After the dismal experience in 1993, hope appeared to arrive in the hiring of Dallas offensive coordinator Norv Turner, the hottest head coaching candidate at the time. Turner was handed a team in disarray in the hopes that his experience building Dallas' offense could be applied to the Skins. Little of that promise materialized in 1994.

QB Heath Shuler was drafted with high expectations, but appeared to have trouble grasping the offense. Neither Ricky Ervins or Reggie Brooks emerged as a viable starting RB. Only veteran WR Henry Ellard showed some promise as an offensive weapon.

The team never found a rhythm, and could only mount 3 victories. 1994 had been written off as a rebuilding year by most before the season even started, and most stomached the poor record in the hopes that the growing pains would end soon.