EDIT: Where do the Skins rank among NFLs best?

[BSMKF]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.

[csquared]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.

And if there were ever a thread to jinx the team its this one. Shut it down quick!

[Lacquer Head]

*knocks on wood while saying three Hail Marys*

[Redskinmayhem]

And if there were ever a thread to jinx the team its this one. Shut it down quick!

seriously, no. Now stop it.

Mods please delete thread!!!!

[AliBabba]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.
oh god ... can we at least change the name of this thread please?

How about the Giants? They are undefeated and have already beat us. So until they lose a game I dont think that we are in position to assume we could beat them.

I really, really hate this thread

[BSMKF]

oh yeah we have also played 4 of the top 5 offense in the NFL and we are 3-1



League Leaders - OffenseTotal Offense (YPG) Complete List
1. Denver Broncos 435.5
2. Dallas Cowboys 416.0
3. New Orleans Saints 414.2
4. New York Giants 400.3
5. Arizona Cardinals 377.8

[cal_junior]

Considering most power rankings will have Washington in the top-5 this week I don't think the question is outlandish. I do think they still have too much to prove to be considered No. 1.

I think the Skins COULD beat anybody in the league on a given day, but we'll see if they can consistently make plays against the good/average teams when they have to.

A 10+ point win over a Philly team that looks a little out of sorts and is banged up would go a long way towards my thinking they are legit NFC championship game team.

[shally]

ridiculous.. the giants are world champs and beat us.. end of story, for now.

there is much work to be done

[BSMKF]

LOL @ you guys I am very confident in our team.


this is not a jinx.



LOL

[RedskinsDave]

Are there teams who can beat us? There are quite a few. This is the NFL. Just as easily we beat Dallas, other teams won games they weren't supposed to win yesterday. 3-1 is fantastic but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

[colkurtz]

We're very good. We can hang with any team in the NFL. We are being well coached. we're improving every week.

HOWEVER, we're not blowing anyone out of the water. we're winning games in the last minute. we have a couple players that are just indispensable to winning.
we have almost one TD pulled back by a penalty each game. we are in the toughest division in the NFL.

BL - we're one of the top teams in the NFL. Fortunately the NFL doesn't know it yet; or doesn't want to admit it. However, we also have to play some of the best teams in the league - who are also are in our division. Run this thread again in November and see what everyone says then.

[saviour]

LOL @ you guys I am very confident in our team.


this is not a jinx.



LOL

Temper your enthusiasm guy. Its just one win. If we lose big to Philly will you think we are the worst team in the NFL?

Talk to me after week 8.

[Sweepea436]

Highest of the highs and lowest of the lows on this board. We lose to the Gints and its all doom and gloom. 2 wins later its cautious optimism - Beat Dallas? We're juggernauts! lol..... how about a happy medium here? We appear to be better than alot of peoples (including mine) pre-season expectations. And a win over dallas IN dallas...... doesn't get sweeter. But keep it in perspective! Its a nice stepping stone - but we have a better (IMHO) team to beat this coming Sunday. Lets keep the momentum and keep building on our confidence and trust in the team.....:banger:

[GreenspanDan]

no.

[WarEagle]

The kool-aid line starts here...

[NamVet4]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.

NO! Our Beloved Team is not ready to lay claim to that mantle. We, as fans, may claim that in the euphoria of yesterdays win over a hated rival. A reality check is needed to bring things in persepctive. There is still more to learn and practice and play on the field before the title of "Best Team in the NFL" can be bestowed on Our Beloved Team....

[flave1969]

We have played four games. Just as we were not the worst after one week, we are not the best either by far.

We all need to calm down. Ask this question after Week 12 or Week 17.

[csquared]

The kool-aid line starts here...

LMAO!! :goodpost:

[BurgundyNGold]

Really?

Really???

[smittyskin]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.

Here we go. :rolleyes:

[Skinz4lyfe]

Yesterday proved we can beat anybody in the league now matter where we play. However, with greatness comes consistency. Until we can consistently perform well, we cannot say we're the best in the league. Heck we probably aren't the best in our division.

[colkurtz]

Fire up the Bandwagon!

Who's bold enough to get on board NOW?

Not me yet.....

[silverspring]

The kool-aid line starts here...

I think some people have already gone back from seconds. Clearly we are a competitive team, but lets not get overzealous yet.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

The Cowboys were saying the same thing a week ago, and where are they no? Let's not go through the same. Besides, the Giants humilliated us, we are in no position to even ask that question...

