And with the 2^nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins surprised no-one in selecting Robert Griffin III, the quarterback they hope will take them to the promise land. But the good feelings didn’t end there. The Redskins made some noise in taking Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in the 4^th round. They also managed to add another six players before the weekend concluded.

This week the boys breakdown the draft, and marvel at arguably the most anticipated draft pick in Washington since Sammy Baugh. They weigh-in on the brushfire that has become the Cousins pick – and decide whether it is really much ado about nothing. Then they look at the other pieces added over the weekend, to include three offensive linemen, two defensive backs, a linebacker and running back. Not to mention some free agents brought in following the draft.

Enjoy!

Redskins’ Nation got an early present last Friday with the announcement of a blockbuster trade with St Louis for the 2nd overall pick in this year’s draft. This will all but guarantee Robert Griffin III will wear the burgundy and gold.

But before the smiles on our faces could even fade, the league swooped in and relieved the Redskins of a cool $36 million in cap space for actions taken legally during an uncapped year. And this just 24 hours before the start of free agency.

It was a move that could make even the most dour don mirthful.

This week the boys break down the trade with the Rams, the move by the league against Washington and Dallas, and of course, the free agents the Redskins have brought in to date.

And for those who always wondered what Pappas would sound like in reverb, your wait is over…

Enjoy!

The timing of the trade Friday between St Louis and Washington that has the Redskins sending their first and second-round picks in this year’s draft, as well as the first-round picks in 2013 and 2014 in return for the Rams’ 2012 second overall pick prevented us from getting together on a special episode. But we still wanted to go on record with our thoughts on the trade.

Pappas 

We said on the show this offseason is the most important for the Redskins in a generation. With the trade, we believe the 2012 offseason will define the team for the next decade.

If the presumptive selection of Robert Griffin III pans out – it will be viewed as the bold move that restored glory to the franchise. If we are treated to Heath Shuler Part 2 however, it will become another example of epic front office failure in Washington. 

Of course we agree with the trade. We have been preaching a mantra of doing whatever it takes to land the franchise QB for some time – how could we disagree now? Some will argue the price was too steep. Perhaps. But in context we believe it was a deal that had to get done.

If reports can be believed, Peyton Manning was not coming. Apparently he made it clear early. At the same time, Cleveland was very much in pursuit of a deal with St Louis for the second-overall selection, with the implication they too wanted Griffin. Washington had no choice but to offer a package that guaranteed they would land the selection. They were successful and now will have a quarterback whom most agree has the talent and intellect to be a winner in the NFL.

Murphy 

With one bold move, the Washington Redskins finally took the drastic step necessary to eventually end the two decades of mediocrity ‘Skins fans have suffered through. While nothing is guaranteed, the franchise’s long-term outlook is much brighter than it’s been in a long, long time. Let skeptics dwell on the multiple draft picks surrendered. As far as I’m concerned, it’ll all be well worth it if the new face of the franchise is half as good as he was in college. Making Baylor relevant was an impressive first act. Now it’s time to see if Robert Griffin III can do it again on a much bigger stage. I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next. And I’ve got a feeling that I’m not alone. 

Reffkin 

The Redskins made the move they had to make. With Peyton Manning not coming to Washington, the Redskins had to do whatever it took to land the number two pick in the draft, Robert Griffin III. Although they gave up what should turn out to be four starters, Griffin is an elite talent and barring disaster, should be a legitimate franchise quarterback the Redskins have been lacking since Sonny Jurgensen. 

This is a QB driven league and trading away three firsts and a second for a great passer with great speed was justified. By doing this trade so early, before the start of free agency, the Redskins have put themselves in a decent position to lure potential offensive weapons to Washington.

Shiferaw

With this trade, the Redskins franchise is now at a crossroads. The decision to give up a hefty bounty – three first rounders and a second – shows both guts and desperation from an organization that’s needed to find a franchise quarterback for years. Now that they’ve found their man, presumably Robert Griffin III, the Redskins have a chance to return to greatness.

Sure, it’s certainly a gamble on greatness, but it’s one that needed to be done. If the Redskins have indeed found themselves a franchise signal caller, then the price that they’ve paid to get out of a 20-year rut will have been worth it. If Griffin fails, then they will be fully entrenched in the NFC East cellar they’ve been in for quite some time. Either way, it’ll be extremely fun to watch how this goes.

Tuesday marks the start of what is arguably the most important acquisition period for the Redskins in a generation.

