Santana Moss
courtesy of Keith Allison

There was a not so distant pass where if a team had the chance to tie or beat the Redskins with a last second play they would have done it. Likewise if the Redskins were given the same chance they would do nothing but fail. The 2012 season has been different in many ways for the Redskins. The first and most important is they have a franchise quarterback. The second and often overlooked aspect is they have a 25 carry a game running back. Those differences and others have been visible during the Redskins six game winning streak that continued this past Sunday against the Eagles, and every Redskins fan knows that if this had been years past that script would have been flipped.

The first and primary difference between the 2012 Redskins and any Redskins team of the recent past is RGIII. As limited as he was with the running in this game, he had a total of two carries for four yards, he was still able to move the ball through the air. Griffin for the day passed for 198 on 16 completions out of 24 attempts for two touchdowns and one interception. The interception may be partly Griffin’s fault as he did have a lot of velocity on the pass, but any time a ball touches a receiver’s hands they share in the blame.

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Robert Griffin III vs Eagles
courtesy of Matthew Straubmuller

For the last five weeks the Redskins have played must win games and won them. It has been because of the play of RGIII, Pierre Garcon, Kirk Cousins, and a revitalized defense that has allowed an average of 20.4 points with ten total turnovers created. In the previous nine games the Redskins defense allowed an average of 27.6 points or almost a touchdown more per game. As much credit as should go to the quarterback play for the winning streak the much maligned defense deserves credit for making mid-season adjustments.

This entire winning streak started after the Redskins bye week against the Eagles. The rematch takes place this weekend, but there is debate over how much of a match it will be. Andy Reid is unlikely to return as the Eagles head coach, Nick Foles is an uninspiring quarterback, and the Eagles defense has allowed the seventh most points in the NFL. This all points to a game the red hot Redskins should win, but sports have that way of surprising. This might be that one late season game where the Eagles show up inspired and ready to play. Tired of being overlooked and wanting to spoil the Redskins late playoff push to build confidence towards next season.

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Pierre Garcon
courtesy of Keith Allison

Remember back to last April when Kirk Cousins was drafted and the move was criticized by some. The point that was perhaps being missed, and more recently has been missed in the should RGIII run or not debate, is Griffin plays a dangerous style of football. In order to be as effective and dynamic as possible he needs to run and put the fear of running into the defenses. While most compare RGIII to Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Michael Vick there is a much better and more accurate comp, and that is Steve Young.

Steve Young was both an accomplished runner and passer, and he played the game with a fast and loose style much like RGIII. The other big thing about Steve Young is he had Elvis Grbac, and that is where Kirk Cousins comes in. Yesterday against the Browns was Kirk Cousins first NFL starts and while he looked good in relief of RGIII last week against the Ravens there was a little mistrust going into this game. It is human nature to fear the unknown and it is the DC sports’ fans nature to distrust management. The drafting of Cousins was viewed as just another mistake made under Snyder and no one knew exactly what level of play the Redskins would receive on Sunday.

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Trent Richardson
courtesy of Erik Daniel Drost

The biggest question facing the Redskins this week is if Robert Griffin will play or not. With him on the field the offense is dramatically different than if they had a standard pocket passer like Kirk Cousins. Cousins did a great job in helping to win the game against the Ravens but he is no RGIII and without the threat of the run the offense is drastically reduced. The zone read option plays that have opened large gains in the passing play and for Alfred Morris as well as RGIII are a stable of the Redskins offense, and those simply won’t be as effective if Griffin doesn’t play. These are also the thoughts the Ravens had in the fourth quarter when Kirk Cousins ran a QB draw on a two-point conversion so even from the bench the threat of RGIII’s running ability is a weapon.

Looking at the Browns record and the Redskins should be favored over them. The Redskins are coming off a win over the best team in the Brown’s division, but did lose earlier in the season to .500 or worse teams in the Rams and Panthers. That was without Garcon who has been the biggest difference maker during the Redskins four game winning streak. Any offense would be different with a number one passing threat on the field as opposed to the sidelines. Garcon’s ability to create yards after the catch will help whichever quarterback is starting for the Redskins.

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Kirk Cousins
courtesy of Keith Allison

When Robert Griffin got knocked to the turf on a 13 yard scramble the hearts of Washington area football fan collectively stopped. The Redskins were in need of a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie, and all season long RGIII has been the shining beacon of hope. Griffin’s uniform was covered in mud from the beating the Ravens defense had laid upon him all day long. The Ravens knew about Griffin’s speed and his dynamic ability to make something happen so they treated him accordingly. They leaned on him. Griffin got the Redskins off to a fast start, but the Ravens defense was able to recover while their offense responded, and from then on they made it a long day for RGIII.

