On Saturday, March 10 2012 I woke up to major news: that my Washington Redskins and the St. Louis Rams had indeed pulled off a blockbuster deal that would send the Rams' coveted #2 overall pick in the draft to the Redskins in exchange for the Redskins 1st round pick (#6 overall), their 2nd round pick, and first round picks in the '13 and '14 drafts. I was elated.
In the weeks leading up to this mega-deal, the stock of one Robert Griffin III continued to soar as a surge of momentum around the league had him rapidly climbing the pre-draft ranks as most people now had him as a lock for the #2 overall pick. And there were even some people who speculated his stock could even surpass Andrew Luck, who for over a year had been essentially handed the keys to the #1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Known simply as "RG3", Robert Griffin III was an absolute star at Baylor University and had pretty much single-handedly brought the once sub-par mediocre program to new, unprecedented heights. In his spectacular 2011 season, it was RG3- over Andrew Luck- who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy award. Then in the 2012 NFL combine, he continued to dazzle with a rarely seen combination of blazing speed and overall freakish athleticism. Besides his athleticism, he was an excellent communicator and seemed to be very smart in how he understood schemes, film breakdown, etc.
I was all-in. For years, as Redskins fans we eagerly and desperately wanted a "franchise QB". Someone who would not only do well at QB, and win, but would simply bring consistent stability to the QB position for several years and put a stop to the QB carousel that more consistently has dominated the state of the franchise. Shortly after reading the many posts and watching some clips of the blockbuster trade with the Rams, I went on the MVA website and look for personalized plates to help fuel the excitement. I found what I wanted: "RG32DC". Like I said, I was all-in. In fact, shortly after my plates arrived, this piece was written by Washington Post columnist, Dan Steinberg aka, "The D.C. SportsBog". And then there were subsequent pieces written by Steinberg about many other custom RG3 plates, where mine was also included (from a fan sending him pics) among the pics. While I was out and about driving, I would often encounter Redskins fans that would drive by honking, cheering, and showing excited gestures like thumbs up or pumped fists. Sometimes while stopped at a light, I would glance in my rearview mirror to see people in their cars behind me taking pics of my plate. Yes, RG3 mania among Redskins Nation and the DMV was off and running- even before the NFL draft when we would officially select him!
My current plates on car
Then came the NFL draft. Finally, after so many weeks of banking on it, planning for it, and dreaming about it, the desired scenario for Redskins Nation came to fruition: in spite of some late questions as to whether or not the Colts may actually take Griffin, as expected, they stuck to their guns and took Andrew Luck at #1. So there it was. The waiting was finally over. Fantasy became reality. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell stepped to the podium: "With the 2nd pick of the 2012 NFL draft, the Washington Redskins select Robert Griffin III."
Yes, I was thrilled. Redskins Nation was thrilled. It was as if a huge burden and anxious sigh of relief had been lifted off our chests. We finally had our guy. It was a very special night.
During the annual Redskins Draft Day Party at FedEx Field a couple days later, I was there to witness as Redskins Nation finally and officially gave RG3 a heroes welcome.
He was now officially in the fold. The fanbase opened him with elated, passionate open arms. He even led us in a rendition of "Hail to the Redskins." It was a perfect afternoon.
Enjoying draft party with buddy "Superskin", in my "No Pressure No Diamonds", RG3 shirt
Now there was one unexpected surprise that afternoon, as the Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins. Little did we know at the time how things would turn out with these two QB's.
In the weeks to follow, the RG3 mania continued to surge as the merchandise was out in full force, fan and media conversations were rampant, and the countdown to Training Camp was on. In the Winn home, my sons (especially JT) would constantly watch RG3 videos (Baylor highlights, combine skills, and draft videos posted above) as I did all I could to impart my enthusiasm and influence on them. Like me, they were all-in with excitement.
Along the way, my oldest son, JT was preparing to turn 3 years old. My wife and I talked about how we wanted to celebrate his birthday and what the plan would be. Then, it hit us! And I honestly don't remember if it was actually my wife who initiated the birthday theme instead of me! Yes, an "RG3" party. Why not? He was turning 3. We saw the perfect date to celebrate was on June 3rd. And we set the party for 3PM. It was a sweet day.
My son JT's "RG3" Party: 3 years old, June 3rd, 3PM. Perfect day.
