1971 Washington Redskins season
OwnerEdward Bennett Williams
Head coachGeorge Allen
Home fieldRFK Stadium
Results
Record9–4–1
Division place2nd NFC East
Playoff finishLost Divisional Playoffs (at 49ers) 20–24
George Allen and members of the 1971 team with President Richard Nixon, two days before Thanksgiving.
George Allen and members of the 1971 team with President Richard Nixon, two days before Thanksgiving.

The 1971 Washington Redskins season was the team's 40th in the National Football League, and its 35th in Washington, D.C. The Redskins were led by first-year head coach George Allen, who had been the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams for the previous five seasons.

Coming into the 1971 season, the team had not made the postseason in 26 years. The Redskins had had only four winning seasons since their last playoff berth in 1945, the most recent a 7–5–2 campaign in 1969 under Vince Lombardi, who died of colon cancer in September 1970.[1][2][3]

Allen was Washington's fourth head coach in as many seasons. Lombardi succeeded Otto Graham, and assistant Bill Austin took over when Lombardi fell mortally ill in the summer of 1970, and posted a 6–8 record.

Despite a broken left ankle suffered by leading receiver Charley Taylor in a Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that forced him to miss the remainder of the season, the Redskins went 9–4–1, good for second place in the NFC East. They earned a wild card berth, but lost in the opening divisional round at San Francisco, 24–20.[4][5][6]

Off-season

NFL Draft

Main article: 1971 NFL Draft
Round Pick Player Position School/Club Team
2 38 Cotton Speyrer Wide Receiver Texas
6 141 Conway Hayman Guard Delaware
7 166 Willie Germany Defensive Back Morgan State
9 219 Mike Fanucci Defensive End Arizona State
10 244 Jesse Taylor Running Back Cincinnati
11 272 George Starke Tackle Columbia
12 297 Jeff Severson Defensive Back Cal-Long Beach
13 322 Dan Ryczek Center Virginia
14 349 Bill Bynum Quarterback West New Mexico
15 375 Anthony Christnovich Guard La Crosse (Wis.)
16 400 Glenn Tucker Linebacker North Texas

Roster

1971 Washington Redskins roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad



Rookies in italics

Pre season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Time TV Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 August 7 at San Diego Chargers 11:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV L 10–19 0–1 San Diego Stadium 43,186
2 August 14 at Denver Broncos 10:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV W 17–13 1–1 Mile High Stadium 42,561
3 August 21 St. Louis Cardinals 8:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV W 20–13 2–1 RFK Stadium 40,228
4 August 28 Baltimore Colts 8:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV L 14–20 2–2 RFK Stadium 46,045
5 September 4 at Miami Dolphins 8:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV L 10–27 2–3 Miami Orange Bowl 61,202
6 September 11 Cincinnati Bengals 8:00 p.m. EDT WMAL-TV T 17–17 2–3–1 RFK Stadium 39,105

Pre Season Game Officials

Pre Season
Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Field Judge

Pre season Game summaries

Week P1 (Saturday, August 7, 1971): at San Diego Chargers

Preseason Week 1: Washington Redskins 10 at San Diego Chargers 19 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 7 0010
Chargers 0 3 16019

at San Diego Stadium • San Diego, California

  • Date: August 7, 1971
  • Game time: 11:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 43,186
  • TV: WMAL-TV
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
SD Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Redskins Game Statistics Chargers
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Week P2 (Saturday, August 14, 1971): at Denver Broncos

Preseason Week 2: Washington Redskins 17 at Denver Broncos 13 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 3 7017
Broncos 6 0 0713

at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado

Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
DEN Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Redskins Game Statistics Broncos
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Week P3 (Saturday, August 21, 1971): vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Preseason Week 3: St. Louis Cardinals 13 at Washington Redskins 20 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 0 01313
Redskins 7 6 7020

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: August 21, 1971
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 40,228
  • TV: WMAL-TV
Team Category Player Statistics
STL Passing
Rushing
Receiving
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Cardinals Game Statistics Redskins
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Week P4 (Saturday, August 28, 1971): vs. Baltimore Colts

Preseason Week 4: Baltimore Colts 20 at Washington Redskins 14 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Colts 3 7 3720
Redskins 0 0 01414

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: August 28, 1971
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 46,045
  • TV: WMAL-TV
Team Category Player Statistics
BAL Passing
Rushing
Receiving
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Colts Game Statistics Redskins
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Week P5 (Saturday, September 4, 1971): at Miami Dolphins

Preseason Week 5: Washington Redskins 10 at Miami Dolphinss 27 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 0 0710
Dolphins 0 6 14727

at Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, Florida

  • Date: September 4, 1971
  • Game time: 8:09 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 43,186
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • TV: WMAL-TV
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
MIA Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Redskins Game Statistics Dolphins
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Week P6 (Saturday, September 11, 1971): vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Preseason Week 6: Cincinnati Bengals 17 at Washington Redskins 17 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 10 0717
Redskins 7 0 3717

