Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a man of many titles.

First it was Heisman-winner after his jaw-dropping junior year at Baylor where he passed for over 4,000 and almost another 700 on the ground.

Then after last April it was the Redskins 2012 draft headliner after the franchise had traded up to nab him as the second pick.

Most recently he has carried around the prestigious honor of being AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, only the second time a member of the Burgundy and Gold has taken home the award.

Despite the never-ending titles that No. 10 can boast, don’t count DJ RG3 as one of them.

With OTAs being open for the first time this season, hordes of local and national media flocked to Redskins Park to get their first glimpses of the defending NFC East champs.

The familiar sights and sounds of the pigskin being flung across the field reminded everyone that the Monday night opener against the Eagles is inching that much closer.

One thing that wasn’t so familiar even to the most seasoned of OTA attendees—music.

With some of the most popular rap songs blaring from speakers placed adjacent to the field, the question of whose idea was it to play some tunes during warm-ups became the hottest topic of the morning outside of No. 10 taking snaps.

While the origins of the decision are still unknown, I can tell you that the quarterback’s playlist was the morning starter.

Griffin III might be a hit with his teammates, but most found that his “pump up jams” playlist is in dire need of improvement.

“This is Robert’s little weak playlist,” offensive tackle Trent Williams told the media after the conclusion of the day’s OTA.

Tight end Fred Davis was one of Griffin III’s favorite targets before he went down with a season-ending injury in Week 7 last year. While the two hope to build off of their chemistry through the first six weeks last year, don’t expect them to ride in the same car going to practice.

“He’s the only one that could play Nicki Minaj and music like that.”

If the decision is up to his teammates, don’t expect DJ RG3 at your local club anytime soon.

(AP photo)

The NFL schedule gods know that the Redskins and Giants will battle for the NFC East title in Week 17.

How?

In three of the last four seasons, the NFC East has come down to the last game of the NFL regular season calendar in a playoff play-in game of sorts. Yes, that includes the game where Alfred Morris tore apart the Cowboys defense en route to the franchise’s first division crown since 1999.

So to continue our mini-series on the Redskins-Giants rivalry that dates back to the franchise’s days in Boston, we are going to look forward to the Burgundy and Gold’s Sunday Night Football tilt at FedExField on December 8^th and the season finale on December 29^th with five storylines to follow.

1.)    Emulating 2012’s success in the run game

Last year the Redskins lead the league in rushing with 169.3 yards per game. Nothing proved the Redskins dominance on the ground more than when they played the Giants. In Week 7 the Redskins rushed for 248 yards as Morris crossed the century mark and Robert Griffin III followed up his 76-yard touchdown run against the Vikings a week prior by rushing for 89 yards. On the flipside, the G-Men got a measly 64 yards on the ground. Then in Week 13 the rookie duo once again shredded the Giants 25^th ranked rushing D with 196 yards. If Washington wants to take two from New York like they did in 2011, the running game will need to be performing on all cylinders once again.

2.)    Containing Victor Cruz

If it weren’t for Cruz’s 77-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter in Week 7, the Redskins would be riding a four-game winning streak against the Giants right now. The Redskins secondary struggled to keep Cruz in check last year as he had a combined 12 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown.

When the Redskins swept the Giants in 2011, Cruz struggled to get into rhythm as he failed to record a catch in Week 1 and only gained 44 yards in Week 15. With a revamped secondary that includes three rookies and a seasoned veteran in E.J. Biggers, the Redskins will look to repeat 2011’s success against the 2012 Pro Bowler.

3.)    Turnover battle

The Redskins lost a very lopsided turnover battle in 2012, turning the ball over five times to the Giants two. While the secondary did corral Eli Manning into throwing two interceptions in Week 7, they fumbled the ball five times that day, losing three. After Cruz’s touchdown, the Burgundy and Gold got the pigskin back with a hair above a minute left in the contest. On the first play of the drive, Josh Morgan fumbled the ball and while he recovered the lost football, the same could not be said for Santana Moss just two plays later.

In Week 13, the Redskins shored up their turnover problems from the first game, but still lost the battle as they failed to generate a fumble or interception. No matter the game or the opponent, the Redskins fate will hinge on turnovers this season.

4.)    Yellow flag battle

In 2012 the Redskins were the fifth most penalized team as they were called for 119 different infractions. None might have been more costly than Fred Davis’ illegal shift that cost the Redskins a touchdown in the first quarter of the front half of the season series. Instead of tacking seven points on the board, the Redskins had to settle for a Kai Forbath field goal. While I don’t want to play the “what if” game, the nullified touchdown could have been the game-tying points.

