# 1979 Washington Redskins season

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
### NFL draft

1979 Washington Redskins draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 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 ||||||

### Undrafted free agents

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 |

## Preseason

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

| 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
### Week 1: vs. Houston Oilers

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 29 | 27 |

### Week 2: 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27 | 24 |

### Week 3: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 27 |

### Week 4: 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 7 |

### Week 5: at Atlanta Falcons

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 16 | 7 |

### Week 6: 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 28 |

### Week 7: 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 13 | 9 |

### Week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 17 |

### Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14 | 10 |

### Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 38 |

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

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | STL | WSH |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 28 | 30 |

### Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 34 |

### Week 13: 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 6 | 14 |

### Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "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. 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

| 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 | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 14 | 28 |

### Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys

| 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 |
| Redskins | Rushing | John Riggins | 22 Rush, 151 Yds, 2 TD |
| Redskins | Receiving | Benny Malone | 1 Rec, 55 Yds, TD |
| Cowboys | Passing | Roger Staubach | 24/42, 326 Yds, 3 TD, INT |
| Cowboys | Rushing | Ron Springs | 20 Rush, 79 Yds, TD |
| Cowboys | Receiving | Tony Hill | 8 Rec, 113 Yds, TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | 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. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 34 | 35 |

### Standings

NFC East :
| viewtalkedit | 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 |