The Redskin Report

Feeling worried? Concerned? Don’t worry friends, the Lions NEVER win in Washington:

1999 – The Redskins were actually defeated by the Lions in Detroit earlier in the ’99 season and this wildcard weekend match-up was a rematch in D.C. The Redskins jumped out to a quick 27-0 lead by halftime and then coasted to a 27-13 win to advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Stephen Davis had 119 yards rushing and 2 TD’s in the 1st half alone and the Redskins defense managed 5 sacks and 2 interceptions of Lions QB Gus Frerotte.

1997 – Washington scores two short TDs (Terry Allen 1 yard run and a 1 pass from Gus Frerotte) and Scott Blanton kicked 2 field goals to lead the Redskins to an easy 30-7 victory over Detroit. Barry Sanders did have a 51 yard TD run in this game and moved into 3rd place on the NFL’s all time rushing list.

1995 – In classic Norv Turner fashion the Redskins had dropped 4 games in the last minute in 5 weeks before Detroit game to town. Despite being torched by Detroit QB Scott Mitchell for 350 yards, Darrell Green’s 7 yard interception return for a touchdown in overtime gave the Redskins a 36-30 win. Terry Allen rushed for 2 scores and Henry Ellard had a touchdown reception in the win.

1992 – Defense was the story of the day as the Redskins squeaked out a 13-10 victory over Detroit. Ernest Byner had 120 yards rushing and a touchdown in the win.

1991 – The Redskins had the pleasure of creaming the Lions twice in 1991. First in the season opener, the Redskins obliterated the Lions 45-0. The Redskins scored 21 first quarter points including a 69 yard punt return TD by Brian Mitchell and a one yard plunge from Gerald Riggs. Somehow the Lions rebounded from that defeat to make it all the way to the NFC Championship game where they again traveled to Washington and were pounded to the tune of 41-10. The Redskins had 5 sacks, Mark Rypien threw two TDs passes (45 yards to Gary Clark and 21 yards to Art Monk) and Darrell Green capped the game with a 32 yard interception return touchdown.

1987 – A 2nd quarter QB switch sparked the Redskins to a 20-13 victory. Doug Williams replaced Jay Schroeder and led the Redskins to 17 2nd quarter points including a 16 pass to Kelvin Bryant and a 42 yard touchdown to Gary Clark. Darrell Green (damn he was good) had 3 interceptions in the game.

1985 – The Redskins beat up on the Lions in this game. John Riggins three touchdown runs and the Redskins controlled the ball for over 40 minutes in a 24-3 win.

1984 – The Lions blocked 3 punts, had seven possessions inside the Washington 25 yard line and John Riggins missed the game with a bad back and they still lost. Otis Wonsley had 3 touchdowns and the Redskins jumped out to a 28-0 lead and held on for a 14 point win.

1983 – Reggie Evans had three touchdown runs and the Redskins defense had 5 sacks (led by Dexter Manley’s 2.5), 2 interceptions and one fumble recovery in a 38-17 win.

1982 – Another wildcard battle and another Redskins victory. This time Alvin Garrett had 3 touchdown catches from Joe Theismann and Washington again pounded Detroit 31-7.

1981 – Mark Moseley kicked 4 field goals and the defense forced six turnovers in a wild 33-31 win. Joe Washington rushed for 144 yards and 2 TDs and Art Monk added a touchdown.

And let’s just say it goes on from there. Twenty times Detroit has come to play in Washington and twenty times they’ve lost. Let’s make it 21.