Need to Know: A trap game for the Redskins?

Here is what you need to know on this Wednesday, December 12, four days before the Redskins take on the Browns in Cleveland.

Is it a trap game?

This tweet I got from @cleg74 is typical of many I have received over the past couple of days:

Yes but this is just the kind of game the Redskins have lost in the past. I think they win but I am a little scared.

The notion that this is a trap game for the Redskins is making the rounds. I don’t know if the Redskins will win or lose but if the do lose it won’t be because the looked past the Browns or took them lightly.

Yes, the Redskins have lost games like this in the past. In 2010 and 2011 they lost to the Vikings at home. The 1-7 Dolphins handled them last year. In ’09 the Lions broke a 19-game losing streak at their expense. The year before that, the 0-4 Rams got their first win, and one of two that season, against Washington.

They even had an ugly loss just last month when the 1-6 Panthers came into FedEx Field and left with a 2-6 record.

The thing is that the Redskin didn’t lose those games because they took the opposition too lightly; they lost them because they were a bad football team. Bad teams lose to good teams, mediocre teams, and to other bad teams.

They aren’t a great team now but they are better. They should beat the Browns. If they don’t, it won’t be because they overlooked them; the Redskins won’t get “trapped” by the Browns.

RG2 says RG3 will play

Robert Griffin II said that his son told him he plans on starting when the Redskins take on the Browns on Sunday.

"He's doing great,'' the elder Griffin told USA TODAY Sports. "He definitely said he plans to start. I haven't seen him (the last two days). But he told me (Tuesday) everything has gone well.''

There was some swelling in the knee but Griffin said that it has subsided.

"He's doing rehabilitation as far as the impact pain working with that,'' Griffin's dad said. "Monday he said he felt really good. Today he felt better. Every day he's getting better. Monday he had no problems and throughout the workout, he had no problems.''

One has to be cautious here since Griffin III is the source for Griffin II’s comments and athletes tend to be very optimistic when talking about recovering from injuries. And we do have what RG3’s teammate and favorite receiver Pierre Garçon said about preparing for Kirk Cousins to be at the helm on Sunday.

We will get the first real information on Griffin’s status when practice starts today. Stay tuned.

Today’s schedule

11:30—Practice (closed to the media after first 30 minutes)

After practice (approx. 2:00)—Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan news conferences, open locker room

In case you missed it

Tarik’s grades vs. Ravens: Offense, Defense, Special teams

The yellow flags returned against Baltimore

Days until: Redskins @ Browns 4; Redskins @ Eagles 11; Cowboys vs. Redskins @ FedEx Field 18; 1^st round of NFL playoffs 24

Comments

[Gholmesbm]

Can't take the Browns lightly.

They have won 3 in a row - we have won 4 in a row - not a big difference lately.

[Rich Tandler]

True, but they really haven't beaten much of anybody. Combined record of the teams Browns beat in their last three games 12-27 (.307). Combined record of Redskins' opponents in last 3 24-15 (.615).