The 2012 Washington Redskins season stands as one of the most exhilarating and transformative campaigns in franchise history. Powered by rookie sensation Robert Griffin III and rookie running back Alfred Morris, the team erased a 3-6 start to rattle off seven consecutive victories, capturing an improbable NFC East division title. The journey wasn't a smooth wire-to-wire march; it was a rollercoaster of thrilling offensive explosions, defensive struggles, and high-stakes divisional drama that culminated in a dramatic Week 17 prime-time showdown.
Understanding the arc of this memorable year requires looking past the final record and examining how the weekly matchups, injuries, and tactical adjustments shaped the season. From the opening-week statement win in New Orleans to the heartbreaking playoff exit against the Seattle Seahawks, the 2012 schedule dictated a grueling test of resilience for a young roster.
The Early-Season Tests and Opening Jolt
The schedule makers didn't ease Washington into the 2012 campaign. The team opened on the road against the New Orleans Saints on September 9, 2012, entering the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as heavy underdogs. Instead of a cautious debut, Robert Griffin III electrified the national audience by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another, leading a high-octane offense that stunned the Saints in a 40-32 victory. It immediately signaled that the offense under head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan would deploy a modern, dynamic read-option scheme that caught traditional NFL defenses flat-footed.
However, the early-season ledger quickly revealed the team's vulnerabilities. In Week 2, Washington suffered a narrow 31-28 home loss to the St. Louis Rams, exposing flaws in a secondary that struggled to contain deep passes. Another stumble followed in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where defensive lapses allowed Cincinnati to secure a 38-31 win. By the midway point of the season, Washington sat at 3-6, plagued by inconsistent defensive stops and growing concerns over how many hits Griffin was taking outside the pocket.
Turning the Tide: The Seven-Game Win Streak
The turning point of the 2012 schedule arrived after the Week 10 bye. Sitting at a precarious 3-6, Washington faced a must-win scenario every single week if they wanted to stay relevant in the NFC playoff picture. The turnaround began in Week 11 with a convincing 31-6 dismantling of the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField.
During this historic streak, the offense hit peak efficiency. Alfred Morris emerged as a workhorse, punishing opponents between the tackles while finishing his rookie year with 1,613 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Griffin protected the football, throwing just five interceptions all season while leveraging play-action passes to stretch defenses vertically.
Key victories during the streak included:
- Week 12 vs. Dallas Cowboys: A Thanksgiving afternoon classic on the road where Griffin threw four touchdown passes, highlighted by a legendary 68-byte touchdown connection with Santana Moss, securing a 38-31 triumph.
- Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens: A gritty, physical overtime battle where backup quarterback Kirk Cousins—who had won a relief start earlier in the season against the Cleveland Browns—watched from the sideline as Griffin gutted out a knee sprain to set up a game-winning touchdown pass to Pierre Garçon and a subsequent Kai Forbath field goal in a 31-28 win.
- Week 15 vs. Cleveland Browns: A resilient 38-21 win that pushed the win streak to four games and solidified Washington's control over their own destiny.
The NFC East Crown on Sunday Night Football
The climax of the 2012 regular season arrived on December 30, 2012, in the final game of the NFL regular season. Washington hosted the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football with the NFC East title and a home playoff game on the line.
The defense, which had taken heavy criticism earlier in the year, played its finest game of the season. London Fletcher anchored the middle, while rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan applied relentless pressure on Tony Romo. Alfred Morris put on a masterclass performance, rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. When Dallas threatened a late-game comeback, Washington's defense forced crucial stops, sealing a 28-18 victory that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and clinched the franchise's first division title since 1999. You can review historical standings and team logs directly on Pro Football Reference.
Playoff Heartbreak and the End of an Era
Winning the division earned Washington the NFC's fourth seed and a wild-card matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on January 6, 2013. The game started brilliantly when Griffin engineered two early scoring drives, giving Washington a 14-0 lead.
However, the game turned tragic when Griffin reinjured his right knee on a low turf snap, severely limiting his mobility. Despite playing through visible pain, he could not overcome Seattle's ferocious defense led by Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner. Washington fell 24-14, bringing a dramatic and emotional season to a sudden halt. The offseason that followed brought immense scrutiny regarding player health and rehabilitation, permanently altering the trajectory of the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Washington's final record in the 2012 NFL season?
Washington finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, winning their final seven consecutive games to capture the NFC East division title before losing in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
How many rushing yards did Alfred Morris gain in 2012?
Alfred Morris rushed for 1,613 yards on 335 carries, scoring 13 rushing touchdowns and breaking the franchise single-season rushing record previously held by Clinton Portis.
Who won NFL Rookie of the Year for the 2012 season?
Robert Griffin III won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after throwing for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions while adding 815 rushing yards and 7 rushing scores.
Why did the 2012 season become controversial for Washington?
While the team experienced immense on-field success, the heavy hits taken by Robert Griffin III and his subsequent major knee injury in the playoff game sparked widespread debate regarding how young mobile quarterbacks are managed and protected by coaching staffs.