He got an RG3 jersey. We had NFL combine-like skills contests for the kids: running the 40, long jump, catching and throwing, etc. And what I definitely remember being at the brilliant suggestion of my wife, Tessa: a Cowboys pinata! Of course, we wanted to train the kids right, teach them what we didn't like, and what deserved to be the recipient of our controlled and innocent aggression! The kids wanted candy, and they wanted to destroy the star! It was a hilarious, glorious sight to see!
Then in late July, one of the most fun and anticipated times of the year began, Training Camp! We would finally get an up close glimpse of our star QB on the practice field with the team. I took my wife and boys one afternoon. And at the end of practice, we had a singular mission: get RG3 to sign a picture for my son, JT. We weren't the only ones with this idea. As is the case for every Redskins Training Camp event, there were thousands of other fans with the same autograph pursuits. As hoped, RG3 went over to the screaming fans and began signing. I quickly observed that to get him to sign at that exact spot was nearly impossible with several rows deep of fans. So rather than go over near where he was and fight the masses, we took a chance and hoped that perhaps he would make his way down and sign more. We found a spot to stand on the front row, several yards over to his right from where he started to sign, as the fans from that spot scurried over closer to him. Then as hoped, he indeed started making his way down and took a lot of time to sign. JT was on my shoulders with the best view in the house. When he got close to us, I had told JT to ask him if he could please sign his picture. JT called out to him. I called out to him. Even though we were on the front row, by the time he worked his way over close to us we were surrounded by so many fans that our position on the front still didn't guarantee anything. Then RG3 demonstrated exactly what I had perceived and thought about him in these several weeks of hype and hysteria leading up to finally meeting him in person: he was very classy, polite, humble and seemed to have a genuine love for the fans all around him. With a smile on his face, he took the picture JT was holding and even personalized it for him: "To Josh". A sweet moment I will forever cherish.
Top: Bennett on shoulders; Bottom left: JT on shoulders- getting ready to find our spot for RG3 to sign: right: pic RG3 signed, "To Josh"
"Shock and Awe." This is what ESPN 980 radio co-host to "The Sports Fix", and former Washington Times- now Examiner, columnist Thom Loverro predicted days before the season opener @ the Saints on September 9, 2012. For months, the Griffin hype was pumped up and dreamed about. Now, curiosity and hope was about to be satisfied and realized. I was vacationing with my family in our favorite annual getaway location, the Outer Banks (OBX) in NC. I couldn't wait to finally watch RG3 in regular season action. Griffin would lead a FG scoring drive on the first series, then on the first play of his 2nd series, he would connect with Pierre Garcon for his first NFL TD pass- for 88 yards. During the play, Griffin was hit as he threw. As Garcon caught it and was off to the races, Griffin sat up, both hands raised in the air. It didn't seem like much in the moment but that pose, like just about everything else with Griffin at that time, caught on like wild fire and soared with immediate and trending popularity.
RG3's first career TD pass to Garcon and the pose that would simply be known as, "Griffining".
Social and mainstream media outlets immediately went crazy with it as fans from everywhere flocked to Griffin with admiration and obsession. In the days and weeks to come, random people all over the world would even pose and take selfies of them "Griffining". In a sweet moment with my son, Bennett I even captured the moment on TV while we watched on our OBX vacation.
Even Bennett observed with "shock and awe" at Griffin's first NFL pass TD!
The Griffin-led Redskins would indeed shock the Saints- and the NFL world- by pummeling the high-powered (and undefeated at home in '11) squad. And the awe? Griffin put up arguably the most impressive rookie QB debut in NFL history by going 19-26 for 320 yards with 2 TD's, 0 INT's, a QB rating of 139.9 and 42 yards rushing. And it wasn't just the rushing yards that were impressive. It was his poise and elusiveness to extend plays. Perhaps the most impressive play was when he rolled to his left, then eluded defenders coming back right and while running threw a missile to Fred Davis downfield along the sideline. He would become the first player in NFL history to have over 300 yards passing, 2 TD's, and 0 INT's in his debut. Yes, shock and awe.
The next day, former Washington Post columnist, and current local sports radio host on ESPN 980, Tony Kornheiser would say, "Welcome to the land of unbridled optimism." Yes, Griffin was taking the DMV area by storm- with fans and mainstream media members alike. Long time Redskins mania, fueled by this new Griffin mania, was soaring to new heights of hope and optimism. Could it be that finally, after years of waiting and often failing at a long-term solution at QB, the Redskins indeed had their long-term solution- and a very good one- at QB?!
