The Redskins Blog

To The Baltimore Ravens: You’re Welcome

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It turns out that the Redskins and Ravens both got what they needed out of the Week 14 clash at FedExField.

For the Redskins, it was one of the most thrilling finishes in stadium history, as backup quarterback Kirk Cousins took over in the game’s final seconds, finishing off a touchdown drive and two-point conversion to complete the comeback. In overtime, Richard Crawford busted a 64-yard punt return, setting up a game-winning Kai Forbath field goal.

The win was the fourth in a row for the Redskins, and gave Washington regional bragging rights for the next four years. More importantly, it was a milestone during the team’s seven-game win streak that delivered the team’s first NFC East title since 1999, and their first playoff appearance since 2007.

For the Ravens, it was the first back-to-back losses under fifth-year head coach John Harbaugh, and left a team that started the season 9-2 scrambling for answers. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was fired the next day, ushering in former Colts head coach Jim Caldwell to call plays.

The Ravens got healthy and hot at the right time, clinching the AFC North title and scoring decisive playoff victories over the Colts, Broncos and Patriots.

Although the Ravens are currently game-planning for the Super Bowl and making travel arrangements for the road, they should consider sending the Redskins a thank you note.

Read more »

Is AFC East Key To NFC Championship?

Happy belated birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have been 86 on Jan. 15 (his actual birthday), and a Happy Inauguration Day to all. Regardless of your political persuasion, everyone can enjoy a balmy Monday off of work in the middle of January.

Unless, of course, you’re working today, in which case thank you for choosing to procrastinate with the Redskins.

Yesterday’s playoff football action determined that the Baltimore Ravens will face the San Francisco 49ers on Super Bowl Sunday in two weeks.

Even if you don’t give two hoots about the matchup, there are many heart-stopping appetizers and hilarious commercials to be watched that day, so there is something for everyone.

To find out how the Redskins’ player predictions and a weird statistical anomaly played out, check the link below: Read more »

Coach Gibbs Still A Proud Redskins Fans

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There’s a lot of talk in the NFL about how the sport is a business, and that players and coaches are little more than businessmen with athleticism and flair.  While that may ring true for some, the greatest players and coaches have an incredible passion for the game, no matter where life may take them.

For Redskins legend Joe Gibbs, it was a passion that inspired three Super Bowl championship teams with three different quarterbacks.  It was coaching 12 seasons in the same city and leaving on his own terms.  It was returning 12 years later to fulfill a deep-seeded desire to coach.  It was coaching for another four seasons, giving his team two more shots at the playoffs.

And it was being a lifelong Redskins fan, who still gets excited for his old team.

Gibbs was at Redskins Park earlier this week and caught up with Redskins Nation’s Larry Michael to discuss what he’s been up to, and what he’s most excited to see about the Redskins for next season (via CSN Washington): Read more »

Torrence Brings A Ring Back To Redskins

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Welcome back to Washington, Leigh Torrence.

After a three-year hiatus from the Burgundy and Gold, Torrence is back in Washington for his second stint with the team. While he once played for Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn in the 4-3 scheme, he will now have to adjust to Mike Shanahan’s 3-4, and Jim Haslett’s emphasis on creating turnovers.

As a career-backup (one start, in 2007), Torrence has two career interceptions and one return for a touchdown.  In 25 games for the Redskins from 2006-08,  he compiled 42 tackles, one sack and two passes defensed.

At age 30, he isn’t the young, developing player that he was when he left.  But he still has the ability to play defense and special teams, with the worldliness factor that can help mold his younger teammates. Read more »

Catching Up With Coach Joe Gibbs In Indy

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You truly never know who you’ll find on Radio Row at the Super Bowl.

Over the last three days of working with the NFL public relations department, I’ve made it my mission to find any and all Redskins players, media, fans and exhibits.  It’s been sparse at best, but today a legend finally showed up.

I spotted Coach Gibbs sitting with the midday hosts on “The Fan,” talking about his brand new book Game Plan: Your Personal Playbook For Success For Life, and of course reminiscing yesteryear along with NBC-4′s Jim Vance:

Coach Gibbs was only in town for today and was busy running the media circuit as one of the winning-est championship coaches of all time.  But in between interview stops, he was kind enough to stop and share some of his Super Bowl memories, particularly of the 20th-anniversary 1991 Redskins squad. Read more »

An Afternoon Word With The Material Girl

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While halftime during the regular season may be a good time for refilling the the salsa bowl and going to the bathroom, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has become an experience unto itself.