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: September 11, 1971
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 39,105
  • TV: WMAL-TV
Team Category Player Statistics
CIN Passing
Rushing
Receiving
WAS Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Bengals Game Statistics Redskins
First downs
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passes
Sacked–yards
Net passing yards
Total yards
Return yards
Punts
Fumbles–lost
Penalties–yards

Regular season

Main article: 1971 NFL season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Time TV Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 September 19 at St. Louis Cardinals 2:00 p.m. EDT CBS W 24–17 1–0 Busch Memorial Stadium 46,805 Recap
2 September 26 at New York Giants 1:00 p.m. EDT CBS W 30–3 2–0 Yankee Stadium 62,795 Recap
3 October 3 at Dallas Cowboys 2:00 p.m. EDT CBS W 20–16 3–0 Cotton Bowl 61,554 Recap
4 October 10 Houston Oilers 1:00 p.m. EDT W 22–13 4–0 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
5 October 17 St. Louis Cardinals 1:00 p.m. EDT CBS W 20–0 5–0 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
6 October 24 at Kansas City Chiefs 4:00 p.m. EDT CBS L 20–27 5–1 Municipal Stadium 51,989 Recap
7 October 31 New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. EST CBS W 24–14 6–1 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
8 November 7 Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 p.m. EST CBS T 7–7 6–1–1 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
9 November 14 at Chicago Bears 2:00 p.m. EST CBS L 15–16 6–2–1 Soldier Field 55,049 Recap
10 November 21 Dallas Cowboys 1:00 p.m. EST CBS L 0–13 6–3–1 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
11 November 28 at Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 p.m. EST CBS W 20–13 7–3–1 Veterans Stadium 65,358 Recap
12 December 5 New York Giants 1:00 p.m. EST CBS W 23–7 8–3–1 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
13 December 13 at Los Angeles Rams 9:00 p.m. EST ABC W 38–24 9–3–1 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 80,402 Recap
14 December 19 Cleveland Browns 1:00 p.m. EST NBC L 13–20 9–4–1 RFK Stadium 53,041 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Regular Season Game Officials

Regular Season
Week Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Field Judge
1 @ St. Louis (81) Fred Silva (15) Ralph Morcroft
2 @ N.Y. Giants (12) Ben Dreith (78) Art Demmas (4) Bruce Finlayson (67) Tommy Miller (29) Stan Javie (83) Bill O'Brien
3 @ Dallas (42) Jack Reader
4 Houston (6) Bernie Ulman
5 St. Louis (56) Norm Schachter
6 @ Kansas City (3) Jack Vest
7 New Orleans (32) Jim Tunney
8 Philadelphia (81) Fred Silva
9 @ Chicago (7) Tommy Bell
10 Dallas (60) Dick Jorgensen
11 @ Philadelphia (12) Ben Dreith
12 N.Y. Giants (71) Bob Frederic
13 @ Los Angeles (32) Jim Tunney
14 Cleveland (56) Norm Schachter

Standings

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Dallas Cowboys 11 3 0 .786 7–1 8–3 406 222 W7
Washington Redskins 9 4 1 .692 6–1–1 8–2–1 276 190 L1
Philadelphia Eagles 6 7 1 .462 4–3–1 5–5–1 221 302 W3
St. Louis Cardinals 4 9 1 .308 1–7 2–8–1 231 279 L2
New York Giants 4 10 0 .286 1–7 3–8 228 362 L5

Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.

Regular Season Game summaries

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2014)

Week 1 (Sunday, September 19, 1971): at St. Louis Cardinals

Week 1: Washington Redskins 24 at St. Louis Cardinals 17 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (1–0) 7 0 14324
Cardinals (0–1) 0 10 0717

at Busch Memorial Stadium • St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: September 19, 1971
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C); relative humidity 100%; wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn) (Light rain)
  • Game attendance: 46,805
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Drees (play-by-play), George Connor (color commentator) and Bruce Roberts (studio reporter)
  • [7]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 6/17, 65 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Larry Brown 18 CAR, 79 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Jerry Smith 2 REC, 35 YDS, 1 TD
STL Passing Jim Hart 5/15, 74 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing MacArthur Lane 19 CAR, 54 YDS
Receiving Jackie Smith 5 REC, 63 YDS, 2 TDs
Redskins Game Statistics Cardinals
10 First downs 13
38–148 Rushes–yards 38–117
65 Passing yards 138
6–17–0 Passes 10–27–4
0–0 Sacked–yards 0–0
65 Net passing yards 138
213 Total yards 255
171 Return yards 138
7–40.9 Punts 5–39.8
2–1 Fumbles–lost 3–3
3–25 Penalties–yards 6–39