On the other side of the coin, the Giants  were penalized only 72 times last year. Nine of those penalties came during the Monday night game. Result? “Hail to the Redskins” being sung into the wee hours of the morning.

5.)    Sweep=Super Bowl

Seriously. During the Redskins decade of dominance starting in 1982, three Lombardi Trophies came to the Nation’s Capital. In those three seasons, the Redskins went 6-0 against their New York counterparts. So if the Redskins can sweep the Giants for the second time in three years, expect their odds to have another parade throughout the streets of D.C. to grow quickly.

Bottom line: The Giants have been the Redskins longest standing rival and 2013 should be no different as the two teams will more than likely be fighting for the playoffs come December. With Dallas’ recent regular season woes and the unknown in Philly, Big Blue and the Burgundy and Gold should be the cream of the crop in the NFC East next year.

In continuing to expand on the Redskins deeply rooted rivalry with the New York Giants, let’s take a look at some of the unsung heroes from the two tightly contested NFC East matchups in 2012.

While the Burgundy and Gold would go 5-1 against their division foes en route to their first division title since 1999, the one blemish on their record was a 27-23 loss at the Giants in Week 7.

If it weren’t for a late touchdown, I would be writing about how the Redskins went undefeated in the division play.

With the Redskins 17-16 victory on Monday Night Football in Week 13 in mind as well, let’s take a look at some of the performers who names may have not been on website “player of the game” nomination lists, but were still influential.

1.)    Kai Forbath

On October 9^th, the Redskins signed the unknown former UCLA Bruin to replace the departing Billy Cundiff. Forbath had spent time on the Cowboys and Buccaneers practice squad but had yet to appear in a regular season game. So when the Redskins called on Forbath (and his leg) against the Minnesota Vikings, fans remained uneasy when No. 2 stepped on the field for the first time to attempt a 50-yard field goal. Not only would Forbath nail the half field attempt, he would go on to set the record for most consecutive field goal attempts made to start a career at 17. Four of those field goals were against the Giants as well as nailing the point that put the Redskins ahead for good in Week 13.

2.)    Santana Moss

Moss’ inclusion is certainly an interesting one considering that the diminutive wideout has recorded 60 receptions for 927 yards and eight touchdowns against the Giants since coming to Washington, D.C. in 2005. But with the Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan coming to town, Moss’ role changed to incorporate his talents in the slot. In Week 7 Moss caught some fire circa the 2005 version of No. 89 as he recorded three catches for two touchdowns. His first touchdown in the second quarter was of the catch-and-run variety while his 30 yarder late in the fourth quarter was an over-the-shoulder grab that put the Redskins up by three.

3.)    Perry Riley

In 2012 the Redskins boasted three Pro Bowlers linebackers on a talent laden unit and another former Pro Bowler on the sidelines. While London Fletcher and Ryan Kerrigan rightfully deserved their trips to the warm beaches of Hawaii, Riley’s season went relatively unnoticed. The LSU product finished the season 14^th in the league in tackles with 129. 15 of those tackles came against the Giants as he consistently made the “needed” tackle in the Redskins Monday Night Football victory.

4.)    Logan Paulsen

Going into the 2012 season, Paulsen rose to number two on the tight end depth chart behind Fred Davis who was firmly entrenched as the Redskins top tight end. After setting a career-high in receptions (59) and yards (796) in 2011, head coach Mike Shanahan wanted Davis to be Robert Griffin III’s security blanket as he adjusted to life in the NFL. Davis was just that as through the first six games he had hauled in 23 balls for 312 yards. However, on the Redskins first drive of their game against the Giants in Week 7, Davis left with a season-ending injury. Insert the long haired, blocking tight end as the man who filled Davis’ shoes that day as he would record a career-high 76 receiving yards on four catches.  He saved his best for last, however, as he would catch a Griffin III rocket after the quarterback dodge two Giants in the backfield.

5.)    Darrel Young

Forgotten in the hoopla of the Redskins leading the league in rushing in 2012 is the man who helped pave the way for Griffin III and Alfred Morris—Darrel Young. The undrafted fullback was as important to the rushing attack operating on all cylinders as anyone as he planted countless lead blocks that won’t show in the stat sheets. In Week 7 the Redskins crushed the New York Giants D to the tune of 248 yards on the ground, a season-high 26 of which came from the man himself.  After six weeks of game planning for the read-option you would have thought that the Giants would have game-planned a way to halt Griffin III and Morris’ efforts. Well they did I guess if you consider giving up 207 rushing yards as an achievement. Young’s efforts were monumental in the Redskins gaining 455 yards in two games against the G-Men.

