Just minutes after the New York Giants won their second Super Bowl in five years last February, “experts” across the nations quickly latched onto the Giants wagon in belief that they were going to win the NFC East and so forth in 2012.

Shoot some were predicting a .500 record between the two squads-with the Redskins going 3-13 to the Giants’ 13-3.

This was well before the Redskins got Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris.

While the Burgundy and Gold’s lone loss in the NFC East last year was at the hands of Big Blue, the nail-bitter still had some memorable moments nonetheless.

So without further ado, here is a recap of the 2012 season series between the NFC East foes (with only one division champion in the end.)

While the Cowboys rivalry is clearly at the top of the sheet in terms of passion, the Giants have been the franchise’s longest standing enemy. Dating back to the inaugural 1932 season the two teams have faced each other 162 times with their first encounter being a Boston Braves 14-6 win–the franchise’s first victory.

Despite the fact that the two teams first took the field together in Week 7 during the 2012 campaign, there was playoff seeding implications on the line—it is the NFC East after all.

After the defense muffled the Giants first drive of the game, Giants punter Sean Weatherford booted a ball deep into Redskins territory where it was downed on the five-yard line.

After an 18 play drive that included a Josh Morgan touchdown that was called back, kicker Kai Forbath put the Redskins on the board first with a 20-yard field goal.

From there, it became a back and forth contest.

Going into the 2012 season, wide receiver Santana Moss was moved to the slot with the additions of Morgan and Pierre Garcon. Moss quickly thrived in his new confines as he had 16 catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns through the first six games of the season.

No game, however, was more symbolic of Moss’ approval of the slot than against the Giants in Week 7. In the second quarter Moss showed the Giants just how quick he still is as he juked them en route to a 26-yard touchdown.

Then late in the fourth quarter Moss struck again, only this time it was a beautiful over the shoulder touchdown catch from Griffin III. While the horror of the Redskins giving up a 77-yard touchdown just two plays later highlights the game, it only fueled the fire in their second encounter.

In a Monday Night Football tilt in early December the two foes once again battled for positioning in the division.

While Garcon’s fourth quarter touchdown, Morris’ third down run to secure the 17-16 victory, and No. 10’s 46-yard run could all be the signature highlight of an incredible game in front of a national audience one play stands alone–Griffin III’s lateral-fumble for a touchdown to Morgan in the first quarter.

While the Redskins’ 17-16 victory moved them to within one game of the first place Giants, we all know where the two teams were after Week 17.

To relive the best moments of the series split, check out this gallery of the top-12 images from their games in 2012.

Hail to the Redskins!

(AP photos)

AccuScore is back this week with some wacky statistical projections and predictions for today’s game between the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens.

Last Monday, AccuScore had the New York Giants winning in 51 percent of its 10,000 computer simulations against the Redskins. For the Redskins-Ravens game, it’s the exact same outcome — only the Redskins are projected to win this time around.

Not surprisingly, AccuScore’s projections have a lot to do with how quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Joe Flacco perform today.

Here’s the highlights of today’s AccuScore predictions for Redskins-Ravens, according to ESPN:

- The Redskins are out-rushing the Ravens by more than 40 yards per simulation.
- If Ravens running back Ray Rice can get more rushing yards than Washington, then Baltimore is a 67-percent favorite.
- If the Ravens’ Flacco completes at least 60 percent of his passes and Torrey Smith has at least 50 yards receiving, then they are 60-percent favorites.
- There’s a 29-percent chance Griffin III has at least one rushing and passing touchdown each. If that happens, the Redskins are a 74-percent favorites.
- AccuScore is going with the Redskins at 51 percent (5,100) out of 10,000 simulations.

CHIME IN: What wacky statistical predictions are you making for today’s Redskins-Ravens game? Feel free to comment below.

(AP photo)

(Washington Redskins running back Stephen Davis (48) runs past Baltimore Ravens safety Rod Woodson (26) en route to a touchdown in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000, in Landover, Md. Washington won 10-3. [AP Photo])

The Redskins have played the Ravens just four times in their history since the Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore to form the Ravens in 1996.

The Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium is located about 22 miles southeast of their training headquarters in Owings Mills, Md.

The Redskins lost the first-ever matchup against the Ravens, 20-17, Oct. 26, 1997, in Landover, Md. In that game, Washington came within three points at 17-14 in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from quarterback Gus Frerotte to Brian Mitchell before the Ravens kicked a 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. A Scott Blanton 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter by the Redskins wouldn’t be enough to get a win.

Frerotte completed 17-of-33 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on the day, as the Redskins’ offense was held to just 249 yards on the day.