Week 2 (Sunday, September 26, 1971): at New York Giants

Week 2: Washington Redskins 30 at New York Giants 3 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (2–0) 14 3 31030
Giants (1–1) 3 0 003

at Yankee Stadium • Bronx, New York

  • Date: September 26, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C); relative humidity 59%; wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn) (Light rain)
  • Game attendance: 62,795
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ray Scott (play-by-play), Pat Summerall (color commentator) and Bill Mazer (studio reporter)
  • [8]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 23/32, 309 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Larry Brown 16 CAR, 72 YDS
Receiving Roy Jefferson 8 REC, 95 YDS
NYG Passing Fran Tarkenton 12/21, 119 YDS, 2 INTs
Rushing Bobby Duhon 9 CAR, 37 YDS
Receiving Clifton McNeil 4 REC, 59 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics Giants
19 First downs 13
30–126 Rushes–yards 25–68
309 Passing yards 139
23–32–0 Passes 14–30–2
1–8 Sacked–yards 5–51
301 Net passing yards 88
427 Total yards 156
125 Return yards 79
5–38.4 Punts 9–42.3
1–0 Fumbles–lost 2–0
15–178 Penalties–yards 9–72


Week 3 (Sunday, October 3, 1971): at Dallas Cowboys

Week 3: Washington Redskins 20 at Dallas Cowboys 16 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (3–0) 7 7 3320
Cowboys (2–1) 0 9 0716

at Cotton Bowl • Dallas, Texas

  • Date: October 3, 1971
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C); relative humidity 94%; wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn) (Fog, Light rain)
  • Game attendance: 61,554
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber (play-by-play), Eddie LeBaron (color commentator) and Frank Clarke (studio reporter)
  • [9]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 5/10, 94 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Charlie Harraway 18 CAR, 111 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Roy Jefferson 2 REC, 67 YDS, 1 TD
DAL Passing Craig Morton 11/26, 124 YDS
Rushing Calvin Hill 19 CAR, 65 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Walt Garrison 5 REC, 44 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics Cowboys
14 First downs 20
41–200 Rushes–yards 29–82
94 Passing yards 227
5–10–1 Passes 17–35–0
2–9 Sacked–yards 3–42
85 Net passing yards 185
285 Total yards 267
110 Return yards 134
3–51.0 Punts 5–42.6
3–2 Fumbles–lost 1–1
3–15 Penalties–yards 5–35

Week 4 (Sunday, October 10, 1971): vs. Houston Oilers

Week 4: Houston Oilers 13 at Washington Redskins 22 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers (0–3–1) 0 10 3013
Redskins (4–0) 6 10 0622

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: October 10, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C); relative humidity 96%; wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn) (Light rain)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Bernie Ulman
  • TV announcers (KPRC-TV (Houston)): Bill Enis (play-by-play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator)
  • [10]
Team Category Player Statistics
HOU Passing Charley Johnson 16/34, 160 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Leroy Sledge 9 CAR, 31 YDS
Receiving Willie Frazier 4 REC, 36 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 10/21, 136 YDS
Rushing Charlie Harraway 19 CAR, 65 YDS
Receiving Charley Taylor 4 REC, 59 YDS
Oilers Game Statistics Redskins
13 First downs 11
21–46 Rushes–yards 40–115
160 Passing yards 136
16–35–3 Passes 10–21–0
2–14 Sacked–yards 0–0
146 Net passing yards 136
192 Total yards 251
106 Return yards 165
7–44.7 Punts 5–36.2
2–2 Fumbles–lost 2–2
4–35 Penalties–yards 5–63

Week 5 (Sunday, October 17, 1971): vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Week 5: St. Louis Cardinals 0 at Washington Redskins 20 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals (2–3) 0 0 000
Redskins (5–0) 10 0 3720

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: October 17, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C); relative humidity 90%; wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn) (Smoke haze)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Norm Schachter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Buck (play-by-play), Alex Hawkins (color commentator) and Andy Musser (studio reporter)
  • [11]
Team Category Player Statistics
STL Passing Pete Beathard 12/22, 142 YDS, 3 INTs
Rushing Roy Shivers 6 CAR, 11 YDS
Receiving John Gilliam 4 REC, 54 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 9/17, 126 YDS, 1 INT
Rushing Larry Brown 25 CAR, 150 YDS
Receiving Roy Jefferson 4 REC, 62 YDS
Cardinals Game Statistics Redskins
11 First downs 21
14–25 Rushes–yards 47–229
180 Passing yards 126
15–30–4 Passes 9–17–1
0–0 Sacked–yards 1–6
180 Net passing yards 120
205 Total yards 349
100 Return yards 52
5–41.4 Punts 4–42.5
3–3 Fumbles–lost 2–1
4–30 Penalties–yards 7–60