Plus, the karma thing...

[BSMKF]

We're very good. We can hang with any team in the NFL. We are being well coached. we're improving every week.

HOWEVER, we're not blowing anyone out of the water. we're winning games in the last minute. we have a couple players that are just indispensable to winning.
we have almost one TD pulled back by a penalty each game. we are in the toughest division in the NFL.

BL - we're one of the top teams in the NFL. Fortunately the NFL doesn't know it yet; or doesn't want to admit it. However, we also have to play some of the best teams in the league - who are also are in our division. Run this thread again in November and see what everyone says then.

We our not blowing team out because we have played 4 out of 5 of the top 5 offenses in the NFL,





League Leaders - OffenseTotal Offense (YPG) Complete List
1. Denver Broncos 435.5
2. Dallas Cowboys 416.0
3. New Orleans Saints 414.2
4. New York Giants 400.3
5. Arizona Cardinals 377.8

[smoak]

This is a joke. We are not even top 10 yet... Win next week and I'll listen.

(Please note that I never respected dallass as "the best team in the NFL")

[WisconsinRedskins]

ridiculous.. the giants are world champs and beat us.. end of story, for now.

there is much work to be done

/thread

[WisconsinRedskins]

This is a joke. We are not even top 10 yet... Win next week and I'll listen.

(Please note that I never respected dallass as "the best team in the NFL")

We're clearly a top 10 team though. Name me 10 teams who you think are better.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Any team can beat us, and we can beat any team. Its as simple as that. LOL, what a difference 3 weeks makes.......

[Keino]

This is a joke. We are not even top 10 yet... Win next week and I'll listen.

(Please note that I never respected dallass as "the best team in the NFL")

We're not top 10, after beating an undefeated team in their place and the only loss we have is to the Superbowl Champions (who are also undefeated) from week 1 in their place, while playing in the toughest division in football?

I couldn't disagree more. Of course we are Top 10. I challenge anyone who doesn't think so to name 10 teams better.

And to answer the thread question, YES.

We are the best team in the NFL. If you didn't think it why would you support this team? I don't care what our record is, this team is the best team in the NFL.

[RoanokeSkin]

Yesterday proved we can beat anybody in the league now matter where we play. However, with greatness comes consistency. Until we can consistently perform well, we cannot say we're the best in the league. Heck we probably aren't the best in our division.


My feelings exactly. The best team in football right now is the undefeated Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. If we want to be the best team, we just need to consistently do what we did the last 3 weeks for the rest of the season and the playoffs.

The power rankings are interesting, but on any given Sunday, anyone can be beaten.

[Death_Venom]

I think that right now there is momentum building, and the Skins are riding it. Right now we are executing plays well and not making a lot of mistakes. If we can get D. Thomas and A. Randle El more involve in the offense we become more efficient........

Top 10 team? One game at a time...........Let's reign in the all the declarations of being invincible or unstoppable for now..........

[AliBabba]

We're not top 10, after beating an undefeated team in their place and the only loss we have is to the Superbowl Champions (who are also undefeated) from week 1 in their place, while playing in the toughest division in football?

I couldn't disagree more. Of course we are Top 10. I challenge anyone who doesn't think so to name 10 teams better.

And to answer the thread question, YES.

We are the best team in the NFL. If you didn't think it why would you support this team? I don't care what our record is, this team is the best team in the NFL.
Nice semantical sneak attack Keino ....

I hate this thread, but I do believe that we are now a top 10 team.

[remaxjon]

according to this guy http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl08.htm we are the best team in the NFL.

[BraveHeartFan]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.

I don't know whose the best, for sure, at 4 weeks in but I'd say that anyone talking about the best has to be including the Skins in that conversation.

[Keino]

Nice semantical sneak attack Keino ....

I hate this thread, but I do believe that we are now a top 10 team.

I love the thread. We are the BEST. Nobody can tell me different ALL WEEK!!!!!

[BurgundyNGold]

according to this guy http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl08.htm we are the best team in the NFL.
I don't buy into the whole "Power Rankings" and statistical extrapolation and projection rankings. This is a parity league. KC (0-3) beat Denver (3-0) this week pretty soundly. Anyone can beat anyone else on any given Sunday.

