Hail To The Redskins!

It is New Year's Eve, and tonight I'm gonna party like its 1999.  No, not because I like Prince, various shades of purple, or am afraid of Y2K.  The reason is that the Redskins are the NFC East champions for the first time since 1999!  Last night's beatdown of the hated Dallas Cowboys was a thing of beauty.  I have never seen rookies have such a big impact on changing the culture of a team as I have this season.

Yes, all the credit should go to RG3, Alfred Morris, Kai Forbath and the players.  Why, you ask, am I still not thrilled with the coaching staff?  Well...  Really, it is still all Kyle Shanahan.  I am amazed the entire DC area didn't hear me when the Skins were passing on 3rd down with less than 6 minutes left in the game.  I am a big fan of clock management, when done correctly.  Kyle Shanahan still doesn't get that.  I find it crazy that a man can be called a genius when his schemes have failed for two seasons, and only when a paradigm-shifting QB and rookie class comes in does it succeed.  Perhaps, then, it was the players that came together and willed this team to an NFC East title.  I like to think it was.

But, enough about the problems this team still may have.  Instead, let us praise the players that shined in this winning season.  The rookies are wonderful.  RG3 is a superstar and a Pro Bowler.  Alfred Morris has the record for most rushing yards by a Redskin.  Kai Forbath rarely missed a kick, which is more than we have been able to say for the past few seasons.  Their play even improved some of the veterans.  Trent Williams (somehow) became a Pro Bowl left tackle!  Logan Paulsen not only developed into a solid pass-catching tight end, but was also an integral part of the blocking scheme.  Santana Moss looked rejuvenated.  Pierre Garcon, when healthy, gave the team the big play threat it needed.

On the defensive side of the ball, not enough can be said about London Fletcher.  He is a god among men.  If he isn't a Hall of Fame linebacker, then I don't know what is.  He has led his team in tackles for 14 seasons.  He has a Super Bowl ring.  He has never missed a game.  He is the smartest player in football, great character guy, and an unquestioned leader.  This oft-injured, fairly porous defense would not have come together without him.

So, celebrate for a week, DC.  We have the NFC East title.  And maybe we can break our bad streak against the Seahawks on Sunday.  HAIL!