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Washington Football Team 2020: A Redux of the 2001 Season

By Hirdesh Matta

The Washington Football Team's new Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer (L) speaks to the media during a press conference with at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia, 04 January 2001. Schottenheimer signed a four-year, 10 million USD deal to join the team. AFP PHOTO/Leslie E. KOSSOFF (Photo by LESLIE E. KOSSOFF / AFP) (Photo by LESLIE E. KOSSOFF/AFP via Getty Images)
The Washington Football Team's new Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer (L) speaks to the media during a press conference with at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia, 04 January 2001. Schottenheimer signed a four-year, 10 million USD deal to join the team. AFP PHOTO/Leslie E. KOSSOFF (Photo by LESLIE E. KOSSOFF / AFP) (Photo by LESLIE E. KOSSOFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Jeff George #3 of the Washington Football Team passes the football against the St. Louis Rams at the Trans World Dome on November 20, 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Redskins defeated the Rams 33-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – NOVEMBER 20: Jeff George #3 of the Washington Football Team passes the football against the St. Louis Rams at the Trans World Dome on November 20, 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Redskins defeated the Rams 33-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

George struggles, Haskins finds success

In 2001, the Redskins opened up the season in San Diego against the Chargers. George had an awful showing, throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles, before getting benched in what would be a 30-3 loss.

After the loss, George gave some very Haskins-esque quotes, deflecting responsibility and leadership (per Liz Clarke of the Post). Although this behavior isn’t acceptable in either case, Haskins gets a bit of a pass since he’s 23 and in his second year. George was 33 and a seasoned veteran by this time.

Twitter would have had a field day with these quotes had it been around at the time:

More from Commanders News

"“I didn’t want to deal with it, and I’m not going to deal it. So in my mind, what’s in the past, is in the past.” “There’s much more room for improvement — not just at the quarterback position, but at every position.” “Leadership — that’s all overrated.”"

In contrast, Haskins led Washington to a comeback victory over the Eagles in the first game of the season. After falling behind 17-0 in the second quarter, Washington scored 27 unanswered points to put the game away, after being inspired by Haskins’ riveting halftime speech.

At this point, it looked like Haskins was on a completely different trajectory than George, but as all Washington fans know, we can’t have nice things, so we know how this story ultimately unfolds.

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