Week 6 (Sunday, October 24, 1971): at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 6: Washington Redskins 20 at Kansas City Chiefs 27 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (5–1) 10 7 0320
Chiefs (5–1) 3 3 71427

at Municipal Stadium • Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 24, 1971
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C); relative humidity 84%; wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn) (Drizzle)
  • Game attendance: 51,989
  • Referee: Jack Vest
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ray Scott (play-by-play), Pat Summerall (color commentator) and Ron Barr (studio reporter)
  • [12]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 15/38, 220 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Charlie Harraway 12 CAR, 58 YDS
Receiving Charley Taylor 7 REC, 125 YDS, 2 TDs
KC Passing Len Dawson 10/23, 203 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Ed Podolak 24 CAR, 110 YDS
Receiving Otis Taylor 5 REC, 105 YDS, 2 TDs
Redskins Game Statistics Chiefs
16 First downs 20
25–99 Rushes–yards 39–162
220 Passing yards 203
15–38–1 Passes 10–23–2
2–15 Sacked–yards 5–40
205 Net passing yards 163
304 Total yards 325
176 Return yards 131
4–44.0 Punts 5–47.8
2–1 Fumbles–lost 0–0
8–72 Penalties–yards 2–20

Week 7 (Sunday, October 31, 1971): vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 7: New Orleans Saints 14 at Washington Redskins 24 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints (2–4–1) 0 0 01414
Redskins (6–1) 0 17 0724

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: October 31, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C); relative humidity 91%; wind 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h; 4.3 kn) (Overcast)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Whitaker (play-by-play), Tom Brookshier (color commentator) and Dick Stockton (studio reporter)
  • [13]
Team Category Player Statistics
NO Passing Edd Hargett 9/21, 134 YDS, 1 INT
Rushing James Ford 15 CAR, 64 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Al Dodd 3 REC, 59 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 13/22, 204 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Larry Brown 20 CAR, 113 YDS
Receiving Boyd Dowler 5 REC, 71 YDS
Saints Game Statistics Redskins
16 First downs 21
31–106 Rushes–yards 37–173
163 Passing yards 204
12–27–1 Passes 13–22–2
6–57 Sacked–yards 0–0
106 Net passing yards 204
212 Total yards 377
91 Return yards 137
9–42.9 Punts 2–40.0
2–0 Fumbles–lost 4–4
13–123 Penalties–yards 6–61

Week 8 (Sunday, November 7, 1971): vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 8: Philadelphia Eagles 7 at Washington Redskins 7 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Eagles (2–5–1) 0 0 707
Redskins (6–1–1) 0 0 077

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: November 7, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C); relative humidity 56%; wind 17 miles per hour (27 km/h; 15 kn) (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Whitaker (play-by-play), Tom Brookshier (color commentator) and Andy Musser (studio reporter)
  • [14]
Team Category Player Statistics
PHI Passing Pete Liske 6/9, 95 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Sonny Davis 14 CAR, 47 YDS
Receiving Harold Jackson 2 REC, 47 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 12/24, 153 YDS, 1 TD, 4 INTs
Rushing Larry Brown 22 CAR, 43 YDS
Receiving Boyd Dowler 5 REC, 67 YDS
Eagles Game Statistics Redskins
10 First downs 14
31–77 Rushes–yards 31–61
124 Passing yards 153
10–22–1 Passes 12–24–4
3–29 Sacked–yards 4–17
95 Net passing yards 136
172 Total yards 197
86 Return yards 108
7–37.4 Punts 5–43.8
2–0 Fumbles–lost 4–3
11–97 Penalties–yards 9–78

Week 9 (Sunday, November 14, 1971): at Chicago Bears

Week 9: Washington Redskins 15 at Chicago Bears 16 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (6–2–1) 6 6 3015
Bears (6–3) 0 3 31016

at Soldier Field • Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 14, 1971
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C); relative humidity 75%; wind 17 miles per hour (27 km/h; 15 kn) (Clear)
  • Game attendance: 55,049
  • Referee: Tommy Bell
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Whitaker (play-by-play), Tom Brookshier (color commentator) and Bruce Roberts (studio reporter)
  • [15]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 20/30, 163 YDS
Rushing Tommy Mason 11 CAR, 42 YDS
Receiving Tommy Mason 9 REC, 79 YDS
CHI Passing Bobby Douglass 15/33, 214 YDS
Rushing Bobby Douglass 10 CAR, 88 YDS
Receiving Don Shy 5 CAR, 57 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics Bears
15 First downs 20
28–88 Rushes–yards 34–205
206 Passing yards 214
24–36–0 Passes 15–33–0
2–11 Sacked–yards 5–34
195 Net passing yards 180
283 Total yards 385
100 Return yards 57
5–32.8 Punts 4–40.3
0–0 Fumbles–lost 1–1
2–10 Penalties–yards 6–44