That said, I think this team is on a roll and has shown that they can play with anyone when they don't beat themselves. As they're playing right now, the Redskins should definitely be a top 10 team in most of these faux rankings. But #1? We just played one great game; there are 12 more to go with a huge one coming up next week in Philly against an Iggle team who, at 2-2, has their backs up against a wall.

[BurgundyNGold]

I love the thread. We are the BEST. Nobody can tell me different ALL WEEK!!!!!
Oh, we are the best, lol. No doubt about that.

[Skaggsrules]

We beat any team in the league, and we can lose to any team in the league....That's the beauty of sports

[AliBabba]

I don't buy into the whole "Power Rankings" and statistical extrapolation and projection rankings. This is a parity league. KC (0-3) beat Denver (3-0) this week pretty soundly. Anyone can beat anyone else on any given Sunday.

That said, I think this team is on a roll and has shown that they can play with anyone when they don't beat themselves. As they're playing right now, the Redskins should definitely be a top 10 team in most of these faux rankings. But #1? We just played one great game; there are 12 more to go with a huge one coming up next week in Philly against an Iggle team who, at 2-2, has their backs up against a wall.
The point on not beating ourselves is a great one. The turnover advantage we hold cannot be overstated and while I don't expect to finish the year with no offensive turnovers the longer we maintain our advantage the better our chances this year .....

[Redskinfan28]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



nope, but we are off to a good start.

[hail2skins]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.

Its kinda of a weird feeling really.I would think that someone that starts a thread like this would provide more detail on their opinion of why when asking this question.

We have put ourselves in a good position but there is still a lot of football to be played. I would say currently, we're one of the better teams on the rise.

[Ibleedburgundy]

ridiculous.. the giants are world champs and beat us.. end of story, for now.

there is much work to be done

And that's the bottom line. Takes more than 3 games to be the best, and we have to beat the Giants for this to become a serious discussion.

[dj_stouty]

We are so good...that we will win the rest of our games so impressively that the league will go back to week 1 and reverse that loss to a win. UNDEFEATED, and the best of all time!

So, it isn't too early for HR to plan a a tailgate spot on the SB parade route, is it?

[WarEagle]

Oh, we are the best, lol. No doubt about that.

B&G- What's up with that green dancing thing? It's kinda freakin' me out.

[WinnpegSkinsFan]

ridiculous.. the giants are world champs and beat us.. end of story, for now.

there is much work to be done

Exactly - i don't think this thread is a jinx but i do hate threads like this at this time - way too early. If we get to say, 8-1 then it would be more reasonable time to start a thread like this. Not now!!!

[greatest2]

A. its only week 4.

B. don't JINX it. your as bad as the people who keep asking portis about fumbling.

STOP!

can i start a petition to stop the thread? how many signatures i need mods?

[jaylen]

Hard to tell if we're the best to me. we still have pass rush issues with injuries now to our secondary which could come back and bite us big time. Fully healthy we have the best secondary in the league.

I guess we had to go through that 1st game to figure alot of things out. I think the one aspect in the Giants loss that wasn't really talked about much is despite playing terribly we held the Giants offense down and we still had a chance to win despite looking inept.

I really don't wanna take the mantle as the league's best team after 4 weeks leave it with Dallas or the Giants.

We still have alot of room for improvement with our young wr's and our d line getting healthier with JT.

I think we're elite but thats as far as I'll go with it.

[AliBabba]

B&G- What's up with that green dancing thing? It's kinda freakin' me out.
Tune your TV to FX on Thursday night at 10, you will thank BnG, trust me

[BurgundyNGold]

The point on not beating ourselves is a great one. The turnover advantage we hold cannot be overstated and while I don't expect to finish the year with no offensive turnovers the longer we maintain our advantage the better our chances this year .....
Hear, hear. Turnover differential is huge. I doubt Tennessee would be 4-0 if not for their hugely positive turnover differential.

[Biggie]

This thread is bad.

We're 3-1. The Bills are 4-0. The Titans are 4-0. The Giants are 3-0. The Giants beat us. We have so much room for improvement it's not even funny.

[Charlz]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.


Dude, your enthusiam is admirable but it's only the fourth game. We have many more games to go and the rest of the league will have more tape on us down the stretch.

[skinsfan36]

we have a ways to go man calm down

[ARParr]

EVERY team in the NFL has the ability to beat us on any given game day. that's why we go out and play each week.

case in point: Dallas was supposed to win. they didn't.

