History by the Decades

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The 1970s

Dec. 16, 1979

Final Seconds: In a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East and needing a win in the season finale to clinch at least a Wild Card playoff berth, the Redskins jump out to a 31-21 lead over the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, thanks to a 66-yard touchdown run by John Riggins. But Roger Staubach leads the Cowboys to a miracle fourth-quarter comeback with two touchdown passes. The 35-34 loss knocks the 10-6 Redskins out of the playoffs.

Oct. 2, 1978

Presidential Visit: President Jimmy Carter becomes the second president ever to attend a regular season NFL game when he and Mrs. Carter see a Monday Night Football clash between the Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. Redskins win a defensive battle, 9-5.

Jan. 24, 1978

Pardee Hired: Jack Pardee, former Redskins player and assistant coach, becomes the 19th head coach in team history.

Dec. 18, 1976

Playoff Loss: Redskins win final four games to finish at 10-4 and earn a playoff berth for the fifth time in six years under George Allen. But the Redskins are quickly dispatched by the Minnesota Vikings, 35-20.

Dec. 21, 1975

All-Time Receiver: Wide receiver Charley Taylor becomes the NFL's all-time receptions leader with his 634th career catch in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

May 1, 1975

So Long, Sonny: Redskins great Sonny Jurgensen retires after playing 18 seasons in the NFL, 11 in a Redskins uniform.

Dec. 16, 1973

Wild Card: Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys tie for best record in the NFC East, but Dallas wins the division crown based on better point differential with a net 13 points. That forces the Redskins to play a Wild Card game at Minnesota one week later; Redskins lose, 27-20.

Jan. 14, 1973

Tough Loss: Redskins square off against undefeated Miami Dolphins and fall behind 14-0 at halftime. Dolphins shut down the Redskins' ground game and Billy Kilmer is mostly ineffective. In second half, Mike Bass intercepts a tipped pass by Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian during a botched field goal attempt and returns 49 yards for a touchdown. Redskins get the ball back one last time, but Kilmer is sacked on fourth down.

Jan. 1973

Top Coach: For the second year in a row, George Allen earns NFL Coach of the Year honors.

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Dec. 31, 1972

Cowboys Rematch: Three weeks earlier, the Redskins had lost to the Dallas Cowboys 34-24. In a rematch at RFK, the Redskins dominate to capture the NFC Championship. Charley Taylor hauls in a 48-yard touchdown pass from Billy Kilmer and kicker Curt Knight nails four field goals, sending the Redskins to their first Super Bowl.

Dec. 24, 1972

Playoff Win: After a 11-3 season, Redskins host first post-season game in Washington since 1942. George Allen deploys a five-man defensive line in an effort to stymie Green Bay Packers running back John Brockington. The strategy works and Brockington is limited to nine yards on 13 carries. Redskins win 16-3 to advance to NFC title game.

Dec. 26, 1971

Playoff Loss: In the franchise's first postseason game since 1945, the Redskins fall to the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 24-20.

Dec. 19, 1971

Future Is Now: George Allen guides the Redskins to a 9-4-1 record in his first year. It's the most wins by a Redskins team in 29 years.

June 2, 1971

New Home: Groundbreaking ceremonies for Redskins' new practice home, Redskins Park, near Dulles Airport.

Jan. 6, 1971

Allen Era: George Allen, who had transformed the Los Angeles Rams from a perennial loser into a NFL powerhouse, is named Redskins head coach and general manager.

Dec. 20, 1970

Rushing Champ: Larry Brown becomes the first Redskin since Cliff Battles in 1937 to win the NFL rushing title. His totals: 1,125 yards on 237 carries, a 4.7 rushing average.

Dec. 13, 1970

1,000 Yards: On second offensive play of game against the Philadelphia Eagles, running back Larry Brown breaks off a 12-yard run, becoming the first Redskins player in history to rush for 1,000 yards.

Sept. 3, 1970

Lombardi Dies: Sports world grieves at the loss of Vince Lombardi, who dies of cancer just prior to the start of the regular season. Assistant Bill Austin takes over as Redskins head coach.

Redskins Flashbacks

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Flashback: Two Playoff Runs Ended In Seattle

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History by the Decades