In the weeks to follow, both Griffins popularity and outstanding play on the football field continued to soar. He was doing things at the QB position that no other rookie- or even veteran QB- in the league had done before. It was the powerful, rocket arm. The lightning quick release. The amazing accuracy. And of course, the "turbo" speed to elude defenders and get around the edges.
One of my favorite highlights from that amazing rookie campaign was vs. the Vikings in week 6. At the time, the Redskins were in the midst of a dismal 8 game home losing streak that dated back to game 2 of the 2011 season. I was there at Fed Ex Field, and it was rocking as our 'Skins build a big lead into the 3rd quarter. It looked certain the the home losing streak would finally end. But the Vikings came back to make it close. All of a sudden the Redskins were clinging to a 31-26 lead and facing a 3rd and 6, with less than 3 minutes to go in the game. The Vikings had the momentum. But then, RG3 happened. On a designed QB run, he took the snap, saw the opening, and took off towards the edge. With his "turbo" speed on full display he outraced everyone, untouched, 76 yards towards the end zone for the dramatic and game-clinching TD. Fed Ex Field was in a frenzy as the roof blew off the joint. It had been a while since we experienced such an "electrifying" moment- as called by Larry Michael, as this. We were witnessing things at the QB position we had never seen before. Loud chants of "RG-3, RG-3, RG-3" filled the air. We were smitten.
His 76 yard TD run was the longest run by a QB in 16 years (and 5th highest in NFL history), and he totaled 138 yards rushing on the day! This guy could do it all: pass, run, and win.
The next week the Redskins and RG3 would face a tough task on the road against the rival (and 1st place) Giants. Once again, Griffin would show flashes of greatness, as his stellar rookie campaign continued to soar to new heights. The Redskins trailed 20-16 with 2 minutes remaining, facing a 4th and 10. Griffin took the snap and quickly had to move around to avoid pressure as the play broke down. After eluding a couple defenders, somehow he found Logan Paulsen down field and converted the 4th down to extend the drive. The announcers and NFL game day crews in the studio marveled at how he did this.
Griffin would take the 'Skins all the way down the field to a go ahead TD- a beautiful strike to Santana Moss. It was a very impressive drive, where RG3 used his legs to extend plays and throw off script, use his legs to run, and use his accurate arm to make amazing throws. It looked like the TD to Moss would be the dramatic game-winner, but unfortunately the Giants would pull out the stunner as Eli Manning hit Victor Cruz for a 77 yard TD. Still, in spite of the painful loss there was more shock and awe, and legitimate reasons to hope and be excited for greater things to come. It was becoming even more clear that we had our star QB, as the league continued to marvel at what he was doing. In the post-game, Giants DE, Justin Tuck said, "he [Griffin] makes you lose your enthusiasm for the game a little bit. I'm really mad at the football gods for putting him in the NFC East. He is going to be a headache. He is the best QB we have faced all season, for sure." Also, Osi Umenyiora said, "that guy is flat-out unbelievable. That's the best QB we've faced all year." Yes, the league was taking notice, and players on rival teams were taking notice. How good could this get?
The next 2 weeks would be brutal losses, at Pittsburgh and then at home on "homecoming" to the Panthers. All of a sudden at 3-6, in spite of the many flashes of brilliance and stellar play of Griffin, the season was on the brink of unraveling. In his post-game interview, HC Mike Shanahan basically sounded like he was conceding that the year was over, as he said he would now get the opportunity to "evaluate players and see where we're at." Though Shanahan would later come out and say he wasn't try to say the year was in fact over, most of the media and people around the league certainly interpreted his statements as such. So now, it was time for the much needed bye-week. How would the team respond after the bye? How would they respond to Shanahan's statements? Though I remember having several reasons why I said and thought that this team could go on a run (upcoming favorable schedule, how the rest of the NFC East was playing, and especially the play of RG3), I never thought what would happen next would actually happen.
It began at home against the Eagles, right after the bye-week. Both teams were 3-6 and on the brink of the season completely unraveling. The Eagles, I believed were reeling even more, and it actually seemed likely that long-time winning coach, Andy Reid was indeed on the verge of being let go (as was always the rumor in Philly when the team struggled) if they didn't turn things around this time. The Redskins finally took advantage, unlike in 2011 when they had a similar opportunity earlier in the year to bury their I-95 rivals. A 31-6 blowout and the Andy Reid bon-voyage now seemed inevitable as the Eagles plummeted to 3-7. And Griffin, was once again spectacular, completing 14-15 for 200 yards, 4 TD's, 0 INT's, 84 yards rushing, and most notably a perfect QB rating of 158.3. He set yet another NFL record by becoming the first QB in NFL history to post a perfect rating, by attempting at least 15 passes.
