Where is this team right now?

[wewantdallas]

We needed at least one of these games the last two weeks to prove we were true contenders. The fact is, we blew both of them, as well as an incredible opportunity to build confidence, get a buzz going about the team league-wide, etc.

My question is, is this team primed to break out of the pack, or are they about to implode? I see signs that could be used to prove both scenarios.

On the positive side, Brunell is looking great, and Moss is the playmaker we've missed for years. The offensive schemes can seemingly move the ball against anyone now, drastically improved from last season. We consistently chew up clock on our drives. Plus, we are in every game. No one dominates us and the two losses we've given up can be very realistically placed in our own laps, rather than the other team taking it to us.

On the negative side? Despite everything Gibbs has been saying since preseason about mistakes, this team still turns the ball over every game, usually killer turnovers. He just can't seem to get it through their heads that losing the turnover ratio almost always means a loss. This can be a very stupid team. (I want Cartwright gone. I was surprised he made the team, and after his fumble today, he is dead to me). Our defense is struggling the last two weeks, our front four is awful, our secondary is riddled with injuries...

The truth is, we've just blown a golden opportunity these last two weeks to really show that the win over Dallass was a turning point with this franchise. Instead, we are right back in the middle of the pack with tons of question marks. It's frustrating beyond belief.

To me, I won't know the answer to this question until after the Giants game, and this is assuming we beat San Fran, a game we better not take for granted.

[2Cooley]

why does everyone think that 2 games against AFC teams were must wins

[VTBob]

Because they are must winners. We should win these games, but we shoot ourselves in the foot with costly mistakes.

[bosshog001]

why does everyone think that 2 games against AFC teams were must wins

Agreed, parity is alive and well in the NFC East, everyone is beating up on one another. We have multiple dimensions on O and CAN cut out the mistakes. Put in Arrington and we have as good a shot as anyone.

[whitskins]

A solid O and a solid D, should be in every game unless we turn the ball over which we did today. We're a solid team but not ready to dominate anybody yet.

[2Cooley]

Because they are must winners. We should win these games, but we shoot ourselves in the foot with costly mistakes.
why must we win them it seems like we do pretty well against NFC teams and really the only time we NEED to be an AFC team is when it counts

[VTBob]

down the road these losses could count, every loss counts.

[bosshog001]

:flower1: A solid O and a solid D, should be in every game unless we turn the ball over which we did today. We're a solid team but not ready to dominate anybody yet.

True, we can win a lot of games, but are not good enough to withstand big errors. A couple of big plays from LaVar wouldn't hurt either

[RedskinsVision]

where are we? a few Turnovers away from 5-0. but also a couple plays from 0-5. this team is coming together in the mold of Gibbs.. they play with heart, the old Redskins style football is back, the only aspect that hasn't been ingrained in this team yet by Gibbs is playing with smarts. soon enough.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Ready to implode? Nah. This team is right on that edge between rebuilding teams and good teams, and it's moving in the right direction. What we need to improve is the turnover ratio.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i think the fact that we were in these games and controlled them for the most part shows this team has the chance to get to the playoffs. surprisingly, the offense has outperformed the defense as of late and its something that, IMO, can be fixed. we have controlled 4 out of the 5 games we've played this year but it doesnt show in the W/L column because 1. we cant score TDs in the red zone. 2. the defense is giving up too many big plays. 3. we are -8 in the turnover differential ratio.

all of those things can be improved upon. its not like we dont have the players. im not completely down on this team, just very, very upset after todays loss.

[Redskinfan28]

I said in preseason that I think we are a 7-9 or 8-8 team this year and I still think that.

[hail2skins]

I totally disagree with you WWD. Guess when the media started saying positives things about us? After our loss to Denver? I've seen plenty of improvement in our team as whole but yes, we do have some weak spots. I'll agree to that. But to say we're back in the middle of pack with a bunch of questions is unfair to the team to me.

[Axegrinder]

No NFC losses yet.:)

[bosshog001]

i think the fact that we were in these games and controlled them for the most part shows this team has the chance to get to the playoffs. surprisingly, the offense has outperformed the defense as of late and its something that, IMO, can be fixed. we have controlled 4 out of the 5 games we've played this year but it doesnt show in the W/L column because 1. we cant score TDs in the red zone. 2. the defense is giving up too many big plays. 3. we are -8 in the turnover differential ratio.

all of those things can be improved upon. its not like we dont have the players. im not completely down on this team, just very, very upset after todays loss.

When we had no O, I thought it was over. Now I think we might have a chance to have balance and win a few.

[wewantdallas]

I totally disagree with you WWD. Guess when the media started saying positives things about us? After our loss to Denver? I've seen plenty of improvement in our team as whole but yes, we do have some weak spots. I'll agree to that. But to say we're back in the middle of pack with a bunch of questions is unfair to the team to me.

I see what you're saying - the media WAS impressed with our play against Denver, and it did have some people saying, "The Skins are for real." And we ARE for real, in that we can play against anybody.

BUT... when you put together TWO straight weeks of basically killing yourself in games you should definitely have won (and this isn't a homer talking, anyone would most likely agree that we lost the game on our mistakes today), that sort of excitement is going to fade real quick. You're not going to hear anyone this week saying, "Oh, the Skins blew another one, but, once again they prove they're for real by playing neck and neck with the Chiefs." That only works once.

I think we're back in the middle of the pack because teams that are ABOVE that level win at least one of these games, teams that are above that level don't repeat the same exact mistakes two weeks in a row. I was really hoping we were going to finally show we've turned a legitimate corner...and that still may very well happen this year...but it sucks to have to continue to wait for it when we had it right in our hands and let it slip away two weeks in a row.

The one thing that is weighing in our favor is Gibbs. I know he won't let this team implode on us.

