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Home , Chuck Pagano, DeJon Gomes, John Harbaugh, Sherman Smith, Sidney Rice, Tanard Jackson

SEAHAWKS AT REDSKINS: 4:30 P.M. SUNDAY, FOX, 980!AM :,/'&$5' :((.(1' FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 washingtontimes.com/sports/football

ANDREW HARNIK/THE TIMES Redskins Robert Gri! n III’s rushing ability has been limited the past two games because of a sprained knee ligament, but he still scored on a 10-yard run (above) against Dallas on Sunday night. Fellow rookie Alfred Morris (below) was a workhorse in the NFC East-clinching 28-18 victory, churning out 200 yards and three . TIME TRAVELING THE COMPETITION Rookies RG3, Morris hold their Robert Gri! n III (102.4 and 815 yards rushing) and Albert Morris (1,613 rushing yards) arguably are the best rookie backfi eld in NFL history. A look at other top own against two Browns greats tandems through the years:

yperbole can made their debut in the All-America Confer- ⦁ 1946 Browns: QB Otto Graham (league-high run amok ence, a league that competed against the NFL 17 TD passes and 112.1 passer rating), FB Marion when an NFL (before partially merging with it in 1950). Motley (601 rushing yards, 8.2-yard avg.) Hteam wins its Perhaps you’ve heard about the Browns in ⦁ 1956 Colts: QB Johnny Unitas (55.6 percent division for the fi rst time that era. They hardly ever lost. Anyway, in completions and 74 rating, both third in the NFL), in 13 years, especially if their inaugural season, they had a rookie RB Lenny Moore (649 yards rushing, 7.5-yard avg.) much of the heavy lifting quarterback and a rookie who ⦁ 2012 Colts: QB (rookie record is done by two rookies, made just as big an impact as the Washington 4,374 passing yards, seven game-winning drives), one of them a virtual Redskins’ dynamic duo. The QB was Otto RB (814 rushing yards). unknown before train- Graham; the back was Marion Motley. Both ⦁ 1939 Bears: QB Sid Luckman (91.6 rating, DAN ing camp convened. But went on to the Hall of Fame. 44.4-yard punting avg.), FB Bill Osmanski (league- DALY it’s fair to say what we’re Graham led the AAC that year with 17 leading 699 rushing yards) seeing with Robert Grif- passes and a ridiculous (for the ⦁ 2008 Ravens: QB (80.3 rating, fi n III and Alfred Morris time) 112.1 rating. Motley, a 6-foot-1, 232- only 12 ), RB (727 yards is extraordinary, if not unprecedented. In- pound cement mixer of a fullback, rushed for from scrimmage). deed, to fi nd anything like it in pro football 601 yards, fourth in , and aver- ⦁ 1976 Seahawks: QB (2,571 passing history, you’d have to have to set the Way- aged an outrageous 8.2 yards an attempt. yards, 12 TD passes), RB (921

Back Machine for 1946. ASSOCIATED PRESS yards from scrimmage). That was the year the » see DALY | G2 — Compiled by Dan Daly Haslett’s defense unwavering

BY RICH CAMPBELL cared only about the fi nal result: Redskins 28, What a sight: a local celebrity going out THE WASHINGTON TIMES 18. Washington’s maligned of his way to praise , the subject defense, his defense, had survived early- of so much vitriol on talk radio and Twitter A slight smile fi nally brightened Jim Has- season injuries and ineptitude to become during the Redskins’ 3-6 start. Only seven lett’s hardened countenance after midnight NFC East division champions. weeks earlier, coach faced Sunday. His wife, Beth, and daughter, Kelsey, A few steps ahead of the Hasletts, a man questions about whether his coaching sta! walked alongside him up the ramp that leads whipped around to greet him. Wale, a nation- would remain intact during the week. from the Washington Redskins’ locker room ally known hip-hop artist, D.C. native and But Haslett, as it turned out, helped save out of FedEx Field. Haslett’s defense had just renowned Redskins fan, had to congratulate this season. He and his assistants helped the Redskins complete an historic the . brainstormed and tinkered to help the Red- turnaround, and the afterglow was in full “Coach Haslett, Wale,” he said, reintroduc- skins overcome injuries to key players. Now e! ect. ing himself. “Great job.” the defense has signifi cant momentum en- Haslett didn’t view it from that perspec- “Oh yeah, the rapper!” Haslett belted out, tering Sunday’s playo! opener against the tive, though. He’s a football player at his core. much to his daughter’s amusement. “Thanks.” Leave the grandiose analysis to others. He They shook hands and hugged. » see REDSKINS | G2

EXPANDED COVERAGE INSIDE: With renewed focus, Trent Williams plays through pain, G2 Ravens roots run deep for Colts’ Pagano, G3; Wilson’s rookie season continues long track record of success, G4 G2 | SPORTS R FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 EXPANDED PLAYOFF COVERAGE: WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPORTS/FOOTBALL