Week 10 (Sunday, November 21, 1971): vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 10: Dallas Cowboys 13 at Washington Redskins 0 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys (7–3) 7 0 3313
Redskins (6–3–1) 0 0 000

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: November 21, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 41 °F (5 °C); relative humidity 65%; wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn) (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Frank Glieber (play-by-play), Eddie LeBaron (color commentator) and Frank Clarke (studio reporter)
  • [16]
Team Category Player Statistics
DAL Passing Roger Staubach 11/21, 151 YDS
Rushing Duane Thomas 20 CAR, 53 YDS
Receiving Walt Garrison 4 REC, 48 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 10/16, 118 YDS
Rushing Larry Brown 11 CAR, 27 YDS
Receiving Boyd Dowler 5 REC, 52 YDS
Cowboys Game Statistics Redskins
16 First downs 15
37–146 Rushes–yards 21–65
151 Passing yards 194
11–21–0 Passes 19–32–2
3–18 Sacked–yards 3–27
133 Net passing yards 167
279 Total yards 232
37 Return yards 101
4–38.0 Punts 4–43.3
2–1 Fumbles–lost 1–0
6–30 Penalties–yards 3–50

Week 11 (Sunday, November 28, 1971): at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 11: Washington Redskins 20 at Philadelphia Eagles 13 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (7–3–1) 0 13 0720
Eagles (3–7–1) 0 0 6713

at Veterans Stadium • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 28, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); relative humidity 70%; wind 12 miles per hour (19 km/h; 10 kn) (Partly cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 65,358
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jack Whitaker (play-by-play), Tom Brookshier (color commentator) and Andy Musser (studio reporter)
  • [17]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 7/13. 104 YDS, 1 TD
Rushing Charlie Harraway 9 CAR, 47 YDS
Receiving Clifton McNeil 5 REC, 58 YDS
PHI Passing Pete Liske 13/28, 192 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Ronnie Bull 14 CAR, 73 YDS
Receiving Ben Hawkins 7 REC, 126 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics Eagles
10 First downs 16
28–102 Rushes–yards 27–100
155 Passing yards 192
10–19–0 Passes 13–28–2
0–0 Sacked–yards 1–12
155 Net passing yards 180
257 Total yards 280
127 Return yards 120
4–43.5 Punts 6–40.2
4–2 Fumbles–lost 0–0
7–68 Penalties–yards 9–79

Week 12 (Sunday, December 5, 1971): vs. New York Giants

Week 12: New York Giants 7 at Washington Redskins 23 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants (4–8) 0 0 077
Redskins (8–3–1) 13 7 3023

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: December 5, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 29 °F (−2 °C); relative humidity 86%; wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn); wind chill 21 °F (−6 °C)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Bob Frederic
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ray Scott (play-by-play), Pat Summerall (color commentator) and Bill Mazer (studio reporter)
  • [18]
Team Category Player Statistics
NYG Passing Fran Tarkenton 15/31, 162 YDS, 4 INTs
Rushing Junior Coffey 9 CAR, 40 YDS
Receiving Bob Tucker 5 REC, 69 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 4/14, 54 YDS, 1 INT
Rushing Larry Brown 25 CAR, 129 YDS, 2 TDs
Receiving Jerry Smith 1 REC, 27 YDS
Giants Game Statistics Redskins
15 First downs 9
27–89 Rushes–yards 36–155
173 Passing yards 54
16–33–5 Passes 4–14–1
1–8 Sacked–yards 3–19
165 Net passing yards 35
254 Total yards 190
97 Return yards 163
3–37.0 Punts 4–28.8
2–0 Fumbles–lost 2–0
3–39 Penalties–yards 6–67

Week 13 (Monday, December 13, 1971): at Los Angeles Rams

Week 13: Washington Redskins 38 at Los Angeles Rams 24 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (9–3–1) 7 17 7738
Rams (7–5–1) 10 0 7724

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum • Los Angeles, California

  • Date: December 13, 1971
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C); relative humidity 68%; wind 15 miles per hour (24 km/h; 13 kn) (Clear)
  • Game attendance: 80,402
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play-by-play), Howard Cosell (color commentator) and Don Meredith (color commentator)
  • [19]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 14/19, 246 YDS, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Larry Brown 27 CAR, 42 YDS, 1 TD
Receiving Roy Jefferson 8 REC, 137 YDS, 2 TDs
LA Passing Roman Gabriel 17/44, 219 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing Larry Smith 13 CAR, 49 YDS
Receiving Larry Smith 6 REC, 48 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics Rams
15 First downs 17
40–79 Rushes–yards 27–104
246 Passing yards 219
14–19–1 Passes 17–44–3
1–6 Sacked–yards 1–5
240 Net passing yards 214
319 Total yards 318
99 Return yards 145
5–43.8 Punts 4–39.3
2–2 Fumbles–lost 1–1
3–31 Penalties–yards 8–51

Week 14 (Sunday, December 19, 1971): vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 14: Cleveland Browns 20 at Washington Redskins 13 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns (9–5) 3 7 3720
Redskins (9–4–1) 0 13 0013

at RFK Stadium • Washington, D.C.