[flave1969]

I lost count on the amount of times I hears a Redskin nearly picks it off. Walt Harris was guilty this week twice. Twice there were fumbles and we don't fall on them. Yet we lose three. Two weeks in a row we put up over 400 gross yards and yet we lose again.

This team has beat itself two weeks in a row, pure and simple. Unless that stops we will lose.

We have also got to sort out the Offensive line, the run blocking has been poor all year. Brunell suffered a lot of pressure also.

Finally the D is simply playing at a lower level than last year. We simply do not get the same pressure we did last year. Holdman is weak and I cannot believe he is starting over Lavar still and we miss Springs when he is not in there. We talk about not getting turnovers but we have had plenty of chances and taken none. The middle of our line is playing as well as ever but the Ends have been poor and that exposes weak links like Holdman.

[superskin]

all of those things can be improved upon. its not like we dont have the players. im not completely down on this team, just very, very upset after todays loss.

I agree, Lady. The silver lining with losing games due to crucial turnovers is that it is a problem that can - and WILL - be corrected. We have a hell of a defense that is still kicking butt with the exeption of 2 or 3 big plays attributable to a knicked up unit (and arguably, a unit that needs Lavar). Speaking of Lavar, I think his lateral quickness is the antidote to the "outside" and "parimeter" runs that are killing us right now.

When we beat the 49ers and Giants to go to 5-2 and start preparing for the a HUGE home game against the Eagles on national prime-time television, I think we will have garnered the attention we deserve. A couple of weeks ago, they said we were the worst 3-0 team in the NFL. Now, I think we are the best 3-2 team in the league.

[hail2skins]

Hey WWD, I'm trying to raise your spirits. Right now Denver is manhandling New England (The Superbowl Champions). The score is 14-3 in the 2nd quarter.

220+ total yards to 72

[CanadianSkinsFan]

We were in two extremely close games that basically came down to the last play (Moss had that catch if Knight doesn't make a hell of a play) against two of the best teams in the AFC. If we can limit the turnovers and keep the offense on a roll were good to go. I think the D played well today.

[akhhorus]

While this team has lost twice in a row now, it has also outplayed two teams that are very tough at home. The Chiefs offense is very potent and the Skins held them to under 300 total yards. They need a good win next week and to beat the Giants before I start thinking about the playoffs.

[Redskinfan28]

While this team has lost twice in a row now, it has also outplayed two teams that are very tough at home. The Chiefs offense is very potent and the Skins held them to under 300 total yards. They need a good win next week and to beat the Giants before I start thinking about the playoffs.

Absolutely. I can't believe how much I am agreeing with you lately. :banghead: Anyway, we must take out some frustration on the 49ers at home on Sunday.

[Rich77]

Agreed, parity is alive and well in the NFC East, everyone is beating up on one another. We have multiple dimensions on O and CAN cut out the mistakes. Put in Arrington and we have as good a shot as anyone.

At one time Lavar was thought to be the second coming of LT. A couple of years ago when we played Baltimore, LaVar matched Ray Lewis play for play. They were both brilliant. Now our superstar sits because of inflexibilty of coaching staff. Inexcusable to not pressure opposing quarterbacks. Inexcusable to sit our defensive star who used to put fire into the entire defense, and fear into oposing offenses.
Our d-coaches trust Jimoh but not Lavar.
Something is wrong with this picture....

[akhhorus]

Absolutely. I can't believe how much I am agreeing with you lately. :banghead: Anyway, we must take out some frustration on the 49ers at home on Sunday.

I'm upset that we lost, but we clearly outplayed the Chiefs. I do think the Chiefs Oline got away with some holding on the Holmes screen TD, but thats not an excuse for the loss. The Skins beat themselves. And Arrington wouldn't have won this game for the Skins people. 9-7, 10-6 looks likely for this team, barring bad injuries or a total collapse, but they could also be 12-4.

[cmdlost29]

why does everyone think that 2 games against AFC teams were must wins

I believe they were must wins because they were soft games on our schedule, games that would have allowed us a winning or at least a .500 season record at the end of the season when you consider what is ahead.

To the poster that said Denver's beating the Patriots so they were a tuff team to beat, well I'd like to point out how beaten up the Patriots are defensively right now. Also when you hold a QB to less then 100 yards and the RB to just over 100 yards and your QB gets over 300 yards and your RB gets over 100 yards and you still lose well when that happens you know you screwed up something terrible.

Two weeks in a row we've lost games we could have won. I said before the season started that we'd be much better then last year but would still be in line for a 6-10 last place finish and I believe this still. It makes me sad today to look ahead and see that we could have possibly been a playoff team this season ending with an 8-8 record but with the remaining schedule we will once again be last in the division with a 6-10 record but now without a high number one pick.

My predictions the rest of the way:

Win - Oct 23 - San Francisco

We destroy them and get a good feeling back about ourselves ignoring the danger signs just ahead

Loss - Oct 30 - N.Y. Giants

First of a string of 5 straight losses. To put this bluntly, the way the Skins have played the first five games against the way the Giants have played is no comparison. Other then time of possession they are clearly better then us right now. We lose a close one

Loss - Nov 6 - Philadelphia

The Eagles have to keep pace with the Giants and the Cowboys. McNabb eats our lunch here due to injuries and poor defensive play.

Loss - Nov 13 - Tampa Bay

This will be a close game but I believe not one we come out on the winning side of. Tampa Bay is much improved from last season and will be playing for the division lead while the Skins are scratching for .500 again.

Loss - Nov 20 - Oakland

I believe that our corners will not be able to play with Moss and company. This might be a win for us but Oakland is a dangerous team all over.

Loss - Nov 27 - San Diego

They are clearly better then we are

Win - Dec 4 - St. Louis

I'll be at this game! We will end the losing streak against a worse opponent then us

Win - Dec 11 - Arizona

No way we lose to the Cardinals here. Unfortunately last win of the season for the Skins

Loss - Dec 18 - Dallas

They will split with us. No way we beat them twice in the same year.