REDSKINS Focused Williams playing through the pain

BY STEPHEN WHYNO Rest, only when the Redskins’ season is over, THE WASHINGTON TIMES will help Williams heal. Until then, it’s full-speed ahead even if he can’t go full speed. Trent Williams can’t look back. “He’s not at his best because he’s not at 100 The Washington Redskins left won’t percent, but he’s defi nitely helped the team being watch tape from his rookie season because “it just out there,” o! ensive coordinator wasn’t good.” So much changed from 2010 to now. said. “He believes that no matter how bad he’s “My approach to the game’s changed. My feeling, as long as he’s not going to risk his career knowledge of the game has changed. By looking or anything, he feels he can get out there and at my fi lm from a couple years ago, I’m ashamed compete and help us win.” of it, I’m embarrassed by it,” Williams said. “To Williams called it a matter of “heart.” be a rookie, it was OK. But I try to hold myself “When your body feels pain, you automati- to a higher standard.” cally want to shut down and it’s not an easy thing Getting to that higher standard took time and to play though, especially when you’re playing missteps along the way. Now Williams is not only against people who get paid millions to beat you,” going to the later this month, but he’s Williams said. arguably the most valuable piece of an o! ense That “heart” has grown stronger since two that includes prolifi c rookies Robert Gri" n III years ago, when Williams had to sit down and and Alfred Morris and game-changing receiver refl ect on how much he needed to focus on Pierre Garcon. football to be successful. As the No. 4 pick in Of 1,024 o! ensive snaps in the regular season, the draft, he conceded his life changed so much Williams played 961. He missed one snap in the it was hard to concentrate. season opener and 62 Sept. 23 with a bone bruise To excel in this job, though, he had no choice in his right knee. but to embrace high expectations, internally and The 24-year-old has played through a deep externally. left thigh bruise since Thanksgiving Day, and ASSOCIATED PRESS “It defi nitely was a lot of pressure. Defi nitely that’s by necessity. Redskins le! tackle Trent Williams was selected to his fi rst Pro Bowl this season, a year a! er having his a lot of pressure. But no, I wouldn’t change any- “I just feel like for me to be a huge asset to this second campaign cut short by a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. thing,” Williams said. “To [whom] much is given, team I have to play hurt and I have to be able to much is expected. I thank God for that position fi nish games,” Williams said. “I take a lot of pride because it helped me learn a lot, and I defi nitely, in it. But I take pride in playing hurt just because “He’s not just a great player, but he’s someone and I’ll go back to the huddle because I know he defi nitely don’t take anything for granted now.” it’s football. You have to be tough to play this that we lean on,” left guard Kory Lichtensteiger better get his butt back in the huddle because Certainly not being a Pro Bowl o! ensive sport. There’s nothing more than playing hurt. said. “I think him being elected captain after the you’ve got to go the next play.” tackle, an honor he made no secret he wanted. There’s nothing more you could prove to say year that he had last year says a lot about what he That’s a departure from a couple of years ago, Upon learning of his fi rst selection, Williams you’re tough enough to be fi t to play this sport.” means to us and how people follow him.” when an injury as painful as this thigh bruise couldn’t stop smiling. There’s little left for Williams to prove to Gri" n said recently that he doesn’t even ask might have landed Williams on season-ending in- But it’s far from mission accomplished. his teammates, who voted him captain the past Williams if he’s OK anymore because “he better jured reserve. Just like veteran linebacker London “As a player you strive to be great, and this two seasons. Watching him play hurt and grow be all right.” There’s no other choice. Fletcher playing through his ankle injury, there’s is just a process of that,” Williams said. “Five up since a four-game suspension last season “I don’t ever act as if he’s not there,” Gri" n no doubt Williams will be on the fi eld Sunday years down the line, I want it to be a consensus for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy said. “On the fi eld, during the game, he’ll get up, afternoon against the for his that I am the best tackle in the game. I’m going validated that faith. he’ll start grabbing something and I’ll look at him fi rst playo! game. to continue to work hard until I reach that goal.”

