The 2016 Washington Redskins schedule reflected both continuity and change as the franchise pursued a return to the playoffs. This overview provides essential context for fans tracking performance, key matchups, and season turning points.
Below is a structured snapshot of the 2016 season, highlighting schedule characteristics, division outcomes, and notable trends that shaped the year for Washington.
| Season Aspect | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 8–7–1 | Missed playoffs after starting 5–3 |
| Division | NFC East | Finished 2nd, 2 games behind Dallas |
| Key Strength | Red zone efficiency | Improved scoring opportunities conversion |
| Notable Weakness | Secondary injuries | Late-season depth challenges |
2016 Season Schedule Overview
The 2016 Redskins schedule featured a balanced mix of divisional rivals and cross-conference opponents, with early road tests shaping the team's trajectory. Home games at FedExField provided critical momentum during the middle stretch of the season.
Key non-division conference matchups against NFC South and NFC West teams influenced wildcard positioning. The tight late-season schedule demanded resilience from a roster dealing with injuries at multiple positions.
Division Rivalry Analysis
Intra-division games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants defined much of the 2016 campaign. Each matchup carried playoff implications and intensified regional fan interest.
Washington split the series with New York and showed competitiveness against Philadelphia, but inconsistent performance against Dallas proved costly in the standings.
Key Performance Trends
Offensive production remained steady through the first eight weeks, with balanced contributions from the running game and passing attack. Turnovers became a more pronounced issue in the second half, affecting close-game outcomes.
Defensive metrics highlighted strong red zone defense but revealed vulnerabilities in third-down conversions during high-leverage moments. Special teams contributions, particularly in field position, supported competitiveness in narrow contests.
Notable Games and Turning Points
Close losses to division rivals and late comeback opportunities defined the emotional arc of the 2016 season. A few pivotal wins against playoff-caliber teams demonstrated that the squad had the talent to compete at a higher level.
Coaching decisions in fourth quarters and clock management emerged as recurring storylines, influencing how observers evaluated the season's trajectory and future directions.
Looking Ahead from 2016
Evaluating the 2016 Washington Redskins schedule offers insight into organizational strengths and areas for roster improvement.
- Review divisional performance patterns to inform future strategy
- Prioritize depth at secondary and linebacker positions
- Leverage red zone efficiency as a competitive advantage
- Monitor quarterback development and offensive line consistency
- Track offseason moves addressing special teams and third-down defense
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the Redskins perform against division opponents in 2016?
The Redskins showed mixed results within NFC East, securing key wins but struggling with consistency against Dallas, which directly affected playoff positioning.
What were the critical factors in close losses during the season?
Turnovers, third-down conversion rates, and defensive breakdowns in the red zone were common factors in narrow defeats.
Did the 2016 schedule prepare the team for future playoff contention?
The mix of tough conference games and division rivals provided valuable experience, though roster gaps limited long-term momentum.
Which moments stood out most to fans during the 2016 season?
Fourth-quarter comebacks, standout defensive stops, and pivotal division wins generated memorable fan engagement despite the final record.