[csquared]

We're not top 10, after beating an undefeated team in their place and the only loss we have is to the Superbowl Champions (who are also undefeated) from week 1 in their place, while playing in the toughest division in football?

I couldn't disagree more. Of course we are Top 10. I challenge anyone who doesn't think so to name 10 teams better.

And to answer the thread question, YES.

We are the best team in the NFL. If you didn't think it why would you support this team? I don't care what our record is, this team is the best team in the NFL.

Thats homerism. I think the last time i thought that was 1991.

[greatest2]

Thats homerism. I think the last time i thought that was 1991.

well then, aren't you always right.;)

[Keino]

Thats homerism. I think the last time i thought that was 1991.

So What!?!?!?!?!?!?! That's why I support this team. No matter what their record is, they will be the best team in the NFL in my eyes.

[csquared]

well then, aren't you always right.;)

Nah we just dominated every team every week. I also probably thought that going into 1992 also but that changed quickly lol.

[csquared]

So What!?!?!?!?!?!?! That's why I support this team. No matter what their record is, they will be the best team in the NFL in my eyes.

Cmon Keino..... Dont even tell me that you thought during the Spurrier years we were the best team in the NFL.

[Keino]

Cmon Keino..... Dont even tell me that you thought during the Spurrier years we were the best team in the NFL.

Have you not read what I wrote?

I always think the Redskins are the Best Team. That has nothing to do with W/L record.

[GeneralDisorder]

Cmon Keino..... Dont even tell me that you thought during the Spurrier years we were the best team in the NFL.

During the Spurrier years, I'm not sure the Skins were even the best team in Washington...

[jtovb2005]

there is no "best team in the NFL". We are a good team that can compete with anyone. We have been one for a few years but never turned it up game to game. This is different this year. We are playing up each game except the first one. We just have to keep up this style of play game in and game out and we will be fine.

Curse this thread lol.

[Patrick]

As of yesterday - We are firmly one of the top teams in the NFL ...... for the first part of the season and that's it ...... NO best to it.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

http://usuarios.lycos.es/bloga/img/pulp%20fiction%20harvey%20keitel%20sr%20lobo.jpg

What he said.

[jtovb2005]

http://usuarios.lycos.es/bloga/img/pulp%20fiction%20harvey%20keitel%20sr%20lobo.jpg

What he said.

lol, I don't get it?

[coban]

After Phillies, We play St-Louis, Cleveland and Detroit, wich should or could result in 3 victory.

Win or loose at Eagle, we should go 6-2 rather easyly, even 7-1 is not out of the way !!
Let Beat the Eagles!

This is not to say that we should take any game for granted, but only that we can expect big from this team this season!

[InsomniaKiller]

My first reaction is, "I sure hope the team doesn't think this way. . ."

But they're playing w/ an awful lot of confidence. They've been getting better every week. I remember Chris Cooley mentioning how great they looked in practice this last weekand he felt the team was taking a new level of confidence w/ them to Dallas.

So. . .

I guess it's ok if this team thinks they're freaking fantastic, so long as they *play* that way.

This whole "confidence" thing seems to be working for 'em. WHO KNEW?!

But seriously, I know that they're aware they still have a lot of work to do and there's plenty of room for improvement. As long as they remember that, we'll be fine.

[guess88]

After Phillies, We play St-Louis, Cleveland and Detroit, wich should or could result in 3 victory.

Win or loose at Eagle, we should go 6-2 rather easyly, even 7-1 is not out of the way !!
Let Beat the Eagles!

This is not to say that we should take any game for granted, but only that we can expect big from this team this season!

I love the feeling, but nothing's a given man. I think there was a USA today charting us as having the toughest schedule, and I wouldn't disagree.

Mind you... after Detroit, we have a MNF game against the Steelers, then after the bye, it's Dallas, Seattle (probably with healthy receivers by then), Gnats, Ravens (playing tough with the #1 D so far), Cinci (perenial losers but have the ability for upsets), Phili, then San Fran.

Not an easy stretch one bit, but all winnable as well. Just gotta keep tough, and stay healthy.

[InsomniaKiller]

I love the feeling, but nothing's a given man. I think there was a USA today charting us as having the toughest schedule, and I wouldn't disagree.