REDSKINS From page G1 Seattle Seahawks. “We were kind of lost for a little while trying to fi nd our way,” Haslett said Thursday. “Then guys have stepped SEAHAWKS up and done a nice job playing.” AT REDSKINS While the Redskins during the 2012 SUNDAY, 4:30 P.M. TV: FOX o! season used their penalty-reduced RADIO: 980 AM, 92.7 FM, 94.3 FM salary cap space to add a slew of play- 5 QUESTIONS makers to their sputtering o! ense, Has- 1. How e! ective will QB Robert lett sought to progress with last year’s Gri" n III be? Gri" n rushed for 63 personnel. But season-ending injuries to yards and a touchdown on six carries fi rst-string linebacker Brian Orakpo, de- against Dallas in his second game back from a sprained right knee. He’s fensive end Adam Carriker and strong still limited, though, by the injury and safety — each of the knee brace. # e Redskins need whom has a fi rst-round draft pedigree him to be able to run in order to keep — sent the defense reeling. Seattle’s front o$ -balance. They surrendered 27.6 points per 2. Which team will best protect game and a whopping 6.22 yards per the ball? # e Redskins led the NFL play during Washington’s 3-6 start. this season with only 14 turnovers, but Seattle had only 18. Gri" n III (fi ve Haslett faced heavy fan criticism. interceptions) and Seattle QB Russell “We had a lot of changes in person- Wilson (10) have combined for fewer nel and a lot of ups and downs, and his than the total of Indianapolis rookie demeanor stayed the same,” nose tackle Andrew Luck (18). Barry Cofi eld said. 3. Can the Redskins contain PRESTON KERES/SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES That stemmed partly from ac- Seattle QB ? He Good times have been plentiful for Alfred Morris (le! ) and Robert Gri" n III, who have made the biggest impact as rookie countability, defensive lineman Kedric is similar to Gri" n in that he is adept at extending the play and fi nding an backfi eld mates since Otto Graham (below) and Marion Motley for Cleveland in 1946. Golston said. open receiver downfi eld o$ schedule. During the tumult, players publicly # e Redskins must keep him in the most of his career as a punter, and accepted blame for mistakes. Haslett pocket by maintaining the integrity DALY Crow, a four-time Pro Bowler, didn’t was honest with players in his evalua- of their rush lanes. Defensive backs get going until his second season. The tions, but he also pointed the fi nger at must realize they could have to cover From page G1 for fi ve or more seconds. Cardinals, as a result, fi nished 2-9-1, himself when appropriate. The Browns scored 66 points in one worse than the year before (3-9). “He’ll say, ‘I made a bad call. It’s on 4. Which team will best stop the run? Only one team ran the game, 51 in another and easily won Then there are the Minnesota me,’” Golston recalled. “I think players ball more o! en than Washington the championship. The two rookies, Vikings, who came out of the 1993 understand because as players, you this season: Seattle. # e Seahawks meanwhile, made the all-pro team. draft with a back who would later get corrected so much. When a coach (55.03 percent) and Redskins (52.21 And that, friends, is the closest rush for 1,500 yards in a season (Rob- can admit, ‘I’m human, too. I made a percent) were among the three teams comparison, in the annals of blocking ert Smith) and a quarterback who mistake,’ you just want everyone to be that rushed more than half the time. Whoever stops the run, then, has the and tackling, to the fi rst-year feats of had just won the Heisman Trophy. accountable because we’re all in it for advantage. Gri" n and Morris. You have to go Sound familiar? The QB was no RG3, the same reasons.” 5. How will Redskins receivers back to the days before face masks, though. In fact, he was Gino Torretta, As the defense continued to struggle, fare against Seattle’s tall CBs? to the days when some clubs were who played in a grand total of two Haslett and his assistants strived to fi nd Richard Sherman (6-foot-3) and still running the single wing (includ- NFL games. solutions. (6-4) break the ing the New York Yankees, who So it’s not just a case of drafting They rotated outside linebackers mold because of their height. # at played the Browns in the fi rst AAC a quality quarterback and running with hopes of replacing Orakpo’s pro- will put a premium on separation and timing. title game). Why, Motley was one of back in the same year. That’s just the duction. Rob Jackson has played in the just four black players in the two pro beginning. Oh, and lest we forget, du- base defense since Orakpo tore his left THE WASHINGTON TIMES leagues in 1946; he helped reintegrate rability matters, too. Morris had 335 pectoral muscle in Week 2. But sub the sport after a dozen seasons of ASSOCIATED PRESS rushing attempts; only fi ve rookies packages have included Jackson, Lo- The Redskins