The Washington Drought: When Was Their Last Playoff Win?

The Washington D.C. area has been facing a severe drought in recent years, leaving many residents and visitors concerned about the impact on the city's water supply. However, the drought has not affected the Washington Commanders' football team's performance on the field. In fact, the team has a rich history of playoff wins, but can fans remember their last one?

The Washington Commanders, previously known as the Washington Redskins, have a legacy of success in the NFL. With 17 division titles, 5 NFC championships, and 3 Super Bowl appearances, the team has a loyal fan base. But when was their last playoff win? Let's dive into the team's history and explore their last playoff victory.

Preparing for the 2020 NFL Season

The 2020 NFL season was set to be an exciting one for the Washington Commanders. After a dismal 2020 season, the team was looking to bounce back with a strong roster. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the team to adapt and adjust their preparations.

The team's training camp was held in Park City, Utah, which was a unique experience for the players. The team's coaches and staff worked hard to ensure that the players were prepared for the season, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Coaching Staff and Roster Changes

The Commanders made several key changes to their coaching staff and roster before the 2020 season. The team hired a new head coach, Ron Rivera, who had previously coached in the NFL for over 20 years. Rivera brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, which was essential for navigating the challenges of the pandemic.

The team also made several roster changes, including the signing of quarterback Alex Smith. Smith had previously played for the Commanders from 2004 to 2013 and was looking to return to the team where his NFL career began.

Key Roster Additions

Some of the key roster additions for the Commanders in 2020 included:

• Quarterback Alex Smith
• Wide receiver Terry McLaurin
• Tight end Logan Thomas
• Defensive end Chase Young

These players were expected to make a significant impact on the team's performance, and they did not disappoint.

The 2020 NFL Season

The 2020 NFL season was a rollercoaster ride for the Commanders. The team started the season strongly, winning their first two games against the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. However, they struggled in the middle of the season, losing several key games against the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints.

Despite the ups and downs, the Commanders remained optimistic about their chances of making the playoffs. However, their season was ultimately cut short when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.

The Playoff Loss

The playoff loss to the Buccaneers was a tough pill for the Commanders to swallow. Despite their efforts, they were unable to overcome the Buccaneers' strong defense and offense.

The team's quarterback play was a major factor in their loss. Alex Smith was injured in the final game of the regular season, and the team was unable to find a reliable replacement.

Lessons Learned

The playoff loss to the Buccaneers provided the Commanders with several lessons to learn. One of the most important was the importance of quarterback play. The team realized that they needed to invest more in their quarterback position and find a reliable starter.

Another lesson learned was the importance of team defense. The Commanders' defense was one of the strongest in the league, but they were unable to contain the Buccaneers' offense.

The Last Playoff Win

So, when was the Commanders' last playoff win? Unfortunately, the answer is a bit of a disappointment for fans. The team's last playoff win was in 1999, when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.

The 1999 Playoff Win

The 1999 playoff win was a historic moment for the Commanders. The team was led by quarterback Trent Green, who threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles.

The team's defense was also strong, holding the Eagles to just 17 points. The win marked the Commanders' first playoff victory in over 40 years, and it sent the team to the NFC Championship game.

Legacy of the 1999 Playoff Win

The 1999 playoff win has become a legendary moment in Commanders history. The team's fans still talk about the game today, and it is remembered as one of the greatest playoff wins in franchise history.

The win also marked a turning point for the team, as it showed that they were capable of competing with the best teams in the league. The team went on to lose to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game, but the loss was a disappointment that few fans could forget.

Conclusion

The Washington Commanders' drought without a playoff win has been a long and difficult one. However, the team has a rich history of success, and fans remain optimistic about their chances of making the playoffs in the future.

The team's last playoff win was in 1999, but they have been working hard to return to the postseason. With a strong roster and a dedicated fan base, the Commanders are well on their way to making a comeback.

Whether or not the team will be able to overcome the drought and win another playoff game remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the Commanders' fans will be cheering them on every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

• The Washington Commanders' last playoff win was in 1999.
• The team has not had a playoff win since 1999.
• The team has a rich history of success, including 17 division titles and 5 NFC championships.
• The team is working hard to return to the postseason and make a comeback.