After the second game of the season, the NFL players went on strike for the second time in five years. This time, the league would allow teams to field replacement teams, beginning with this game.

The Redskins appeared to be outmatched, as a number of St Louis starters had decided to cross the picket lines to play. But Washington replacement QB Ed Rubbert and WR Anthony Allen connected on three long touchdowns and the Skins had pulled out to a 28-14 lead in the fourth quarter. Only a late interception return by the Cardinals made the score more respectable.