have allowed only 20 all-whiteness. have had more. And Gri" n toughed renzo Alexander, Chris Wilson, Mario points and 5.41 yards per play during Gri" n and Morris can’t do any- second overall, certainly qualifi es as it out the past two weeks with a Addison and . Addison their winning streak. They’re pressuring thing that historic, of course, but their that.) For another, the rookies have to sprained knee. If Alfred had broken and White are no longer on the team. the quarterback more consistently be- statistical feats are pretty impres- have an opportunity to play — a lot. down or Robert had been more badly That rotation thinned to include only cause they’re blitzing more frequently. sive. RG3 fi nished third in the NFL It helps, in other words, if the team is hurt (he shook o! the e! ects of a Jackson and Alexander after they estab- Haslett continues to disguise coverages in passer rating (102.4), set a rookie talent-starved at certain positions. concussion two months earlier), we lished themselves as the best options. e! ectively. Washington has forced 31 rushing record for (815 Take the 2001 San Diego Chargers. probably wouldn’t be talking about Haslett also has rotated personnel at turnovers this season, fi fth-most in yards) and made the Pro Bowl. Alfred Their fi rst two picks that year were this. safety, where Meriweather lost 15 games the NFL. fi nished third in the league with 1,613 LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew FYI: Aside from Graham and Mot- to knee injuries and Tanard Jackson was The progress was on full display rushing yards, the third-most ever Brees — future Hall of Famers both. ley, some of the best rookie backfi eld suspended for the season for violating Sunday night. The Redskins intercepted by a rookie, and should have made Drew, though, hardly got on the combos are Johnny Unitas and Lenny the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Vet- quarterback Tony Romo three times. the Pro Bowl. (Alas, the ballots were fi eld as a rookie. Three seasons later, Moore with the 1956 Baltimore Colts, eran , Jordan Pugh and The Cowboys’ 18 points were their cast before he went for 200 yards the Chargers’ rookie class included Sid Luckman and Bill Osmanski with DeJon Gomes still rotate depending on fourth-lowest total of the season. Wash- and three touchdowns in the divi- Philip Rivers and Michael Turner. the ’39 and, this year, the situation. ington pressured Romo all game by sion-clinching win against Dallas.) But Rivers threw only eight passes in Andrew Luck and Vick Ballard with Because Orakpo and Meriweather mixing blitzes and blitzers. Imagine: an instant Pro Bowl QB and his fi rst year, and Turner carried just the . (See the ac- combined to play only three games, “He was the chess master,” Cofi eld an instant 1,600-yard back in the same 20 times (thanks to the presence of companying chart for more details.) their replacements now have signifi cant said, “and we were just pawns.” draft. Tomlinson). But it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say game experience, which enables them NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth That’s how you go from 5-11 to 10-6 Or how about the 1958 Chicago that, in terms of sheer production, to play better. called Haslett’s game plan “masterful,” in a single season, as the Redskins Cardinals? They took a quarterback, Robert Gri" n III and Alfred Morris “The sta! has also gotten comfort- before a record-sized national audience. have. But it’s incredibly hard to pull King Hill, with the fi rst pick in the might be the best of the bunch. We able with what they can do,” linebacker “We worked a number of di! erent o! , for any number of reasons. For draft and a running back, John David just don’t know whether — like Otto, London Fletcher added. “We have ad- combinations to get to the point where one thing, you have to hit the lottery Crow, with the second pick. (That’s Marion, Johnny U., Lenny and Sid — justed our defense to fi t that accordingly, were at,” Haslett said. “It took us a lon- in the draft. (And getting Morris in right, they had the fi rst two selec- they have Canton in their future. It and we’ve been able to play fast.” ger time than we would’ve liked, but it the sixth round, after taking Gri" n tions.) But Hill was a bust, spending should be fun to fi nd out, though. The improvements are easy to see. worked out for the best.” FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 R SPORTS | G3 EXPANDED PLAYOFF COVERAGE: WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPORTS/FOOTBALL