Loss - Dec 24 - N.Y. Giants

They will be playing for a wild card while we are searching for answers. The game means more to Manning and company and will win it.

Loss - Jan 1 - Philadelphia

This game comes down to whether or not the Cowboys have run away with the division by now or not. If it’s between the Eagles and the Boys we are losers here.



Those last two games we just lost were our best chance to have a winning record this season and we blew it. When the seasons lost and we've got nothing to play for other then pride we will not play as good as we could have if we were fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins Fan

[hail2skins]

Kansas City and Denver soft teams. OMG!!!!!

[akhhorus]

I believe they were must wins because they were soft games on our schedule, games that would have allowed us a winning or at least a .500 season record at the end of the season when you consider what is ahead.

To the poster that said Denver's beating the Patriots so they were a tuff team to beat, well I'd like to point out how beaten up the Patriots are defensively right now. Also when you hold a QB to less then 100 yards and the RB to just over 100 yards and your QB gets over 300 yards and your RB gets over 100 yards and you still lose well when that happens you know you screwed up something terrible.

Two weeks in a row we've lost games we could have won. I said before the season started that we'd be much better then last year but would still be in line for a 6-10 last place finish and I believe this still. It makes me sad today to look ahead and see that we could have possibly been a playoff team this season ending with an 8-8 record but with the remaining schedule we will once again be last in the division with a 6-10 record but now without a high number one pick.

My predictions the rest of the way:

Win - Oct 23 - San Francisco

We destroy them and get a good feeling back about ourselves ignoring the danger signs just ahead

Loss - Oct 30 - N.Y. Giants

First of a string of 5 straight losses. To put this bluntly, the way the Skins have played the first five games against the way the Giants have played is no comparison. Other then time of possession they are clearly better then us right now. We lose a close one

Loss - Nov 6 - Philadelphia

The Eagles have to keep pace with the Giants and the Cowboys. McNabb eats our lunch here due to injuries and poor defensive play.

Loss - Nov 13 - Tampa Bay

This will be a close game but I believe not one we come out on the winning side of. Tampa Bay is much improved from last season and will be playing for the division lead while the Skins are scratching for .500 again.

Loss - Nov 20 - Oakland

I believe that our corners will not be able to play with Moss and company. This might be a win for us but Oakland is a dangerous team all over.

Loss - Nov 27 - San Diego

They are clearly better then we are

Win - Dec 4 - St. Louis

I'll be at this game! We will end the losing streak against a worse opponent then us

Win - Dec 11 - Arizona

No way we lose to the Cardinals here. Unfortunately last win of the season for the Skins

Loss - Dec 18 - Dallas

They will split with us. No way we beat them twice in the same year.

Loss - Dec 24 - N.Y. Giants

They will be playing for a wild card while we are searching for answers. The game means more to Manning and company and will win it.

Loss - Jan 1 - Philadelphia

This game comes down to whether or not the Cowboys have run away with the division by now or not. If it’s between the Eagles and the Boys we are losers here.



Those last two games we just lost were our best chance to have a winning record this season and we blew it. When the seasons lost and we've got nothing to play for other then pride we will not play as good as we could have if we were fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins Fan

Considering that you "nailed" the prediction that the Skins' offense would be worse this year than last year, I'm feeling better about the Skins' season already.

[skinfanjon]

Seriously, cmdlost, what team are you a fan of? It must be great to be that right about things. Somebody should save this post for the end of the season.

[hail2skins]

I believe they were must wins because they were soft games on our schedule, games that would have allowed us a winning or at least a .500 season record at the end of the season when you consider what is ahead.

To the poster that said Denver's beating the Patriots so they were a tuff team to beat, well I'd like to point out how beaten up the Patriots are defensively right now. Also when you hold a QB to less then 100 yards and the RB to just over 100 yards and your QB gets over 300 yards and your RB gets over 100 yards and you still lose well when that happens you know you screwed up something terrible.

Two weeks in a row we've lost games we could have won. I said before the season started that we'd be much better then last year but would still be in line for a 6-10 last place finish and I believe this still. It makes me sad today to look ahead and see that we could have possibly been a playoff team this season ending with an 8-8 record but with the remaining schedule we will once again be last in the division with a 6-10 record but now without a high number one pick.

My predictions the rest of the way:

Win - Oct 23 - San Francisco

We destroy them and get a good feeling back about ourselves ignoring the danger signs just ahead

Loss - Oct 30 - N.Y. Giants

First of a string of 5 straight losses. To put this bluntly, the way the Skins have played the first five games against the way the Giants have played is no comparison. Other then time of possession they are clearly better then us right now. We lose a close one

Loss - Nov 6 - Philadelphia

The Eagles have to keep pace with the Giants and the Cowboys. McNabb eats our lunch here due to injuries and poor defensive play.

Loss - Nov 13 - Tampa Bay

This will be a close game but I believe not one we come out on the winning side of. Tampa Bay is much improved from last season and will be playing for the division lead while the Skins are scratching for .500 again.

Loss - Nov 20 - Oakland

I believe that our corners will not be able to play with Moss and company. This might be a win for us but Oakland is a dangerous team all over.

Loss - Nov 27 - San Diego

They are clearly better then we are

Win - Dec 4 - St. Louis

I'll be at this game! We will end the losing streak against a worse opponent then us

Win - Dec 11 - Arizona

No way we lose to the Cardinals here. Unfortunately last win of the season for the Skins

Loss - Dec 18 - Dallas

They will split with us. No way we beat them twice in the same year.

Loss - Dec 24 - N.Y. Giants

They will be playing for a wild card while we are searching for answers. The game means more to Manning and company and will win it.

Loss - Jan 1 - Philadelphia

This game comes down to whether or not the Cowboys have run away with the division by now or not. If it’s between the Eagles and the Boys we are losers here.



