The All-Time Washington Redskins All-Star Team

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

This past decade, it's been tough to be a Redskins fan. The flow of disappointment and wasted talent seems to be unending, and the level of play is wildly erratic, but usually nets something between 6-10 and 8-8.

And so I have to resort to two things, nostalgia and optimism, to keep my spirits up. This article tackles the first of those two.

I love the Redskins' glorious and varied history. The names haven't been quite as big and flashy as any other franchise with this many rings, but that's the fun. The journeymen and blue-collar underdogs are the players that have made this team great, more often than not.

And so, it is my pleasure to present my picks for the all-time all-franchise first team on offense, defense, special teams, and coaching.

The picks are based solely on their years with the Redskins, and on a combination of sheer dominance during the player's prime and total career toughness. Since I generally believe that most athletes nowadays would absolutely tear up ye olde athletes, I've also made some slight adjustments for the era.

Offense:

QB: Sammy Baugh (1937-52)

Though Baugh is widely acknowledged as the greatest Redskin to ever play, the pick between him and Sonny Jurgensen was a tough one. Remember that part of Baugh's mystique was his dominance on every side of the ball, whereas Jurgensen was a pure QB, and a great one.

Nonetheless, Baugh gets the edge. He dominated a less pass-happy era and in an age where WR was still developing as a position. His average yards per attempt is surprisingly close to Jurgensen's, even without adjusting. He also played well for a very long time, going to the Pro Bowl at the age of 23 in 1937, but also at 37 in 1951.

RB: John Riggins (1976-79, 1981-85)

There are a lot of good-sorta-great workhorses who have played for the Redskins. Riggins, definitely great more than good, had to be the pick. A Hall of Famer, Riggo has a lot going for him, including a surprising upward statistical curve during his Redskins career.

His numbers would be even better if it wasn't for strike-shortened seasons and a 1980 contract dispute.

FB: Andy Farkas (1938-44)

The only fullback of note in Redskins history, Farkas was twice a Pro Bowler and once led the league in rushing touchdowns. He'd sometimes average 50 yds/game, which is something you never see anymore.

Then again, fullbacks are more blockers than rushers these days.

WR: Art Monk (1980-93)

Not just the greatest Redskins receiver ever, but one of the most reliable in the history of the game. Monk only went to the Pro Bowl three times, but put up numbers that wouldn't be broken until Jerry Rice hit the scene.

WR: Bobby Mitchell (1985-92)

If the Hall of Fame selection isn't enough to prove his greatness to you, here's a stat to look at: 102.6 yds/game, which is what he put up in 1962. His 16.5 career yards/rec is one of the Redskins best marks ever in that category.

WR: Charley Taylor (1964-77)

There are four great picks for three spots, so major apologies to Gary Clark. But Taylor played almost as long as Monk did, and put up numbers not too far south of Monk's. This Hall of Famer beats out the exceptional, dangerous Clark.

TE: Jerry Smith (1965-77)

Chris Cooley has a good shot at dethroning this spot in the next few years. But Smith's superior yards/rec number and longevity with the Skins give him the edge.

T: Turk Edwards (1932-40)

Another Hall of Famer for the Skins, Edwards was voted one of the top two tackles in the leagues by different sources for eight straight seasons. Granted, it was a different era—but I bet you can't name me anyone else who's ever done that. I sure can't think of anyone.

T: Joe Jacoby (1981-93)

One of the anchors for The Hogs, Jacoby is one of the best lineman to ever see play for the Redskins.

G: Russ Grimm (1981-91)

One of the legendary Hogs, Grimm was a stalwart on some of the best O-lines the Redskins ever had. He made it to the Pro Bowl four times.

G: Dick Stanfel (1956-58)

The second guard position was pretty contested, but I went with Stanfel instead of another Hog because Stanfel's ludicrous efficiency. Three years with the team, three years as the best guard in the entire league.

C: Len Hauss (1964-77)

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