AFC PLAYOFFS Sack-happy Bengals INDIANAPOLIS AT BALTIMORE are a threat to Texans SUNDAY, 1 P.M., CBS, 1500 AM BY JOE KAY SERIES RECORD: Colts lead 9-3 ASSOCIATED PRESS LAST MEETING: Ravens beat Colts 24-10 on Dec. 11, 2010 CINCINNATI | Michael Johnson towers LAST WEEK: Colts beat Texans over blockers at 6-foot-7. At 6-foot-1, 28-16; Ravens lost to Bengals 23-17 Geno Atkins often is dwarfed on the line. Domata Peko is gregarious. Carlos QUICK HITS: Colts le" Baltimore CINCINNATI in 1984 and are 4-3 in their former Dunlap tends to cut o! interviews after home. # at includes 15-6 win a few questions. AT HOUSTON in January 2007 playo! game. The Bengals’ defensive line is an SATURDAY, 4:30 P.M., NBC, 980 AM Game marks return of Indianapolis eclectic mix of players from far di! er- SERIES RECORD: Series tied 3-3 coach , who spent ent backgrounds with very di! erent Texans beat Bengals four seasons with Ravens, 2011 personalities and body types. Together, LAST MEETING: as defensive coordinator. Colts DE 31-10, Jan. 7 Cory Redding played for Ravens they formed one of the NFL’s best units from 2010-11. Indianapolis has won this season, one of the main reasons LAST WEEK: Bengals beat Ravens 5 of 6 and 9 of 11. Baltimore has Cincinnati is in the playo! s again. 23-17; Texans lost to Colts 28-16 dropped 4 of 5. Colts are 19-20 all- The Bengals set a club record with QUICK HITS: Houston looking for time in postseason, Ravens are 10-7. 51 sacks, 40 coming from the line. fi " h straight win against Bengals. Twenty-eight members of Colts will Bengals have reached playo! s in two be making fi rst playo! appearance. Cincinnati also has held opponents Baltimore, on other hand, will be to 13 points or fewer in six of the past straight seasons for fi rst time since participating in postseason for NFL- eight games. 1981-82. Cincinnati is looking for fi rst high fi " h straight time. Indianapolis “I hope this young group can stay to- playo! win since Jan. 6, 1991 against Houston Oilers. It is Cincinnati’s followed Miami as second team in gether and go on for a long time and be fourth postseason appearance NFL history to win 10 or more games part of something special,” Dunlap said. following 14-loss season. # is is under coach . Bengals Colts’ 10th playo! appearance in They’re having a special season, one QB Andy Dalton is 19-13 as starter, last 11 seasons. Colts went 9-1 in of the main reasons the Bengals have highest winning percentage games decided by seven points or reached the playo! s as a wild card for by Cincinnati quarterback with fewer. QB Andrew Luck led Colts the second straight season. It’s also one minimum of 20 starts in franchise on seven winning drives in fourth of the main reasons they think they history. Dalton’s 3,669 yards passing quarter or overtime, most by NFL can knock o! the Texans on Saturday and 27 touchdown passes were rookie since 1970 merger. His six both career highs. Dalton grew up in 300-yard passing games are most in Houston and get their fi rst playo! win since 1990. Houston suburb of Katy. Bengals RB by rookie in NFL history. Indy WR BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for career- has at least one These guys know how to get to the high 1,094 yards this season. catch in 112 straight games. PK quarterback. Adam Vinatieri has scored in 146 Atkins led all interior NFL linemen THE WASHINGTON TIMES consecutive games. Luck is fi rst QB selected No. 1 overall to start a with 12½ sacks and was voted a Pro postseason game as rookie. Colts Bowl starter for the fi rst time. Johnson seem to have little in common ex- RB Vick Ballard ranked second had 11½ sacks, giving Cincinnati its fi rst cept a commitment to getting to the among AFC rookies with 814 yards pair of players with double-digit sacks quarterback. rushing. Indy WR T.Y. Hilton has totals since 1981, when the Bengals Two of them arrived together. Dun- 861 yards receiving, second most ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS reached the . lap was a second-round pick in 2010, among NFL rookies. Ravens are 2-2 at home in postseason. Chuck Pagano, shown with linebacker , had a philosophy that resonated The reserves have done well, too. while Atkins slipped to the fourth with Baltimore’s players when he was the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. He’ll Wallace Gilberry has 6½ sacks. Robert round because of his lack of stature. THE WASHINGTON TIMES return Sunday for an AFC playo! game as Indianapolis’ coach. Geathers has three. Atkins quickly developed into one of The Texans’ o! ense struggled down the league’s best, able to use his low the stretch, contributing to three losses center of gravity to push his way into RAVENS in the last four games. Houston scored the backfi eld. 16 or fewer points in those losses. If the Dunlap was more of a project, Texans can’t slow Cincinnati’s front known for wanting to do things his four, they’re in trouble. way. Defensive coordinator Mike Zim- “They’ve been so good because mer made him understand the need they’re very talented up front,” Houston to change. o! ensive coordinator Rick Dennison “I fi gured one of us was going to lose STILL FAMILY said. “They can pressure well with