The Redskins Blog

Bowen Channels Tragedy To Help Others

(AP photo)

Not every charity has a happy inspiration, but Redskins’ defensive end Stephen Bowen would like to provide peace to families that might not otherwise be so fortunate.

It was June 2011, shortly before signing with the Redskins, that Bowen and his wife Tiffany gave birth to twin boys, Stephen Jr. and Skyler.

The boys were born prematurely at just 24 weeks, and entered immediately into the fight of their young lives.

Weeks later, Skyler developed an infection that his underdeveloped immune system was unable to fight, and he passed away.

Understanding how fortunate they were cover the medical and funeral costs of their child, Stephen and Tiffany developed a plan to turn their loss into a saving grace for others. Read more »

Redskins Excited To Return To Team

On Monday, the Washington Redskins announced that it has re-signed five players who were instrumental in the team’s late season push to the playoffs and the 2012 NFC East title; the first in 13 years, as well as tenuring another.

On the offensive side of the pigskin the Redskins re-signed fullback Darrel Young, the lead blocker to record-setting running back Alfred Morris, offensive guard Kory Lichtensteiger and tight end Logan Paulsen.

On defense, the team brought back linebacker Rob Jackson, tendered nose tackle Chris Baker, and signed long snapper Nick Sundberg from the special teams unit.

Find out what the players had to say about returning to the Burgundy and Gold and the chance to conquer the NFC East once again.

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All-NFC East Team Is Released; RG3 MVP

(AP photo)

A season-best nine Washington Redskins players today were named to ESPN.com NFC East blogger Dan Graziano’s final All-NFC East Team. Additionally, Graziano named rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III the NFC East’s Most Valuable Player.

The Redskins’ nine selections tied the Dallas Cowboys for the most 2012 All-NFC East team selections. Following the division leaders were the New York Giants (six selections) and the Philadelphia Eagles (three).

Like it was in the NFL’s Pro Bowl voting, Washington (9-6) was well-represented in all three aspects — offense, defense and special teams — in the 2012 All-NFC East Team. The Redskins had five selections on offense, three on defense and one on special teams.

Here’s the entire list of Redskins representatives on the final All-NFC East Team:

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VIDEO: Stephen Bowen’s Google+ Hangout

Washington Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen today participated in the team’s fourth Google+ Hangout of the season.

Bowen took questions from fans who were very interested in how the Redskins’ defense planned on trying to stop Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and company on Sunday at FedExField.

But the Hangout took an interesting turn when Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield interrupted — first just listening on his own computer, then wrecking Bowen’s setup, and then going back on his computer and adding his two cents.

Here’s the video of today’s Google+ Hangout:

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Cofield’s ‘Taser’ Dance Over And Over

When Barry Cofield signed with the Washington Redskins in July 2011, he brought with him a special sack dance called the “Taser” that he had used as a member of the New York Giants.

“Absolutely, [the taser dance is] gonna come with me,” Cofield told the Washington Examiner’s John Keim after joining the Redskins. “There’s been a great demand for it. People love it. It’s got its own persona almost, like its own entity. It’s very special and I can’t wait to share it with the fans of the Redskins.”

Though Cofield badly wanted to unleash the Taser, he didn’t get the perfect opportunity to do it until yesterday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField (see above, courtesy of Hogs Haven).

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Survivors Celebration Fun Time For All

Kendra Cofield watched in amazement as four breast cancer survivors had professionals applying makeup to their faces.

Yes, the four women looked amazing, but, you see, makeup just has never really been Cofield’s thing.

“Honestly, I don’t really know how to put on makeup too well,” Cofield admitted with a smile. “So I like the whole makeup counter we have going on here. I’m trying to pick up some tips.”

Cofield, the wife of Washington Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield, was one of several Redskins’ wives or girlfriends helping out Tuesday at the fifth-annual All-Star Survivors Celebration at Redskins Park.

The area women participating in Tuesday’s celebration are currently battling breast cancer and receive new wigs, scarves, makeup, jeans and a custom-made pink and burgundy Redskins jersey.

