The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:42 am**

Rick Snider: Skins might play in London in 2010

By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
December 15, 2009

Will the Washington Redskins be the Americans in London next year?

The NFL will play two games in London in 2010, the league's UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood told the BBC on Sunday. Kirkwood said two teams have agreed to forgo a home game to play at Wembley Stadium.

The NFL doesn't announce international games until Super Bowl week, but Redskins sources said the possibility of Washington as a visiting team has been discussed.

The Redskins played a 1992 preseason game in London after winning the Super Bowl earlier that year. The team gained a large British following afterward with fan clubs even attending games at RFK Stadium and touring Redskins Park. The team still has a steady following in England.

The NFL is seeking a better foothold in London after disbanding its NFL Europe summer league in 2008. Some expect four games annually by 2012 when London hosts the Summer Olympics. Scotland and Wales also are vying to host games.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said London is a franchise possibility, though no timetable is given. The league also is eyeing a return to Los Angeles, but teams relocating versus expanding is more likely. New England owner Robert Kraft also advocates a team in London within the next decade.

There also has been speculation over London hosting a Super Bowl. However, the event's economic impact and eight-hour difference from the U.S. West Coast markets makes it very unlikely.

London has hosted an NFL game annually since 2007. New England beat Tampa Bay on Oct. 25 before 84,254. New Orleans played San Diego in 2008 and the New York Giants met Miami in 2007.

The large gate is attractive for teams unable to sell out games such as Jacksonville, Detroit, Oakland and Arizona. Washington plays at Jacksonville and Detroit next year and meets Arizona, though the site won't be decided until season's end. FOX is expected to televise the London games and Washington as a visitor would meet the NFC team requirement.

While some coaches balk over playing internationally, a flight to London is not much longer than Washington's trip to Oakland on Sunday or its Jan. 3 game at San Diego.

It may be the Redskins turn to head abroad. After all, linebacker London Fletcher would be popular with British fans.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sport ... 69842.html

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:45 am**

Then I would finally get to see them!!!

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:05 am**

That's good for our British chapter of skins fans, but I'm not personally a fan of games in UK. Imagine that flight from LA to London?

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:19 am**

As long as it doesn't take away from a home game then I don't mind it at all.

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:10 pm**

Jake wrote:As long as it doesn't take away from a home game then I don't mind it at all.

I'm with you. I don't like the idea, but if they are the "road" team, then I don't have a problem with it.

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:15 pm**

Three consecutive years playing at Detroit?

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:32 pm**

The league really should make that game not count against a teams home game for either team since it screws someone

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:38 pm**

also, does this make season tickets cheaper since you don't get 8 regular season games?

Posted: **Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:24 pm**

doroshjt wrote:The league really should make that game not count against a teams home game for either team since it screws someone

That's called a preseason game

Posted: **Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:53 am**

The redskins have an immense following in the UK so it would be great for us Brits (even though I couldnt get to see them).

At the end of the day its all about money, same as the Premier league in England wanting to play soccer matches outside the country.

Posted: **Wed Dec 16, 2009 9:15 am**

I think it's great. We don't lose a home game and we go to where we have a large following. It's almost like gaining a home game.

Plus all of our UK friends get to see the Skin's.

Posted: **Wed Dec 16, 2009 10:46 am**

I'm there if we do...Free flight out of Dover!!

Posted: **Wed Dec 16, 2009 3:44 pm**

I still don't agree with the idea on principle, but you can bet I'll sell a kidney and get myself a ticket ;-)