the the fi ght, and it wasn’t going to be me,” coach there.” four guys or adding any number of Zimmer said. “They’re much easier to Baltimore holds With Pagano one year removed guys to it. It’s a unique challenge for us.” mold the way you want them molded from the Ravens organization, there’s a It starts with four linemen who when they’re young rookies.” place in its heart school of thought that the Colts could be more familiar with what the Ravens for Colts’ Pagano want to do on both sides of the ball. Pagano even said as such, since there NFC PLAYOFFS BY JASON BUTT hasn’t been any coaching turnover in SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES Baltimore either. Replacing Pagano at defensive coordinator was , Packers’ receiving corps OWINGS MILLS, MD. | Chuck Pa- who was the linebackers coach. The gano is a man still loved and re- defensive system has been tweaked, vered in Baltimore’s locker room. but Pagano still sees similarities in the gets healthy at right time Pagano was the Ravens’ defensive backs base package. coach from 2008-2010 before assuming Take into account Colts o! ensive co- BY NANCY ARMOUR defensive coordinator duties in 2011. His ordinator ’ familiarity with ASSOCIATED PRESS unit ranked among the NFL’s best, which Baltimore dating to his coaching days gave him the opportunity to become the with Pittsburgh, and the Colts would GREEN BAY, WIS. | Aaron Rodgers is in Indianapolis. appear to have more experience with putting up MVP-worthy numbers again, But there’s still admiration for Pa- Baltimore than one may think. throwing for more touchdowns than gano even though he’s wearing another “We’ve got an advantage as far as anyone in the NFL and ranking near the team’s colors. And Sunday, Pagano will what you are talking about because top in completions and yards passing. MINNESOTA face his former team for the fi rst time of Bruce’s familiarity,” Pagano told the Imagine if he’d had all of his favorite AT GREEN BAY in the fi rst round of the NFL playo! s. one of Harbaugh’s closer friends in the Indianapolis media Monday. “So when toys for the whole year. SATURDAY, 8 P.M., NBC, 980 AM “I’m sure the fans are going to wel- coaching community. Yet, now he has he pops on the tape, even though it’s a With Randall Cobb back from a SERIES RECORD: Packers lead come him,” Ravens safety Bernard Pol- to prepare to play against him in a win- new coordinator, that system has been sprained ankle and Jordy Nelson plan- 54-49-1 lard said. “We’re going to love him, we’re or-go-home scenario. in place a long, long time, going back ning to play in Saturday night’s NFC LAST MEETING: Vikings beat Packers going to embrace him.” “It’s a big deal,” Harbaugh said. “Re- to 2000.” wild-card game against Minnesota, the 37-34, Dec. 30 It’s a compelling story for the Ravens, lationships are important but by the Conversely, the same could be said fi nally will have all LAST WEEK: Vikings beat Packers who still consider Pagano a member same token, it’s a game. They are the about the Ravens. Harbaugh, hired as four top receivers for the fi rst time in, 37-34 of their extended family even though opponent, and right now, they are just Baltimore’s head coach in 2008, is just essentially, three months. he no longer resides near Baltimore. the opponent. That’s what we are going as familiar with Pagano and Arians as “It makes us very dangerous,” Greg QUICK HITS: First wild-card rematch of regular-season fi nale When Pagano began battling leukemia to compete against.” those two are with him. Jennings said Thursday. “It’s pretty since 2009, when three of four wild after his diagnosis during Indianapolis’ Pagano is known as a quintessential “It’s a two-way street,” Harbaugh obvious when we have all four guys cards, including Green Bay’s loss bye week, many Ravens players sent players coach. Multiple times during said. healthy, the amount of big plays that to Arizona, were do-overs. Packers him text messages to keep up with his last season’s run to the AFC champi- Advantage or not, the dynamic we can accumulate goes up. Aaron has are 1-1 when facing same team in last week of regular-season and progress. onship game, Ravens players would of Pagano being back in Baltimore a lot more options.” following week in playo! s. # ey beat Defensive end Arthur Jones shaved say that Pagano was one of them, that is a compelling storyline, especially There’s no question Rodgers is a Lions in 1993 a" er losing regular- his head in support of the coach, who his style of coaching suited their style considering Baltimore fans loathe the special quarterback, one of the league’s season fi nale, and lost to Arizona missed the majority of the season on of play. Pagano has been a hit in In- Colts. The hatred stems from the Colts fi nest, and he’d put up impressive num- a" er winning in last week of regular the sideline because of his disease. dianapolis, too, with