  • Date: December 19, 1971
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 27 °F (−3 °C); relative humidity 66%; wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn); wind chill 18 °F (−8 °C) (Overcast)
  • Game attendance: 53,041
  • Referee: Norm Schachter
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Johnny Morris (color commentator)
  • [20]
Team Category Player Statistics
CLE Passing Bill Nelsen 15/23, 165 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Rushing Leroy Kelly 18 CAR, 50 YDS
Receiving Milt Morin 3 REC, 40 YDS
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 18/33, 229 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Rushing Larry Brown 26 CAR, 81 YDS
Receiving Larry Brown 4 REC, 69 YDS, 1 TD
Browns Game Statistics Redskins
13 First downs 22
28–69 Rushes–yards 35–117
165 Passing yards 229
15–23–2 Passes 18–33–2
1–11 Sacked–yards 0–0
154 Net passing yards 229
223 Total yards 346
115 Return yards 186
4–37.3 Punts 1–46.0
1–0 Fumbles–lost 3–2
4–20 Penalties–yards 3–23

Stats

Passing

Passing
Player Pos G GS QBrec Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD TD% Int Int% Y/A AY/A Y/C Y/G Lng Rate Sk Yds NY/A ANY/A Sk% 4QC GWD
Kilmer QB 14 13 8–4–1 166 306 54.2 2221 13 4.2 13 4.2 71 7.3 6.2 13.4 158.6 74.0 16 110 5 6.56 5.55 1 0
Jurgensen QB 5 1 1–0–0 16 28 57.1 170 0 0.0 2 7.1 30 6.1 2.9 10.6 34.0 45.2 1 8 3.4 5.59 2.48
Team Total 14 9–4–1 182 334 54.5 2391 13 3.9 15 4.5 71 7.2 5.9 13.1 170.8 71.6 17 118 4.8 6.48 5.29 1 0
Opp Total 14 191 411 46.5 2448 11 2.7 29 7.1 6.0 3.32 12.8 174.9 45.1 36 321 8.1 4.8 2.3

Rushing

Rushing
Player Pos G GS Att Yds TD Lng Y/A Y/G A/G
Brown RB 13 13 253 948 4 34 3.7 72.9 19.5
Harraway FB 14 14 156 635 2 57 4.1 45.4 11.1
Mason RB 10 1 31 85 0 11 2.7 8.5 3.1
Jurgensen QB 5 1 3 29 0 11 9.7 5.8 0.6
Burnet RB 7 0 10 27 0 5 2.7 3.9 1.4
Jefferson WR 14 14 2 13 0 13 6.5 0.9 0.1
Hull RB 11 0 2 8 0 6 4.0 0.7 0.2
Kilmer QB 14 13 17 5 2 3 0.3 0.4 1.2
Smith TE 8 7 1 5 0 5 5.0 0.6 0.1
Wyche QB 1 0 1 4 0 4 4.0 4.0 1.0
Petitbon SS 14 13 1 –2 0 –2 –2.0 –0.1 0.1
Team Total 14 477 1757 8 57 3.7 125.5 34.1
Opp Total 14 408 1396 7 3.4 99.7 29.1

Receiving

Receiving
Player Pos G GS Rec Yds Y/R TD Lng R/G Y/G Ctch%
Jefferson WR 14 14 47 701 14.9 4 70 3.4 50.1 0.0%
Dowler WR 12 7 26 352 13.5 0 30 2.2 29.3 0.0%
Taylor WR 6 6 24 370 15.4 4 71 4.0 61.7 0.0%
Harraway FB 14 14 20 121 6.1 0 20 1.4 8.6 0.0%
Smith TE 8 7 16 227 14.2 1 31 2.0 28.4 0.0%
Brown RB 13 13 16 176 11.0 2 36 1.2 13.5 0.0%
McNeil WR 8 1 14 244 17.4 2 36 1.8 30.5 0.0%
Mason RB 10 1 12 109 9.1 0 18 1.2 10.9 0.0%
Alston TE 12 7 5 87 17.4 0 21 0.4 7.3 0.0%
Brunet RB 7 0 2 4 2.0 0 5 0.3 0.6 0.0%
Team Total 14 182 2391 13.1 13 71 13.0 170.8
Opp Total 14 191 2127 11.1 11 13.6 151.9

Kicking

Kicking
Games 0–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50+ Scoring
Player Pos G GS FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM FGA FGM Lng FG% XPA XPM XP%
Knight K 14 0 12 10 9 6 14 8 11 3 3 2 49 29 52 59.2% 27 27 100.0%
Team Total 14 12 10 9 6 14 8 11 3 3 2 49 29 59.2% 27 27 100.0%
Opp Total 14 33 17 51.5% 20 19 95.0%