Those last two games we just lost were our best chance to have a winning record this season and we blew it. When the seasons lost and we've got nothing to play for other then pride we will not play as good as we could have if we were fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins FanCrystal ball, eh. They don't exist for drafts but they do for seasons.

[redskin_rich]

I just wish we could start forcing turnovers and stop having them. We would be 5-0 and blowing out some of these games if not for the turnovers.
This team is wreaking havoc on my blood pressure, I may need to start taking Prozac before every game.

[BIGSEF3]

I think everyone who was saying we are a 8-8 or 9-7 team this year were right on. We are improving dramatically, but this team has not learned to prevent turnovers. A team that turns the ball over 3 times in a game does not deserve to win. Gibbs has been preaching and trying to teach error free football, but its just not happening. Even in our wins we have lost the turnover battle.

And I think our defensive struggles are due to us losing Pierce. You cant just plug anyone into the MLB spot and have a defense work. Pierce was a special guy, and we couldnt keep him. Nothing we could really do about it. We couldnt afford to keep him, but OUr defense just doesnt seem as organized as last year. People dont appear to know what they are supposed to be doing, and the blame for that falls squarely on Marshall. He's a great versatile player, but he's definately a downgrade from what we had at MLB last year.

This year, we are going to improve on last year, and next year we can hopefully be a real contender. I just Hope mark Brunell continues to play as well next year as he is right now. He and Moss are just awesome!

[SkinsKY]

why must we win them it seems like we do pretty well against NFC teams and really the only time we NEED to be an AFC team is when it counts

But why make it closer than we have to? We could be 5-0 and well ahead of our division. That just seems to be a better place and I'd like to be there instead of where we are.

[Biggie]

I believe they were must wins because they were soft games on our schedule, games that would have allowed us a winning or at least a .500 season record at the end of the season when you consider what is ahead.

To the poster that said Denver's beating the Patriots so they were a tuff team to beat, well I'd like to point out how beaten up the Patriots are defensively right now. Also when you hold a QB to less then 100 yards and the RB to just over 100 yards and your QB gets over 300 yards and your RB gets over 100 yards and you still lose well when that happens you know you screwed up something terrible.

Two weeks in a row we've lost games we could have won. I said before the season started that we'd be much better then last year but would still be in line for a 6-10 last place finish and I believe this still. It makes me sad today to look ahead and see that we could have possibly been a playoff team this season ending with an 8-8 record but with the remaining schedule we will once again be last in the division with a 6-10 record but now without a high number one pick.

My predictions the rest of the way:

Win - Oct 23 - San Francisco

We destroy them and get a good feeling back about ourselves ignoring the danger signs just ahead

Loss - Oct 30 - N.Y. Giants

First of a string of 5 straight losses. To put this bluntly, the way the Skins have played the first five games against the way the Giants have played is no comparison. Other then time of possession they are clearly better then us right now. We lose a close one

Loss - Nov 6 - Philadelphia

The Eagles have to keep pace with the Giants and the Cowboys. McNabb eats our lunch here due to injuries and poor defensive play.

Loss - Nov 13 - Tampa Bay

This will be a close game but I believe not one we come out on the winning side of. Tampa Bay is much improved from last season and will be playing for the division lead while the Skins are scratching for .500 again.

Loss - Nov 20 - Oakland

I believe that our corners will not be able to play with Moss and company. This might be a win for us but Oakland is a dangerous team all over.

Loss - Nov 27 - San Diego

They are clearly better then we are

Win - Dec 4 - St. Louis

I'll be at this game! We will end the losing streak against a worse opponent then us

Win - Dec 11 - Arizona

No way we lose to the Cardinals here. Unfortunately last win of the season for the Skins

Loss - Dec 18 - Dallas

They will split with us. No way we beat them twice in the same year.

Loss - Dec 24 - N.Y. Giants

They will be playing for a wild card while we are searching for answers. The game means more to Manning and company and will win it.

Loss - Jan 1 - Philadelphia

This game comes down to whether or not the Cowboys have run away with the division by now or not. If it’s between the Eagles and the Boys we are losers here.



Those last two games we just lost were our best chance to have a winning record this season and we blew it. When the seasons lost and we've got nothing to play for other then pride we will not play as good as we could have if we were fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins Fan

I'm sorry, but you really need to get a grip on yourself. It's Week 6, not Week 16. We've overcome turnovers two weeks straight to make each game come down to one play. This is a good football team, and a feisty one. If you honestly think we can't win more than three football games for the rest of the season, then you need to watch the last two games.

[NCskinsfanatic]

"My question is, is this team primed to break out of the pack, or are they about to implode? "

This team has far too much heart, character and determination.....there will be no imploding for these Redskins. We are an improving team that is just now learning to execute the coaches scheme on Offensive. We have put up big numbers on the road against two playoff caliber teams. In the last 2 games If we had just cut down on our own mistakes then we win both games. No one, other than ourselves, has been able to beat us so far this season, that to me is very encouraging . While Im a little disappointed in the last two losses, Im happy about how this team played as a whole and the improvement we continue to show on O.

As for the rest of the season, none of us have anyway of knowing, but I think 6-5 from here on out is a good guess:

San Francisco= W we should be able to handle the 49ers at home
N.Y. Giants = W We've got to win at home against the NFC East
Phililadelphia= L Im ok with a split against Philly, theyve owned us
Tampa Bay = L The Bucs are good but beatable so this could go either way
Oakland = W We should be able to beat the defenseless Raiders at home
San Diego = L The Bolts are real tough, much like KC and Denver were
St. Louis = W We are a better team and this is a gme we should win
Arizona = W See above statement
Dallas = L With the way their playing after the loss, figure to split
N.Y. Giants = L Also too good to beat twice and on the road too....
Philadelphia= W Not sure, but if we hope to see the playoffs we'll need it

Thats only 9-7 , maybe good enough for the playoffs, maybe not. But if we stay in all our games until the end and continue to minimize mistakes on Offense, we should continue to mature and could possibly post an 11 win season. I think while weve seen good play so far, the best is yet to come from this team. Im excited, regardless of our record at seasons end it will be better than last seasons by more than a game or two and we we are finally building something special!

