Led by a pair of rookies serenaded loudly and lovingly as ''R-G-3!'' and ''Al-fred Mor-ris!,'' the Redskins claimed their first division title since 1999, beating the archrival Dallas Cowboys 28-18 Sunday night in a winner-take-all finale to end the NFL's regular season.
Griffin, the Heisman Trophy winner drafted second overall, ran for 63 yards and a touchdown. Morris, the out-of-nowhere sixth-rounder from Florida Atlantic, ran for 200 yards and three scores. He set the franchise single-season rushing record for the Redskins (10-6), who revived the season behind their quarterback's talent and leadership to win seven straight after their bye week. They are the first NFL team to rally from 3-6 and make the playoffs since the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1996.
''I could never imagine coming in here my rookie year and doing what I've been able to do,'' Morris said. ''It's better than my wildest dreams.''
After the final whistle, team captain Griffin walked off the field with a big smile, holding up his left index finger in a No. 1 gesture. He then held his left fist aloft.
''These aren't ordinary rookies,'' cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. ''For a guy to win the Heisman Trophy, be the top pick, the savior of the franchise, come in here so humble - from Day 1 he came in here working, that's why he has that `C' on his chest.''a/p
Griffin, the Heisman Trophy winner drafted second overall, ran for 63 yards and a touchdown. Morris, the out-of-nowhere sixth-rounder from Florida Atlantic, ran for 200 yards and three scores. He set the franchise single-season rushing record for the Redskins (10-6), who revived the season behind their quarterback's talent and leadership to win seven straight after their bye week. They are the first NFL team to rally from 3-6 and make the playoffs since the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1996.
''I could never imagine coming in here my rookie year and doing what I've been able to do,'' Morris said. ''It's better than my wildest dreams.''
After the final whistle, team captain Griffin walked off the field with a big smile, holding up his left index finger in a No. 1 gesture. He then held his left fist aloft.
''These aren't ordinary rookies,'' cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. ''For a guy to win the Heisman Trophy, be the top pick, the savior of the franchise, come in here so humble - from Day 1 he came in here working, that's why he has that `C' on his chest.''a/p