1979 Washington Redskins season

NFL team season

1979 Washington Redskins season

Owner| Jack Kent Cooke
President| Edward Bennett Williams
General manager| Bobby Beathard
Head coach| Jack Pardee
Offensive coordinator| Joe Walton
Defensive coordinator| Doc Urich
Home field| RFK Stadium
Results
Record| 10–6
Division place| 3rd NFC East
Playoff finish| Did not qualify

* <- 1978
* Redskins seasons
* 1980 ->

The 1979 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 48th season in the National Football League. The team improved on their 8–8 record from 1978 and finishing 10–6. Although the Redskins were able to improve their record, they were eliminated from playoff contention on the final week of the season after facing the Dallas Cowboys with the NFC East title on the line. Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach led a last-minute comeback to defeat Washington 35–34 to win the division, which combined with the Chicago Bears defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 42–6, resulted in the Redskins losing a points tiebreaker for the final wild-card slot.

## Offseason

[edit]

### NFL draft

[edit]

Main article: 1979 NFL draft

1979 Washington Redskins draft

Round  | Pick  | Player  | Position  | College  | Notes
4  | 103  | Don Warren | Tight end | San Diego State |
7  | 182  | Rich Milot | Linebacker | Penn State |
9  | 233  | Kris Haines | Wide receiver | Notre Dame |
11  | 289  | Monte Coleman | Linebacker  | Central Arkansas |
11  | 300  | Tony Hall | Wide receiver  | Knoxville |
Made roster

[1]

### Undrafted free agents

[edit]

1979 Undrafted Free Agents of note  Player  | Position  | College

|
|

Willie Banks  | Linebacker  | Penn State
Willie Blasher  | linebacker  | Oregon
Charley Bloxsom  | Guard  | Miami (FL)
James Willie Brown  | Tackle  | Louisville
Antonio Castle  | Wide receiver  | Eastern New Mexico
Ronnie Cullins  | Cornerback  | Colorado
Darryl Drake  | Wide receiver  | Western Kentucky
Phil DuBois | Tight End  | San Diego State
Ricky Dunaway  | Safety  | Tulane
Keith Ellis  | Wide receiver  | New Mexico
Tony Hernandez  | Defensive back  | BYU
Neal Olkewicz | Linebacker  | Maryland
Louis Orlando III  | Center  | Yale
Pedro Posadas  | Kicker  | Louisville
Jonathan Sutton  | Safety  | New Mexico
Ray Waddy | Cornerback  | Texas A&I
Jimmy Jaye Wells  | Center  | Wisconsin–Superior
Dale White  | Defensive tackle  | Arkansas
Anthony Young  | Safety  | Jackson State

## Personnel

[edit]

### Staff

[edit]

1979 Washington Redskins staff |

Front office

* President – Edward Bennett Williams
* Vice president – Jack Kent Cooke
* General manager – Bobby Beathard
* Executive assistant to the President – Bobby Mitchell
* Assistant general manager – Joel Margolis
* Assistant general manager – Dick Meyers
* Director of player personnel – Mike Allman
* Director of pro scouting – Kirk Mee
* Director of college scouting – Dick Daniels
* Scouts – Charley Casserly, Charley Taylor

Head coaches

* Head Coach – Jack Pardee
* Special Assistant to Head Coach – Bob Bowser

Offensive coaches

* Offensive Coordinator – Joe Walton
* Running Backs – Fred O'Connor
* Tight Ends – John Hilton
* Offensive Line – Ray Callahan

|  |  | Defensive coaches

* Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line – Doc Urich
* Linebackers – George Dickson
* Defensive Secondary – Richie Petitbon

Special teams coaches

* Special Teams – John Hilton

|
|
|
|

[2]

### Roster

[edit]

1979 Washington Redskins roster

| Quarterbacks

* 12 Fred Mortensen
* 11 Kim McQuilken
* 7 Joe Theismann

Running backs

* 30 Ike Forte
* 34 Bobby Hammond
* 38 Clarence Harmon FB
* 25 Benny Malone
* 44 John Riggins FB

Wide receivers

* 88 Danny Buggs
* 80 John McDaniel
* 83 Ricky Thompson

Tight ends

* 86 Phil DuBois
* 84 Jean Fugett
* 89 Grady Richardson
* 85 Don Warren

|  | Offensive linemen

* 63 Fred Dean G
* 67 Greg Dubinetz T
* 66 Ted Fritsch C
* 75 Terry Hermeling T
* 54 Bob Kuziel C
* 64 Ron Saul G
* 74 George Starke T
* 73 Jeff Williams G