The Redskins got some revenge three years later, as they defeated the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens 10-3 at FedExField. The game was knotted at three heading into the fourth quarter before Washington pulled ahead for good with a 33-yard touchdown run by Stephen Davis, who ran for 91 yards on 21 carries on the day.

Redskins’ quarterback Brad Johnson completed 18-of-27 passes for 158 yards and interception, while the defense was led by three sacks of Ravens quarterback Tony Banks.

The last matchup between the teams saw a 24-10 Baltimore win on Dec. 7, 2008, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The Redskins never led in the game, and were being shutout 17-0 heading into the fourth quarter before outscoring the Ravens 10-7 the rest of the way.

Quarterback Jason Campbell completed 21-of-37 passes for 218 yards with one touchdown and an interception on the day. The defense was led by safety LaRon Landry, who had an interception of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

The Ravens lead the all-time series against the Redskins, 3-1.

(AP photo)

WARNING: Don’t read this post or watch the video below unless you want to like London Fletcher even more.

You want intensity from your leaders during a critical game down the stretch against the divisional leaders? Redskins veteran middle linebacker London Fletcher defines intensity.

Fletcher was mic’d up for the Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants, a game that the Redskins rallied to win 17-16 to move a game back of the NFC East-leaders and reigning Super Bowl champions.

Fletcher — the undisputed emotional leader of the team — was all jacked up, and I’m so glad that he was chosen to be mic’d up for the broadcast and for NFL Films. At 37 years old, his passion and excitement for the game has never wavered.

Below is the video, but here are a few of my favorite snippets (though words don’t do it justice):

- In the defensive huddle at the beginning of the game: “This is an NFC East game, man! We’re talking about a 60-minute fight, baby. From the first play to the last play — let’s dominate, men. Dominate on three: 1-2-3 — dominate!

- Telling Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw “It’s on!” after making a tackle.

- Cheering on Robert Griffin III and the offense on their first touchdown play — a 13-yard fumble recovery by wide receiver Joshua Morgan: “Oh! Oh! Oh! … Touchdown! Touchdown! … Way to be heads up, Josh! Way to be heads up.”

- Telling Giants tight end Martellus Bennett: “Stop pushin’. Stop pushin’. You can’t get off without pushin’!”

- To his defense after the fourth-quarter, go-ahead touchdown to Pierre Garçon: “It’s winning time D — let’s go baby! We need a three-and-out!”

- Before and after first-down conversion to Garçon on the Redskins’ final drive: “Come on! First down! One first down! One first down! … Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Got it! Yes sir!”

- Before and after running back Alfred Morris sealed the game with a six-yard run on 3rd and 3 with 1:07 left in the game: “Give me one first down; one more first down. I need one more first down, Rob. I need one more first down! … Got it! Yeah! That’s a grind! That’s a grind Bobby T! That’s how you grind one up! That’s how you grind a play up! That’s how you grind a victory up! Yes sir! Yes sir! Yes sir!”

(AP photo)

Hard work really doesn’t go unnoticed.

Just ask Washington Redskins fullback Darrel Young. Young has been one of the key pieces to the Redskins’ NFL-leading rushing attack this season, but doesn’t get the accolades or awards that quarterback Robert Griffin III or running back Alfred Morris have been getting.

No, instead, he just continues to plow through the next man ahead of him, opening up gaping holes in the opposing defenses.

For his efforts in Monday night’s 17-16 win over the New York Giants, however, Young finally got some recognition.

Former NFL coach and current ESPN football analyst Jon Gruden awarded Young with his weekly Monday Night Football “Gruden Grinder” award, as tweeted by the crew:

Darrel Young is tonight's #GrudenGrinder. The FB blocked with serious horsepower, but here's the main reason he won -> http://t.co/pfQNwepx—
ESPN Monday Night (@ESPNMondayNight) December 04, 2012

Gruden threw lots of praise at Young and the Redskins during the ESPN Monday Night Football telecast.

“This fullback, Darrel Young, where do they find him? Bobby Turner, the running back coach, you find a linebacker at Villanova, you say ‘We’re going to convert you to fullback,’  Gruden said during the broadcast. “Excellent job by Darrel Young the fullback as a runner and a blocker, and that’s what you need from a blue-collar fullback.”

Then, after the game: “The fullback in the Pistol offense, the ex-linebacker out of Villanova converted to fullback. I love this kid… On these outside plays, you need a fullback that can adjust in space, and nobody is doing it as well as Darrel Young.”

Young, of course, isn’t the first Redskins player to take home a telecast-based award this season. The aforementioned Griffin III won the annual “Galloping Gobbler” after his masterful performance against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.