Mind you... after Detroit, we have a MNF game against the Steelers, then after the bye, it's Dallas, Seattle (probably with healthy receivers by then), Gnats, Ravens (playing tough with the #1 D so far), Cinci (perenial losers but have the ability for upsets), Phili, then San Fran.

Not an easy stretch one bit, but all winnable as well. Just gotta keep tough, and stay healthy.


Yup yup. We can beat all those guys.

But, wouldn't you know, they've got a bunch of guys in far, far uglier uniforms than ours who think they can beat us, too. And they're right.

We've just got to keep playing hard and hope for more "Hip-hip hoorays!" in our future.

[guess88]

But seriously, I know that they're aware they still have a lot of work to do and there's plenty of room for improvement. As long as they remember that, we'll be fine.

I really liked how London Fletcher was saying he's going back to the film room to look at the plays they didn't make. They seem confident, but know to take it one game at a time, and get better every week. Players with influence like this are invaluable.

[Biggie]

Cmon Keino..... Dont even tell me that you thought during the Spurrier years we were the best team in the NFL.
He doesn't mean best team in terms of talent or capabilities, I don't think. He means best team in terms of the team which he loves more than any other and which has his full support and in which he takes pride and invests a great deal of energy. If that's what he means, then I agree.

[Keino]

He doesn't mean best team in terms of talent or capabilities, I don't think. He means best team in terms of the team which he loves more than any other and which has his full support and in which he takes pride and invests a great deal of energy. If that's what he means, then I agree.

We have a Winner!!!

Are the Redskins the best team in the NFL?

To me the question is silly either way you slice it. It's silly to ask this question after 4 games.....AND in the spirit in which I answered, it is silly to think to ask it on a Redskins fan message board.

[csquared]

He doesn't mean best team in terms of talent or capabilities, I don't think. He means best team in terms of the team which he loves more than any other and which has his full support and in which he takes pride and invests a great deal of energy. If that's what he means, then I agree.

I understand that interpretation and agree with it but i believe the poster of the thread meant in terms of talent or capabilities.

[greatest2]

while i don't think its a fair question to ask, it is nice to even have the questioned posed. shows we are improving and have promise.

[lorimike]

as of right now I can't see a team that can beat us.



Its kinda of a weird feeling really.<<<

I don't feel that way. I think we are progressing but we are not blowing people out. I think we might need a few more pieces of the puzzle like a better pass rush.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

lol, I don't get it?

I can't be much more specific unfortunately..

[SkinsKY]

Are there teams who can beat us? There are quite a few. This is the NFL. Just as easily we beat Dallas, other teams won games they weren't supposed to win yesterday. 3-1 is fantastic but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Exactly. We won the first quarter 3-1. We have three more quarters to go. I'm blanking on the year we started 7-1 and finished 8-8. Too much football to be played.

[Patrick]

Exactly. We won the first quarter 3-1. We have three more quarters to go. I'm blanking on the year we started 7-1 and finished 8-8. Too much football to be played.

1996 ...............:banghead: ....... but we did end up 9-7 just no playoffs.

[rhummer37]

To answer the question: NO!

Last week, we all called Dallas overrated; we beat them and now we think we are the best in football?

That's cowboy-fan logic

We're good, but still have work to do, especially since we have a loss to the defending champs

Some of you people amuse me

[cal_junior]

Would the best team in football be 6-point underdogs against a banged-up Eagles team? Unlike the media, Vegas ain't biased.

[BurgundyNGold]

Would the best team in football be 6-point underdogs against a banged-up Eagles team? Unlike the media, Vegas ain't biased.
Vegas looks for chump money wherever they can find it. ;)

[Keino]

Would the best team in football be 6-point underdogs against a banged-up Eagles team? Unlike the media, Vegas ain't biased.

Vegas lines are set to get people to bet evenly on both sides. In addition, the home team almost always gets 3 points.

This is the NFL. The best team needs to go and prove it every week and the Eagles represent the next test in determining which team is the best in the NFL....

[BraveHeartFan]

I am curious, and I'm curious about this because of some stuff I've seen elsewhere, but lets say that you guys lose to the Eagles Sunday. Will you still think you're the best or will all the sky is falling stuff come out?

I'm not saying you'll lose, I really have no idea against Philly, but I am curious to how people believe they'll react, or their fellow fans will, should they lose Sunday.

[Sweepea436]

I am curious, and I'm curious about this because of some stuff I've seen elsewhere, but lets say that you guys lose to the Eagles Sunday. