All posts in photos

(photos by Brian Murphy)

Once upon a time, the Washington Redskins were actually good at football. So much so, in fact, that they actually won stuff — like Super Bowls.

I fully realize that if you’re under the age of 20, you have no earthly reason to believe me, but I promise it’s true. The Redskins used to be one of the elite NFL franchises.

Of course, those days are long gone. These days, cheering for the burgundy and gold gets you nothing more than heartache and disappointment.

Even with the addition of franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III, the most electrifying player in the league today, the Redskins are still a train wreck. Which is why so many local sports fans are more than happy to live in the past. I mean, who wouldn’t rather relive the glory days rather than watching players like Brandon Banks and Niles Paul let you down?

In related news, the Redskins held their second-annual homecoming game Sunday — honoring players from yesterday during pre-game and halftime festivities. More than 150 former Redskins players attended the game, as LaVar Arrington, Bobby Beathard, Joe Bugel, Terry Hermeling, Jon Jansen, Roy Jefferson, Richie Petitbon, Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels and Sean Taylor were added to the 70 Greatest Redskins of all time.

Even if you don’t want to see game photos of yet another Washington loss, please take a moment to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines this week. If nothing else, you can just focus on photos of players from the good old days.

(photos by Brian Murphy)

The Washington Redskins picked a fine time to suffer a team-wide collapse — failing to play competent football in any of the three phases of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday.

No one on the offense appeared capable of catching the football. No one on defense seemed interested in slowing down a running back allegedly named Jonathan Dwyer. And the special teams unit — which has been laughable all season long — managed to screw up an extra point.

So once again, it seemed like Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III was on his own out there. As best I can tell, no one else in a burgundy and gold uniform bothered to make the trip to Pittsburgh.

That, of course, would have been good information to know beforehand. Then, maybe I could have taken the day off as well as stayed much, much dryer.

But since that wasn’t the case and I braved the elements just for you guys, please take a moment to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines this week. If nothing else, you can see pictures of Griffin doing great things and be happy he’s on the roster.

Seriously, this game was miserable as it was — I don’t even want to consider how much uglier it would have been without RGIII involved.

(photos by Brian Murphy)

How is it that an image can say so much with so little action taking place in it? Unfortunately for Washington Redskins tight end fred Davis, this shot that was captured Sunday speaks volumes, as the 26-year-old  can only look on in disappointment after suffering a torn Achilles injury that will abruptly end his season.

After missing the last four game of the 2011 season because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Davis felt he had something to prove in his fifth season in Washington. While he was off to a solid start, the USC standout failed to finish a game with 100 yards and had yet to find the end zone this season.

And just like that he’s done for the year.

Redskins fans have definitely got to feel bad for Davis, who has been a dependable target for whoever has lined up at quarterback during his time in Washington. Now the team has one less weapon on offense and Davis has a long rehab ahead of him.

What a bummer.

If you would be so kind, please take a moment to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines this past weekend. If nothing else, I can assure you that not all of them are as much of a downer as this image. Don’t do it for me. Do it for Davis.

(photos by Brian Murphy)

It took 392 days, but the Washington Redskins finally rewarded the FedEx Field faithful with a much-needed victory.

After losing eight-straight games at home — which was by far the longest home losing streak in the NFL — the Redskins got their act together with a convincing 38-26 victory over a Minnesota Vikings squad that came into the game with an impressive 4-1 record.

That’s not the only bad streak that Washington managed to snap Sunday. They also managed to finally win a game in which their defense scored a touchdown, after having gone 0-3 in such games earlier this season. And best of all, the defense actually pressured the quarterback consistently, caused turnovers and didn’t give up big plays.

So yeah, it was definitely a memorable afternoon for the burgundy and gold. So please take a moment to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines as the Redskins finally found a way to win at home. Who knows when it might happen again?

(photos by Brian Murphy)

One thing is crystal clear about the Washington Redskins these days — they are not fans of FedEx Field.

Maybe it’s because they practice in Virginia and don’t enjoy the commute to Maryland or maybe they wish the franchise still played their home games at good old RFK Stadium. Whatever the case is, these Redskins simply do not seem interested in winning games at FedEx Field.

In related news, the Redskins have now lost eight-straight games at home — the longest current home losing streak in the NFL.

Making matters worse for this week’s loss — a 24-17 defeat courtesy of the undefeated Atlanta Falcons — injury was added to insult, as franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III was knocked out of the game with a likely concussion. It goes without saying that this team will only go as far as RGIII takes it, so they kinda sorta need him healthy and in the lineup.

And yet, even though the game ended in disappointment and the face of the franchise is a little batted and bruised at the moment, there were still a few bright moments in this one. Like Ryan Kerrigan’s interception returned for a touchdown.

So please take a moment to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the rain-soaked sidelines as the Redskins and Falcons squared off.

(photos by Brian Murphy)

Nothing is ever easy for the Washington Redskins.

How else do you explain two players — receiver Aldrick Robinson and safety Brandon Meriweather — being lost for the game thanks to a freak collision during warmups?

Things only got more bizarre once the actual game started, as the Redskins raced out to a commanding 21-3 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only to watch that lead evaporate as the defense once again forgot how to stop anyone.

And let’s not forget the improbable hero of the game, kicker Billy Cundiff, who missed three field goals during the course of the game before nailing the game winner with three seconds left in the game.

It was thrilling. It was maddening. But most of all, it was Redskins football.

So please take a moment to savior the team’s come-from-behind-after-blowing-the-lead victory by checking out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines of Raymond James Stadium.

(photos by Brian Murphy)

Well then.

After years of the Washington Redskins defense being asked to carry the load while the offense struggled with consistency, this is definitely the dawn of a new day on both sides of the ball.

By simply adding competent quarterback play, the offense magically appears to have learned that NFL teams are allowed to score more than 16 points per game. Meanwhile, the usually-stout defense doesn’t appear capable of stopping anyone from marching up and down the field.

The Redskins suspected they were getting a franchise quarterback in Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III, but Washington’s defense has been so pitiful so far that it looks as though RGIII brought the Baylor defense with him to the pros.

That, my friends, is how the Redskins can score 99 points in three games and still be in last place in the NFC East with a 1-2 record. But before you purge Sunday’s disappointing home opener completely from your memory bank, please take a minute to check out my favorite photos I was able to capture from the sidelines.

Don’t do it for me. Do it for running back Alfred Morris, who wanted to impress you so badly that he gave up on wearing a helmet just to see if you were paying attention.