Seahawks @ Redskins

[Vin+ 3,121]

One year ago, the first NFL playoff game with rookie quarterbacks starting for both teams was staged.

 

The second such matchup figures to be much more highly anticipated.

 

Led by Robert Griffin III, the Washington Redskins will host a postseason contest for the first time in 13 years when they take on Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

 

When Cincinnati's Andy Dalton and Houston's T.J. Yates met last season, it was the first time two rookie starting quarterbacks faced off.

 

Sunday's matchup features record-setting rookies who have electrified their respective cities. The Redskins (10-6) have won seven straight since Griffin was named a team captain to capture the NFC East title, while the Seahawks (11-5) have won five in a row to earn a wild-card spot.

 

Griffin's 102.4 passer rating is the highest ever by a rookie and the third-best in the NFL this year. He threw 20 touchdowns to five interceptions and set a rookie record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 815.

 

"The one thing our coaches did was they didn't baby me, they weren't going to make it baby steps, they made me learn on the fly, they were really hard on me in OTAs and training camp and it's paid off," Griffin said.

 

While Griffin was the No. 2 pick in the draft, Wilson was a third-round selection by Seattle - and the sixth quarterback taken - before he beat out Matt Flynn for the starting job. Wilson has tied Peyton Manning's record for most touchdown passes by a rookie with 26, and he had 16 touchdowns to two interceptions during Seattle's 7-1 finish to the regular season.

 

"Did Peyton go to the playoffs his first year? No," Seattle fullback Michael Robinson said. "OK. Then you know who I think is better."

 

Wilson, who threw for 3,118 yards, finished with a 100.0 passer rating that would have been a rookie record if not for Griffin.

 

"I really like Russell, he's really got a lot of the intangibles you look for in a quarterback," said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who interacted with Wilson while coaching at last year's Senior Bowl. "Really a class act, really handled himself extremely well, really a fun guy to talk to."

 

Both quarterbacks are aided by top rushing attacks that feature zone blocking schemes.

 

The Redskins finished with a league-high 2,709 yards on the ground, with rookie Alfred Morris second in the NFL with 1,613. Morris rushed for 200 yards and three scores in last Sunday night's 28-18 division-clinching win over Dallas.

 

Seattle's Marshawn Lynch gained 1,590 yards to finish third behind Morris as he spearheaded a Seattle rushing attack that was third in the league with 2,579 yards.

 

"I think everybody's got a little bit different scheme," Shanahan said. "We do have a lot of similarities with the zone blocking scheme and they're running a bit of the zone read as well."

 

While the offenses are very similar, the Seahawks have a decided edge on defense. Seattle yielded an average of 321.6 yards for the league's fourth-best mark while Washington allowed an average of 390.8 for the NFL's fourth-worst.

 

It promises to be a festive atmosphere at FedEx Field. The only playoff game to take place there was Washington's 27-13 victory over Detroit after the 1999 season.

 

The Redskins figure to have the advantage with a 5-3 home mark. While Seattle was unbeaten at home, it went 3-5 on the road.

 

"If you want to be a good team you definitely got to be able to win on the road," Seattle defensive end Red Bryant said. "You never get a scenario exactly how you want it unless you fortunate enough to be like (No. 1 seed) Atlanta."

 

The Seahawks could be happy about the late kickoff time Sunday so their normal routine of traveling two days before an Eastern time zone game won't change. Former Seattle cornerback Josh Wilson, who is now with Washington, thinks this is the case.

 

"This game being at 4:30 actually may help them a little bit," Wilson said. "It's definitely tough when you have that 1 o'clock game. It feels like about 10 o'clock to you. You wake up three hours before the game, so it's about 7 o'clock in your mind."

 

The Redskins have won six straight regular-season meetings over the Seahawks, but things have changed drastically since Rex Grossman led them to a 23-17 win over a Tarvaris Jackson-led Seattle team last season.

 

Washington's last two postseasons ended with road losses to Seattle following the 2005 and 2007 seasons.

 

Redskins left guard Kory Lichtensteiger missed practice with a sprained left ankle Wednesday. Third-round pick Josh LeRibeus will make his first start if Lichtensteiger can't play.

 

Copyright 2013 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Vin

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

Toughest game to pick this week, IMO. Both teams are hot and have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs. I'm gonna go with the Seahawks, but I think it could go either way.

[housemd 338]

This is going to be the best playoff game this season. Skins won their last 7,Hawks won their last 5 and they certainly have a lot of confidence now(not momentum lol). This game is going to overtime

[ATL_Predator+ 1,196]

This game will undoubtedly be the best of the weekend. So many factors...

 

Russell Wilson is a great story, nobody really believe in his abilities and size coming out of college. To me, he has always had a GREAT arm, and good footwork and makes the right mental decisions to lead any football team. The Seahawks also get Browner back...

 

BUT

 

RGIII and Alfred Morris is one of the best all-time rookie duos. Constantly, they have been grinding week in and out against tough opponents. I can't say easily who wins this game, because I ultimately think it comes down to the final possession...or OT.

