Redskins open season on road vs. the Saints
The Redskins already knew their opponents. Now they know the order as the NFL released its 2012 schedule Tuesday.
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Among the highlights:
RG III’s start »
For a rookie quarterback it’s not a bad way to open the season. His first game is against New Orleans, which will be missing key defensive players because of Bountygate; and it has a new coordinator and interim coach. In fact three of the first four defenses he’ll face were ranked 21st or worse in 2011 — and each of those defenses will be led by new coordinators. Of course, this is assuming Robert Griffin III beats out Rex Grossman for the starting job. Seriously. The problem is, three of these games are on the road, and the Superdome is a tough environment for a rookie making his first start.
Redskins Schedule
Date
Sept. 9
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 4
Nov. 11
Nov. 18
Nov. 22
Dec. 3
Dec. 9
Dec. 16
Dec. 23
Dec. 30
All times p.m.
| Opponent | Time | TV |
| at Saints | 1 | Fox |
| at Rams | 4:05 | Fox |
| vs. Bengals | 1 | CBS |
| at Bucs | 4:15 | Fox |
| vs. Falcons | 1 | Fox |
| vs. Vikings | 4:15 | Fox |
| at Giants | 1 | Fox |
| at Steelers | 1 | Fox |
| vs. Panthers | 1 | Fox |
| Bye | ||
| vs. Eagles | 1 | Fox |
| at Cowboys | 4:15 | Fox |
| vs. Giants | 8:30 | ESPN |
| vs. Ravens | 1 | CBS |
| at Browns | 1 | Fox |
| at Eagles | 1 | Fox |
| vs. Cowboys | 1 | Fox |
Toughest stretch » In the final 10 games, the Redskins will face eight teams with legitimate playoff hopes and only two who enter the season as postseason outsiders (Carolina and Cleveland). But the toughest part of this is the four-game stretch where they’ll host Philadelphia, play at Dallas, then host the New York Giants and Baltimore. After a breather vs. Cleveland, the Redskins end with a game at Philadelphia and Dallas at home. Depth and Griffin’s development will key this ending.
Time to gather momentum » After the New Orleans opener comes the annual Week 2 litmus test vs. the Rams. Will Cincinnati be as good as last season? The Bengals weren’t that impressive down the stretch in 2011 (a 2-3 record followed by a 21-point playoff loss). Then comes a game at Tampa Bay (4-12 a year ago). Two wins in the first four weeks is a reasonable goal.
Prime-time showings » The Redskins will play on Thanksgiving Day for the first time since 2002, but their only win on this day has come vs. Detroit (1973), not the Cowboys. They’re 1-6 on Thanksgiving. Their only night game comes on Dec. 3 when they host the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.” The Redskins swept the Super Bowl champions last season. It’s doubtful they’ll be raising a banner before this game to celebrate that feat.
Don’t miss » It’s funny to think of a game vs. Carolina as a must-see, but with quarterbacks Cam Newton and, likely, Griffin on the same field on Nov. 4 there should be some entertainment and big plays. At least that’s the hope of both teams. The Redskins’ next game is against Philadelphia on Nov. 18, a matchup with Michael Vick. Griffin gets compared to Vick, but their skills and mindsets are different.
Skip ’em »
At Cleveland on Dec. ?16? The Redskins might already be eliminated; and the Browns could be on a quest to be, well, there’s no catchy phrase to say they’ll be in the hunt for USC quarterback Matt Barkley in the 2013 draft. What we do know: this won’t be compelling theater. Unless you care that the Redskins haven’t won in Cleveland since 1985. And really, there’s not much reason for anyone other than Vikings and Redskins fans to tune into their Oct. 14 game.