Memories of Britney Spears and and N’Sync mangling Aerosmith songs are topped only by the Janet Jackson fiasco in 2004.  After years of safe picks, the NFL is taking a walk back on the wild side this year with Madonna on center stage.

Since most of you will be watching the game on Sunday, I figured I’d use my insider perspective to show the citizens of Redskins Nation what to expect.  Madonna addressed the media this afternoon, and fielded a range of exotic questions.

As far as the press conference was concerned, this was the largest assembly of media I’ve ever seen.  Here’s a panoramic view from the side of the room: Read more »

Redskins Heroism Display On Radio Row

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One of the coolest experiences of the NFL’s Super Bowl Media Center is the huge ballroom that becomes known as Radio Row.

As you weave your way through the ocean of tables and radio personalities, you’re overwhelmed by the cult of personality. On one side, there’s Herm Edwards discussing his recent comments on the destination of Peyton Manning.  On the other side, Miss America sits in on the set of the NFL Network, while Joe Theismann schmoozes CSN Washington:

But as you push past the crowd, the far side of Radio Row holds a golden gem: a tribute to the patriotic sacrifice that NFL players have made for their country in times of need.  Prominently featured in that display, is none other than your Washington Redskins; a team with deep historical ties to service.

According to the display, more than 1,200 active NFL players have answered America’s call since its inception in 1920.  These conflicts have included World War II and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

Redskins highlighted in the display included Cliff Battles, a running back sensation in the 1930s: Read more »

Burgundy And Gold Flavor In Indianapolis

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Good morning Redskins Nation and welcome to Indianapolis, on the eve of one of the biggest sporting events in the world: Super Bowl XLVI.

While I will have plenty to share in terms of my experiences from the front lines, perhaps the easiest way to begin is to tell a story through imagery.

From the moment I touched down at the airport yesterday, I’ve been inundated with Super Bowl logos and imagery keeping a particular eye out for links to the Redskins.  Here are a few notes that I came away with:

• With an NFC East and AFC East team in the big dance, I’ve seen remarkably fewer fans supporting the other teams from those divisions.  That means a lot fewer Redskins fans than I would have hoped for, but also fewer Cowboys fans–so I’ll take the trade.  Here was a throwback to John Riggins fan in the Super Bowl village:
• Both the Westin and Marriott hotels downtown are celebrating the Super Bowl with imagery on the front of their buildings.  While the Westin goes with a simple “XLVI,” the Marriott showcases one of the biggest Lombardi trophies…well, ever.  Admire: Read more »

Leaving For A Super Week In Indianapolis

In 24 hours, I will be in the native land of Ryan Kerrigan and Rex Grossman–the great state of Indiana.

Even though the Redskins will not be directly participating in Super Bowl XLVI, I will be flying to Indianapolis tomorrow to work, volunteer and partake in the festivities.  Tropical Indianapolis, here I come!

My primary interests in the events are to help the NFL with public relations for the duration of the week, and of course Sunday’s big game.  But from my bird’s eye view, I will also be able to bring you continuing coverage of Redskins players, fans and interests, as the week unfolds.

I’m most excited to be covering the Super Bowl Breakfast, at which London Fletcher will receive the Bart Starr Award for his hard work and dedication, both on and off the field.  I will also give you a rundown of relevant Redskins references out and about.  I expect it to be a lot of fun, a moderate amount of hard work, and not all that much sleep.

If you have any suggestions, scoops or insight, give me a tweet (@Redskins) and/or leave a comment on the blog.  I look forward to an exciting week, and I’m prepared to be your inside source.  Wish me luck, check the The Official Redskins Blog, and as always–HTTR.

Jacoby: Team Needs ‘We-Over-Me’ Players

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Today marks the 29th anniversary of the Redskins victory over the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII, a rematch of Super Bowl VII a decade before.

This was the first of three Super Bowl titles for the franchise, and the start of a magical ride with head coach Joe Gibbs at the helm.  It was also the rise of ‘Riggo’ and ‘The Hogs’ in the D.C. vernacular, making champions of three teams and legends of men.

A key contributor to this dynasty was left tackle Joe Jacoby, who stuck the block that sprung John Riggins for the long touchdown run that sealed Super Bowl XVII.  In each of his first two Super Bowls, Jacoby’s Hogs led the way for record breaking rushing performances, with team totals of 276 and 280 yards on the ground.

Earlier today, Jacoby reflected on his memories of Super Bowl XVII, where the franchise is, and what they need to return to glory (via ABC3 Winchester): Read more »