Sports

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Former Redskins coach Bill McPeak was a happy man when Washington acquired Sonny Jurgensen before the 1964 season. But the happiness was fleeting, as McPeak was fired after the 1965 season. He went 21-46 overall. (associated press)

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Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco proved his worth in leading Baltimore to a Super Bowl title in February, and now he becomes more of a recognized leader with the retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis. (associated press)

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The coach-quarterback combination is key to any franchise's staying power. In Jim Harbaugh and Colin Kaepernick, the defending NFC champion 49ers are set up to succeed for years to come. (associated press photographs)

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Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have set the 21st century standard for staying power in the NFL. The Patriots have made the playoffs in 10 of the 11 full seasons in which Brady has been healthy. And in the year he was knocked out in Week 1, Belichick managed to get 11 wins out of his team.

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Ryan Kerrigan was an All-America defensive end at Purdue before he was drafted at No. 16 in 2011. With the switch to outside linebacker as a pro, he has amassed 16 sacks, two interceptions and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the Redskins. "He's very durable and intelligent," coach Mike Shanahan says. "[H]e's kind of like a coach's dream, to be honest with you. You'd love to have a whole football team of Ryan Kerrigans." (the Washington Times)

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In their fourth season together, Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have the Redskins as close to achieving true staying power as the team has been since the franchise's glory years in the 1980s and early 1990s under Joe Gibbs. (associated press)

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Nose tackle Barry Cofield (above, left), wide receiver Pierre Garcon (above, right), and linebacker Brian Orakpo (below) are among the Redskins' core group of impact players younger than 30 who add talent, experience and leadership this season. (associated press photographs)

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"The goal is longevity in the league," Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III says. "You also want to win. I think I proved how tough I am and the heart that I have on the football field and my teammates know that." (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Leander Paes, of India, turns and reacts to his partner Radek Stepanek, of the Czech Republic, during the men's doubles quarterfinals against Mike and Bob Bryan at the 2013 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, center, restrains Cary Williams from Riley Cooper (14), during practice at the NFL football team's training facility, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)