For the game, Young also had two rushes for eight yards and caught one pass for 15 yards.

Gruden, by the way, seemed to have a blast during his stay in Washington, D.C., for the Monday Night Football game. For example, on Saturday he filmed his weekly Monday Night Countdown segment with Griffin III.

Anyway, congrats to Darrel on getting at least some of the recognition that he very much deserves.

(AP photo)

Wow, what a game.

The Redskins extended their winning streak to three games late last night with their 17-16 win over the NFC East-leading New York Giants to pull within a game of the division lead with four games still left to play.

The story of the game, to me, was the Redskins’ defensive adjustments in the second half. After allowing the Giants to convert 8-of-10 third-down conversions in the first half — as well as hold the ball for more than 20 of the game’s first 30 minutes — the Washington defense stood strong in the second half, allowing just one-of-five on third down the rest of the way and dramatically cutting into that New York time of possession.

Anyway, as usual, the Redskins players flocked to Twitter to show their excitement and their gratitude to the fans after last night’s big victory.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III:

Fans showed up and showed out for us..
So we returned the favor!!!—
Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 04, 2012

Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins:

Finally in my bed 💤💤💤sleep time—
jarvis jenkins (@Jarvis99jenkins) December 04, 2012

Defensive end Stephen Bowen:

Appreciate all the love big win tonite we gotta keep it going 1 game at a time. #httr—
Stephen Bowen (@stevebo72) December 04, 2012

Left tackle Trent Williams:

Thankful for all the support our fans showed tonight. Couldn't have got it done with out you guys #HTTR—
Trent Williams (@TrentW71) December 04, 2012

Nose tackle Chigbo Anunoby:

#RedskinsNation—
Chigbo Anunoby (@datquelondon) December 04, 2012

Kicker Kai Forbath:

Great team win tonight!! All phases played well and @Redskins nation was loud tonight! #12thman #HTTR—
Kai Forbath (@KaiForbath) December 04, 2012

Defensive lineman Chris Baker:

Hail Yeah we did it one game at a time what a victory tho it felt good awwwwww #httr—
Chris Baker (@cbaker92redskin) December 04, 2012

Middle linebacker Perry Riley:

3 in a row Redskin Nation!!! #HTTR—
Perry Riley (@PR56) December 04, 2012

Defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton:

Redskins!!!!! #HTTR—
Dominique Hamilton (@Underrated_Dom) December 04, 2012

Running back Javarris Williams:

BALLGAME YES SIR…—
Javarris Williams (@JavarrisWill30) December 04, 2012

Safety Jordan Bernstine:

Great team win. #HTTR—
jordan bernstine (@JBernstine) December 04, 2012

Fullback Eric Kettani:

That's a W! #HTTR—
Eric Kettani (@EricKettani) December 04, 2012

Defensive end Adam Carriker:

Now that's what a playoff team looks like! #HTTR #RedskinsTalk—
Adam Carriker (@AdamCarriker94) December 04, 2012

Running back Tristan Davis:

Lets come out on top skins #skins #httr—
Tristan Dion Davis (@TDDADON) December 04, 2012

(AP photo)

It was a game the Washington Redskins had to win to strengthen their playoff hopes.

The NFC East-leading New York Giants stood in the Redskins’ way in a nationally-televised game on Monday Night Football.

And in the end, the Redskins prevailed.

Washington won its third straight game tonight, defeating the Giants (7-5), 17-16, to get to .500 on the season at 6-6 and improve their hopes for a playoff spot.

The Redskins began the fourth quarter driving into Giants’ territory. Quarterback Robert Griffin III found receiver Leonard Hankerson for a 14-yard gain, which set up an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pierre Garcon. Griffin III bought time on the play and allowed Garcon to get open in the corner for the go-ahead score. After the extra point by kicker Kai Forbath, the Redskins took a 17-16 lead.

The Giants faced a 3rd and 2 from their own 14-yard line three plays into the ensuing drive. With the FedExField crowd rockin’, outside linebacker Rob Jackson came in untouched from the right side to get the sack of Eli Manning, forcing a Giants punt.

What a play from Jackson, who also came up huge in the Week 7 matchup between the Redskins and Giants at MetLife Stadium. He got help on the play from outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, who forced Manning out of his comfort zone and into the waiting arms of Jackson.

The Redskins faced a 3rd and 1 on the ensuing drive when Morris pushed the pile forward for a three-yard gain. But after a Morris run for no gain, a pass interference call on tight end Logan Paulsen and an incomplete pass intended for Joshua Morgan, the Redskins faced a 3rd and 20 from their own 46-yard line. Griffin III’s pass, again to Morgan, was way too deep, and the Redskins were forced to punt.