The entire free world is aware Washington needs a quarterback, and the only question is whether they will opt to get one who is old, young, or choose one of each. But the team has needs well beyond one position. And there are questions whether some key Redskins’ free agents will return.

This week the boys examine free agency and what Washington will need to do in order to improve the team – group by group. Peyton Manning and Robert Griffin III are the names on the tip of everyone’s toungue and the gang predicts which one will end in the burgundy and gold. They conjecture on the future of London Fletcher, LaRon Landry, and others, as well as target who in free agency the Redskins should pursue.

Rick Snider of the Washington Examiner joins in to look at potential penalties associated with Bountygate, and weighs in on Manning, free agency, and recent rumors of a new training facility in Washington.

Enjoy!

The Redskins ended a bad season on a horrible note, leaving many grateful the pain of the 2011 campaign is finally over.

There is a lot to do this week to get ready for the offseason. A brief review of the final game in Philadelphia kicks off the extra-long episode, followed by a review of the top quarterbacks in college and how they performed in their bowl games. All agree a franchise quarterback is priority 1. The draft is a concern and what the Redskins may have to do to get their man is discussed. The week 17 heart-throb Matt Flynn is examined, and other scenarios considered.

Jack Anderson rejoins the team in segment two, mainly to gloat about a steak dinner he and Reffkin won in a bet from Pappas and Murf. And then there is our favorite game – who stays and who goes in the offseason.

In the fourth segment Rick Snider of the Washington Examiner joins us and talks about other options if the quarterbacks cannot be had in the draft.

This is our final episode until free agency. So we made sure to give extra to hold you over.

Enjoy!

All we wanted was for the Redskins to build upon the success in New York and beat a poor team at home. Instead, they crumbled like a house of cards against a very bad Vikings squad featuring backups at quarterback and running back.

This week the boys discuss the disappointing result against Minnesota. They examine how a supposedly improved defense can be gashed for 241 yards on the ground. And this after Adrian Peterson left the game. They look at a quarterback who cannot be happy until he turns the ball over. And they wonder at how much a move up to number one in the draft is worth – did someone say give up four first round picks to make it happen?

Then there’s predictions for the final game of the year in Philly.

Enjoy!

A funny thing happened in the midst of another poor season; the Redskins went to New York and kicked the stuff out of the Giants, sweeping the boys in blue and giving Washington fans something to smile about.

This week the boys examine the strong effort in the New Meadowlands. They praise the poise of Grossman, the execution of the offensive line, the playmaking of the receivers, and the grit of the running backs.

Then there was the defense.

This game was by far the best outing of the season for the secondary – intercepting Eli no fewer than three times. The front seven did their part, applying pressure to the quarterback and stuffing the run.

The gang gives out game balls and for once, Kyle Shanahan earns high praise from the boys.

Finally; can the Redskins keep the good feeling going this weekend against the Vikings?

Enjoy!

The Redskins fought a tough match against a quality team – only to come up short again. Along the way a rookie continued to shine, and an oft-maligned quarterback tried to make his case.

This week the gang breaks down the loss to New England. They look at strong performances by Roy Helu and examine the other shining young talent the team has to build upon, including you linemen who for the most part held their own against the Patriots’ front seven.

Listener mail prompts a discussion on who is likely to stay and go this offseason, and some answers may surprise you.

Finally, special guest Rick Snider of the Washington Examiner is called to account for a column that had Pappas seeing red. What follows is verbal fisticuffs in the finest tradition (”Pappas, how much eggnog have you had today?!”).

Enjoy!

The Washington Redskins played a competitive game for almost an hour, until a total collapse led to an ignominious defeat at the hands of Rex Ryan and his New York Jets.

But nobody is really talking about that.

This week the boys discuss the four-game suspensions of Fred Davis and Trent Williams for testing positively no fewer than three times for marijuana. And this over the course of just four months. They examine what it means for the team the rest of the way, as well as the impact to a player such as Davis, who is a free agent at the end of the season.

Will the team seek to re-sign him, or let him go as a lesson?

Segment two is first and foremost a discussion on quarterbacks, and who this team should pursue. Other areas of need are discussed and oh yea; there is another game this weekend so we may as well offer predictions.

Then Pappas asks where it all went wrong.

Special guest and “Washington Redskins: The Complete Illustrated History” author David Elfin joins the gang for a couple segments and almost manages to escape with his reputation intact.

Enjoy!

“Washington Redskins: The Complete Illustrated History” author David Elfin will appear at a book signing today along with Redskins’ great and Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk at the Barnes and Noble at 12089 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD.

Call (301) 881-0237 for more information