The 2002Washington Redskinsseason was the franchise's 71st season in the National Football League, and their 66th representing Washington, D.C. They failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 2001, finishing at 7–9. For cornerback Darrell Green, this was his 20th and final season with the team. In honor of the team's 70th anniversary, their home uniforms for the season were based on their home uniforms from 1965-1969.[1]
The Redskins hosted their now-former division foe in the Cardinals’ first season in the revamped NFC West. In Steve Spurrier’s debut as Skins coach his “Fun & Gun” offense put up 442 yards in a 31–23 win. Shane Matthews erupted to three touchdowns while Jake Plummer of the Cardinals was held to just fourteen completions.
Spurrier's “Fun & Gun” was hammered 37-7 as Matthews completed just ten passes and Danny Wuerffel was sacked four times. At one point the exasperated Spurrier was caught on ABC cameras flapping his gums, a scene replayed in slow motion.
^ abcPhiladelphia finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Green Bay based on conference record (11–1 vs 9–3/9–3).
^ abTampa Bay finished ahead of Green Bay based on head-to-head victory.
^ abSt. Louis finished ahead of Seattle based on division record (4–2 to 2–4).
^ abWashington finished ahead of Carolina based on common games (2–3 to 1–4)
^ abArizona finished ahead of Dallas based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.