Defensive linemen

* 79 Coy Bacon DE
* 69 Perry Brooks DT
* 65 Dave Butz DT
* 77 Joe Jones DE
* 71 Karl Lorch DE
* 78 Paul Smith DT
* 72 Diron Talbert DT

|  | Linebackers

* 51 Monte Coleman OLB
* 59 Brad Dusek OLB
* 82 Dallas Hickman OLB/DE
* 58 Don Hover MLB
* 57 Rich Milot OLB
* 52 Neal Olkewicz MLB
* 50 Pete Wysocki OLB

Defensive backs

* 26 Don Harris FS
* 27 Ken Houston SS
* 20 Joe Lavender CB
* 29 Mark Murphy FS
* 24 Lemar Parrish CB
* 23 Tony Peters CB/SS
* 47 Ray Waddy CB

Special teams

* 4 Mike Bragg P
* 3 Mark Moseley K

|  | Reserve lists

* 60 Gary Anderson G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
* \-- Mike Gibbons T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
* 22 Buddy Hardeman RB/KR/PR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
* 62 Dan Nugent G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
* 40 Don Testerman FB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)

Practice squad

Rookies in italics

[3]

## Preseason

[edit]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Result  | Record  | Game site  | Attendance

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|
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|
|

1  | August 4 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 9–7  | 1–0  | Tampa Stadium | 64,493
2  | August 11 | at Denver Broncos | L 6–13  | 1–1  | Mile High Stadium | 58,799
3  | August 18 | at Atlanta Falcons | W 16–6  | 2–1  | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium | 52,478
4  | August 24 | Cleveland Browns | L 9–21  | 2–2  | RFK Stadium | 40,039

## Regular season

[edit]

### Schedule

[edit]

Week  | Date  | Opponent  | Result  | Record  | Game site  | Attendance  | Recap

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1 | September 2  | Houston Oilers | L 27–29  | 0–1  | RFK Stadium | 54,582  | Recap
2 | September 9  | at Detroit Lions | W 27–24  | 1–1  | Pontiac Silverdome | 54,991  | Recap
3 | September 17 | New York Giants | W 27–0  | 2–1  | RFK Stadium  | 54,672  | Recap
4 | September 23  | at St. Louis Cardinals | W 17–7  | 3–1  | Busch Memorial Stadium | 50,680  | Recap
5 | September 30  | at Atlanta Falcons | W 16–7  | 4–1  | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium | 56,819  | Recap
6 | October 7  | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 17–28  | 4–2  | Veterans Stadium | 69,142  | Recap
7 | October 14  | at Cleveland Browns | W 13–9  | 5–2  | Cleveland Stadium | 63,323  | Recap
8 | October 21  | Philadelphia Eagles | W 17–7  | 6–2  | RFK Stadium  | 54,442  | Recap
9 | October 28  | New Orleans Saints | L 10–14  | 6–3  | RFK Stadium  | 52,133  | Recap
10 | November 4  | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 7–38  | 6–4  | Three Rivers Stadium | 49,462  | Recap
11 | November 11  | St. Louis Cardinals | W 30–28  | 7–4  | RFK Stadium  | 50,868  | Recap
12 | November 18  | Dallas Cowboys | W 34–20  | 8–4  | RFK Stadium  | 55,031  | Recap
13 | November 25  | at New York Giants | L 6–14  | 8–5  | Giants Stadium | 72,641  | Recap
14 | December 2  | Green Bay Packers | W 38–21  | 9–5  | RFK Stadium  | 51,682  | Recap
15 | December 9  | Cincinnati Bengals | W 28–14  | 10–5  | RFK Stadium  | 52,882  | Recap
16 | December 16  | at Dallas Cowboys | L 34–35  | 10–6  | Texas Stadium | 62,867  | Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

## Game summaries

[edit]

[4]

### Week 1: vs. Houston Oilers

[edit]

See also: 1979 Houston Oilers season

Week 1: Houston Oilers at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Oilers | 6 | 0 | 7| 16| 29
Redskins | 0 | 17 | 7| 3| 27

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: September 2, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 54,582
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and John Brodie
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Oilers

* Dan Pastorini
12/30, 176 Yds, TD, 3 INT
* Earl Campbell
32 Rush, 166 Yds, 2 TD
* Billy Johnson
4 Rec, 76 Yds, TD