Next, it was on to Dallas to play the rival Cowboys, on Thanksgiving Day. Not only would the Redskins finally play Dallas on Thanksgiving for the first time in 10 years, but Griffin would be making his first trip back to his home state of Texas to face the Cowboys. Though they were still only 4-6, if the Redskins could somehow pull this off, yes they would still only be 5-6, but most importantly, would have beaten division rivals in back to back games, send the Cowboys also to 5-6, and have the Giants on tap next, and a legit opportunity to get right back into the NFC East race. In all the years of the Redskins/Cowboys storied rivalry, the second quarter of this particular game would become the most one-sided dominant one that any of the teams had displayed. With the Redskins trailing 3-0, Griffin hit speedster Aldrick Robinson on a perfectly thrown bomb and a 68 yard TD strike. Minutes later, Alfred Morris would plunge into the end zone to stretch the lead to 14-3. All of a sudden, while watching how this game was unfolding, I had this feeling of exuberance, sensing that my boys may indeed be preparing to really hand it to The 'Boys on their home field, on Thanksgiving day, when they hardly ever lose. The surge of momentum continued as on the next drive, Griffin would hit Pierre Garcon, who split defenders and outraced everyone to the end zone. A 59 yard TD pass, and now a 21-3 lead. But the half wasn't over. Following a DeAngelo INT with under a minute remaining, Griffin would quickly lead the Redskins inside the red zone, and with 5 seconds remaining in the half, roll out to his right and throw a perfect strike to Santana Moss in the corner of the end zone for another TD. Yes, 28 points in the quarter. The route was on in Texas. My good buddy, Redskins superfan, @superskin would tweet: "If this was a fight, they'd call it." It felt so good. The Redskins of course would ultimately win the game 38-28.
And Griffin? Once again he was spectacular, going 19-27 for 304 yards, 4 TD's (1 INT), and another gaudy 131.8 QB rating. Now 8 TD's in 2 weeks. And the most impressive thing I was elated about was that this performance came under the bright lights and high stakes: Thanksgiving Day, with a national audience, vs the rival Cowboys, in their building, back in his home state, and when the Redskins desperately needed to win to climb back in the division race.
The next week the other division foe, the World Champion New York Giants came to Fed Ex Field for Monday Night Football. Once again, the Redskins would prevail 17-16 to now move to 6-6, and drop the Giants to 7-5. As I left a jubilant Fed Ex Field that night, I tweeted out: "BREAKING: The Redskins will win the NFC East." I just knew it was now going to happen. Yes, all of a sudden, an NFC East crown was a legitimate possibility. Though he wasn't as spectacular, Griffin was still very good, going 13-21 for 163 yards passing, 72 yards rushing, 1 TD, 0 INT's, and a 101.9 QB rating. And now with back-to-back weeks of being showcased on prime time, playing very well, and the Redskins winning, it now seemed like Griffin may even be the front-runner for the NFL rookie of the year, even over #1 overall pick, Andrew Luck, who was also having a very solid rookie campaign, as well as star QB's Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, and Ryan Tannehill who all really started to emerge as well.