Punting

Punting
Player Pos G GS Pnt Yds Lng Blck Y/P
Bragg P 14 0 58 2348 59 1 40.5
Team Total 14 58 2348 59 1 40.5
Opp Total 14 77 3172 41.2

Kick Return

Kick Return
Player Pos G GS Rt Yds TD Lng Y/Rt
Duncan DB 14 0 22 233 0 33 10.6
Vactor DB 14 0 23 194 0 30 8.4
Team Total 14 45 427 0 33 9.5
Opp Total 14 17 87 0 5.1

Punt Return

Punt Return
Player Pos G GS Ret Yds TD Lng Y/R
Duncan DB 14 0 27 724 0 48 26.8
Jaqua DB 14 1 6 78 0 19 13.0
McLinton LB 14 0 5 46 0 13 9.2
Bass RCB 14 14 4 61 0 26 15.3
Tillman LB 9 0 1 4 0 4 4.0
Team Total 14 43 913 0 48 21.2
Opp Total 14 61 1066 0 17.5

Sacks

Sacks
Player Pos G GS Sk
Jones DE 14 1 7.5
Biggs RDE 13 13 5.0
Hanburger RLB 14 14 5.0
Talbert RDT 14 14 5.0
Brundige DT 14 0 4.5
McDole LDE 14 14 4.5
Sistrunk LDT 14 14 3.0
Pardee LLB 14 14 1.5
McLinton LB 14 0 0.5
Pottios MLB 14 14 0.5
Team Total 14 36
Opp Total 14 17

Interceptions

Interceptions
Player Pos G GS Int Yds TD Lng PD
Bass RCB 14 14 8 78 1 38
Petitbon SS 14 13 5 102 0 42
Pardee LLB 14 14 5 58 1 20
Fischer LCB 14 14 3 103 1 53
McDole LDE 14 14 3 18 1 18
Owens FS 14 14 2 27 0 19
Duncan DB 14 0 1 46 1 46
Pottios MLB 14 14 1 31 0 31
Hanburger RLB 14 14 1 17 0 17
Team Total 14 29 480 5 53
Opp Total 14

Fumbles

Fumbles
Player Pos G GS FF Fmb FR Yds TD
Brown RB 13 13 6 0 0 0
Vactor DB 14 0 5 2 0 0
Duncan DB 14 0 4 0 0 0
Harraway FB 14 14 3 0 0 0
Kilmer QB 14 13 2 2 –3 0
Mason RB 10 1 2 1 0 0
Petitbon SS 14 13 2 3 –6 0
Alston TE 12 7 1 0 0 0
Brunet RB 7 0 1 0 0 0
Dowler WR 12 7 1 0 0 0
Jaqua DB 14 1 1 0 0 0
Jurgensen QB 5 1 1 0 0 0
McNeil WR 8 1 1 0 0 0
Smith TE 8 7 1 0 0 0
Tillman LB 9 0 1 1 0 0
Laaveg G 14 0 0 3 0 0
Hanburger RLB 14 14 0 2 16 1
Bass RCB 14 14 0 1 0 0
Hermiling T 8 0 0 1 0 0
Knight K 14 0 0 1 0 0
Pardee LLB 14 14 0 1 0 0
Schoenke LG 14 14 0 1 0 0
Sistrunk LDT 14 14 0 1 0 0
Talbert RDT 14 14 0 1 0 0
Taylor WR 6 6 0 1 0 0
Wilbur RG 14 14 0 1 0 0
Team Total 14 32 24 7 1
Opp Total 14 22 10 1

Tackles

Tackles
Player Pos G GS Comb Solo Ast TFL QBHits Sfty
Team Total 14
Opp Total 14

Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary
Player Pos G GS RshTD RecTD PR TD KR TD FblTD IntTD OthTD AllTD XPM XPA FGM FGA Sfty Pts Pts/G
Knight K 14 0 27 27 29 49 114 8.1
Brown RB 13 13 4 2 6 36 2.8
Jefferson WR 14 14 4 4 24 1.7
Taylor WR 6 6 4 4 24 4.0
Harraway RB 14 14 2 2 12 0.9
Kilmer QB 14 13 2 2 12 0.9
McNeil WR 8 1 2 2 12 1.5
Bass RCB 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
Duncan DB 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
Fischer LCB 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
Hanburger RLB 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
McDole LDE 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
Pardee LLB 14 14 1 1 6 0.4
Smith TE 8 7 1 1 6 0.8
Team Total 14 8 13 1 5 27 27 27 29 49 276
Opp Total 14 7 11 1 1 20 19 20 17 33 190

