A Thankful That the Redskins Won Thanksgiving

Redskin fans were treated to a memorable Thanksgiving 2012 as Washington DC's football team put on a dazzling display of athleticism and intrigue against the struggling Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving afternoon.

After defeating the injury plagued Philadelphia Eagles last week, 31-6, the Redskins gave fans hope after dismantling their rival Cowboys 38-31 in a game that saw the home team ahead by 25 points before halftime.

It was the team's first Thanksgiving Day win since 2002, and the first Thanksgiving Day loss for Tony Romo and company. 

Robert Griffin III (who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11 exhibition), in his first ever prime-time NFL holiday exhibition, completed 20-of-28 passes for 311 yards for four touch downs, repeating his performance last week against Philadelphia.

In the two games since the team's bye week two weeks ago, where the young rookie pledged to be "a better quarterback" upon his return, Griffin proved to be just that.

Griffin helped the team score 28 points in the second quarter alone.

"Hey, we might have thought we could do it. Now we know we can do it, and it's in our hands."

Griffin has become the first player in NFL history to have four 60-yard passing touchdowns and a 60-yard rushing touchdown in a season.

While the star that is Robert Griffin, III shined brightly in the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Griffin's supporting cast of characters also illuminated.

A 68-yard on point spiral to Aldrick Robinson alongside teammate Pierre Garcon's 59-yard play action catch proved to be memorable game highlights. 

Cornerback Josh Wilson forced a fumble in the second quarter that was recovered by safetyDeJon Gomes. The forced fumble was Wilson’s seventh of his career and his third of the season, tying a single-season career high set in Seattle in 2008. The fumble recovery was the first of Gomes’ career.

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall registered a Tony Romo interception that sent Hall to the one yard line where he opted to stay, and not score a touchdown.  (Hall's interception broke a streak of 140 consecutive pass attempts by Romo without an interception).

The Cowboys' star receiver, Dez Bryant, was instrumental in giving Dallas a chance as he chocked up six catches for 125 yards in the second half. His catch for 85-yards and run for a touchdown cut the Dallas deficit to 28-13.

But the Redskins stayed the course even after seeing their opponent rally back leaving viewers to recount the days of old where the Skins would somehow end up squandering away their lead, and losing the game.

But. that. didn't. happen.

Said Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett on the Skins, “They made big plays, they made little plays, we didn’t convert plays and we turned the ball over. You can’t do that against a team like this, that’s as dynamic as they are. We missed some opportunities and they took advantage of their opportunities. We dug ourselves a big hole.”

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Noteworthy

Before leaving for Dallas the Redskins helped feed more than 3,000 families in PG County during their annual Harvest Feast initiative.    Families were given turkeys with all the trimmings and sides at FedEx Field while the little ones received a visit from Santa and were given gift bags that included Redskins Read Activity Books and toys.

On Tuesday, November 27 at 11:30 the Washington Redskins Alumni Association will welcome more than 10 legendary Redskins, including Hall of Famers, MVP’s, Pro Bowlers and more, to the ‘Rally Around The Redskins’ luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Reston, VA.

Redskins legends scheduled to appear include 1984 Pro Football Hall of Famer Charley Taylor, 1982 NFL MVP Mark Moseley, three-time pro bowlers Pat Fischer, Roy Jefferson and Mike Nelms, two-time Super Bowl champions Ravin Caldwell and Darryl Grant, two-time All-Pro defensive end Dexter Manley, Ron “The Dancing Bear” McDole, punter Mike Bragg and offensive lineman Ron Saul.

Tickets for the luncheon are $75 per person. To purchase tickets or to find out more information, contact the Redskins Alumni office at 703-726-7488 or visit the Alumni website at www.washingtonredskinsalumni.com for more info.


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