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What history tells us about Washington Football Team’s chances of reaching .500

By Jonathan Eig

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Robert Griffin III #10 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after the Redskins scored a touchdown in the second half during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on October 20, 2013 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 20: Robert Griffin III #10 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after the Redskins scored a touchdown in the second half during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on October 20, 2013 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: A Washington Football Team helmet is seen on the field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: A Washington Football Team helmet is seen on the field before the game between the Washington Football Team and the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1955 – 8-4, up from 3-9

The 1950s were not kind to WFT. Win totals from 1950-1954 were 3, 5, 4, 6, and 3. From 1956-1961, they were 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, and 1.  But something magical happened in 1955. Not big Harry Houdini magic. More like your cousin doing a card trick at Thanksgiving-magic. But magical nonetheless.

It was the second year of coach Joe Kuharich’s tenure. He had taken over when Curly Lambeau was fired during the 1954 pre-season, and that 1954 season was hopeless. Several key players had been either disenchanted with Lambeau’s coaching style, or with owner Marshall’s stinginess, and had taken off for the CFL. The defense in 1954 really suffered.

For the 1955 season, Kuharich made it a point to rebuild that defense. He convinced star defensive end Gene Brito to return from Canada. He traded for linebacker LaVern “Torgy” Torgeson (who, if you aren’t quite old enough to recall his playing days, you may remember as a key defensive coach under both George Allen and Joe Gibbs).

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And he signed tough-as-nails safety Roy Barni. They helped a defense that gave up 36 points a game in 1954 lower that figure to 18.5 in 1955. Kuharich also got QB Eddie LeBaron to return from Canada.

Washington beat Cleveland for the first time in franchise history in the opener, and then scored three TDs in less than three minutes to come back on Philadelphia in the second game.

There would bad stretches as well – it would be a season of streaks. But it was good enough to secure second place in the East for a franchise that had become quite mediocre of late. They had seven Pro-Bowlers. The future looked bright.

Sadly, it would not be. But that story is for another time.

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