Every chance the Ravens had to lay a hand on Griffin they took it, knocking him to the ground, bumping him as he released the ball. They treated him how a slower fighter would treat a faster one, pushing him against the ropes and trying to take the air out of him, hitting him with body shot after body shot until his legs were jelly. Then it happened. Griffin was down and slow to get up, and when he did he headed to the sidelines for Kirk Cousins to come in. Cousins was in for all of one play while RGIII caught his breathe and became aware of his surroundings.

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FedEx Field after a Victory
courtesy of Tony DeFilippo

The focus this week has been on how the Ravens have won 15 of their last 15 games after a loss. That of course means that fate will intervene this week and hand the Redskins their fourth victory in a row, or it is a statistical novelty only proving that the Ravens have been a very good football team for multiple seasons and don’t lose many games overall. Of the Redskins remaining games this is the toughest and the truest test of if RGIII is ready for the big stage. The Ravens will be without Lewis or Suggs, and possibly Ed Reed. If Reed plays he will be the biggest threat to RGIII, but without him this game could become very interesting.

With a fully intact defense the Redskins offense vs. the Ravens defense would be a fun match-up. As it stands right now though this is starting to look like one of those match-ups where the team with the ball last will win, and for the last two weeks the Redskins have been able to be that team. The one bright spot for the Redskins is that the Ravens are not an offensive team Their passing offense ranks 15th in the NFL with 240.8 yards a game while their rushing offense ranks 23rd with 102.4 yards a game despite Rice being considered one of the best rushers in the league.

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AHL Showcase at Verizon Center, photo by author

The AHL Showcase brought hockey back to Washington on Thursday, though not the Caps game that everyone had hoped for. As the NHL and NHLPA continue their drawn out labor negotiations that have curtailed the Capitals season through at least December 15th, the Caps’ AHL affiliate from Hershey took the ice to face the Norfolk Admirals (Anaheim Ducks).

Though the Showcase was planned well ahead of the dispute, everyone had hoped that this would be a pleasant interruption in the usual routine, not the only hockey that DC has gotten since May 9th, 2012. 

Coming to the ice for the Hershey Bears were several familiar faces for Caps fans, though, lead by goalie Braden Holtby. Dmitry Orlov also received a loud ovation from the crowd, though he’d leave the game in the 2nd with an upper body injury and will be day to day while he recovers.

The Admirals struck almost immediately after puck drop, rifling in a shot to the glove side of Braden Holtby, and it would take the Bears almost five minutes to find their stride again, and another eight thereafter to even the score, which Evan Barlow did on a beautiful one-timer in front of the net.

While the game progressed at Verizon Center, a game of a different sort was being played out in front of cameras in New York, as negotiations surrounding the labor stoppage in the NHL proceeded. As the game began, it appeared dark for the season, but in the first period, the players came out with some strong statements on compromise, as they made what appeared to be reasonable agreements with the ownership – including some givebacks that indicated there was compromise to be had – and the mood improved. Could this be the end of it? By the first intermission, though, the NHL had broken up with the NHLPA via voicemail, like on a bad teenager-focused sitcom.

The second period was dominated by the press conference from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Vice Commissioner Bill Daly, and their take on the latest round of negotiations (hint: it wasn’t good. It wasn’t going to be good after they demurred via voicemail.) As the period began, the beneficiary of the NHL/NHLPA spat was clearly AHL Commissioner David Andrews. He spoke with reporters as the puck dropped to talk about the AHL Showcase here in Washington, as well as the upcoming AHL Outdoor Classic due in January, and mentioned the AHL was having a “banner year” when it came to attention, thanks to the lack of other options. Andrews was quick to note that they wouldn’t be here at all without the NHL, though, and they’re benefitting this season from 125 NHL players in the AHL currently. 

As the third period began, the Bears made a push for the lead, and put a beautiful one-timer together with Steve Oleksy feeding Evan Barlow in front of the net. As the NHL/NHLPA drama faded into the background, it was hockey once again at Verizon Center drawing the attention. Braden Holtby made some saves, the Bears would press and press the Admirals defense, and the final result put the Bears at 10-11-1, still in 4th in the East.

Something, though, didn’t feel right the whole night. The Verizon Center crowd was fairly tepid most of the evening, and devolved into chants of “Fire Bettman” during the third period. A holiday greetings video staring Slapshot was uncharacteristically booed during the third period. The animosity from the crowd, despite clearly enjoying the game itself, turned into the story.