Check back with the blog later as we look into the future at some storylines for 2013 as the two teams continue to extend on their longstanding rivalry.

Hail to the Redskins!

Since 2005 the Redskins have seen about as much change as any team in the league.

Mike Shanahan is the third head coach during that time, Robert Griffin III has taken over the reins of the offense and firmly entrenched himself as a franchise corner piece, and weapons Fred Davis, Pierre Garcon, and Josh Morgan have been added to spread the threat across the field.

While there has plethora of new faces, one man has remained a constant figure despite all the moving pieces—wide receiver Santana Moss.

After being acquired in trade with the New York Jets, Moss instantly became the Redskins number one receiving threat.

Moss would lull defensive backs to sleep before whizzing pass them with his blazing speed.

Just when it looked like Moss’ time as an elite receiver was reaching its deadline No. 89 recorded a team-high eight touchdowns.

This touchdown against the Eagles, however, may have been the crème de la crème.

Yesterday I analyzed Garcon’s 59-yard catch-and-run to the Redskins new best friend—the end zones of Cowboys Stadium. Garcon’s dash through the Dallas defense was named the No. 64 play of the 2012 NFL season.

Entering the bye week the Redskins were 3-6 and riding a three-game losing streak, sitting in last place with the Philadelphia Eagles. Most discredited the Redskins sniffing playoff contention.

That type of talk lite a fire under No. 89 and the rest of his Burgundy and Gold. Robert Griffin III came out and picked the Eagles defense apart. The completions started piling up and before you knew it No. 10 finished the day 14 of 15 with 200 yards and four touchdowns.

Oh by the way, he posted a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating.

Griffin III spread the wealth as nine different receivers recorded a reception. Moss, Aldrick Robinson, Logan Paulsen, and Darrel Young all recorded one reception—all of which were for touchdowns.

Moss’ catch, though, was the prettiest.

In a 17-6 game, Griffin III chucked the ball into the air with three possible destinations: the hands of Brandon Boykin, Kurt Coleman, or Moss.

Nice try Philly DBs.

To see more of Moss’ resurgent 2012 campaign, check out this gallery to relive his best moments from the NFC East title season.

Hail to the Redskins and congrats to Moss for earning the No. 64 play on NFL’s top-100 plays for 2012!

Mark your calendars Redskins Nation its official, the 2012 NFC East champions will open the 2013 slate against NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football at FedExField. The opener is one of five primetime affairs for the Burgundy and Gold.

And yes its the same Eagles who the Redskins swept during the 2012 campaign including a 31-6 victory at FedExField that jump started the Redskins epic run to the postseason.

With plenty of storylines to dig into, it only seems fitting to do a way too early preview of a game that is still months away.

Here are some topics to follow that night:

The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles have met 156 times dating back to 1934 when the Burgundy and Gold beat the Eagles in a defensive contest, 6-0.

Don’t expect such a low scoring game this time around, though.

With Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris leading the charge for the Redskins and former Virginia Tech star Michael Vick and 2011 All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy taking command of the Eagles offense, there’s not telling how many big plays could come on offense that night.

Remember last year the highly talked about matchup between Griffin III and Vick never came to fruition as the Eagles gunslinger was sideline both times the teams took the field.

The waiting game to see these two human highlight reels battle for a number one spot on top play countdowns could finally be coming to an end.

Speaking of offensive fireworks, will newly-minted Eagles coach Chip Kelly be able to translate his highly successful spread offense to the pros or will two-time Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shanahan spoil his professional debut?

Kelly’s offense, however, could struggle against the Redskins defense especially with the pending returns of linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker.

Orakpo will rejoin fellow linebackers Ryan Kerrigan, London Fletcher, and Perry Riley to form the best linebacking unit in the league. Fletcher and Riley finished last season in the top-15 in tackles while Kerrigan appeared in his first Pro Bowl.

Other storylines to follow:

–Morris broke the Redskins single-season rushing record in his first year, what will he have for an encore in year two?

–How will the newest members of the team perform in their first regular season games in Burgundy and Gold?

–Tight end Fred Davis was one of Griffin III’s favorite targets before he went down with a season-ending injury in Week 7 last year, will a fully healthy Davis be No. 1o’s go-to-guy once again?

–This is the Redskins second primetime, home opener under Shanahan. In his debut in the Nation’s Capital in 2010, the Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7 on Sunday Night Football.

–Same story, different year: Fletcher’s games played streak. Need I say more?

Check back with the blog and website as we will be dissecting each game over the next few weeks as we inch closer to September 9th.

Tell me your thoughts on the schedule as well as the opener at FedExField.

Hail to the Redskins!

