week 6

Several weeks later, the Redskins travelled  back to MetLife Stadium, their second time inside a month, and couldn't get anything right going. Cousins threw one touchdown to two interceptions and the defense had difficulty stopping wide receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Chris Ivory, who each had more than 100 total yards.

"You can't doubt. If I start to doubt, then I'm not going to ever be able to get to the level I want to go," Cousins said.  I just have to keep going and learn from the mistakes. The key is to identify what's the issue and get it corrected. The more I play, the more I learn. If I start to question or doubt, I might as well throw in the towel. I have to stay positive and keep working and keep believing.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Week 7

What a difference a week makes. Falling behind 24-0 to the Buccaneers, it seemed as though the season was collapsing beneath the Redskins. Then Cousins ran for a touchdown before the half, providing a spark before orchestrating a huge come from behind victory by rattling off three passing touchdowns – one in the final minute – to make Washington winners into the Bye Week.

"You like that!?!" said Trent Williams.

New York Giants, Week 12

After losing to the Panthers, the Redskins had a chance to redeem themselves and take first place in the NFC East. They did just that with a 20-14 victory over the Giants, which was highlighted by a 17-point second half. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder hauled in a big 63-yard touchdown pass and the defense, which picked off Eli Manning three times, held off New York to get right back into the race

 "We're just playing hard and letting the chips fall where they fall," Terrance Knighton said. "As long as we put a great effort out there and we play hard and we do what we're supposed to do and everybody's accountable, the scoreboard will handle itself."

Philadelphia Eagles, Week 16

After rattling off two wins in a row, including an important, confidence-boosting road victory in Chicago, the Redskins knew all they had to do in Philadelphia was win and they were NFC East champions. Quarterback Kirk Cousins made sure they did. He had another career game, throwing four touchdowns, including two to Reed, and assuring the Redskins the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Fans mobbed the team buses as players returned home and chanted "You Like That?!?"

"We've been through a lot of ups and downs," left tackle Trent Williams said. "I don't know if a year ago the team could of handle some of that adversity. [GM Scot McCloughan] did a great job bringing in leaders, bringing in talent. This is a hungry team, man. We heard the doubters. We heard everybody. We heard people talking, but what we did we just kept our head down and kept working and it all paid off."

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