[ConradCountry]

We did not lose that game to the Chiefs we mistaked away that game with the fumbles. We are a contender and we have showed that by being in every game we have played, but even contenders lose games.

[smoak]

IMO the next three games will be an indicator of how the season will go 2-3 wins and we make the playoffs... 0-1 and we don't.

[wewantdallas]

Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins Fan

Geez, dude! ANd I thought -I- was upset and overreacting!!

Your prediction of doom may well come to pass, but there's still plenty of season ahead and to give up now is ridiculous.

[wewantdallas]

Hey WWD, I'm trying to raise your spirits.

I know, and I appreciate it. :-)

But I'm at the point right now where it's like that old saying, "If I hadn't seen such riches, I could live with being poor."

I was there for those great years under Gibbs v. 1.0, and I've just been STARVING for a good team to be proud of for...geez...about 13 years or so now. When we beat Dallass, I really thought maybe things were FINALLY going to come around again for us. It just felt magical ... but these two losses have really got me down.

Yeah, I know, it's encouraging on certain levels to see that we can play with anyone, but at the end of the day, it's another disappointing and self-inflicted Redskin loss, and those are the hardest to take. Every win is so precious in this day and age of the NFL, and that's really how you gauge a good team - if they win games like this and don't give them away.

I'm really disappointed that this team couldn't get itself over the hump and prove that they are indeed a postseason contender. Two absolutely golden opportunities blown. Already I've heard people say, "See, that Dallas win was a fluke, they're lucky to be 3-2, should've lost to Seattle anyway," etc., etc.

I mean, I'm not about to throw in the towel like some others here! Of course not! Fight to the end, always! And this could STILL turn into a magical season. But after the last two weeks, it just feels like the last 13 years again for some reason, and I'm more than sick of that feeling.

And to cap the day off, Dallas sits at the top of the NFC East. And we cleared the path for them. Okay, enough whining for one night.

If ever there were two must-wins for us, these next two games truly are. We HAVE to get to 5-2 and make a statement that we're no longer the patsies of this division. If we can do that, we're back and in great shape. If we lose to the Giants (or to the niners, for that matter), it's most likely going to be another in a long line of "win one week, lose the next" years.

[Skinz4lyfe]

Where are we right now? Good question. We're clearly better on offense but worse on defense. IMO, the line hasn't improved much since Rabech came over. They're very inconsistent and the defense isn't as dominant. Griffin, Washington, Taylor, and Springs have been playin' well. However, we are still making stupid mistakes and we're not good enough to overcome these mistakes. Sure we've faced some of the best offensive lines in the game (Denver and KC) but I feel we should have done better. I honestly don't think we're better than last year right now because we took a step back today. Should Lavar play? Heck he can't do much worse than Mr. 2.25 tackles per game Holdman. Bottom line is we need playmakers on defense and we haven't been doing it. These next few games will tell a lot about this team.

[2Cooley]

But why make it closer than we have to? We could be 5-0 and well ahead of our division. That just seems to be a better place and I'd like to be there instead of where we are.
all i am saying is why so much preasuer we need to win this next one more than the previous 2 cause it is a NFC game

[smoak]

IMO, the line hasn't improved much since Rabech came over.

I would like to point out that the O-line has been great in terms of pass blocking. Rabach has been a huge upgrade (IMO), but Dockery is nearing the end of his rope. He drives me nuts b/c he'll look amazing on one play and then let a guy go almost untouched on the next.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

I believe they were must wins because they were soft games on our schedule, games that would have allowed us a winning or at least a .500 season record at the end of the season when you consider what is ahead.

To the poster that said Denver's beating the Patriots so they were a tuff team to beat, well I'd like to point out how beaten up the Patriots are defensively right now. Also when you hold a QB to less then 100 yards and the RB to just over 100 yards and your QB gets over 300 yards and your RB gets over 100 yards and you still lose well when that happens you know you screwed up something terrible.

Two weeks in a row we've lost games we could have won. I said before the season started that we'd be much better then last year but would still be in line for a 6-10 last place finish and I believe this still. It makes me sad today to look ahead and see that we could have possibly been a playoff team this season ending with an 8-8 record but with the remaining schedule we will once again be last in the division with a 6-10 record but now without a high number one pick.

My predictions the rest of the way:

Win - Oct 23 - San Francisco

We destroy them and get a good feeling back about ourselves ignoring the danger signs just ahead

Loss - Oct 30 - N.Y. Giants

First of a string of 5 straight losses. To put this bluntly, the way the Skins have played the first five games against the way the Giants have played is no comparison. Other then time of possession they are clearly better then us right now. We lose a close one

Loss - Nov 6 - Philadelphia

The Eagles have to keep pace with the Giants and the Cowboys. McNabb eats our lunch here due to injuries and poor defensive play.

Loss - Nov 13 - Tampa Bay

This will be a close game but I believe not one we come out on the winning side of. Tampa Bay is much improved from last season and will be playing for the division lead while the Skins are scratching for .500 again.

Loss - Nov 20 - Oakland

I believe that our corners will not be able to play with Moss and company. This might be a win for us but Oakland is a dangerous team all over.

Loss - Nov 27 - San Diego

They are clearly better then we are

Win - Dec 4 - St. Louis

I'll be at this game! We will end the losing streak against a worse opponent then us

Win - Dec 11 - Arizona

No way we lose to the Cardinals here. Unfortunately last win of the season for the Skins

Loss - Dec 18 - Dallas

They will split with us. No way we beat them twice in the same year.