The Redskins announced on Friday that they have re-signed unrestricted free agent tight end Fred Davis.  The terms of the deal were not disclosed but the excitement from some of his teammates was displayed on their Twitter accounts this morning.

Linebacker Brian Orakpo was the first Redskin to chime in this morning.  He referred to the duo as the “IR Clique” after both players were on the Reserve/Injured List last season.

Just woke up to the best news I heard all week that my brother Fred Davis is coming back! The IR Clique back and we killin this year!!!#HTTR—
Brian Orakpo (@rak98) March 29, 2013

Only about 30 minutes later, offensive tackle Trent Williams was so excited he couldn’t even get back to sleep after hearing the news of Davis returning in the burgundy and gold.

My brother from another Fred Davis is staying in the burgundy and gold! #HTTR #cantgobacktosleep #83 #webackatit—
Trent Williams (@TrentW71) March 29, 2013

In five seasons with the Redskins, Davis has 155 receptions with 12 touchdowns and is likely to reach 2,000 career receiving yards in 2013.

Comment below to welcome Davis back to the 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.

After being signed to the active roster late during the 2011 campaign, Baker worked his way up the depth chart, seeing action in a career-high 14 games during the 2012 season and was a key backup to starter Barry Cofield. He recorded his first career tackle in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals .

Baker is simply ecstatic about his possible return to the DMV after being tendered!

Looks like I'll be back for another yr I'm overwhelmed with joy right now God is good #HTTR #Redskins #Swaggytime—
Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) March 11, 2013

After a possible career-threatening injury cut Lichtensteiger’s 2011 season short, many wonder if he would ever be the same player that he was during his first four years in the NFL.

Well he quickly extinguished any fears of an affect on his performance, starting all 16 games for the first time in his career. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, his teammates voted for him to be honored with the team’s 2012 Ed Block Courage Award winner, a prize given to a player who exceeds in the face of adverse conditions.

Number 78 let Redskins Nation know that you can expect to see him around for years to come after signing a new deal to stay in the nation’s capital.

Just wanted to let Redskin Nation know I am going to be around for a while. Just agreed to terms on a deal!! HTTR—
Kory Lichtensteiger (@Steiger78) March 10, 2013

Rob Jackson was not projected to be a starter for the 2012 campaign, but rather a key backup on the outside of the 3-4 defensive scheme behind Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

However, after Orakpo went down with a season-ending in Week 2, Jackson was asked to fill in for the two-time Pro Bowler. In an indication of what was to come from the former seventh round selection, Jackson posted three tackles, a pass defensed, and an interception in his first career start against the Bengals.

He would go on to set career-highs across the board at every defensive statistical category and cannot wait to build on his successful 2012 campaign.

HTTR !! Lets goooo!! 2013 is our yr!—
Rob Jackson (@RobJax50) March 09, 2013

Nick Sundberg proved that he is hands down one of the toughest players in the league after breaking his arm in the team’s Week 1 victory against the New Orleans Saints but stayed in the game to help the team stave off the Saint’s late game push.

Knowing his importance to the team’s success, head coach Mike Shanahan placed Sundberg on injured reserve with the chance to return later in the season. Long snappers are almost never tagged with the ability to return.

Fun fact: the Redskins were undefeated (8-0) during the regular season with Sundberg in the lineup.

Just wanted to say thanks to the #RedskinNation for all the awesome support. #BestFansInTheNFL Couldn't be happier to be coming back.—
Nick Sundberg (@NickSundberg) March 10, 2013

Logan Paulsen was expected to be the second tight end option behind Fred Davis, however, after Davis went down with a season-ending injury in Week 7, he was asked to be quarterback Robert Griffin III‘ security blank in short yardage situations for the remainder of the season.

In the team’s playoff game against Seattle, Paulsen caught his first career postseason touchdown pass, a four-yarder from Griffin III.

Paulsen took to Facebook to let everyone know about his return.

While Young does not have a social media account, we can confirm that he can’t wait to strap on his Redskins helmet once again!

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With the clocks turning forward an hour and the sun shining brighter later into the evening, spring is on the horizon as many look forward to turning in their winter jackets and scarfs for sandals and ball caps.

While the NFL is shifting focus to the 20th anniversary of the free agent signing period, baseball season is swinging into full gear.

Currently, teams have migrated to Arizona and Florida to prepare for the upcoming season in the “warmer” winters that each state provides during this time of year.

NFL.com has released a gallery of various football players and coaches tossing out the honorary first pitch and to no one’s surprise, several Redskins are on it.

Find out who here:

In February, 2012, the Washington Redskins hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris to the staff as the defensive backs coach.