the Colts turning organization leaving Baltimore for bers if he had only one or two guys to season in ‘09. NFC North rival Packers and Vikings have met once But Pagano was cleared to coach again their 2011 misfortune into an 11-5 season Indianapolis in the middle of the night throw to. But he has four — count ’em, in postseason, a 31-17 Minnesota before Week 17’s game against Houston, a year later. of March 28, 1984. four — receivers who could be No. 1s victory at Lambeau Field in 2004 which the Colts won 28-16. When Pagano returns to M&T Bank Though the city still has disdain on many other teams. NFC wild card. Including that loss to “Coach Pagano is a great coach,” Stadium on Sunday, it’ll be with a heavy for the Colts, there’s much respect “I don’t think so,” Nelson said when Vikings, Packers have dropped four of last six postseason games Jones said. “He was a guy I grew to love. heart. He would have overcome a dis- for Pagano from players and fans. asked if any other team is as loaded at at home. He brought a passion to the locker room ease to return to the stadium he used Ravens safety thinks of Pagano receiver as the Packers. “I don’t think when he was here. He was a guy I loved to coach in. as more than a coach. In addition to you can go four and fi ve deep like we THE WASHINGTON TIMES playing for. Unfortunately, now we’re “It’s going to be special,” Pagano said playing under him for four years in can.” battling for the same thing. There’s in a conference call Wednesday. “I love Baltimore, Pagano was his defensive Jennings had 1,000-yard seasons “You can go to any one of them no joint champion in the Super Bowl. all those guys. I have great relationships backs coach in college at the Univer- from 2008-10, and came up just short and get a big play, so it makes it more There’s only one true champion. We’re with so many people in that organiza- sity of Miami. The two had a bond in (949) last year despite missing three di# cult for defenses to defend,” Green fi ghting for the same thing and unfor- tion. They were so good to me and my Baltimore, which allowed Reed to be an games. Nelson has a career average of Bay o! ensive coordinator Tom Cle- tunately it’s against the Colts.” family. I wouldn’t be sitting where I’m extension of Pagano on the football fi eld. 15.1 yards per catch, and joined Jennings ments said. “If [opponents] only have Ravens coach also at today if John Harbaugh hadn’t given “He’s like a dad to me,” Reed said. in the 1,000-yard club last year. James one guy or two guys that they have to has stayed in touch with Pagano dur- me the opportunity to join him when “That’s family, which is fi rst before Jones led the NFL with 14 TD catches defend against, they can structure their ing his recovery as Pagano remains he fi rst was hired as a head football football.” this year, and matched a Packers record defenses and set it up in certain ways with two scores in three straight games. to take those guys away. But if you have Cobb is the newest of the bunch, and four out there, and sometimes even fi ve, “It’s going to be special. I love all those guys. I have great relationships all the second-year receiver has done is it makes it more di# cult. lead the team in catches (80) and yards “So if it’s more di# cult for them, it’s with so many people in that organization. ! ey were so good to me and my receiving (954). advantageous for us.” family. I wouldn’t be sitting where I’m at today if John Harbaugh hadn’t given me Add in big Jermichael But injuries have kept the Packers theopportunity to join him when he fi rst was hired as a head football coach there.” Finley and you can see why defensive (11-5) from making full use of that ad- coordinators have nightmares about vantage. The Big Four have played less — Chuck Pagano facing the Packers. than three full games together this year. G4 | SPORTS R FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 EXPANDED PLAYOFF COVERAGE: WASHINGTONTIMES.COM/SPORTS/FOOTBALL

SEAHAWKS Watching Wilson, seeing is believing Rookie has delivered at every level BY MICHAEL PHILLIPS between the fi nger and the joint, and my RICHMOND TIMES!DISPATCH hand started bleeding. But you know, I’m the older brother, so I’m trying to play it Russell Wilson has been winning o" like it’s no big deal.” people over with his arm since fi fth That season ended for Russell with grade. a Rose Bowl appearance and the NCAA The Seattle Seahawks quarterback record for passing e! ciency. served as a ball boy at Richmond’s Col- Despite those accolades, he went in legiate Schools. During one game, he the third round of the NFL draft, as teams wasn’t paying attention and had to chase passed on him because of concerns down a loose football. about his 5-foot-11 height, When he threw it the shortest in the league. back, he launched it over “I can’t even He showed up in Seat- the o! cial’s