The big games kept coming as the next opponent was I-95/295 local rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Accompanied by many of their raucous fans, the Ravens would come down I-95 into Fed Ex Field at 9-3 and in very good shape in their playoff standing. Both teams were surging. It was local football rivalry at its finest, and perhaps its highest point since the 2 teams had been in the league. The game would go back and forth with each team trading scoring drives. Then, it happened. With the Redskins trailing 28-20 and facing a 2nd and 19 on their own 27 with under 2 minutes to play, Griffin did was Griffin does: he tried to make a play with his legs when the play broke down. He was flushed out to his left outside the pocket, then turned it up field to gain as much as he can. While trying to get down, he was hit by Haloti Ngata and he was down. Teammates helped him up and it was quickly evident that he wasn't right, as he was favoring his right knee and had to be helped off the field. Rookie QB Kirk Cousins came in as the Redskins faced a 3rd and 6. Pass interference was called and the Redskins had a new set of downs. But then amazingly, Griffin would come back into the game. Clearly not the same lacking mobility, he completed his first pass to Santana Moss for a first down to get into Ravens territory. Then, he stood in the pocket and completed his next pass to Pierre Garcon for 22 yards inside the red zone. But on the pass he couldn't plant his right leg and noticeably hobbled. He then had to quickly hobble down the field to the first down marker as the play clock was winding down, now less than a minute. It reminded me of when Byron Leftwich played for Marshall and had to be carried down the field during a dramatic, TD drive. On the next play however, Griffin thew it out of bounds as the Ravens brought pressure, and he was called for intentional grounding. He was clearly in pain and went down to the ground again. He motioned for the sidelines and had to come off the field. Once again, Cousins had to come in. Only 45 seconds to go and now a 2nd and 20 from the Ravens 27. Cousins quickly hit Leonard Hankerson for 15 yards and then on 3rd and five, hit Pierre Garcon for a TD with just under 30 seconds left. Down 28-26 the Redskins were forced to go for 2, and that's when offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan dialed up perhaps his best call of the season: a Cousins QB draw for the game-tying score! In overtime, after a dramatic punt return by rookie, Richard Crawford, Kai Forbath hit the game-winning field goal, sending myself and the rest of the Redskins faithful at Fed Ex Field into a frenzy. It was a dramatic win on many levels. The winning streak was now 4. The Redskins were now a formidable 7-6. And the chances for that elusive NFC East crown were dramatically increasing. But while we high fived and hugged many on the way out of Fed Ex Field that afternoon, an uneasy sense of concern came over me: what about RG3's knee? How serious would this be? While reading early updates on the walk out, the initial sense of many was that it could be an ACL injury, and could very well mean the end of his season! My heart sank. Yes, the streak was good, and yes, we were now legitimately in this thing. But if no RG3 the rest of the way, I was convinced we were finished, and even if by some chance we were to still win the east, we would surely be a quick out in the playoffs with no chance of advancing. So now the post-game and interviews. Though the victory was sweet and there was much to celebrate, all the attention was rather on Griffin's health: how did he get hurt, how bad is the injury, what specifically is the injury, would he play next week, would he be out for the season, why did he go back in, etc. Mike Shanahan gave his version of what happened. And renowned surgeon (and Redskins game day team Dr.), Dr. James Andrews gave his version, nearly a month later. Controversy swirled. But unexpected good news would emerge, shortly after an MRI revealed that Griffin only had a knee sprain, an LCL injury that wouldn't require season ending surgery but would be a week to week thing. I'll never forget that feeling of relief. The season wasn't lost. He would be back soon. Now, all we needed was rookie QB Kirk Cousins to hold it down vs. the lowly Browns the next week, and possibly the week after vs. the hapless Eagles and their lame duck coach, Andy Reid.
Though Kirk Cousins would indeed get the nod to start against the Browns, Griffin tried his best to convince the coaching staff to let him play. But he simply wasn't ready yet, and risking further injury would not have been prudent. Though he started a little slow, Cousins would find his groove and reel off a very impressive rookie debut as starting QB as the 'Skins won their 5th straight game 38-21 to surge to 8-6.
Now it was on to the Eagles. Griffin was cleared to play with a knee brace and ready to go, though not being 100%. It was obvious that Griffin didn't have the same kind of burst and was understandably playing more cautiously because of his knee. But he led the Redskins to their 6th straight victory, 27-20 to sweep their division foes, move to 9-6 and set up the ultimate final regular season showdown: a winner take all vs. the rival Cowboys!
A Sunday night prime-time showdown to cap the regular season. A rivalry that is widely considered to be the best in the NFL. The winner takes the NFC East crown and moves on to host a playoff game the next weekend. The loser goes home and misses not only the division crown, but the playoffs entirely. It would be the most anticipated and biggest game (even over the wild- card playoff vs the Lions in '99) in the history of Fed Ex Field. With a chance to knock the rival Cowboys out of the playoffs entirely, once again the stakes were set very high for this rivalry matchup. Even though in the great history of this rivalry the Cowboys had won more games overall, it was the Redskins who won when the stakes were highest: the '72 and '82 NFC Championship games. And now, an opportunity for the highest stakes in the regular season on the last game of the season. I arrived early that afternoon with friends to tailgate as I wanted to soak it all in and savor each moment. When it came time for us to go into Fed Ex Field, the pent up energy that we had was also seen and felt among the masses as we entered the gates like caged lions ready to be turned loose. We were roaring and hungry for victory, a division championship for the first time in 13 years, an opportunity to host a playoff game, and of course a sweet win over the despised Cowboys to send them home to watch the playoffs from their TV's. Chants of "WE WANT DALLAS" and "DALLAS SUCKS" filled the air. And there was also loud singing of "Hail to the Redskins". We were ready.
