Gridiron Grit
A Scholarly Examination of the 2009 Washington Redskins Season
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Season Overview
Performance Metrics
The 2009 Washington Redskins concluded their season with a final record of 4 wins and 12 losses. This performance placed them fourth and last within the competitive NFC East division. The season marked the second and final year under Head Coach Jim Zorn.
Leadership and Personnel
During the season, significant changes occurred in the front office. Long-time General Manager Vinny Cerrato resigned on December 17, 2009. He was succeeded by Bruce Allen, whose father, George Herbert Allen, also previously coached the Redskins.
Season Trajectory
The team struggled to replicate or surpass their previous season's performance, finishing with a 4-12 record. This outcome led to the dismissal of Head Coach Jim Zorn following the season's conclusion, with Mike Shanahan appointed as his successor for the 2010 campaign.
Key Transactions
Major Signings
The Redskins were active in free agency, notably signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a substantial seven-year, $100 million contract. Guard Derrick Dockery was also brought back on a five-year deal. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall secured a new six-year contract.
Notable Departures
Veteran linebacker Marcus Washington was released early in the offseason. Defensive end Jason Taylor was also let go after refusing to modify his contract regarding offseason participation.
Roster Movements
The team also re-signed defensive ends Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn. Efforts were made to acquire quarterback Jay Cutler via trade, but these attempts were unsuccessful. The roster saw numerous adjustments throughout the offseason and regular season.
NFL Draft Analysis
Top Selections
The Redskins' primary draft focus was on bolstering their defensive front. Their first-round selection, the 13th overall pick, was used to select defensive end Brian Orakpo from the University of Texas. Orakpo later earned a Pro Bowl selection during his career.
Draft Class Overview
The team made a total of seven selections in the 2009 NFL Draft. Notable picks included cornerback Kevin Barnes (3rd round, Maryland) and linebacker Cody Glenn (5th round, Nebraska). Several draft picks, including Orakpo and Barnes, made the final roster.
Draft Strategy
The draft strategy appeared geared towards acquiring talent on both lines of scrimmage and in the secondary. The team also engaged in draft-day trades, acquiring additional picks and players, reflecting a proactive approach to roster construction.
Game Schedule & Results
Regular Season Summary
The Redskins commenced their 2009 regular season campaign with a road loss against the New York Giants. They secured victories against the St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, and Oakland Raiders. However, a series of losses, including several close contests and a significant defeat to the Giants late in the season, defined their 4-12 record.
Notable Games
The season featured several close contests, including overtime losses and games decided by narrow margins. The Week 13 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints officially eliminated the team from playoff contention. The Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys resulted in a particularly low-scoring defensive struggle.
Player Statistics
Passing Leaders
Quarterback Jason Campbell led the team in passing, completing 64.5% of his attempts for 3,618 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Backup Todd Collins saw limited action. Hunter Smith, primarily a punter, also recorded a touchdown pass.
Rushing and Receiving
Clinton Portis was the leading rusher with 494 yards and 1 touchdown. Ladell Betts and Quinton Ganther also contributed significantly from the running back position. Santana Moss led the receiving corps with 70 receptions for 902 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Defensive Standouts
Linebacker London Fletcher led the team in tackles with 118 total (76 solo, 42 assisted) and recorded 2 sacks. Defensive end Andre Carter and rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo were notable for their pass-rushing contributions, each tallying 11 sacks. DeAngelo Hall led the team with 4 interceptions.
NFC East Standings
Divisional Performance
The Redskins finished last in the NFC East with a 4-12 overall record. Their divisional record was 0-6, indicating significant struggles against their closest rivals. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both secured playoff berths with identical 11-5 records.
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References
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Considerations
This document presents an analytical overview of the 2009 Washington Redskins season, synthesized from publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, this content is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
This is not professional sports analysis or prediction. The data reflects historical performance and should not be used as a basis for financial decisions or as a substitute for expert commentary. Statistical nuances, context, and potential data limitations inherent in source materials should be considered by the reader.
The creators of this page are not liable for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information presented herein.