In 2010, Morris had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for fellow Tampa Bay professional franchise, the Rays, against AL East foe the Boston Red Sox.

Judging by is form in this picture, I think it is fair to say that he threw the heater straight down the middle:

In 2o10, former Redskins great and Super Bowl winning quarterback Joe Theismann was asked to throw out the first pitch of a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels.

As expected, Theismann had perfect form on his throw and even managed to have a slight smile as well:

This timeless tradition, however, isn’t something new for the Redskins.

In 2010, Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall threw out the customary pitch for the hometown Washington Nationals, in a red, white, and blue number 23 jersey against the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta was Hall’s home for his first four professional seasons, and enjoyed a matchup of two of his cities going against each other.

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has one of the smoothest throwing motions in the entire league and in July 2012, he was asked to use his arm to throw out a different ball for the first pitch between the West Michigan Whitecaps and Lansing Lugnuts, in his home state of Michigan.

While Cousins threw a perfect pitch right down the middle of the strike zone  things have always gone so easy for the Redskins as they step foot on the diamond.

In 2011, Redskins tight end Fred Davis was asked to throw out the first pitch for the MiLB Toledo Mud Hens. Davis, normally on the receiving end of anything being thrown out, had some difficult placing the ball down the middle of the plate. Watch the video of Davis’s wild pitch here.

Redskins ballhawking safety Reed Doughty had the honor of throwing out the first pitch for the Potomac Nationals at Pfitnzer Stadium in Woodbridge, a short drive from Redskins Park.

While it was said that Doughty threw out a perfect pitch from those looking on from behind home plate, it was what was behind Doughty that received all of the attention.

Womp-womp.

Good luck to all of the Redskins throwing out the baseball this season!

On Monday, the Washington Redskins passed the 4 p.m. deadline without tagging any of their impending unrestricted free agents.

Soon-to-be free agent tight end Fred Davis, the 2012 Redskins franchise tag recipient, was one of several players that could have been given the 2013 franchise tag.

While the prestigious franchise has one of the best records in league history on the field, find out why success with franchised tagged players is a rarity in Washington.

The franchise tag was created in 1993 and gives teams the opportunity to give a player a one year deal to stay with the team. There are two different forms of the franchise tag: exclusive and non-exclusive.

The exclusive tag is given to elite players who have played at an exceptionally high level at their respective position.  If given the exclusive tag, the player’s salary will be based on the five-year average cap percentage for the tag at their respective position, or 120 percent of their salary from the previous season. Once given the exclusive tag, other teams cannot contact the player with future contract negotiations.

The non-exclusive tag, however, allows other team’s the opportunity to contact the player and try to pry them away from the team the player was tagged on, but at a lofty price. The team that tagged the player can match any offers, but if they decide to not match any offers, they will receive two first round picks in the draft as compensation.

Fun Fact: Davis was the third player to be tagged by the franchise, however, he was the only one to ever play for the team in the season he was tagged.

Sean Gilbert has the honor of being the first ever Redskin to receive the franchise tag as he was tagged in 1997 and 1998. However, in 1997 after a fantastic campaign the season before, Gilbert and the Redskins could not come to terms on a long-term deal.

Gilbert believed that his play deemed a lengthy contract and after receiving the tag, sat out the 1997 season. In 1998, he was one again given the franchise tag but after the franchise was weary of another contractual stalemate, he was shipped to the Panthers in exchange for two first-round picks.

In 2004, the Redskins gave the franchise tag to 1999 first round draft pick Champ Bailey. Bailey was outstanding during his tenure with the Redskins, including two Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. After being unable to reach a long-term agreement after being tagged and threatening to sit out the season, the Redskins shipped him off to the Denver Broncos in exchange for running back Clinton Portis.

In 2011, Davis, a former second round selection, had a breakout season posting career-highs in receptions (59) and  (796) yards and tied his career-high in touchdowns with three. He was placed with a non-exclusive franchise tag meaning that other teams could of finagled a deal to cull him away from Washington, but no deals were placed on the table.

Davis quickly became one of quarterback Robert Griffin III‘s most utilized targets, catching 23 passes in the first six games of the campaign. In week seven against the Giants, however, he tore his Achilles, ending his season.

The Redskins have had little success with their franchise tag as only Davis has played a snap with the tag and his season was cut short after seven games.

With no player being tagged, the Redskins now have a little extra cap room to work with as free agency is only eight days away. Check back with the blog for updates throughout free agency.

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Photos from the ‘Covered For The Holidays’ coat giveaway today at Macy’s Metro Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Participating Redskins players included Fred Davis, Doug Worthington, Joshua Morgan, Alfred Morris, Logan Paulsen and Sav Rocca.