Redskins

* Joe Theismann
7/14, 123 Yds, 2 TD, INT
* Benny Malone
17 Rush, 58 Yds, TD
* Jean Fugett
3 Rec, 55 Yds, 2 TD

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | HOU  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | 41-yard field goal by Fritsch | 3  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | 46-yard field goal by Fritsch | 6  | 0
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 27-yard field goal by Moseley | 6  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Fugett 8-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 6  | 10
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 6  | 17
3  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | Campbell 13-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good  | 13  | 17
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Fugett 30-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 13  | 24
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 39-yard field goal by Moseley | 13  | 27
4  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | Johnson 14-yard touchdown reception from Pastorini, Fritsch kick no good  | 19  | 27
4  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | 26-yard field goal by Fritsch | 22  | 27
4  |  |  |  |  | Oilers  | Campbell 3-yard touchdown run, Fritsch kick good  | 29  | 27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 29  | 27

### Week 2: at Detroit Lions

[edit]

See also: 1979 Detroit Lions season

Week 2: Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 0 | 17 | 7| 3| 27
Lions | 3 | 0 | 0| 21| 24

at Pontiac Silverdome • Pontiac, Michigan

* Date: September 9, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Indoors (dome)
* Game attendance: 54,991
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber and Sonny Jurgensen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

*   *   *

Lions

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | DET
1  |  |  |  |  | Lions  | 27-yard field goal by Ricardo | 0  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Thompson 8-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 7  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 35-yard field goal by Moseley | 10  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Malone 5-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 17  | 3
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Fugett 3-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 24  | 3
4  |  |  |  |  | Lions  | Robinson 2-yard touchdown run, Ricardo kick good  | 24  | 10
4  |  |  |  |  | Lions  | Kane 12-yard touchdown run, Ricardo kick good  | 24  | 17
4  |  |  |  |  | Lions  | Scott 24-yard touchdown reception from Komlo, Ricardo kick good  | 24  | 24
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 41-yard field goal by Moseley | 27  | 24
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27  | 24

### Week 3: vs. New York Giants

[edit]

See also: 1979 New York Giants season

Week 3: New York Giants at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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|
|

Giants | 0 | 0 | 0| 0| 0
Redskins | 3 | 14 | 7| 3| 27

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: September 17, 1979
* Game time: 9:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 54,672
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell and Fran Tarkenton
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Giants

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
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|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | NYG  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 46-yard field goal by Moseley | 0  | 3
2  |  | —  | —  | —  | Redskins  | Interception returned 31 yards for touchdown by Lorch, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 10
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Harmon 4-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 17
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Theismann 7-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 24
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 40-yard field goal by Moseley | 0  | 27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0  | 27

### Week 4: at St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

See also: 1979 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) season

Week 4: Washington Redskins at St. Louis Cardinals

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 14 | 0 | 0| 3| 17
Cardinals | 0 | 0 | 7| 0| 7

at Busch Memorial Stadium • St. Louis, Missouri

* Date: September 23, 1979
* Game time: 2:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 50,680
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (CBS): Gary Bender and Sonny Jurgensen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

*   *   *

Cardinals

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | STL
1  |  | —  | —  | —  | Redskins  | Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by Hover, Moseley kick good  | 7  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Hardeman 41-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 14  | 0
3  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Brown 1-yard touchdown run, Little kick good  | 14  | 7
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 47-yard field goal by Moseley | 17  | 7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17  | 7

### Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

[edit]

See also: 1979 Atlanta Falcons season

Week 5: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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|
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|
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Redskins | 3 | 10 | 3| 0| 16
Falcons | 7 | 0 | 0| 0| 7

at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium • Atlanta, Georgia

* Date: September 30, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 56,819
* TV announcers (CBS): Curt Gowdy and Hank Stram
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

*   *   *

Falcons

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | ATL
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 45-yard field goal by Moseley | 3  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Falcons  | Andrews 2-yard touchdown run, Mazzetti kick good  | 3  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 53-yard field goal by Moseley | 6  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 1-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 13  | 7
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 37-yard field goal by Moseley | 16  | 7
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 16  | 7

### Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

See also: 1979 Philadelphia Eagles season

Week 6: Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 0 | 7 | 0| 10| 17
Eagles | 7 | 7 | 14| 0| 28

at Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

* Date: October 7, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 69,142
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (CBS): Gary Bender and Sonny Jurgensen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