With the usual and deafening chants of "DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE", section 220 was alive and well for this epic game at the outset. Although the intensity and noise of the chants was on a different level, perhaps unmatched in all the years of going to games at Fed Ex Field. On the Cowboys' first possession, Romo thew an INT to Richard Crawford and I just knew it: I told fans all around me, "this game is won!" It was classic Romo being Romo: on the biggest stage and devastating INT's. The Redskins would eventually take the lead 14-7 in the 3rd quarter as Griffin, still gimpy and all and clearly not having the same kind of burst, scampered around the left edge for a TD inside the 10. Redskins Nation was in a frenzy. Then in the 4th quarter, Alfred Morris scampered 32 yards to pay dirt and the lead was 21-10. The frenzy reached another level. The Cowboys, however would make it interesting by cutting the lead to 21-18 and all of a sudden, it was up to the defense to stop Romo with just over 3 minutes to go. On the first play, from their own 28, Romo dropped back and, once again in typical Romo fashion in these dramatic moments, floated an ill-advised pass that was picked off by Rob Jackson. Redskins legend and radio analyst, Rick "Doc" Walker said, "what a numbskull throw." It was a dagger for Romo and the Cowboys. The outcome was now even more inevitable. Then a couple minutes later, Alfred Morris plunged into the end zone for the official nail in the coffin. The Redskins would win 28-18 and the improbable run was complete. A 7 game winning streak, amazing 10-6 finish, and yes, the long-awaited NFC East division championship. It was one of the most special moments I have ever witnessed as a Redskins fan, and probably the best regular season moment during all my years of being a fan. There were so many special moments from that night. We had knocked the Cowboys out of it, and we were division champs.
Redskins Nation stayed in full force long after the game, with many of us hanging out by the Comcast Sports post-game show in euphoric celebration as players were interviewed. In an unexpected surprise, Pedro (Pete) Taylor, Sean's Father, also came out to mingle with the fans and share in the excitement.
With Sean Taylor's Father, Pedro.
Yes, it was a special night, on many levels. Here is a piece from "Sound FX" with RG3 being mic'd up. We would now prepare to host a playoff game, for the first time since our last division title in 1999.
Though the Redskins entered the playoffs with the longest win streak in the NFL at 7 games, the Seattle Seahawks were arguably just as hot- if not more- and were still slightly favored to win, partly because of the uncertainty of how healthy RG3 may be. For the second straight week, the excitement of Redskins Nation was just as high as I could ever remember it. There was an insatiable hunger. A pent up desire to so desperately get back to the glory days of winning that so many of us had consistently known in years gone by. It was far and away the most popular and most expensive ticket in town. There was hope. Legitimate hope that even though he wasn't fully recovered, the man who was certain to win the NFL rookie of the year award and completely taken the league by storm would be leading the surging Redskins into the playoffs and amazingly, make the Burgundy & Gold one of the most dangerous teams that unquestionably no one would want to play. Could a deep run be on the verge of happening. And, gulp, was a Super Bowl run actually possible?
Just like the Cowboys game the week before, we arrived early for tailgating. We wanted to soak up every minute with our fans and savor this rare playoff atmosphere.
My wife and I in 220 with the face of our section and long-time game buddy, Superskin
I realized I hadn't been to a Redskins playoff game since Jan '92 when I went to the NFC Championship game, and saw our 'Skins crush Detroit to advance to the Super Bowl. I couldn't wait to enjoy every moment of this playoff memory! We settled into 220, hugging and high-fiving our game day family all around us. And it was all Redskins fans. I saw maybe 10 Seahawks fans there the entire day. I was ready to lead our section in our classic "DE-FENSE" chants and bang the column as often as possible! There was an electricity that filled the air. I had never seen Fed Ex Field so amped up in my entire life. We were ready.
