The 2012 Washington Redskins season stands as one of the most exhilarating yet bittersweet campaigns in modern franchise history. Driven by rookie sensation Robert Griffin III, the team captured the NFC East title with a thrilling seven-game winning streak to close the regular year. Yet, the 2012 Washington Redskins schedule also laid bare the brutal physical toll of the read-option offense and the defensive vulnerabilities that ultimately led to postseason heartbreak against the Seattle Seahawks.
Looking back at the complete 2012 slate reveals how Mike Shanahan's squad transitioned from early-season chaos to an explosive offensive juggernaut, before injuries halted their momentum. This breakdown explores the full game-by-game results, critical turning points, and the lasting legacy of a team that electrified the nation's capital.
The Complete 2012 Washington Redskins Schedule and Results
Washington played a grueling 16-game regular-season schedule facing every NFC South and AFC North opponent, alongside their standard NFC East divisional matchups. Here is how every game unfolded week by week:
- Week 1 (September 9): Washington 40, Dallas Cowboys 32 (Away)
- Week 2 (September 16): St. Louis Rams 31, Washington 28 (Away)
- Week 3 (September 23): Cincinnati Bengals 38, Washington 31 (Home)
- Week 4 (September 30): Washington 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22 (Away)
- Week 5 (October 7): Washington 24, Atlanta Falcons 17 (Home)
- Week 6 (October 14): Minnesota Vikings 24, Washington 13 (Away)
- Week 7 (October 21): Washington 38, New York Giants 31 (Home)
- Week 8 (October 28): Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Washington 12 (Away)
- Week 9: BYE WEEK
- Week 10 (November 18): Washington 24, Carolina Panthers 17 (Home)
- Week 11 (November 25): Washington 31, Philadelphia Eagles 6 (Home)
- Week 12 (December 3): Washington 17, New York Giants 16 (Away) - Monday Night Football
- Week 13 (December 9): Washington 31, Baltimore Ravens 28 (Home) - Overtime
- Week 14 (December 16): Washington 20, Cleveland Browns 3 (Cleveland)
- Week 15 (December 23): Washington 38, Philadelphia Eagles 20 (Away)
- Week 16 (December 30): Washington 28, Dallas Cowboys 18 (Home)
- NFC Wild Card (January 6, 2013): Seattle Seahawks 24, Washington 14 (Home)
Early-Season Fireworks and Growing Pains
The tone for the season was set immediately in Week 1 at FedExField. Facing the Dallas Cowboys on national television, Griffin dazzled with 320 passing yards, two touchdowns, and another score on the ground. Running back Alfred Morris also announced his arrival with 96 rushing yards, signaling the birth of one of the most lethal ground attacks in the league.
However, the early schedule quickly exposed the team's defensive frailties. In Weeks 2 and 3, leaky secondaries and missed assignments allowed Sam Bradford and rookie Andrew Dalton to orchestrate comeback victories against Washington. Sitting at 3-3 after six games, the franchise faced familiar questions about its ability to maintain consistency. The defense surrendered chunk plays regularly, putting immense pressure on a rookie quarterback to score on nearly every possession.
The Historic Seven-Game Winning Streak
The turning point of the 2012 schedule arrived after the Week 9 bye. Facing a desperate 3-6 record and needing perfection to secure a postseason berth, Shanahan adjusted the play-calling to protect Griffin while leaning heavily on Morris's relentless interior running.
The streak featured signature moments:
- The Thanksgiving Rout: Washington dismantled the Philadelphia Eagles 31-6, highlighted by a dominant defensive display and a long touchdown run by Griffin.
- Monday Night Drama: In Week 12, trailing late against the Giants at MetLife Stadium, Griffin orchestrated a clutch drive culminating in a game-winning field goal by Kai Forbath.
- The Ravens Thriller: In Week 13, rookie backup Kirk Cousins had already won a dramatic game against the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the year, but Griffin returned from a mild concussion scare to defeat the eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens 31-28 in overtime, capped by a clutch rookie connection with Pierre Garçon.
By the time Week 16 arrived, the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys served as an outright NFC East championship game. Washington controlled the line of scrimmage, Morris rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns, and the defense forced critical turnovers to seal a 28-18 victory, capturing the division crown for the first time since 1999.
The Wild Card Heartbreak Against Seattle
The euphoria of the seven-game win streak evaporated on a cold January afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks. Griffin, who had sprained his LCL against the Baltimore Ravens a month prior, re-injured his right knee while trying to field a loose snap in the first quarter.
Despite visibly hobbling and lacking his trademark mobility, Griffin stayed on the field. The offense ground to a halt, and backup Kirk Cousins was eventually inserted in the fourth quarter after Griffin's knee completely gave out on a scramble. Seattle capitalized on the backup situation and defensive exhaustion, securing a 24-14 victory. The game sparked massive debates regarding player safety and coaching decisions that altered the trajectory of the franchise for the next decade.
Statistical Breakdown and Roster Impact
To understand why the 2012 season remains a watershed moment, reviewing the team's core offensive output helps contextualize their success:
- Rushing Offense: Ranked 1st in the NFL, averaging 169.3 yards per game, spearheaded by Alfred Morris's 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Passing Efficiency: Griffin completed 65.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, posting a 102.4 passer rating.
- Third-Down Conversions: Washington converted 45.4 percent of third downs, keeping opposing offenses on the sideline and sustaining long, clock-eating drives.
For deeper context on historical league statistics and team rosters from this era, check out resources like Pro Football Reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final record of the Washington Redskins in 2012?
Washington finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, winning the NFC East division title before losing in the Wild Card round to the Seattle Seahawks.
Who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012?
Robert Griffin III won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award following his historic dual-threat campaign, edging out teammate Alfred Morris and Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson.
Why did Robert Griffin III get injured in the playoffs?
Griffin suffered a severe knee injury (tearing his ACL and LCL) after re-aggravating an LCL sprain originally sustained earlier in December against the Baltimore Ravens. Playing on a compromised surface at FedExField compounded the physical strain on his knee.
How many games did Kirk Cousins start in 2012?
Kirk Cousins started one regular-season game in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns while Griffin recovered from his initial knee sprain, leading the team to a 38-21 victory. He also saw extensive relief action in the Wild Card playoff game.
