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Commanders season opener in 10 days: Washington’s best No. 10

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 10 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 10?

Those who wore No. 10 for Washington were primarily quarterbacks and receivers.

After nine NFL seasons, Jabar Gaffney came to Washington for one season (2011), catching 68 passes for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Paul Richardson (2018-19), after four seasons in Seattle, came to Washington collecting 48 receptions and four touchdown receptions. These two seasons turned out to be his last in the NFL.

Curtis Samuel (2021- current) has caught 70 passes for 683 yards, 4 touchdowns and 40 first downs.

There have been backup quarterbacks such as Kent Graham (2001) and Jeff Rutledge (1990-92). It was Rutledge who was called into action in a 1990 game at Detroit. Mark Rypien was injured, and when Stan Humphries threw three interceptions, Joe Gibbs called on Rutledge. Washington trailed 35-14, but Rutledge had his career day, completing 30 passes for 363 yards and Washington defeated the Lions 41-38 in overtime.

Trent Green (1997-98) had overtaken Gus Frerotte as the Washington starter, but with uncertainty looming regarding ownership, determined to depart via free agency to the Rams. Later he was a Pro Bowler twice with the Chiefs.

Jay Schroeder (1985-87) only started one game at UCLA, gave minor league baseball a serious attempt, and was drafted by the Redskins 83rd overall in 1984. In a 1985 home game against the NY Giants, Joe Theismann’s career was abruptly ended, and Schroeder was called into action, and surprisingly completed 13 passes for 221 yards (11.05 yards per attempt), leading Washington to a 23-21 victory on MNF. Starting the last six games, the Redskins won five of six to finish 10-6 in 1985.

In 1986, Schroeder passed for 4,109 yards, was a Pro Bowler, and Washington finished 12-4 and won two playoff games before losing at the Giants in the NFC Championship game. In 1987, Schroeder was 8-2 in games he started but lost the job to Doug Williams in the last game of the season. Williams then led the team to their Super Bowl XXII victory over Denver. Schroeder wanted out and was traded to the Raiders in 1988.

Robert Griffin (2012-2015) was the second overall selection by Washington in the 2012 draft. Griffin had many spectacular moments his 2012 season leading the Redskins to seven straight wins and a 10-6 finish before losing to Seattle in the playoffs. Griffin rushed for 815 yards, averaged 6.8 yards a carry, opened up passing lanes, and threw for 20 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions.

Griffin had torn his ACL in the playoff loss to Seattle but worked extremely hard in the offseason and was ready to go in Week 1. However, Griffin had refused in the offseason to continue to run the zone-read offense. The team struggled mightily in 2013, finishing a woeful 3-13. Griffin had become a polarizing figure going to the owner to get support vs. the offensive coaches. By 2014 Griffin was on the field following a game, blamed his offensive line for his performance, and lost his teammates as well.

Washington released Griffin, he signed with the Browns, but they released him after only one season. With no teams interested, Griffin had to sit out 2017. The Ravens then signed him in 2018. Griffin never developed as a passer and was released following the 2020 season.