 

Tough choice. But I believe the Redskins at home plays a huge factor...and I think RGIII's leadership is more pivotal to his team than Russell Wilson's...because Wilson has a running game and a GREAT defense around him.

 

RG3 has a great back in Alfred, but the Redskins defense is lacking...except for London Fletcher and Barry Cofield. Should be of note, that D-Hall played an exceptional game against Dallas last week..

 

So...I take...

 

[BigBen07 285]

24

23

[FartWaffles 1,857]

I'm not one for predicting scores, but I'm taking the in this one. Seattle's stingy defense is going to be the reason they come out with the win IMO.

[Piggly Wiggly 960]

There will be much rejoicing when the Seahawks get bounced on Sunday.

 

24-17, Redskins.

[Bay 2,003]

Obviously I want the Redskins to win... with that said I still think Seattle has a decent shot to get this victory.

 

23

 

17

 

 

 

[BC 331]

I've been really optimistic this year just with the D play and Marshawn alone. The ability we have to take a griphold on another team's offense and create turnovers is having a lot to do with making Russell Wilson this year

[RazorStar 4,025]

...

 

Screw it, Seahawks by 40.

[Favre4Ever+ 4,476]

Isn't it awesome how the teams playing best in the NFC right now are seeds 4, 5, and 6? lol.

 

You have arguably the two best here in this game. Unfortunate for both teams that they have to face each other.

 

If Seattle finds a way to win, I really think they could spank that ass down in Atlanta.

[Vin+ 3,121]

Seahawks OG John Moffitt is active for Sunday's Wild Card round game at the Redskins after being a healthy scratch the past two weeks.

 

J.R. Sweezy is expected to draw the start at right guard, but Moffitt could end up splitting time.

 

Seahawks inactives: WR Deon Butler, OG Rishaw Johnson, OT Mike Person, S Winston Guy, CB DeShawn Shead, LB Allen Bradford, and DT Jaye Howard. Seattle doesn't have a single injured-related inactive for the playoffs.

 

 

Redskins LG Kory Lichtensteiger (ankle) and SS DeJon Gomes (knee) are active for Sunday's Wild Card round matchup with the Seahawks.

 

Tough-and-go all week, Lichtensteiger wasn't cleared until passing pregame tests on Sunday. Gomes is returning from a Grade 2 MCL sprain sustained in Week 16. Robert Griffin III was wearing a sleeve on his knee in pregame drills, though it's not clear if he will don the bulky knee brace once the game starts.

 

Redskins inactives: QB Rex Grossman, WR Brandon Banks, WR Dez Briscoe, LB Roddrick Muckelroy, LB Vic So'oto, OT Tom Compton and OG Adam Gettis.

[AllYouNeedIsLovie 377]

24

17

[oochymp 2,393]

this is turning into a great defensive battle, though the Seahawks are clearly benefiting from a less than 100% RG3

[Jayrus 51]

I was worried about this game. That Redskins offense was one I felt could get something going on our defense, but only if RG3 was healthy. That injured knee proved to be the difference maker thus proving what I've felt to be the only real question about him. Can he last? This year he couldn't. His mobility was compromised, andwith our defense getting containment on Morris it was on the passing game. it wasn't enough.

 

Now, you won't hear me crowing over this win, because I think it's apparent that if RG3 had been 100% this game easily could have gone the other way. It just wasn't in the cards for the 'Skins this year. Hopefully Griffin will heal quickly and get you back in the playoffs next year. Tough luck guys.

 

Next Up - Atlanta Falcons

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

It doesn't matter how good you are at throwing the football, a small rushing quarterback just can't be successful in the NFL. Not long term anyway. I'm not saying RGIII isn't absolutely amazing, he is. Just gets to a point where the guy takes too many hits from bigger guys, and in awkward positions.

 

RGIII Never should have been on the field. I've had a bad knee for years now and it shifts much like his did all the time. I can barely stand when it happens (Which is why other than softball I'm not that active). As much pain as I have when it happens, I give him a HUGE applause for getting up and walking off field. That was a bad one. You could see how bad the knee was out of whack as it shifted. Just wasn't pretty. Who knows what kind of damage he did to it, I know he walked off field, but that doesn't mean nearly as much when it comes to a knee injury. The way Andrews was looking at RGIII when they were walking off said it all, it's trouble.

 

I have a feeling he's in for a long off-season, and the Redskins are in for a long off-season of questions. If it is more serious than what we all expect, I think that the Skins are fortunate to have another young quality quarterback in Kirk Cousins.

 

 

Now, on to the game. The Redskins have GOT to protect their quarterback, period. I know the Seahawks are tough, but it didn't matter how few of guys the Seahawks sent, they were in the backfield. You don't win without protecting your quarterback.

 

I can't wait for the Falcons/Seahawks game next weekend, should be a great game.

[BwareDWare94 723]

My question is this: Does Mike Shanahan face serious consequences from the league? I don't understand how you can let a player, especially a rookie in this new "safe as possible" league, repeatedly fuck up his knee like that. We're so worried about concussions we forget about other serious, potentially career-threatening injuries.

