Choosing your NFL/EFLI team - Optimists

Washington Redskins

Colours: Burgundy, gold and white

Mascot: None

Stadium: FedEx Field

Home City: Landover, Maryland

Super Bowl wins: 3 (5 appearances)

Records over last 5 years: 28 wins, 52 losses, 1 playoff appearance

Best Players: Alfred Morris, Robert Griffin III, Pierre Garcon

Bio: The Washington Redskins haven’t really been a successful team since the early 1990s. They have recorded double digit losses in four of their last five seasons. However, the fortunes of the franchise were potentially changed when, in 2012, the team drafted Robert Griffin III to become its franchise quarterback.

Griffin was incredibly fast, charismatic and supremely talented, and after a first season that saw his team record its first double digit winning season since 2005 on the back of Griffin’s offensive rookie of the year performance, many believed he would come to be the face of the entire NFL.

However, a serious injury in the 2012 playoffs saw Griffin lose his form in the 2013 campaign, bringing disbelievers out of the woodwork. If the franchise is going to return to the exciting times of 2012, it all depends on Robert Griffin and new head coach Jay Gruden, who will be tasked with rebuilding the fallen star.

If the Redskins are the team for you, you can read all about their new head coach and the impact he will have on Griffin and the Redskins here.

It should be noted that the Redskins have been in a controversial debate over the racial implications of their name for years now, although eccentric owner Dan Snyder refuses to change the name. The controversy continues.