The 2012 Washington Redskins: A Fleeting Glance at Glory
The 2012 NFL season marked a tumultuous time in Washington Redskins history. A season that began with lofty expectations ended in catastrophic disappointment. What could have been a triumphant year turned into an unmitigated disaster. Led by the mercurial quarterback Robert Griffin III, a rookie sensation who brought a new level of excitement to the nation's capital, the team's campaign was marked by inconsistency, a fractured locker room, and ultimately, a devastating first-round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. As we reflect on this season, we examine the complexities that led to the team's downfall, and the impact of RG3's emergence on the organization.
As one of the most highly anticipated rookies in NFL history, Robert Griffin III brought a dynamic, high-flying offense that electrified the Redskins' faithful. Griffin's impressive college career at Baylor had captivated audiences nationwide, and the hype surrounding his entry into the league was unprecedented. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the Redskins, with expectations high for a deep playoff run.
Breaking Down the Season by the Numbers
* 10-6 Regular Season Record: The team finished the season with 10 wins, but it was far from a picture-perfect campaign.
* 4th Seed in NFC East: The Redskins claimed the #4 seed, a testament to their inconsistency on the field.
* 1st-Round Playoff Exit: A heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round ended the Redskins' season prematurely.
The season's highs and lows were starkly contrasted. In a game that showcased Griffin's incredible dual-threat abilities, the Redsksins dominated the Minnesota Vikings 38-26, with Griffin accounting for over 470 yards and 5 touchdowns. Conversely, the team suffered an embarrassing 38-21 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Week 3, a defeat marked by Griffin's 10 fumbles through three games.
Coach Mike Shanahan's Unpredictable Leadership
a Questionable Game Plan
Coach Mike Shanahan's decision-making during the 2012 season drew intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. Critics argued that Shanahan's conservative approach stifled Griffin's growth as a quarterback, while his game plan often prioritized rushing the ball early and often, an approach that didn't play into the strengths of Griffin's dynamic offense.
Shanahan responded to the criticism, stating, "I think people are reading too much into it. We've always tried to emphasize the run-game in our system." While acknowledging Griffin's importance, the coach maintained, "We've got a very strong offense, and we're going to continue to work on it."
Robert Griffin III's Rapid Ascent
Griffin's meteoric rise as an NFL quarterback captivated fans and media alike. The dynamic quarterback's impressive stats spoke for themselves:
* 3,200+ Passing Yards: Griffin threw for over 3,200 yards as a rookie, the 10th highest total in franchise history.
* 20+ Touchdowns: Griffin's touchdown tally exceeded 20, the first Redskins quarterback to achieve this feat since 2006.
* 6 Wins: Griffin led the team to six victories, all coming after a Week 5 bye.
Despite the impressive numbers, Griffin struggled with turnovers, particularly fumbles, which hurt the team's chances throughout the season. "Fumbles," Griffin noted, "are a concern for me, and I'd like to improve." However, with Griffin's undeniable talent and work ethic, the Redskins had every reason to believe he'd grow into an All-Pro caliber quarterback.
Roster Turmoil
Off-field issues plagued the Redskins throughout the season, further undermining the team's on-field performance. The loss of defensive coordinator Jim Haslett to a broken hip left the unit in shatters, while starting left guard Kory Lichtensteiger was often absent due to an ankle injury. The cumulative effect of these setbacks and the departure of veteran players, such as Adam Carriker, weighed heavily on the team.
"Honestly, when guys are missing, it hurts," noted quarterback Robert Griffin III. "When guys are out, it changes the chemistry, the way the team works together."
A Season of Hopes and Dreams
Though the 2012 season ultimately ended in disappointment, the impact of Robert Griffin III's arrival had a lasting effect on the franchise. As the Redskins head into the future, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the RG3 saga, and the potential for greatness that follows.
As coach Mike Shanahan reflected on the season, "It's always difficult to look at what could've been. We're moving forward, though. I believe in our quarterback, and I believe in our team."
In a season that showcased both promise and pitfalls, the 2012 Washington Redskins served as a cautionary tale, reminding fans and teams alike that a little bit of consistency and cohesion can go a long way.