*   *   *

Eagles

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | PHI
1  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Montgomery 8-yard touchdown run, Franklin kick good  | 0  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Montgomery 11-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good  | 0  | 14
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 4-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 7  | 14
3  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Montgomery 5-yard touchdown run, Franklin kick good  | 7  | 21
3  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Montgomery 4-yard touchdown run, Franklin kick good  | 7  | 28
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 37-yard field goal by Moseley | 10  | 28
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 1-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 17  | 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17  | 28

### Week 7: at Cleveland Browns

[edit]

See also: 1979 Cleveland Browns season

Week 7: Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 0 | 3 | 3| 7| 13
Browns | 0 | 6 | 3| 0| 9

at Cleveland Stadium • Cleveland, Ohio

* Date: October 14, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 63,323
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber and George Allen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

* Joe Theismann
14/24, 233 Yds, TD, INT
* John Riggins
13 Rush, 31 Yds
* Clarence Harmon
4 Rec, 60 Yds, TD

Browns

* Brian Sipe
13/25, 160 Yds, INT
* Mike Pruitt
22 Rush, 85 Yds
* Dave Logan
5 Rec, 97 Yds

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | CLE
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 35-yard field goal by Moseley | 3  | 0
2  |  |  |  |  | Browns  | Hill 1-yard touchdown run, Cockroft kick no good (blocked)  | 3  | 6
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 17-yard field goal by Moseley | 6  | 6
3  |  |  |  |  | Browns  | 37-yard field goal by Cockroft | 6  | 9
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Harmon 15-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 13  | 9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 13  | 9

### Week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

Week 8: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Eagles | 0 | 0 | 0| 7| 7
Redskins | 0 | 7 | 7| 3| 17

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: October 21, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 54,442
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully and George Allen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Eagles

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | PHI  | WSH
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Malone 10-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 7
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Theismann 1-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 14
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 23-yard field goal by Moseley | 0  | 17
4  |  |  |  |  | Eagles  | Krepfle 40-yard touchdown reception from Jaworski, Franklin kick good  | 7  | 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7  | 17

### Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints

[edit]

See also: 1979 New Orleans Saints season

Week 9: New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Saints | 7 | 7 | 0| 0| 14
Redskins | 3 | 7 | 0| 0| 10

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: October 28, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 55,031
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (CBS): Gary Bender and Sonny Jurgensen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Saints

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | NO  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Saints  | Chandler 45-yard touchdown reception from Manning, Yepremian kick good  | 7  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 18-yard field goal by Moseley | 7  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Saints  | Galbreath 1-yard touchdown run, Yepremian kick good  | 14  | 3
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Theismann 1-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 14  | 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14  | 10

### Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

See also: 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Week 10: Washington Redskins at Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

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|
|
|
|

Redskins | 0 | 7 | 0| 0| 7
Steelers | 7 | 17 | 7| 7| 38

at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

* Date: November 4, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), (Sunny) wind 7 mph (11 km/h)
* Game attendance: 49,462
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (CBS): Curt Gowdy and Hank Stram
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

* Joe Theismann
14/31, 147 Yds, INT
* John Riggins
13 Rush, 56 Yds, TD
* Danny Buggs
3 Rec, 37 Yds

Steelers

* Terry Bradshaw
15/27, 311 Yds, 4 TD, INT
* Franco Harris
15 Rush, 62 Yds
* John Stallworth
6 Rec, 126 Yds, 2 TD

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | PIT
1  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | Stallworth 11-yard touchdown reception from Bradshaw, Bahr kick good  | 0  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 4-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 7  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | 21-yard field goal by Bahr | 7  | 10
2  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | Cunningham 16-yard touchdown reception from Bradshaw, Bahr kick good  | 7  | 17
2  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | Grossman 4-yard touchdown reception from Bradshaw, Bahr kick good  | 7  | 24
3  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | Stallworth 65-yard touchdown reception from Bradshaw, Bahr kick good  | 7  | 31
4  |  |  |  |  | Steelers  | Moser 2-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good  | 7  | 38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7  | 38

### Week 11: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

[edit]

Week 11: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cardinals | 7 | 0 | 0| 21| 28
Redskins | 7 | 10 | 3| 10| 30

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: November 11, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 50,868
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (CBS): Gary Bender and Sonny Jurgensen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Cardinals

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | STL  | WSH
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 28  | 30

### Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

See also: 1979 Dallas Cowboys season

Week 12: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Cowboys | 0 | 3 | 3| 14| 20
Redskins | 7 | 7 | 10| 10| 34

