The 2002 season was the Washington Redskins' 71st season in the National Football League, and their 66th representing Washington, D.C. They failed to improve on their 8âÂÂ8 record from 2001, finishing at 7âÂÂ9. 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 1969 home uniforms.
The Redskins hosted their now-former division foe in the Cardinalsâ first season in the revamped NFC West. In Steve SpurrierâÂÂs debut as Skins coach his âÂÂFun & Gunâ offense put up 442 yards in a 31âÂÂ23 win. Shane Matthews erupted to three touchdowns while Jake Plummer of the Cardinals was held to just fourteen completions.
Spurrier's âÂÂFun & Gunâ 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. This game also featured a delay into the fourth quarter when Pepper Spray that was used to break up fighting in the stands spread out onto the Eagles sideline.