The Redskins won the toss and elected to receive. With as much precision and determination as we had seen all season, our boys drove the ball all the way down the field for a quick TD, and a 7-0 lead. Then on the Seahawks first possession, the Redskins- aided by the deafening chants of "DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE"- swarmed Russell Wilson and stymied the 'Hawks offense, forcing them to go 3 and out and punt.
We got the ball back and once again, Griffin led an impressive drive right down the field. But then, it happened. While inside the red zone, Griffin scrambled to his right and when getting hit out of bounds, landed awkwardly on his knee. He got up slowly, clearly favoring his knee and walking gingerly back to the huddle. I immediately knew something wasn't right. Still, as he had demonstrated already vs the Ravens and since, through sheer determination and resolve he stayed in the game in spite of what appeared to be pain. And then he threw a TD pass to Logan Paulsen and all of a sudden, the Burgundy & Gold surged ahead 14-0! But how would his knee respond as the game went on?
Unfortunately, that TD was the high point of the game, as the offense sputtered the rest of the way. Taking advantage of a wounded QB and this inability of the offense to move the ball, the Seahawks began chipping away at the lead. It was pretty obvious while watching in the stands, that Robert's mobility seemed to be getting worse and worse. But he stayed in the game. And to this day, I will personally stand by coach Mike Shanahan's decision to keep him in the game. It was a very tough decision. Griffin would describe it as he was "hurting" but not "injured." And most notably, he remained cleared by the medical staff throughout the game to stay in the game and not need to come out as there was no obvious structural compromise to his knee. Shanahan would say that Robert had "earned the right" to stay in the game, and I would agree. It was the heat of a playoff battle, on their home turf, where many NFL players over the years have similarly played through grueling pain- and obvious injuries- with a resolved attitude stay in the game and persevere. No matter what. Though Griffin continued to look unable to plant his leg strongly while throwing downfield- and his accuracy being clearly affected- there was still the sense that just maybe he could still pull something off, as he had done so often during the season. Shanahan thought the same thing. In the 4th quarter, the Seahawks would take the lead for good.
And then, a moment that will forever be one of the saddest, most controversial, and one of the most franchise-altering plays in Redskins history, took place. With the Redskins now down 21-14 with just over 6 minutes remaining and facing a 2nd and 22 from their own 12 yard line, Griffin lined up in shotgun and the ball was snapped. Unfortunately, it was a bad snap and while Griffin moved to get the ball on the ground, his knee buckled and he crumpled to the ground. The Seahawks recovered the fumble. No doubt the game was now all but over. There was stunned silence. Not only silence because of the outcome of the game and inevitable and painful home playoff loss, but more because our star QB lay on the ground, writhing in obvious pain. It was one of the most gut-wrenching moments I have ever experienced as a fan. All we could do was stare in disbelief, confusion and concern. The thoughts raced through my mind as I pondered what was unfolding before my eyes. It was as if all the hopes and dreams of Redskins Nation that had reached near unimaginable heights- heights perhaps not experienced since the Super Bowl glory years- were crashing like black Tuesday in 1929. This was the worst possible scenario: that our star, the league-transforming, rookie phenom QB who had carried our beloved Burgundy & Gold to an amazing NFC East crown, was now seriously hurt. What kind of injury was it? How long would his recovery be? Would he ever be the same QB? All these thoughts raced through my mind during this excruciating sequence.
The Redskins lost the game, but worst of all, lost our QB. A few days later the dreaded news was confirmed: complete tear of LCL and ACL, leading to complete reconstruction. Best case scenario was that he might be ready for the beginning of the 2013 season.
The immediate aftershock within the media- both local and national- Redskins fan base, and people in and around the league was cataclysmic. Though painful, the actual loss itself was buried in a much greater topic of endless debates that raged on for days, weeks, and months to come: Should Griffin have even played from the start? Should he have been pulled earlier during the game? Should he have pulled himself out of the game? Was Robert to blame? Were the team doctors to blame? Was Mike Shanahan to blame? These topics consumed what, in my opinion was the longest, most grueling, and most controversial Redskins offseason I can ever remember.
I could certainly say a lot more about what transpired during that offseason, (and Griffin's amazing recovery to be "All in For Week 1"), and his remaining time with the Redskins that would entail an entire piece in itself.
But I will conclude this tribute piece to say a heartfelt "Thank you" to Robert Griffin III for the excitement, euphoria, and "shock and awe" he brought to Redskins Nation during that glorious 2012 season. A storybook season for the ages. No one can ever take those great memories away from us.