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: November 18, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 55,031
* Referee: Cal Lepore
* TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Cowboys

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | DAL  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | McDaniel 4-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | 34-yard field goal by Septién | 3  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 3-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 3  | 14
3  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | 37-yard field goal by Septién | 6  | 14
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Harmon 10-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 6  | 24
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 46-yard field goal by Moseley | 6  | 24
4  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Pearson 19-yard touchdown reception from Staubach, Septién kick good  | 13  | 24
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Thompson 11-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 13  | 31
4  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Pearson 9-yard touchdown reception from White, Septién kick good  | 20  | 31
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 45-yard field goal by Moseley | 20  | 34
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20  | 34

### Week 13: at New York Giants

[edit]

Week 13: Washington Redskins at New York Giants

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 0 | 3 | 3| 0| 6
Giants | 7 | 0 | 0| 7| 14

at Giants Stadium • East Rutherford, New Jersey

* Date: November 25, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 72,641
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully and George Allen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Redskins

*   *   *

Giants

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WSH  | NYG
1  |  |  |  |  | Giants  | Kotar 1-yard touchdown run, Danelo kick good  | 0  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 21-yard field goal by Moseley | 3  | 7
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 41-yard field goal by Moseley | 6  | 7
4  |  |  |  |  | Giants  | Taylor 1-yard touchdown run, Danelo kick good  | 6  | 14
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 6  | 14

### Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers

[edit]

See also: 1979 Green Bay Packers season

Week 14: Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Packers | 0 | 21 | 0| 0| 21
Redskins | 7 | 0 | 7| 24| 38

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: December 2, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: 39 °F or 3.9 °C, relative humidity 55%, wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn), wind chill 31 °F or −0.6 °C
* Game attendance: 51,682
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully and George Allen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Packers

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | GB  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Thompson 20-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 0  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Packers  | Tullis 52-yard touchdown reception from Dickey, Birney kick good  | 7  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Packers  | Simpson 2-yard touchdown run, Birney kick good  | 14  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Packers  | Thompson 43-yard touchdown reception from Dickey, Birney kick good  | 21  | 7
3  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Buggs 8-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 21  | 14
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | McDaniel 39-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 21  | 21
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 12-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 21  | 28
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 33-yard field goal by Moseley | 21  | 31
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Forte 20-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 21  | 38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21  | 38

This would prove the last time the Green Bay Packers would ever play at RFK Stadium before its closure in 1997: in fact, the Packers would not play an away game against the Redskins again until 2004.[5] This occurred because between 1978 and the admission of the Texans in 2002, non-division conference matchups had no rotation but were entirely based upon previous season’s standings.

### Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

See also: 1979 Cincinnati Bengals season

Week 15: Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Redskins

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Bengals | 14 | 0 | 0| 0| 14
Redskins | 7 | 14 | 0| 7| 28

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

* Date: December 9, 1979
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game attendance: 52,882
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover and Bob Trumpy
* Pro-Football-Reference.com

Game information

Bengals

*   *   *

Redskins

*   *   *

|

Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | CIN  | WSH
1  |  |  |  |  | Bengals  | Griffin 52-yard touchdown reception from Anderson, Bahr kick good  | 7  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 7-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 7  | 7
1  |  |  |  |  | Bengals  | Johnson 1-yard touchdown run, Bahr kick good  | 14  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Harmon 7-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 14  | 14
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Harmon 23-yard touchdown reception from Theismann, Moseley kick good  | 14  | 21
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Riggins 2-yard touchdown run, Moseley kick good  | 14  | 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14  | 28

### Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

Week Sixteen: Washington Redskins (10–5) at Dallas Cowboys (10–5)

Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3| 4| Total

|
|
|
|
|

Redskins | 10 | 7 | 0| 17| 34
Cowboys | 0 | 14 | 7| 14| 35

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

* Date: December 16, 1979
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C)
* Game attendance: 62,867
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier
* Box Score

The loss knocked the Redskins out of the playoffs.