[BC 331]

Good ass game until RG3's style of play caught up with him. He'll have a bright future if he limits the amount of hits we take. Stoked to see how resilient and composed Russell Wilson was. Other than the bad exchange a solid ass turnover free well managed game by him once again. Smart kid who's getting smarter. Clemons was a critical loss however.

[Duck Fallas 209]

My heart literally stopped when RG3 first came up hobbling without being touched in the first half. Shanahan should have pulled him for at least a couple of series to let him see if he can re-enter the game. It was pretty clear that the Seahawk defense couldn't stop the Redskins with RG3 running at 75%, it would have been impossible had he been 100% healthy.

 

The Redskins finshed the year with a winning streak that consisted of as many wins as I thought would have all season, so there is a lot of awesomeness to look forward to next season.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

Was Griffin cleared by Anderson? No. Was it an injury where Griffin COULDNT play? Nope. There's no foul here. So many players were in similar situations this year. Terrell Suggs rushed back and they said he wasn't fully recovered. Ray Lewis the same. You've got guys playing with torn muscles and such all the time. No one cares because their older players?

 

RG3 was fine until he took a shot early in the game and he tweaked it a little, but he was still capable of playing. It's part of being a football player. It's not certain how much damage has been done to his knee, he may or may not have hurt it more. It may have just gave out from underneath him. We don't know. No one does right now.

 

No harm, no foul by Shanahan.

[oochymp 2,393]

Was Griffin cleared by Anderson? No. Was it an injury where Griffin COULDNT play? Nope. There's no foul here. So many players were in similar situations this year. Terrell Suggs rushed back and they said he wasn't fully recovered. Ray Lewis the same. You've got guys playing with torn muscles and such all the time. No one cares because their older players?

 

RG3 was fine until he took a shot early in the game and he tweaked it a little, but he was still capable of playing. It's part of being a football player. It's not certain how much damage has been done to his knee, he may or may not have hurt it more. It may have just gave out from underneath him. We don't know. No one does right now.

 

No harm, no foul by Shanahan.

There's certainly no legal, or even league imposed pseudo-legal, duty on Shanahan to pull Griffin, the question is did he have a moral obligation or a duty to the team, or even Griffin, to pull him? it was obvious by the second quarter that RG3 was playing well below 100%. Even before he had that hobbling 8-10 yard run he had one he bounced outside to gain about two yards when he probably had 8-10 if he went inside which in hindsight I think he was probably trying to avoid getting hit. Once that's clear I'm not entirely sure the team wouldn't have been better off with Cousins at 100% playing. Beyond that argument, there are times as a head coach when you have to pull a player who still wants to be on the field to keep them from worsening the injury, because not many players will actually take themselves out of a game.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

I'm not talking about "legal" duties. I don't think anyone is, so I have no clue what the heck you're talking about.

 

There's no "moral" obligations. It's a damn playoff game. You win, or everything you played for all season is down the drain. Everyone knows that. RG3 has been hurt since he first went down with the knee injury in the beginning of december, it wasn't just this playoff game he was playing at less than 100%. So, you're basically saying that he shouldn't have played since then? Alright then, at least we know where you stand. That's stupid though.

 

Everyone complains about all the safety regulations, but the second their guy is injured they piss and moan that things aren't done. There is nothing to be done here. Shanahan was doing his job, playing his best hand to try and reach the Superbowl. RG3 wanted to play, said he was good enough to go. During the regular season it might be on a coaches thought to help the team out in the long run by making a guy sit,but in the playoffs - thinking about the long term isn't your job. I can see the argument of taking him out a few plays earlier before the injury, but to say he should have been sitting the whole game is just ridiculous. You don't sit your franchise QB - really, the guy who has got you where you are - if he can play.

[baltimoreravens 19]

I think Shanahan could get in a lot of trouble for withholding information and/or lying about getting clearance to send RG3 out there.

 

Regardless, I'm very pleased the Deadskins are out. Go Hawks!

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

I think Shanahan could get in a lot of trouble for withholding information and/or lying about getting clearance to send RG3 out there.

 

Regardless, I'm very pleased the Deadskins are out. Go Hawks!

 

He didn't withhold anything. I'm pretty sure that it's up to the team doctors to clear the players to play. Anderson didn't say he couldn't play, he just said that he didn't recommend it and he was worried about it.

[Duck Fallas 209]

I think Shanahan could get in a lot of trouble for withholding information and/or lying about getting clearance to send RG3 out there.

 

Regardless, I'm very pleased the Deadskins are out. Go Hawks!

again, I don't think that Shanahan even asked Dr. Andrews if Griffin III should have gone back out there to play against the Ravens. Andrews said that he was uncomfortable and likely wouldn't have let him go back out.

 

Shanahan reported RGIII as "questionable" or "probable" every week following the injury, which is really all he needed to do according the NFL. As far as I can tell, he didn't withold any information from opposing teams.