The pass interference call on Paulsen was killer. The replay showed no real foul to these untrained eyes, but, hey, it’s what the official saw.

The Giants got the ball back at their own 20-yard line. After a five-yard carry by running back Ahmad Bradshaw — a play that put him at 100 yards rushing on the night — Bradshaw got another three yards on the next play. Safety Madieu Williams was flagged for a horse-collar tackle, putting the ball at the New York 43-yard line.

Needless to say, after seeing the replay, the 80,246 fans here at FedExField didn’t exactly agree with the call.

After two straight incompletions, the Giants faced a 3rd and 10 from the 43. Manning, set up in the shotgun, found his receiver, but the play was nullified on a holding penalty on the Giants. On 3rd and 20, Manning tried a short pass to Bradshaw — but it only went for four yards, forcing a punt.

Thta was two key defensive stops in a row for the Redskins. I know you Washington fans aren’t too happy with the overall play of the defense at times, but when they hold the opposing team to field goals and then make key fourth-quarter stops.

On the ensuing drive, Griffin III took a nasty hit after an eight-yard carry — though he looked OK. I think he was trying to stay in bounds to keep the clock going, but he still needs to watch himself. On 2nd and 8, Griffin III found his favorite target, Garcon, for a 17-yard catch, giving him eight receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown on the day. With a bum foot. Atta boy, Pierre.

The Redskins sealed the victory with a six-yard run on 3rd and 3.

CHIME IN: Vote for YOUR MVR(edskin) from tonight’s game by clicking here; also, feel free to comment with your thoughts from the game below!

Click on the photo above to vote between quarterback Robert Griffin III, wide receiver Pierre Garcon, middle linebacker London Fletcher and running back Alfred Morris for your Most Valuable Redskin of tonight’s Monday Night Football matchup vs. the New York Giants.

(AP photo)

This key divisional matchup has 15 minutes left, and it’s far from over.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Redskins trail the Giants, 16-10 — and they’re driving with the ball into New York territory.

The Giants began the first drive of the half at their own 10-yard line after a holding call on the kickoff return. Three plays later, they faced a 3rd and 10 when quarterback Eli Manning found wide receiver Victor Cruz wide open for 12 yards across the middle. The conversion made the Giants 9-of-11 on third downs in the game.

But the Giants were finally forced to punt five plays later, as returner Brandon Banks took the 52-yardkick to the Washington 13-yard line.

The Redskins were content with feeding running back Alfred Morris on the first two plays of the drive, as he collected 12 yards in those plays. On the ensuing first-down play, quarterback Robert Griffin III found wide receiver Joshua Morgan for eight yards before he got out of bounds. After a one-yard rush by Morris, the Redskins faced a 3rd and 1 when Griffin III decided to take off. His 46-yard rush to the New York 15-yard line got the chants of “RG3!” going in the FedExField stands.

But the next play brought bedlam to the field. Morris carried the ball for a short gain before he fumbled near the sideline, which was recovered by the Giants. In the ensuing scrum, several small skirmishes broke out between the Redskins and Giants players. Eventually, two offsetting personal foul penalties gave the ball to the Giants at the nine-yard line.

What an untimely time for a turnover there. The Redskins were nine yards away from the end zone and should’ve, at the least, tied the game with a field goal.

The Giants took advantage, as Manning found Cruz on the second play of the ensuing drive over the top for a 49-yard completion. Cruz beat cornerback DeAngelo Hall on the play, who was able to chase Cruz down. Two plays later, Manning found Hakeem Nicks for a 16-yard gain to the Washington 17-yard line. Three plays later, the Giants faced a 3rd and 9 from the 16 when Manning, lined up in the shotgun with Ahmad Bradshaw to his left, couldn’t hook up with Cruz, who dropped the ball across the middle. Kicker Lawrence Tynes came on to attempt a 35-yard field goal, which was good and gave the Giants a 16-10 lead with 3:09 remaining in the third quarter.

The Redskins began their next drive from their own 14-yard line. On his first carry since losing the fumble on their previous drive, Morris rumbled his way for 10 yards. He followed that up with a 16-yard rush, which officially gave him the Redskins’ rookie record for rushing yards in a season, which was set by Reggie Brooks in 1993. Congratulations to Alfred.

Griffin III, again, got in on the running game on the next play and got seven yards of his own before he found Morgan for a nine-yard completion and the first down.

CHIME IN: What’s your thoughts heading into the fourth quarter tonight? Feel free to comment below.