Team | Category | Player | Statistics

|
|
|

Redskins  | Passing | Joe Theismann | 12/23, 200 Yds, TD
Rushing | John Riggins | 22 Rush, 151 Yds, 2 TD
Receiving | Benny Malone | 1 Rec, 55 Yds, TD
Cowboys  | Passing | Roger Staubach | 24/42, 326 Yds, 3 TD, INT
Rushing | Ron Springs | 20 Rush, 79 Yds, TD
Receiving | Tony Hill | 8 Rec, 113 Yds, TD
Scoring summary

| Quarter  | Time  | Drive | Team  | Scoring information  | Score

|
|
|
|
|

Plays | Yards  | TOP | WAS  | DAL
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 24-yard field goal by Mark Moseley | 3  | 0
1  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Joe Theismann 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good  | 10  | 0
2  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | Benny Malone 55-yard touchdown reception from Joe Theismann, Mark Moseley kick good  | 17  | 0
2  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Ron Springs 1-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septien kick good  | 17  | 7
2  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Preston Pearson 26-yard touchdown reception from Roger Staubach, Rafael Septien kick good  | 17  | 14
3  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Robert Newhouse 2-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septien kick good  | 17  | 21
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | 24-yard field goal by Mark Moseley  | 20  | 21
4  |  |  |  |  | Redskins  | John Riggins 1-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good  | 27  | 21
4  | 6:54  |  |  |  | Redskins  | John Riggins 66-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good  | 34  | 21
4  |  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Ron Springs 26-yard touchdown reception from Roger Staubach, Rafael Septien kick good  | 34  | 28
4  | 0:39  |  |  |  | Cowboys  | Tony Hill 8-yard touchdown reception from Roger Staubach, Rafael Septien kick good  | 34  | 35
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 34  | 35

### Standings

[edit]

NFC East

* view
* talk
* edit

| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK
Dallas Cowboys(1) | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 6–2  | 10–2  | 371  | 313  | W3
Philadelphia Eagles(4) | 11  | 5  | 0  | .688  | 6–2  | 9–3  | 339  | 282  | W1
Washington Redskins | 10  | 6  | 0  | .625  | 5–3  | 8–4  | 348  | 295  | L1
New York Giants | 6  | 10  | 0  | .375  | 1–7  | 5–9  | 237  | 323  | L3
St. Louis Cardinals | 5  | 11  | 0  | .313  | 2–6  | 4–8  | 307  | 358  | L1

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "1979 Washington Redskins draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
2. ^ Washington Redskins 1979 Press Guide. pp. 2–21.
3. ^ "1979 Washington Redskins starters and roster". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
4. ^ "1979 Washington Redskins Statistics & Players".
5. ^ Urena, Ivan (2014). Pro Football Schedules: A Comple Historical Guide from 1933 to the Present. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co. pp. 15, 17. ISBN 9780786473519.

## External links

[edit]

* 1979 Washington Redskins at Pro-Football-Reference.com

* v
* t
* e

Washington Commanders

* Formerly the Boston Braves (1932), Boston Redskins (1933–1936), Washington Redskins (1937–2019), and Washington Football Team (2020–2021)
* Based in Landover, Maryland
* Headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia

Franchise|

* History
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Stadiums|

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Key personnel|

* Managing partner: Josh Harris
* Prominent limited partners: Mitchell Rales, Magic Johnson, Mark Ein
* General manager: Adam Peters
* Head coach: Dan Quinn

Culture and lore|

* "Hail to the Commanders"
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Rivalries|

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Division championships (15)|

* 1936
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Hall of Famers|

* Cliff Battles
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Affiliations|

* League: National Football League
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* Division: East Division

* Category
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Washington Commanders seasons

Formerly the Boston Braves (1932), Boston Redskins (1933–1936), Washington Redskins (1937–2019), and Washington Football Team (2020–2021)

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Bold indicates NFL Championship or Super Bowl victory
Italics indicates NFL Championship or Super Bowl appearance

* v
* t
* e

1979 NFL season

| AFC| East | Central| West| East| Central| West | NFC

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Baltimore | Cincinnati| Denver| Dallas| Chicago| Atlanta
Buffalo | Cleveland| Kansas City| NY Giants| Detroit| Los Angeles
Miami | Houston| Oakland| Philadelphia| Green Bay| New Orleans
New England | Pittsburgh| San Diego| St. Louis| Minnesota| San Francisco
NY Jets | | Seattle| Washington| Tampa Bay|

* 1979 NFL Draft
* NFL playoffs
* Pro Bowl
* Super Bowl XIV

*[IR]: Injured reserve
*[W]: Wins
*[L]: Losses
*[T]: Ties
*[PCT]: Winning percentage
*[DIV]: Win–Loss record within their division
*[CONF]: Win–Loss record within their conference
*[PF]: Points For (Total points scored)
*[PA]: Points Against (Total points allowed)
*[STK]: Current Winning or Losing Streak
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template