The end of the 1995 season had many Redskins fans daring to think about playoffs in 1996 for the first time in several years. After opening the season with a 3 point loss to the Eagles, the Skins appeared to be fulfilling that promise. Behind strong running by Terry Allen, the team opened up a 7-1 record. The playoffs seemed a certainty, and there was a feeling that more glory years were not far away.

All of that came crashing down in the second half of the season. A mid season loss to the Bills put a weak running defense on display, and a series of opponents were able to successfully pound the ball against the Skins. The Redskins finished 2-6 and did not make the playoffs.