Redskins 2012 Season Schedule: Results And Matchups

The Redskins 2012 season schedule marked a historic turning point for the franchise, highlighted by the arrival of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III and an improbable run to an NFC East division title. Operating under head coach Mike Shanahan, Washington transformed a roster that went 5-11 the previous year into a dynamic 10-6 playoff team. This breakdown explores the exact game-by-game slate, critical divisional matchups, and the strategic milestones that defined that unforgettable autumn.

The 2012 Regular Season Overview

Washington's 16-game journey featured games against the NFC South and AFC North, alongside the traditional double-round robin against NFC East rivals Dallas, Philadelphia, and the New York Giants. The team finished the regular season with a stellar 10-6 record, winning their final seven consecutive games to snatch the division crown out from under the Cowboys in Week 17.

Game-by-Game Results and Matchups

Every week on the 2012 calendar brought distinct tests for a young offense and a reconfigured defense. Here is how the regular season unfolded:

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints (Win, 40-32) - Griffin made his electrifying NFL debut in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another to shock the Saints.
Week 2: at St. Louis Rams (Loss, 31-28) - A defensive lapse and late turnovers stalled momentum in a tight road defeat.
Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Loss, 38-31) - The home opener at FedExField featured a high-scoring shootout where Andy Dalton outpaced the Washington offense down the stretch.
Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Win, 24-22) - Kai Forbath nailed a late field goal to secure a gritty road victory in Florida.
Week 5: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Loss, 24-17) - The undefeated Falcons defense kept Griffin and the ground game contained, handing Washington its third loss.
Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Win, 38-26) - Running back Alfred Morris exploded for 182 rushing yards, establishing the physical identity of the offense.
Week 7: Bye Week - A much-needed mid-season pause to heal injuries and recalibrate play-calling tendencies.
Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers (Loss, 27-12) - A trip to Heinz Field exposed passing game vulnerabilities as the Steelers controlled the clock.
Week 9: vs. Carolina Panthers (Loss, 21-13) - Cam Newton and the Panthers capitalized on red-zone miscues, dropping Washington to 3-6.
Week 10: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Win, 31-6) - DeAngelo Hall returned an interception for a touchdown, sparking a dominant blowout that turned the season around.
Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys (Win, 38-31) - On Thanksgiving afternoon in Arlington, Griffin threw four touchdown passes in a televised masterclass.
Week 12: at New York Giants (Loss, 27-23) - Eli Manning engineered a late fourth-quarter touchdown drive to steal a win at MetLife Stadium.
Week 13: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Win, 31-28 in OT) - Rookie backup Kirk Cousins replaced an injured Griffin in relief, setting up a game-winning field goal by Forbath in overtime.
Week 14: at Cleveland Browns (Win, 38-21) - Griffin returned from a mild knee sprain to carve up the Cleveland secondary with three passing scores.
Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles (Win, 38-20) - The offense piled up over 200 rushing yards, dismantling the Eagles' front seven on the road.
Week 16: vs. Cleveland Browns (Win, 27-20) - A balanced offensive attack kept the late-season winning streak alive in front of home fans.
Week 17: vs. Dallas Cowboys (Win, 28-18) - In a de facto NFC East championship game on Sunday Night Football, Morris rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns to seal the division title.

Key Factors and Turning Points

The pivot point of the 2012 campaign arrived during the Week 7 bye. Sitting below .500 at 3-6 after losses to Pittsburgh and Carolina, the coaching staff simplified protection schemes and leaned heavily into the read-option offense.

Alfred Morris emerged as an elite workhorse, finishing the season with 1,613 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Griffin posted a 102.4 passer rating, throwing 20 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. This offensive efficiency masked a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed, relying on timely turnovers and red-zone stops to preserve narrow leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the head coach of the Washington Redskins in 2012?

Mike Shanahan served as the head coach, leading the franchise through its most successful season of the decade.

What was the final record of the Redskins in 2012?

Washington finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, capturing the NFC East division title before losing in the Wild Card round to the Seattle Seahawks.