The Glory Years: Redskin's Quarterbacks From 2000 To 2004

As a native of northern Virginia, I have been blessed with constant coverage of the Washington Redskins. This exposure to all things Redskins has allowed me to be somewhat of an expert on the Redskins.

As an "expert" of the Skins I have been able to compare teams and players of Redskins past and present. As I compared these teams and players, one thing stood out to me the most: the Redskins' string of brilliant quarterbacks from the year 2000 to the year 2004.

That makes five great seasons of quarterback play from one team, probably the best quarterback play in five seasons I have ever witnessed. I am by no means discounting previous seasons of Redskins quarterback play, such as 1994 when the Redskins started three legendary players (Gus Frerotte, John Friesz, and the one and only Heath Shuler). I just would like to point out, and possibly create discussion about, this magical stretch of quarterbacks.

From 2000 to 2004, the Redskins fielded the following wondrous quarterbacks (in order of first start, total starts during stretch in parentheses): Jeff George (7), Brad Johnson (11), Tony Banks (14), Shane Matthews (7), Patrick Ramsey (23), Danny Wuerffel (4), Tim Hasselbeck (5), Mark Brunell (9).

That means that through five seasons of NFL football the Redskins, a professional football team, started Patrick Ramsey in 28.7 percent of their games and started Danny Wuerffel in five percent. Meanwhile, teams like the Colts have had the unfortunate task of starting Peyton Manning in 100 percent of their games during this time.

The Redskins consistent rotation of quarterbacks from 2000 to 2004 must have kept many defensive coordinators up at night. They would not know if they had to protect against Tim Hasselbeck's legendary deep bomb or Brad Johnson's play stretching legs.

Also, during that five season stretch the Redskins won 34 games. That number is more than double what the Patriots won in their perfect regular season. This could lead one to safely assume that Tim Hasselbeck is twice the quarterback Tom Brady is.

Also, during "The Glory Years" the Redskins averaged a QB rating of 68.6 (the best being Jeff George's 79.6 rating in his five starts during the 2000 season). To put this in historical perspective, Terry Bradshaw posted a 30.4 QB rating during his first year as a starter. This is further proof that these quarterbacks should be considered with the legends of the game.

Finally, following these five seasons the Redskins have only managed two playoff berths (2005, 2007) and zero Superbowl appearances. The Redskins zero Superbowl appearances since 2004 puts them at a tie with the Detroit Lions and some other teams. This sad fact makes the common fan wonder why the Skins ever released players like Wuerffel and George.

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