“I was so excited when I found out about the event because breast cancer touches so many different people’s lives,” Cofield said. “I just felt it was so important to be a part of this event, which is such a happy time for them where they can come and be completely pampered and spoiled. It just gives them a break from the daily grind of what they have to go through.”

Cofield said, like so many others, she has been personally affected by breast cancer.

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Taking A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

AP Image

When the Redskins beat the Giants in Week 1, the result was a share of first place in the division.  The team was healthy, the rookies were contributing in a limited role, and there was a lot of reason for what-if speculation.

When the rematch occurred three months later, the Redskins were eliminated from playoff contention and playing for respect–something that no one wanted to give to them.  Of the starting 11 on offense from Week 1, only five took the field on the starting drive.  Those rookies that had contributed sparingly in round one were now starters, and some of the third string and practice squad players were seeing quality minutes.

In the end, the difference yesterday was not in the players’ resolve, or the preparation and game plan of the team.  The difference was actually in the results.

In the hostile environment of a division-leading team, the Redskins played their best all-around football game of the season, jumping out to a 17-0 lead and never looking back.

The offense registered the team’s largest lead of the season at 20 points, when the score was 23-3.  They were able to run the ball when they wanted to, throw the ball when they needed to, and control the clock for 35 minutes, nearly two and one-half minutes longer than Week 1.

On defense, they held Eli Manning without a completion in the first quarter for the first time in his career.  He was intercepted three times by the Redskins for the first time in 15 career games.

Given the length of time between the two games this season, the Giants are the ideal measuring stick for the Redskins’ progress.  As nose tackle Barry Cofield told his teammates after the game, that is the way that this team is capable of playing every week.

With two games left, the Redskins need to prove that to themselves, and find ways to win in the last two weeks of the season.  At 2-12, the Vikings represent the first team that the Redskins have played with an inferior record since the Miami Dolphins in Week 10.  With three weeks left in the 2011 season, it’s not too late for statements, and it’s the perfect time to put together a winning streak.

Here are the statistical highlights from yesterday’s win: Read more »

Patriots In The Rear-View Mirror

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The last time that the Redskins clashed with the Patriots was in 2007 under mildy New England skies.

Quarterback Jason Campbell threw a touchdown and an interception, in addition to fumbling the ball three times on three sacks.  The Redskins rushing attack managed only 47 yards on the ground, while the defense yielded 486 total yards to the Pats’ fabled offense.

Fans who watched it all the way through managed to see the Redskins tack on a touchdown onto the scoring parade, with the game mercifully ending at 52-7.

The scary thing is that some people expected that to happen again, yesterday–or worse.  But the Redskins showed up in a big way.

This season has been defined by progress.  When the team came out of training camp with 25 players with less than three years experience, it was considered a sign of progress towards a much-needed influx of youth.  When the team started out 3-1, it was seen as progress towards competitiveness.  When the team lost six-straight, but kept fighting and didn’t fracture emotionally, it was considered progress in character.

And when the Redskins showed up yesterday, they proved that they have the heart to show up ready to play.  Last week’s late loss to the Jets could have deflated this group, but they rose to the occasion.  Injuries and suspensions have utterly decimated a Redskins’ offense that nearly out-dueled the NFL’s No. 2 offense.  The defense picked off Tom Brady, who hadn’t thrown an interception since Week 9.

Even in a loss, yesterday was a fine example of progress, as the Redskins played perhaps their best game all season.  Yesterday, the Redskins showed that their progress is paying off, and that there’s a lot to look forward to, both immediately and in the future.

Special kudos for yesterday’s game go out to the following players:

On Offense: Roy Helu

Who else?  This young man is showing the vast potential of mid-round backs in the Shanahan system, putting up three-consecutive 100-yard games with his 126 yards yesterday.  With yesterday’s performance, he is:

• The first rookie running back to accomplish this feat in franchise history.
• The first of his 2011 rookie draft class to do so.
• The first Redskins running back since Clinton Portis went five-straight in 2008.
• The first 100-yard rusher against the Patriots this season.

