The 2012 Washington Redskins season was a notable one, marking the beginning of the Robert Griffin III era in Washington. The team, led by head coach Mike Shanahan, finished with a 10-6 record, winning the NFC East division title. This was a significant turnaround from their 5-11 record in the previous season. The roster that year was filled with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, setting the stage for their playoff run.
Offense
- Quarterbacks: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins, Rex Grossman
- Running Backs: Alfred Morris, Evan Royster, Darrel Young (FB), Roy Helu
- Wide Receivers: Pierre Garçon, Joshua Morgan, Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, Aldrick Robinson, Brandon Banks
- Tight Ends: Fred Davis, Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul
- Offensive Line: Trent Williams (T), Kory Lichtensteiger (G), Will Montgomery ©, Chris Chester (G), Tyler Polumbus (T), Jordan Black (T), Maurice Hurt (G), Tom Compton (T)
The offense was led by rookie sensation Robert Griffin III, who had a phenomenal first season, throwing for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions, and rushing for 815 yards and 7 touchdowns. Alfred Morris, another rookie, contributed significantly to the run game, rushing for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Defense
- Defensive Line: Stephen Bowen (DE), Barry Cofield (NT), Jarvis Jenkins (DE), Chris Baker (DE), Kedric Golston (DE), Darrion Scott (DE)
- Linebackers: London Fletcher (ILB), Perry Riley (ILB), Ryan Kerrigan (OLB), Brian Orakpo (OLB), Rob Jackson (OLB), Lorenzo Alexander (ILB/OLB)
- Defensive Backs: DeAngelo Hall (CB), Josh Wilson (CB), Cedric Griffin (CB), Richard Crawford (CB), Jordan Pugh (S), Madieu Williams (S), Brandon Meriweather (S), Reed Doughty (S)
The defense showed resilience and played a crucial role in several of the team’s victories. London Fletcher led the team in tackles, and the defensive line, although dealing with injuries, managed to provide enough pressure to support the secondary.
Special Teams
- Kicker: Kai Forbath, Billy Cundiff
- Punter: Sav Rocca
- Return Specialist: Brandon Banks
Kai Forbath had a nearly perfect season, making 17 of 18 field goals after joining the team mid-season. Sav Rocca provided consistency in punting, and Brandon Banks was a threat in the return game, though his impact was somewhat limited due to injuries and fumbles.
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Mike Shanahan
- Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan
- Defensive Coordinator: Jim Haslett
- Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Smith
Mike Shanahan’s experienced leadership and the coordination by Kyle Shanahan on offense and Jim Haslett on defense played pivotal roles in shaping the team’s strategy and adaptability throughout the season.
Season Summary
The 2012 season was one of redemption and resurgence for the Washington Redskins. With Robert Griffin III at the helm, they brought excitement back to FedExField and around the nation’s capital. Though their playoff run ended with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round, due in part to Griffin’s knee injury, the season marked a significant step forward for the franchise. Griffin’s dynamic playstyle and the emergence of Alfred Morris as a dominant running back provided a strong foundation for the team’s offense. Despite defensive struggles, particularly against the pass, the team’s ability to win close games and Griffin’s clutch performances made for a compelling season. The offseason would bring changes, especially concerning Griffin’s health and the team’s approach to free agency and the draft, but the 2012 season would be remembered as a crucial turning point in the franchise’s history.