Team

Team
Total Yds & TO Passing Rushing Penalties
Player PF Yds Ply Y/P TO FL 1stD Cmp Att Yds TD Int NY/A 1stD Att Yds TD Y/A 1stD Pen Yds 1stPy
Team Stats 276 4030 828 4.9 35 20 212 182 334 2273 13 15 6.5 112 477 1757 8 3.7 77 80 801 23
Opp Stats 190 3523 855 4.1 41 12 213 191 411 2127 11 29 4.8 119 408 1396 7 3.4 73 93 720 21
Lg Rank Offense 12 13 11 22 17 19 10 17 8 5 12 14 21 20
Lg Rank Defense 4 4 6 20 17 24 12 5 1 4 5 4 3 4

Quarter-by-quarter

Quarter-by-quarter
Team 1 2 3 4 T
Redskins 77 103 36 60 276
Opponent 26 42 39 83 190

Postseason

Main article: 1971–72 NFL playoffs
Round Date Opponent Time TV Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
Divisional December 26 at San Francisco 49ers 4:00 p.m. EST CBS L 20–24 0–1 Candlestick Park 45,327 Recap

Playoff Game Officials

Playoff
Round Opponent Referee Umpire Head Linesman Line Judge Back Judge Field Judge Alternate
NFC Divisional Playoff @ San Francisco (40) Pat Haggerty (15) Ralph Morcroft (44) Walt Peters (28) Bill Schleibaum (5) Ray Douglas (31) Dick Dolack (74) Ray Dodez

Richard Nixon play

There was a rumor that President Richard Nixon called a key play that caused the Redskins to lose to the 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Nixon, a friend of George Allen, once attended a practice game where he tried the same play to much better results.[21]

Playoff Game summaries

NFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, December 26, 1971): at San Francisco 49ers

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Redskins 20 at San Francisco 49ers 24 – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins (9–5–1) 7 3 3720
49ers (10–5) 0 3 14724

at Candlestick Park • San Francisco, California

  • Date: December 26, 1971
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C); relative humidity 82%; wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn) (Overcast)
  • Game attendance: 45,327
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ray Scott (play-by-play), Pat Summerall (color commentator) and Bruce Roberts (studio reporter)
  • [22]
Team Category Player Statistics
WAS Passing Billy Kilmer 11/27, 106 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing Larry Brown 27 CAR, 84 YDS
Receiving Larry Brown 6 REC, 62 YDS, 1 TD
SF Passing John Brodie 10/19, 176 YDS, 2 TDs
Rushing Vic Washington 16 CAR, 59 YDS
Receiving Ted Kwalick 3 REC, 26 YDS
Redskins Game Statistics 49ers
13 First downs 11
39–99 Rushes–yards 39–112
106 Passing yards 176
11–27–1 Passes 10–19–0
1–13 Sacked–yards 1–3
95 Net passing yards 163
192 Total yards 285
247 Return yards 109
5–46.2 Punts 10–33.7
3–2 Fumbles–lost 0–0
4–55 Penalties–yards 3–41

Awards, records, and honors

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References

  1. ^ "Lombardi dies of cancer". Milwaukee Journal. press dispatches. September 3, 1970. p. 1, part 1.
  2. ^ "Lombardi loses fight". Pittsburgh Press. UPI. September 3, 1970. p. 39.
  3. ^ "State to mourn Lombardi in rites". Milwaukee Sentinel. September 4, 1970. p. 1, part 1.
  4. ^ "49ers, Colts march into finals". Milwaukee Sentinel. UPI. September 27, 1971. p. 1, part 2.
  5. ^ "Go-for-broke pass pays off for 49ers". Free Lance-Star. (Fredericksburg, Virginia). Associated Press. December 27, 1971. p. 16.
  6. ^ Maule, Tex (January 3, 1972). "The Cowboys fly – the Redskins die". Sports Illustrated. p. 15.
  7. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at St. Louis Cardinals – September 19, 1971
  8. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at New York Giants – September 26, 1971
  9. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys – October 3, 1971
  10. ^ Pro Football Reference; Houston Oilers at Washington Redskins – October 10, 1971
  11. ^ Pro Football Reference; St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Redskins – October 17, 1971
  12. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Kansas City Chiefs – October 24, 1971
  13. ^ Pro Football Reference; New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins – October 31, 1971
  14. ^ Pro Football Reference; Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins – November 7, 1971
  15. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – November 14, 1971
  16. ^ Pro Football Reference; Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – November 21, 1971
  17. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles – November 28, 1971
  18. ^ Pro Football Reference; New York Giants at Washington Redskins – December 5, 1971
  19. ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams – December 13, 1971
  20. ^ Pro Football Reference; Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins – December 19, 1971
  21. ^ "Did Richard Nixon call a key Redskins play?". 13 September 2012.
  22. ^ Pro Football Reference; NFC Divisional Playoffs – Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – December 26, 1971
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