Though the Commanders have only appeared in the playoffs six times in the last quarter century, they have faced the Tampa Bay Bucs half of those times.
Yes, in the last 25 seasons, the Washington NFL franchise known as the Redskins, Football Team, and now Commanders failed to qualify for the NFC playoffs for 18 seasons.
Here are the three times in the last 25 years Washington made the playoffs and then faced the Tampa Bay Bucs in the playoffs.
- In 1999, Norv Turner coached the Redskins to the NFC East title with a 10-6 record. Washington defeated the Detroit Lions 27-13 in Landover, then traveled to Tampa to face the Bucs. Brian Mitchell returned the second-half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Washington would lead 13-0 before the Bucs scored two touchdowns, taking a 14-13 lead. In the last minutes, Washington gained two first downs and, on fourth & 3 from the 33, set up to kick a 50-yard field goal. However, a bad snap by Dan Turk forced Brad Johnson to attempt a pass, which fell incomplete.
- In 2005, Joe Gibbs’ team finished 10-6, winning their last five regular season games. The first-round game was again played in Tampa, FL. LB LaVar Arrington intercepted a Chris Simms pass in the first quarter, returning the ball inside the Bucs’ 10. Clinton Portis scored on a six-yard touchdown. Still, in the first quarter, Sean Taylor picked up a fumble and ran 51 yards for a touchdown for a 14-0 lead. The Washington offense could only generate 120 yards all day. However, the defense kept Tampa Bay to 243 yards and won the turnover battle 3-1, as Washington held on to win 17-10.
- The 2020 season was bizarre. Washington somehow won the NFC East, though they only achieved a 7-9 regular season record. The Bucs (11-5 wild card) came to Landover. Washington fell behind early, 9-0 and 18-7. Taylor Heinicke pulled off his spectacular diving touchdown run diving out to touch the pylon for an 8-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 18-16. But Tom Brady led the Bucs to a 31-23 win.
Can the Commanders even the score against the Bucs on Sunday?
