Redskins: From Organizational Failure to Success

Through 14 games, the Washington Redskins are now 8-6 after defeating the Cleveland Browns 38-21. Washington posted 38 points without their starting QB Robert Griffin III against a team that was riding high off a 3-game winning streak. Make no mistake about it, this was a statement game by the Washington Redskins. They are now battle tested.

Washington’s scoring output marked the seventh time this season the Redskins have reached the 30-point plateau in a game. That is the team’s most since scoring 30 points or more in eight games in 1991. Yes, the year Washington last entered and won the Super Bowl.

We talked before Washington’s week 9 bye about there being an organizational failure with the team. Mike Shanahan even said himself, “with a 3-6 team – now we’re talking about evaluating players for next season.” Well, 5 consecutive wins later – Washington defeated the Cleveland Browns in a game that should be chalked down as an organizational win. Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script for the 2012 Washington Redskins’ season.

Rookie QB Kirk Cousins successfully allowed Robert Griffin III to rest his LCL sprain suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in week 14. The offensive players rallied around Cousins and the defense stepped up – playing a solid football game. Not to mention, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan called a great game and Mike Shanahan successfully used a little gamesmanship by not tipping his hand on who would start at QB.  Cousins finished the day an impressive 26 of 37 for 329 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT.  It was indeed an organizational victory.

The Redskins entered this game with playoff aspirations. Now, Washington’s destiny is in their own hands. With the New York Giants losing to the Atlanta Falcons, Washington now owns first place in the NFC East after 15 weeks of football for the first time since 1999. The Packers also defeated the Chicago Bears, putting Washington in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth. As Redskins’ defensive end Stephen Bowen said, “They’re all chasing us now.”

The Redskins are red-hot at the right time this year. The team was able to pull out a victory without Robert Griffin III at helm, which was obviously best case scenario. Everything is falling into place. Now, with a rested Robert Griffin III, the Redskins could do the unthinkable by reeking havoc in their upcoming games.