Loss - Dec 24 - N.Y. Giants

They will be playing for a wild card while we are searching for answers. The game means more to Manning and company and will win it.

Loss - Jan 1 - Philadelphia

This game comes down to whether or not the Cowboys have run away with the division by now or not. If it’s between the Eagles and the Boys we are losers here.



Those last two games we just lost were our best chance to have a winning record this season and we blew it. When the seasons lost and we've got nothing to play for other then pride we will not play as good as we could have if we were fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortuantly we will look back upon these two weeks and know that things could have been very different in the end.

Looking forward to next season already.

Signed Sad Redskins Fan
wow! had i not seen the game with my own eyes, id think we lost 28-0.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

I would like to point out that the O-line has been great in terms of pass blocking. Rabach has been a huge upgrade (IMO)

Full agreement here. If you don't think the line has looked better, then you don't remember how much pressure would come up the middle last year.

[smoak]

wow! had i not seen the game with my own eyes, id think we lost 28-0.

Keep in mind that with 90% of fans, the team is always either over or under rated. Not many fans can be as objective as they would when discussing another team.

Just MO. We took two playoff caliber AFC teams to task in their building and came up a little short. I'm still bitter about the refs in the Denver game, but I refuse to dwell (too much) and I'm moving on and looking forward to playing SF.

[Smurf]

Hi all this is my first post.This is my list of problems.

1.Turnovers Cant get any give up to many.
2.Def not the same as last year we are giving up to many big plays.We are getting no sacks and no turmovers d-line sucks.
3.Run game we have 0 rushing TDS big problem need to get Portis in the endzone.Dont care how we get him in. Give it to him 4 times in the redzone.
4.O-line sucking only time burnell is safe is when he rolls out.There is not alot of room for Portis in the middle.O-line Coach needs to get his head out of his butt.
5.Redzone how many times are we going to get there and not score.I think its time to get Sean Taylor back in there on goaline.

[akhhorus]

Hi all this is my first post.This is my list of problems.

1.Turnovers Cant get any give up to many.
2.Def not the same as last year we are giving up to many big plays.We are getting no sacks and no turmovers d-line sucks.
3.Run game we have 0 rushing TDS big problem need to get Portis in the endzone.Dont care how we get him in. Give it to him 4 times in the redzone.
4.O-line sucking only time burnell is safe is when he rolls out.There is not alot of room for Portis in the middle.O-line Coach needs to get his head out of his ass.
5.Redzone how many times are we going to get there and not score.I think its time to get Sean Taylor back in there on goaline.

Welcome to HR, but be careful of the language.

[hail2skins]

Hi all this is my first post.This is my list of problems.

1.Turnovers Cant get any give up to many.
2.Def not the same as last year we are giving up to many big plays.We are getting no sacks and no turmovers d-line sucks.
3.Run game we have 0 rushing TDS big problem need to get Portis in the endzone.Dont care how we get him in. Give it to him 4 times in the redzone.
4.O-line sucking only time burnell is safe is when he rolls out.There is not alot of room for Portis in the middle.O-line Coach needs to get his head out of his ass.
5.Redzone how many times are we going to get there and not score.I think its time to get Sean Taylor back in there on goaline.Welcome to hR smurf, glad you joined. Please read the guidelines. Profanity not allowed.

[Biggie]

Can we please start running some legitimate stretch plays with Portis? When you have a guy that used to rip off 40-yard runs at will, going up the middle for eight and then having to kill yourself for anything more is not a good use of talent.

[hail2skins]

Can we please start running some legitimate stretch plays with Portis? When you have a guy that used to rip off 40-yard runs at will, going up the middle for eight and then having to kill yourself for anything more is not a good use of talent.I'd like to see more stretch plays too but I think the coaches needs to work on the interior of the oline when run blocking. They don't seem to be sustaining their blocks long enough and why isn't anyone covering the backside defensive guys.

[Skinz4lyfe]

I'd like to see more stretch plays too but I think the coaches needs to work on the interior of the oline when run blocking. They don't seem to be sustaining their blocks long enough and why isn't anyone covering the backside defensive guys.

I totally agree. I should have been more specific in my previous post but that's what I was referring to. The interior run blocking leaves much to be desired. We can't get a push on the ball when we need to.

[golongdude]

This team looks more and more like a Gibbs team every game.

What I mean by that is that the offense is starting to become lethal and can dominate at times. And the defense, while talented and capable of domination on any given Sunday (if they put their minds to it), maddeningly goes flat at times. I remember that from the 80's. Always, always, always...

What I don't recall are the sacks (14 so far!) and the turnover ratio inadequecy. Very un-Gibb-ish.

[Smurf]

Sorry about the language wont happen again.I agree with the stretch play i mean why can rock get the outside run but Portis always seems to get the up the middle stuff he is fast let him take the corner.We where on the five and they give it to Portis up the middle pitch the ball to him he can get the corner.Im just pretty mad we just lost to games that we should have won.My two favorite players cant get it done Portis cant get a TD and ST is not making the big plays he did last year dont get me wrong he can hit.I just dont see the INTS and coverage he had last year.I just want to see this team win i never have.I will have to say i love Marks play right now but he needs more time O-line should be better.

[Chiefs]

Hell man, I would say you are right where you want to be.

Contending for the division, a winning record and just hanging so tight I was ready to s**t myself a couple of times in one of the hardest places to play in all of the NFL.

I would sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

I would be very surprised if the Skins weren't in the playoffs this season and a team that can stay close and win in the end has as good of a chance as any to go all the way.

Good luck this season and PLEASE beat the crap out of the cowgirls.

Chiefs

[Biggie]

Welcome to hR, Chiefs. You and alphaman have both been awesome, but again, watch the language. This is a family forum. ;)

[Smurf]

I like this Chiefs guy!

[wewantdallas]

Hell man, I would say you are right where you want to be.

Contending for the division, a winning record and just hanging so tight I was ready to s**t myself a couple of times in one of the hardest places to play in all of the NFL.

I would sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

I would be very surprised if the Skins weren't in the playoffs this season and a team that can stay close and win in the end has as good of a chance as any to go all the way.

Good luck this season and PLEASE beat the crap out of the cowgirls.

Chiefs

Thanks for the cool post, but it's hard for us to be too happy over a game that, without taking ANYTHING away from your Chiefs, we feel like we should've won. Especially when the same thing happened last week in Denver.

And speaking of those hated cowgirls, they're now in first place BECAUSE we lost this game! So I don't feel very relaxed right now! BUt I hope you're right about the playoffs...and good luck to the Chiefs as well. Always liked 'em...maybe because they're Indians, too...

[Chiefs]

Thanks for the cool post, but it's hard for us to be too happy over a game that, without taking ANYTHING away from your Chiefs, we feel like we should've won. Especially when the same thing happened last week in Denver.

And speaking of those hated cowgirls, they're now in first place BECAUSE we lost this game! So I don't feel very relaxed right now! BUt I hope you're right about the playoffs...and good luck to the Chiefs as well. Always liked 'em...maybe because they're Indians, too...

Like I said, it was in Arrowhead, you will have plenty of games that will be much easier from the get go in the future.

This is a very good team, the Chiefs don't have their groove together yet but anyone that can shut down our running game like that can beat ANYONE.

Don't worry about Dallas, they will blow it.

[Biggie]

Mark my words: The Cowboys will lose this division at our hands, and we will snatch their playoff spot in the last game of the season.

Now, if that prediction comes true, a couple winning lottery tickets addressed to my parents would be nice...

[Chiefs]

Welcome to hR, Chiefs. You and alphaman have both been awesome, but again, watch the language. This is a family forum. ;)

Sorry, I went back for the edit. I didn't realize there weren't filters here to catch it.

If the owners want my very robust filters (lol) I would be more than happy to share.

[bgforever]

why does everyone think that 2 games against AFC teams were must wins

In my anallysis of the schedule, teams, scenarios, This team is still in good shape because they won those 3 games, which were crucial, ALL were Conference games. Chicago, Seattle and Dallas. The one DIVISION game was very crucial early on and we got it. No matter what the standings show now, we MUST continue to win as many as possible, but also put premiums on Division and Conference games. Nfl.com uses alphabetical standings, not the "real" ones, we have a division win against no losses, putting us actually by league rules in second place in the East. man the media won't let up.

SF, STL loom, with NY/PHIL in our 4 out of 5 key midseason matchups. Oak is in there to bring us to yet another AFC West opponent. Our defense is learning a lot about speed - it kills!

[bgforever]

I'd like to see more stretch plays too but I think the coaches needs to work on the interior of the oline when run blocking. They don't seem to be sustaining their blocks long enough and why isn't anyone covering the backside defensive guys.

The way the scheme is set up, its to slide block on some plays, based on Portis speed, but they can't let up so quickly, and I agree. They will probably hit on what you said, after reviewing, and realize, Portis could have easily had 200+ yards and aside the 3 costly turnovers, crushed KC.

[firehawk157]

Any 2 losses, especially right now, are very disappointing, especially since it looks/looked like we are really another team. But guys, cmon, let's keep this in perspective... Two losses (just as good anyone else in this division), at away games at the two hardest stadiums in the business (maybe except Lambeau) against two teams that are perennial playoff teams, one of which has just gotten off of a bye week.
So having said that horrible run-on sentence, I think the next two games will be very revealing about our personality as a team. Definitely must-wins. SF is just a worse team that we should really just beat down and if we don't (I know they are looking for a win, but that doesn't mean anything, you can't play better then somebody better then you, right?), then we need to hit the panic button. Then Giants, the giants are on a high with all those TDs but cmon, if dallas can keep them to 13 points, then I know we can too. And then we can beat up bad on their 31st ranked defense. My thought is we need to go into the philly game with two straight wins, 5-2 and a lot of confidence.

[wewantdallas]

My thought is we need to go into the philly game with two straight wins, 5-2 and a lot of confidence.

Definitely. If we can face Philly at home with a 5-2 record, that's going to be the game of the new millenium for the Redskins, and the crowd will be absolutely insane. But let's get to 5-2 first!

[dj_stouty]

Prior to the season...I predicted the Skins would:

Win vs. Chicago
Lose @ Dallas
Win vs. Seattle
Split @ KC & Denver

...giving them a 3-2 record going into week 7, when the underperforming 49ers came to town.

They are currently "in-line" with my expectations...but I'm obviously more happier when they get one or two games ahead of my expectations. Unfortunately, my expectations for this team was only 8 or 9 wins at most. I now think they are better than that...but the proof is in the pudding, and we are still working on the appetizers.

The Skins now need to come back home and beat the team they are "supposed" to beat. San Fran is horrible....and a home win against them will give the Skins added momentum before going into New York.

[bgforever]

Prior to the season...I predicted the Skins would:

Win vs. Chicago
Lose @ Dallas
Win vs. Seattle
Split @ KC & Denver

...giving them a 3-2 record going into week 7, when the underperforming 49ers came to town.

They are currently "in-line" with my expectations...but I'm obviously more happier when they get one or two games ahead of my expectations. Unfortunately, my expectations for this team was only 8 or 9 wins at most. I now think they are better than that...but the proof is in the pudding, and we are still working on the appetizers.

The Skins now need to come back home and beat the team they are "supposed" to beat. San Fran is horrible....and a home win against them will give the Skins added momentum before going into New York.

Well you got your finger on the pulse and that is what matters. 8 wins is a +, however, this team's destiny is higher, the problem is the players we know aren't likely to be around next season, are being given TOO many high profile, crucial moments to create turnovers, and penalties! In 4 instances out 5 games, two have given up 20 points, and stolen momentum from the team. That means we'd be lucky to get to 9-7 at best with those same two still inserted in some of the most insanely crucial moments of the game.

[tbfoster1]

I think the 3-0 start shot my expectations through the roof, even if they were close games. The two loses have brought me back to earth.

Where do I think this team is?
Close, real close. Most of the things that are hurting this team can be overcome. Offensively the talent is there just need to be more disaplined stop with the turnovers, look at some of the playcalling. Defensivly, I don't know if they are as aggressive as last year. I'd say we might need someone in there to help generate a pass rush but we got it last year, why not this year?

I know we run the word "Potential" into the ground around here but by God this teams got it. I think we're close to being a one of the best, close but not quite.

[smoak]

I'm with you TB. We're close and the team is learning how to win some of these...

My thought is this. We played well in Denver and I feel that the refs really played too big a role in the game. We opened it up against the Chiefs and the D let us down. I have to believe they'll adjust and right the ship.

I'm feeling good!

[openallnight]

Right now we're playing sub par football. Our defense is not creating any scoring opportunities for the offense and our offense/STs are handing the opponents 2 - 3 scores / game. At the current rate things like pretty
dismal. If we continue to play at this level we will not win many more games.

Although, I have confidence that coach Gibbs will have the offensive mistakes minimized as the season progresses. As the oLine continues to improve, Patten's role is increased and Portis, Betts and Jansen get healthier the offense will continue to improve. I expect they'll be putting up 24+ pts. / game within the next few weeks.

Once Springs, Clarke and Arrington return the D will also be much improved. They will hold opponents to under 14 / game and should be able to create 2 turn overs per game. Remember folks we've yet to play a game w/ ALL our defensive starters in there for a complete game. Hopefully, by the time we play philly we'll have our complete arsenal ready.

One last thing everyone must keep in mind. You don't win championships in oct., well not in football anyway ;) For all those that may not know or have forgotten, coach Gibbs knows a thing or 2 about winning championships and we will be playing our best ball come Dec. and Jan.

[The Skinsinator]

One last thing everyone must keep in mind. You don't win championships in oct., well not in football anyway ;) For all those that may not know or have forgotten, coach Gibbs knows a thing or 2 about winning championships and we will be playing our best ball come Dec. and Jan.Very good point OpenallNight. He will get us to where we need to be and I really will be disappointed if we don't make the playoffs this year. We are a playoff team, I have no doubt. The turnovers will get resolved this week. That won't be happening for awhile. It's Williams' responsibility for the defense to fix some of it's shortcomings. We need to pound SF next week. By the way, did the schedulers care that we have to back to back games against teams coming off byes? Just curious.

[SkinsFan4Life2003]

If we can cut back on our TO's and stop beating ourselves, i can easily see a 10 win season for us.

[MWballer]

I like watching us throw the ball but we really cant keep throwing the ball over 30 times out there and expect to win. IN every game this season weve had to play from behind we need to get the lead nex week and jus grind it out.

[Blind-sided]

I think this team will be fine . The coaching staff will correct the mistakes. As the season goes this team will be fighting for a wild card. The D is playing well considering that S.T. and Walt H. is playing bang up, Springs was out , no pass rush and as has been well covered no Lavar. And only by a touchdown with three turnovers to still be in the game.

[ppease]

The passing offense is looking real good when the OL is able to protect. But in the KC game the pass protection didn't get it done. Our rushing offense has not been real good. So overall we are much better than last season (by far). In my opinion we are now in need of a better rushing game as we need a more balanced offense.

The defense while not really bad; has not played nearly as well as last season. It seems like they are not playing nearly as agressive as they did last year. It may be because of injuries to the CBs has something to do with not blitzing nearly as much. The defnese also seems to be having problems stopping the run; are our DL not making the play? are our LB's not in position? I don't know. I do know that the defense is not playing nearly as well as I had hoped.

Of course our turnovers are what is hurting the most. The turnover ratio needs to change to be in our favor if we want to win.

[colkurtz]

The biggest positive is that the team plays the whole game. One of the reasons this team franchse has been so mediocre for a dozen years is because the team faded or gave up games. You're not going to see a bunch of players joking and laughing after we lose a game under Gibbs.

This is a rebuilding team. I thought we would be 9-7 and I still think we can get there. We can win a wildcard with some improvement in a few areas and a little luck.

This team is vastly improved from 2 years ago. We will not blow out any teams, but we aren't going to lose ugly either.

It's all good. No time to panic. At least we are on the "up" escalator - how would you like to be Fred Smoot on the Vikings? :lol1:

[PA Skins Girl]

Our goal right now should be to win the division. We are in real good shape for that:

A) We are playing just as well as anyone in our division.
B) We are the only team in the division whose wins have all been conference wins.
C) We are the only team in the division who has not lost a division game.

Basically, if you are gonna lose, lose to the non-conference teams.

The next three games are super important though.

[bgforever]

Our goal right now should be to win the division. We are in real good shape for that:

A) We are playing just as well as anyone in our division.
B) We are the only team in the division whose wins have all been conference wins.
C) We are the only team in the division who has not lost a division game.

Basically, if you are gonna lose, lose to the non-conference teams.

The next three games are super important though.

Why I second that opinion. I have kept quite on it since. Even Gibbs senses the sinister inuendos in the league (always putting the Giants ahead of us in the Division standings, or media hypers making sure they generate a huge support for opponents early on and stoke the fires up till the kickoff. Its called HATE. Joe Gibbs knows it when he sees it. They will either love us or HATE us, when the smoke clears at the END of the season, for they will talk trash now, to sell their papers, web hits, ratings, but the truth hurts and deep down inside we paining the living you know what out of them, cause they see the train a comin'!