Even though he didn’t get his first career start until Week 8 against San Francisco, Helu has already accomplished multiple feats never seen before in this organization.  That’s not just noteworthy, that’s downright impressive.

On Defense: Barry Cofield

Cofield will never get the credit that he deserves as the 3-4 nose tackle in Washington, but fortunately, he doesn’t seem to mind.  He finished yesterday with five tackles, putting him at 55 on the season.  He added in a half-sack of Brady, and was credited with his league leading (among nose tackle) ninth pass defensed.

On Special Teams: Brandon Banks

Admittedly, this recognition goes for his overall performance, not just what he was able to do on special teams.  Banks got all of his work on kickoff returns yesterday, managing 117 total return yards.  But when you combine that with his 49-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter–now we’re talking.  Notes on that pass:

• Was the first by a Redskins receiver since Oct. 5, 2008, when Antwaan Randle El threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley at Philadelphia.
• The longest by a non-quarterback in Redskins’ history, beating the previous long of 48, set on a Randle El pass to Moss vs. the New York Giants on Dec. 30, 2006.
• It was the first of Banks’ career. He did not attempt a pass in college during his time at either Kansas State or Bakersfield College (Calif.).
• The touchdown reception was the 35^th of Moss’ tenure with the Redskins, tying him with Ricky Sanders for seventh-most in team history.

Here are the rest of your random assortment of game notes: Read more »

Bowen Finds Focus In Times Of Chaos

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Voted on by the players, the Ed Block Courage Award is given to the player on each team that has shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

Even though he’s only been in town for about four months, defensive end Stephen Bowen was the logical choice for this year’s award, exemplifying the selfless approach to the game that defines high character.

On June 28, 2011, Bowen and his wife were blessed with the birth of twin boys.  Sadly, they were born four months premature, and together only weighed 2 pounds 12 ounces.  On July 5, Skyler passed away, while Stephen III remained in a Dallas hospital in neonatal intensive care.

Bowen signed with Washington on July 30, leaving his family’s side in order to provide for them.  He was in the team facilities early in the morning trying to learn a brand new playbook.  He worked all day in the hot sun to get up to speed with his teammates.  But when he wasn’t engrossed with football, his thoughts were a thousand miles away in a Dallas hospital room.

“I just try to separate the two, just try to clear my mind,” he said yesterday.  ”When I’m on the field, it’s all about football.”

Two weeks ago in Seattle, Bowen suffered a partial PCL tear in his knee.  Once he was able to practice on it early in the week, he committed to playing through the pain in order to be there for his teammates. Read more »

Cofield: Only Way To Hurt Brady Is To Win

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If anyone knows how to beat Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, it’s nose tackle Barry Cofield, who was on the Super Bowl XLII Giants defense that ended the 2007 Patriots’ run at perfection.

Cofield had a light-hearted chat with the media yesterday to discuss how to beat Brady.  He talked about laying a hit on Brady in the Super Bowl, and watching him pop right up and throw for a completion on the next play.  He talked about how Brady’s height and high release makes it difficult to tip passes.

Not only is he hard to mentally overcome, but he’s hard to physically intimidate as well.  But that doesn’t mean the Redskins defense won’t try.

“You gotta do whatever you can,” he said.  ”Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth.  You gotta hit him, you gotta harass him, you gotta bat balls.  You need an interception or two, maybe strip the ball.  Those were all things we did when we were able to beat him in the past.

“It’s a tall order, but I think we’re all up for it.”

Cofield also talked about how Brady doesn’t shy away from chatter after the play.  Cofield said that he’s looking forward to breaking out some references to Brady’s endorsement with Uggs, a tradition feminine boot company.

“He’s a tough guy and he takes a lotta heat,” Cofield said.  ”I mean, he’s got those Uggs and everything…”

In case you missed it, it’s fairly epic:

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