Honestly, it feels like a lifetime ago. If you’re a Washington fan, you probably remember where you were, but the details might be a little fuzzy because so much has changed since then. Names, coaches, even the stadium’s vibe. But the facts don't lie.
The last time Redskins won division titles was back in 2015.
It wasn't some dominant, wire-to-wire season where everyone knew they were the best team in the NFC East. Far from it. That year was a chaotic, high-stress, and ultimately surprising sprint to the finish line. They ended the year with a 9-7 record. Not exactly world-beaters, right? But in the weird world of the NFC East, nine wins was enough to take the crown.
The Year Kirk Cousins "Liked That"
You remember the catchphrase. It’s basically the only thing some people remember from 2015. After a wild comeback win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7—where Washington was down 24-0—Kirk Cousins screamed "YOU LIKE THAT!" at a camera in the tunnel.
That moment changed everything.
Before that, the season was looking like a disaster. They were 2-4 and looked lost. But that win sparked something. Under head coach Jay Gruden and a young offensive coordinator named Sean McVay (yeah, that Sean McVay), the offense started clicking.
Cousins wasn't even supposed to be "the guy" that year. Robert Griffin III was still on the roster, but he suffered a concussion in the preseason and Cousins just... took the job. He ended up throwing for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was efficient, smart, and for a few months, absolutely untouchable at home.
How They Actually Clinched the NFC East
The last time Redskins won division honors, it actually happened on a Saturday night. December 26, 2015. They traveled to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was a bloodbath.
Cousins threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns. DeSean Jackson, playing against his former team, was a nightmare for the Philly secondary. Jordan Reed was basically a cheat code at tight end back then, hauling in two scores. When the clock hit zero, the scoreboard read 38-24.
Washington had done it. They moved to 8-7, and with the rest of the division stumbling, they clinched the NFC East with a week to spare. They eventually beat the Cowboys in a meaningless Week 17 game to finish 9-7.
Why 2015 Was So Weird
If you look at the stats, it’s a miracle they won.
- The Defense: They ranked 17th in points allowed. They weren't "The Hogs" or even a top-tier unit. They just did enough.
- The Run Game: Alfred Morris was still there, but the "ground and pound" era was fading. They averaged only 3.7 yards per carry as a team.
- The Schedule: They didn't beat a single team that finished the season with a winning record until they faced the Eagles in that clincher.
People like to point out the 2020 division title (the 7-9 season), but by then, the team was the "Washington Football Team." So, if you are looking specifically for the last time Redskins won division championships under that specific name and banner, 2015 is your answer.
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The 2012 Outlier
We can't talk about the last division title without mentioning 2012, because most fans actually liked that one more. That was the RG3 year.
That season felt like magic. They won seven straight games to finish 10-6. They beat the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 17 to take the division. Alfred Morris ran for 200 yards in that single game. It felt like the start of a dynasty.
But as we know, RG3’s knee gave out in the playoffs against Seattle, and the "dynasty" lasted about five minutes. By the time 2015 rolled around, the excitement was replaced by a sort of cautious optimism.
The Reality of the "NFC Least"
People called the division the "NFC Least" back then. In 2015, the Giants were a mess, the Eagles were firing Chip Kelly, and the Cowboys lost Tony Romo to a broken collarbone.
Washington took advantage.
They weren't the best team in the NFL, but they were the best team in the room. They hosted a playoff game against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. It started well—Washington actually took an 11-0 lead early—but then the reality of playing a future Hall of Famer set in. They lost 35-18.
Key Figures from the Last Title
- Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (The "You Like That" era).
- Head Coach: Jay Gruden.
- Star Targets: Jordan Reed, Pierre Garçon, and DeSean Jackson.
- The Architect: Scot McCloughan was the GM, brought in to fix the culture.
- The Assistant: Sean McVay was the OC, proving he was a genius way before the Rams hired him.
What Happened After 2015?
The wheels didn't fall off immediately. They went 8-7-1 in 2016 but missed the playoffs on the final day of the season. Then Cousins left for Minnesota. Then the coaching carousel started. Then the name changed.
The 2015 season remains a strange, isolated pocket of success. It proved that a middle-of-the-road team with a hot quarterback could still own the East if the timing was right.
To really understand the legacy of that team, you have to look at the roster. Look at how many of those players and coaches went on to find massive success elsewhere. It was a talented group that probably deserved more than one early playoff exit.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Historians
If you're researching this for a project or just trying to win an argument at a bar, here is what you need to remember:
- The last time Redskins won division titles was 2015.
- They clinched it in Week 16 against the Eagles.
- Their final record was 9-7.
- Do not confuse this with 2020 (7-9), which was won by the "Washington Football Team," or 2012 (10-6), which was the RG3 rookie season.
- The 2015 season saw Kirk Cousins set the franchise record for passing yards in a season at the time.
Check the official NFL archives or Pro Football Reference for the 2015 game logs if you want to see the week-by-week breakdown of that improbable run. It’s a wild ride of box scores that proves momentum in the NFL is a very real, very weird thing.