For the record, I’m at the AHL Showcase tonight, but going the very low-key route. Something just doesn’t feel right.

— William Stilwell (@LoudGoat) December 7, 2012

No one felt good about it, Goat. Not one person. 

Bring back the NHL.

Pierre Garcon
courtesy of Keith Allison

With the Redskins win last night they both got back to .500 and eclipsed last season’s win total. They also set themselves up to be in the conversation for the playoffs. The Redskins are still one game out and need other teams to lose while they continue to win in order to claw their way into the post-season, but with three straight wins in the division the playoffs are now a possibility.

The Redskins came into the season with a play, but as the Scottish poets say the best laid plans were torn asunder. Pierre Garcon played one quarter against the Saints and didn’t return as a regular until the game against the Cowboys. He had receptions against the Bucs, Falcons, and Eagles, but was still too overburdened by his foot injury to have any real impact. Now that he is healthier the Redskins are starting to show what they are truly capable of on offense.

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Robert Griffin III – Eagles vs Redskins 11/18/2012
courtesy of Matthew Straubmuller

The moment that could come to define the Redskins 2012 season happened the last time they met the Giants. With the Redskins having scored late to take the lead and little time left on the clock Eli Manning completed a pass to Victor Cruz that shoved the dagger into the hearts of Skins fans, and signaled that this season could be over. After two straight wins against the Eagles and the Cowboys the Redskins find themselves in second in the NFC East and could get back to .500 with a win tonight against the Giants.

It won’t be easy as the Giants are the defending Super Bowl champs and once again look to be the class of the NFC East as the Redskins, Cowboys, and Eagles have all struggled this season. The Redskins are different this time though. RGIII has somehow managed to get better. Against the Eagles he threw for four touchdowns. It was the most of his career and looked to be his season high until the very next week he once again threw for four touchdowns against the Cowboys.

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RG3 waiting for the ball to be snapped
courtesy of Matthew Straubmuller

RGIII. What else needs to be said about him or this game. Every game he does something new to amaze. After throwing four touchdown passes against the Eagles Sunday he throws four touchdown passes against the Cowboys on Thursday. Every touchdown pass was beautiful in its own way. The first one to Aldrick Robinson had the flare of Dallas being flat out run by a speed demon and Robert Griffin finding him down field. Being able to hit a wide open receiver streaking down the field seems like a small thing for a quarterback, but arm strength doesn’t always mean accuracy. RGIII isn’t just about to make the long throws. He is able to make them accurately whereas Redskins quarterbacks of the past would consistently overthrow wide open targets.

The second touchdown pass was not as great a job by RGIII, but he did float it high enough to tempt the Dallas defender to go for it and take a tackler out of the play when Pierre Garcon was able to leap, twist, come down with the ball, and then turn and run it in for a 59 yard touchdown. While Garcon did make the play happen RGIII deserves credit for taking care of the football. Later in the game he would throw a costly interception, but it was his fourth of the season. Even with that interception RGIII has done a ridiculously good job of taking care of the football. The only quarterback with less interceptions is Tom Brady with three.

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Dez Bryant
courtesy of AJ Guel Photography

It doesn’t get much bigger than this. That is a lie. It gets a lot bigger. Let’s face facts here this is a 5-5 Cowboys team taking on a 4-6 Redskins team for second place in a bad division. Whichever team wins this game will be given a little bit of false hope that they can win the division, and while possible for both either would need some help from the Giants. The Cowboys at 6-5 would be closer than the Redskins at 5-6, but either way the winner of this game will be in second place in a weak division with five games left in the season. Realistically the Redskins would have to win today and go 4-1 the rest of the way to have an outside shot at the playoffs.

While this game isn’t for the division crown, a playoff spot, or anything meaningful it is the Redskins vs. Cowboys on Thanksgiving day. No matter the number of people that argue that this is no longer a rivalry it is still one of the storied rivalries of sports. If you are old enough to remember when both teams were good at the same time this is an important match-up, but both teams in recent years have been hurt by overactive ownership. The Cowboys get more of the attention and are more of a disappointment because, for some reason, people keep expecting them to be good.

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RGIII Lights Up Newseum
courtesy of DC Illustrated by David Gaines

Redskins games have become the RGIII show. Sure the NFC East is still winnable being led by the 6-4 Giants with the 5-5 Cowboys sitting at second. This could end up being a season of should haves. The Redskins should have beaten the Giants, they should have beaten the Rams, and the should have put up a better showing against the Panthers. The Redskins have been in nearly every game this season and lost some heart breakers, and in every outing RGIII has done something impressive.

