Redskins fans were cautiously optimistic as 1995 opened. A proven RB had joined the roster in Terry Allen, and dynamic WR Michael Westbrook had been picked up in the draft. Backup QB Gus Frerotte had looked good in the preseason, and Shuler appeared to be on a short lease.

The team was not able to post many victories early in the season, but several losses were by less than a touchdown, giving a feeling that the team was close to turning a corner. A 3-1 record in the final four games along with a sweep of Dallas gave a silver lining to an otherwise disappointing 6-10 record.

Despite the poor record, the Redskins looked to be building a new offensive core. Frerotte had become the starter by mid-season and looked decent. Terry Allen had established himself as a solid starting RB. The tighter margin of most of the losses gave hope that a little more chemistry and luck could put the team back in the playoffs.