In today's Rewarding Moments In Redskins History presented by Maryland Lottery My Lottery Rewards, we look back at the Redskins' rout of the Lions in 2007 behind a dominant performance by the burgundy and gold defense.
The meeting was not one of postseason stature, but the Lions eyed their visit to FedExField in Week 5 of the 2007 season as one where the powder blue and grey could earn their first franchise victory in the nation's capital.
Coming out of their bye week, the Redskins (2-1) saw the matchup as a classic "trap" game. Although they owned a 3-1 record, the Lions were fresh off of a 3-13 season where they finished an abysmal 1-7 on the road. The Redskins saw opportunity and ran the Lions out of FedEx with a 31-point victory.
After a scoreless first quarter, Washington jumped out to a two touchdown lead with a Campbell-Cooley connection and Mike Sellers score as halftime neared.
Washington's defense proved to be the key to victory as the unit, led by defensive end Andre Carter and linebacker Marcus Washington, went on to sack Lions quarterback Jon Kitna a total of six times.
Additionally, the front's dominating pressure allowed back end ballhawks like safety Sean Taylor and cornerback Carlos Rogers to feast on errant Kitna throws, leading to a passer rating of 34.6 -- a season-low at that point. The duo of Taylor and Rogers combined for eight tackles and two interceptions, including a 61-yard pick six by Rogers that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter.
The matchup was the last time the Redskins defeated the Lions in the confines of FedExField. A win this Sunday would also mark the first Redskins victory over the Lions in over a decade, the last win coming via a Washington 25-17 win at Ford Field in Week 8 of the 2008 season.