head. Col- come up with tle ready to work, though, legiate coach Charlie Mc- enough descriptive and thinks playing at two Fall noticed. major colleges helped “I thought, I’d better words to defi ne what ease the transition. hang around for this kid,” this kid is all about. “I just think playing he said with a laugh. Really, I can’t stop in front of big crowds, ASSOCIATED PRESS Wilson will be show- being in big-time situa- Seattle’s Russell Wilson threw 26 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions while compiling a 100.0 quarterback rating. Wilson ing o" that arm this week- talking about him tions and big moments at was the Rookie of the Month for December, compiling a 5-0 record with nine TDs and two interceptions. end when his Seahawks once you get me a high level always helps,” face the Washington Red- going.” he said. “The more suc- skins in a fi rst-round NFL cessful you are, the more because there’s so much to accentuate. After late fl ights back from the East Redskins fan growing up. playo" game Sunday at — attention you get. I think The cool thing is, he’s going to go out Coast, receivers would fi nd notes at “I was always playing games — foot- FedEx Field. It is the clos- the key for me — and any today and practice and work his butt o" . their lockers when they arrived Mon- ball, baseball, basketball, whatever — so est Wilson has played to his home since famous football player — is to key in and He’ll be the fi rst guy out there and the day. The quarterback had already I didn’t get to go to many Redskins Nov. 19, 2006, when he won a fourth ignore the noise. last guy to leave the building.” started fi lm study, and had suggestions games,” he said. “I went to one when I consecutive state title as Collegiate’s “No matter how well you’re doing Talking to those around him, Wil- of plays for the week. was younger.” quarterback. or how poorly you’re doing, just focus son’s preparation is a theme that comes “You can tell by talking to him that Those other sports have taken a He has since had success at N.C. State on what you can control and try to help up time and again. he not only prepared himself, but would back burner to football these days, as and Wisconsin, but it’s his play at Seattle your teammates win.” Fox Sports announcer Chris Myers, try to prepare other players on the team Wilson’s routine involves early morn- that has launched him to stardom. That preparation is what led his who has called several of Wilson’s more than they normally would,” Myers ings and late nights — interrupted While Wilson’s ascent has been swift Seahawks teammates to stick with games this year, compares him to an- said. “He has this natural, positive, only for his Tuesday visit to the Seattle to outsiders, it merely confi rms what him early in the season, when the other undersized third-round draft pick genuine enthusiasm.” Children’s Hospital. people in Richmond have known for a team started 3-2 and he threw six who was born in Richmond. That focus hasn’t wavered, even Teammates describe a player who long time. interceptions. “When he scrambles, he has a as Wilson arrives in Washington on they knew was going to be special, Russell became a quarterback be- He settled in, though, and was unique way of doing so, and it’s like Friday, with family and friends looking even if they haven’t learned everything cause his older brother, Harrison, was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Month Fran Tarkenton, really,” Myers said. to greet him. about him. a . Harrison, who played for December, fi nishing the month with “I mentioned that to Dolphins coach In the NFL, visiting teams don’t get “He’s real quiet most of the time, and at the University of Richmond, remem- a 5-0 record, nine touchdowns and just , and he said he had made the same access to tickets college teams just talks about football,” wide receiver bers visiting Russell in Wisconsin two two interceptions. the comparison to his team, but some do. Instead of spending time tracking said. “He’s trying to fi nd a years ago. “I can’t even come up with enough of the younger guys didn’t know who down tickets for everyone, he’s advising way to get the job done.” “We started throwing the football, descriptive words to defi ne what this Tarkenton was.” people to use StubHub, and guessing As the team’s top receiving target, and I told him to throw me one as hard kid is all about,” Seattle coach Pete Car- Myers said the thing that stood out to that many will. Rice learned what people in Richmond as he could,” Harrison said. “It just kept roll said Wednesday. “Really, I can’t stop him over the course of the season was As for the hometown connection, found out long ago: Don’t bet against getting faster and faster. It hit my hand talking about him once you get me going hearing the stories about Wilson’s drive. Wilson said he was too busy to be a Russell Wilson’s arm.