Aug. 9, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) does a flip in the end zone to celebrate a first half touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

 March 12,2012

The Washington Redskins signed free agent WR Pierre Garcon from the Indianapolis Colts. Terms of the contract were 5 years 42.5 million dollars and brought up questions of whether Washington overpaid for Garcon. A lot of people did not believe Garcon had the ability to be a #1 receiver in the NFL and thought this was a bad move by Washington. Garcon quickly silenced all of the critics with a breakout game in week 1 vs the Saints. His numbers were great and didn’t even finish the game due to a foot injury, an injury that  limited his action for the entire year. Garcon fought and played through as much pain as he could bear and ended up having a respectable season and proved his importance to this franchise.

Oct 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (59) takes the field before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

April 13, 2012

London Fletcher officially resigned with the Redskins, giving them a relief heading into the draft that their captain was back! This allowed Washington to keep their focus geared towards improving other areas of the team. London Fletcher is undoubtedly the heart and soul of this team and the #Resign59 campaign was one of the most talked about topics in Redskins Nation. His resigning was huge to secure the best possibility for success for the Redskins defense and pretty much made it to where he would retire as a Redskin.

Dec 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) hands off to Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA Today Sports

 April 26-28,2012 

This was the day the Redskins drafted four players that would be key pieces to success for the team.

- 1st round pick 2- Robert Griffin III

- 4th round pick 102- Kirk Cousins

- 6th round pick 173- Alfred Morris

- 7th round pick 213- Richard Crawford 

Each of these players have showed up when the team needed them the most with un-rookie like performances. Griffin and Morris have shown that they possess the capabilities to bolster the franchise for years to come. Cousins showed that he is able to keep the team afloat and play at high level in the absence of Griffin. Crawford got his opportunity late in the season, but shined when his number was called vs Baltimore. Now that Crawford is a household name in Washington, let’s see how he progresses from here.   

July 27, 2012; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley (47) shakes hands with fans while walking to the field during Redskins training camp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

August 28, 2012 

Chris Cooley was waived by the Washington Redskins in hopes that he would have an opportunity to sign with another team and be a starter. The majority of Redskins Nation was saddened by the departure of Captain Chaos, the best tight end the franchise has seen. Chris Cooley refused to sign with another team and was content to not play this season until October 21, 2012 when the Redskins resigned him. An season ending  injury to starting tight end Fred Davis left Washington no choice but to bring in another body to fill that roster spot. Who better than the franchise leader in receptions for tight ends.   

September 9,2012  

First game of the season, the Washington Redskins travelled to New Orleans and handed them a loss to remember. Robert Griffin III exceeded all expectations with an epic debut performance. Winning this game let the league know that the Redskins were for real and were going to make some noise in 2012. 

September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins kicker Billy Cundiff (5) is congratulated by long snapper Justin Snow (54), tight end Logan Paulsen (82) and punter Sav Rocca (6) after he made the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Redskins won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

 September 30, 2012 

It didn’t take very long for Robert Griffin III to get his first game winning drive. In week 4 vs the Tampa Bay, Griffin led the Redskins down the field to set up a game winning 41 yd. field goal by Billy Cundiff.  

December 9, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath (2) is interviewed after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

October 9, 2012 

The Washington Redskins signed free agent rookie kicker, Kai Forbath. After an inconsistent beginning from Billy Cundiff, Washington decided to go a different route at the kicker position. Some fans thought that the Redskins would go back and resign Graham Gano, but they shocked everyone and went with Forbath. This proved to be a clutch decision by Washington, as Forbath went 17 for 17 before missing his first kick in the season finale vs Dallas.  

October 14, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs with the ball past Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 38-26. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

October 14, 2012 

The Washington fans got to see Griffin excite the crowd with a game sealing 76 yard touchdown run to beat the Minnesota Vikings. This was Griffin’s first game back since his concussion and let fans know that he was indeed back and ready to finish the season. This will be a play to remember forever!  

November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) prepares to throw the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

November 4, 2012 

Week 9 vs Carolina would be the turning point for the rest of the season. This loss would be the 6th and final loss of the season for the Redskins in 2012. The Redskins finished the season on a 7 game winning streak to catapult them to the top of the division to reign as NFC East champs.  

December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scores a touchdown in the third quarter of the Washington Redskins game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

December 30, 2012 

Dallas came to town…Dallas went home with a loss…The Washington Redskins won their first division title since 1999. Because of this, Seattle has to travel to Washington for their first round match up. The city is already buzzing in anticipation of this game and excited to see what 2013 has to bring.

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First, let us get the six obvious games out of the way.

NFC East

@ Dallas Cowboys – The Redskins, no matter who is their quarterback, should be able to compete in Dallas. With the team they put on the field this year it was very close. The Cowboys almost won the division, again, almost. I think that in 2012 the Redskins will finally get it done in big D, this game will be played in Dallas so no matter what time of year I believe the result will be the same (barring injury). Blind prediction: W.

vs. Dallas Cowboys – The Redskins will sweep the Cowboys for the first time since 2005. Blind prediction: W.

@ Philadelphia Eagles – The Redskins have to lose at least two divisional games no matter what. I believe that the former “Dream Team” will be a little more cohesive and even harder at home to beat. Eagles win. Blind prediction: L. (more…)

This painting will probably be displayed in Dan Snyder's home soon.

All Blackstreet references aside, in D.C. the money paid out by Dan Snyder has almost never equaled the play on the field or the love and respect received from fans. If you think about the Redskins right now, and the players that most fans love and adore, who are they? A general consensus can probably be reached on Chris Cooley, Brian Orakpo, DeAngelo Hall, Mike Sellers, Brandon Banks, Phillip Daniels (especially after this week), London Fletcher and the list could go on. Most of the guys I just mentioned were brought in either through the draft or free agency in “regular” deals. They aren’t here as a result of a blockbuster trade or a 100 million dollar contract (or a new $80 million contract). The Redskins problem has been, as many of us know, trying to buy championships. In the NFL big dollars don’t necessarily equate with wins.

Do the best players in the NFL generally get paid more than the average? Yes, of course. But my issue is with Danny just bringing in guys who were great within their own team and expecting them to just magically adapt to the Redskins. Shall we make a list? (more…)