Washington Redskins 2012: Will 'Redskins Rule' Hold True This Election Day?

There are many superstitions, omens, indicators and predictors that determine the results of a presidential election. None has greater accuracy than the "Redskins Rule," as noted by the Elias Sports Bureau in 2000. It goes something like this: 

Since the Redskins moved from Boston to Washington, D.C., in 1937, there have been 18 presidential elections. If the Redskins win their last home game before the election, the incumbent party has held office.  The accuracy has held true in 17 of 18 elections.

Sunday's Redskins 21-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers was that game.  With the Redskins loss, will Mitt Romney be the next President of the USA?  

There was hardly a high-five moment throughout the game for the loyal, diehard fans. It was pretty embarrassing. The Redskins' loss against the Carolina Panthers is the key factor in the "Redskins Rule" equation. In addition, the loss was on "Redskins Homecoming"—a special day for fans when 150 former Redskins were honored.

The Redskins QB RG3 was sacked four times.  The team was penalized 13 times. The defensive secondary was literally turned around in coverage on an 82-yard Panthers QB Cam Newton TD pass to start the fourth quarter.  The Redskins' only touchdown occurred in the last minutes of the game.

I am certain when the Redskins front office chose the Panthers game to recognize these former Redskins, they considered which Redskins home game would be a probable victory. It was an embarrassment and a far cry from a typical homecoming. 

The Redskins have a bye in Week 10, and hopefully this loss will sting a bit more than others.  This will allow some time to reflect, collect and move on to a tough November schedule with NFC East division rivals consecutively.  

The Redskins travel north to visit the Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 11th.