Redskins motivated by Giants president's quote

• The Giants president said the Redskins 'are lucky they didn't lose draft picks'
• The Redskins were penalized $36 million in salary-cap space

LANDOVER, Md. – The Washington Redskins were motivated for Monday night's game against the New York Giants by a quote from Giants president John Mara and by the fact the officials seem to be taking it easy on the Giants and Atlanta Falcons, two organizations that helped in negotiating the latest referees' contract.

The Mara quote, which was posted in the Redskins' locker room this week, stated he believed the $36 million in salary-cap space the team was penalized because of alleged cap violations was a light sentence.

"I think (the Redskins) are lucky they didn't lose draft picks," Mara said. "I thought the penalties imposed were proper."

ESPN first reported the Mara quotes were used as a motivational tool.

However, the 'Skins also used the officials to prod the players this week. Underneath the Mara quote on a sheet posted on the bulletin board was the list of penalties per team through Week 12.

Atop the list: The Redskins (93 penalties) and the Dallas Cowboys (90), the two alleged salary-cap violators. In bold down below, it reads, "NFL took $46,000,000 of Salary Cap Room from these two teams."

At the bottom: The Giants (48 penalties) and Falcons (39). Both of those teams are highlighted, as is the line below it that reads, "Assisted NFL in negotiating the NFLRA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement."

The Redskins will find out soon whether these motivational tactics will result in a victory that will keep them in the hunt of the NFC East-leading Giants.