The microcosm of the Redskins drubbing of the Eagles was the six play drive in the third quarter that put the Redskins up 24-6 and looked to ice the game. After two plays that went nowhere and a false start the Redskins were facing a three and out and it looked like the Eagles were about to get the ball back down by eleven with plenty of time to play. When Robert Griffin dropped back to pass and no receivers were opened it looked even more that way, but then RGIII did what RGIII does. He broke out of the pocket and took off running up the sidelines for a 23 yard gain and a first down. Three plays later with still no one open Robert Griffin threw to Santana Moss in double coverage. The ball was placed in the exact spot it needed to be for Moss to box out the trail defender, come down with the ball, and turn and dive into the end zone to complete the scoring play.

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James Thomas and Ugo Chinasa tackle Nick Foles
courtesy of ShuttrKing|KT

It was the beginning of the 2011 season when the Eagles were deemed to be the dream team. A collection of talent that couldn’t possibly miss out on the Super Bowl, but the Super Bowl winner was NFC East rival the Giants, and now the Eagles share the bottom of the division with the 3-6 Redskins. It is hard to say which team is more of a mess. Both look to have a coach on the way out and issues with personnel, but the Eagles are benching Michael Vick this week in favor of rookie Nick Foles while the Redskins personnel problems are less with key skill position players and more in the secondary.

The Redskins issues with their secondary makes this a good week for the Eagles to start a rookie quarterback. The Redskins are third worst in the NFL in passing yards allowed a game with 301.7 and their 20 passing touchdowns allowed is the worst in all the NFL. The Redskins secondary can’t stop anyone and even worse with Orakpo and Carriker missing since week two the Redskins have struggled to get any sort of pass rush. The Redskins 3.8% sack percent is third worse in the NFL as are their 14 overall sacks.

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The Nationals’ 2012 may have left the fans searching for answers, and a bit sick in the heart – at least, that’s how I felt for a time – but the post-season recognition that they have received from their peers and the field of reporters that is the BBWAA has been nothing short of outstanding.

The Nationals have picked up three Silver Slugger awards, one Golden Glove, and late yesterday Bryce Harper was named the second teenager ever to receive the Rookie of the Year award. Tonight, recently re-signed manager Davey Johnson is a likely favorite for the NL Manager of the Year award. Tomorrow, Gio Gonzalez is a finalist for the Cy Young award for best pitcher in the NL. It’s hard not to look at this year as anything other than a success, except that may not be true in the eyes of its players.

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Panthers1
courtesy of Homer McFanboy

Believe it or not there are positives from yesterday’s Redskins 21-13 loss to the Panthers, and they are the same positives the Redskins have had all season. RGIII wasn’t dynamic and didn’t make much of a difference in this one, but that is hard to do when you are on a team that has so many receivers they trust to catch the ball they have resorted to lining up four in the backfield. It is hard to play quarterback when your number one receiver has spent most of the season injured and was recently joined by pass catching tight end Fred Davis. RGIII had a disappointing game, but look at what that is for RGIII.

No touchdowns and no interceptions with 215 yards on 23 of 39 attempts. That is still a 59% completion percentage, and 60% is considered the benchmark for a good quarterback. A down game for RGIII is a good game for all of the quarterbacks the Redskins have had since Brad Johnson left town. Alfred Morris ran for 76 yards on 13 attempts which is good for an average of 5.8 yards an attempt. That isn’t just good. That is otherworldly. The most pleasant surprise this season for Redskins fans has been Alfred Morris.

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IMG_0714
courtesy of PDA.PHOTO

The big showdown between Cam Newton and RGIII happens this weekend in Landover, Md. Newton and Griffin have often been compared to each other because they are both scrambling quarterbacks that won the Heisman, but after those facts they couldn’t be more different. Newton came into the NFL surrounded by questions about his personality and his mentality while RGIII came in in Subway commercials. Newton is the size of a tree and as easy to tackle while RGIII is a slippery, elusive runner. Cam Newton has a powerful arm, but has trouble with accuracy and has eight interceptions to five touchdowns this season while RGIII rarely turns the ball over and is deadly accurate.

Aside from the battle of the last two Heisman winners this is a game the Redskins have to win. The last time they played an opponent they should beat they got embarrassed by the Rams. They cannot afford the same type of letdown against the 1-6 Panthers. The Panthers have earned that record. They have lost close games to good teams, but they have lost them. Newton turns the ball over too much and their offense in general struggles to put points on the board.

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