The Redskins Blog

2012 Rewind: Sweep Of NFC East Rival

(AP photo)

Since 1934 the Redskins and Eagles have squared off 156 times and unlike the heated rivalry with the Cowboys and the longstanding tension with the Giants, the Redskins have won over 50 percent of their games against their Pennsylvania counterparts.

Similar to the inaugural installment of Redskins-Eagles in 1934, the Redskins swept in 2012 thanks to a clipping of the Eagles wings in a 31-6 victory in Week 11 and a seven point victory in Week 16 that sprung them into a do-or-die matchup with the Cowboys a week later.

While the Eagles had been the Redskins worst nightmare throughout the early 2000’s, one man didn’t even blink when Philly came to town last year–Robert Griffin III.

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What To Watch In 81st Chapter: WAS-NYG

(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.

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2012 Unsung Heroes From Giants Rivalry

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.

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Reliving Season Series With The Giants

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.)

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Memorable Turkey Day Victory In Top-20

(AP Photo)

The Washington Redskins were one of the most exciting draws during the 2012 season. With mounds of hype surrounding quarterback Robert Griffin III and the unknown factor that was Alfred Morris, excitement abound was in our Nation’s Capital.

No. 10 quickly transcended from lead man at Baylor to superstar in the NFL in minutes. 12 minutes to be exact via wide receiver Pierre Garcon’s 88-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown with the cameo debut of Griffining as the cherry on top.

Despite the fact that the Burgundy and Gold entered the bye week at 3-6 and dwelling at the cellar of the NFC East there was hope with seven games remaining, five of which were against NFC East foes.

While the Redskins 31-6 smackdown of the Eagles after the bye week was certainly unforgettable thanks to Griffin III’s perfect 158.3 quarterback rating, everyone waited in eager anticipation for their Turkey Day matchup with the Cowboys.

Insert the 20^th best game of the 2012 season.

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Moss’ Jump Ball Catch No. 64 Of Top Plays

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.

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Multifaceted Reed Added To Offense

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With the 85th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins focused on adding to their elite offense with the selection of Jordan Reed out of Florida.

For weeks, mock drafts predicted that the Redskins would zero in on the defensive side of the pigskin with their first few picks.

It did not matter if it was a corner,safety, or linebacker; it was just the trendy thing to do.

Well the trendy read-option attack that Washington ignited in 2012 has just added another weapon to the arsenal in the form of a 6’2″ 236 pound athlete that has the versatility that head coach Mike Shanahan will love. Reed could be a serious threat when quarterback Robert Griffin III is rolling out on play action.

According to his NFL.com draft profile, Reed can be used at multiple positions ranging from tight end to running back.

Awesome.

Check out this highlight package of the newest Redskin.

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Remembering Sean Taylor On 30th B-Day

Sean Taylor was one of the fastest rising stars in the NFL during his four-year career with the Burgundy and Gold, as the safety garnished a reputation as being one the hardest hitting safeties in the league.

His 2007 season may have been the best year for Taylor, before his life was tragically cut short. The former University of Miami Hurricane had five interceptions in just nine games, four of which came during Weeks 5 through 7.

To this day it is still hard to swallow the loss of No. 21 on and off the field. Teammates like Santana Moss and Clinton Portis were some of Taylor’s closest friends. To this day, Moss continues to honor Taylor with each touchdown catch he makes.

Today would have been Taylor’s 30th birthday and while we wish that Taylor was still gracing the confines of FedExField and teaming with record-setting quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris, we want to look back on the time that Taylor was in the DMV. Read more »

Polumbus Excited For Chance At Crown

(AP Photo)

On Wednesday, the Washington Redskins continued to mark off another box on their plan of winning back-to-back NFC East titles by signing one of the most important players on the 2012 team; right tackle Tyler Polumbus.

Robert Griffin III burst onto the season with an epic debut performance en route to AP Rookie of the Year. Alfred Morris went from unknown back from Florida Atlantic University to owner of the franchise’s rushing record. Santana Moss had a career resurgence, catching a team-high eight touchdown passes and showing that he still has untouchable speed that Redskins Nation has been so fortunate to see for eight years and counting.

The trio can thank Polumbus and the rest of the offensive line for helping them reach unprecedented success as they paved the way for the league’s top rushing attack and gave Griffin III ample amount of time to find open receivers down the field.

Find out just how happy Polumbus is to wear Burgundy and Gold again next season here:

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Should Evan Royster Move To Receiver?

(AP Photo)

As the Washington Redskins prepare to defend their 2012 NFC East title, suggestions have become rampant as to what pieces can be added and adjustments made to help the Redskins not only get their second straight division title but their fourth Lombardi Trophy.

Over on SI.com is a 2013 offseason preview for the Redskins, highlighting several areas of success, concern, and modification that can help get Washington over the hump. Let’s just say some of them are creative.

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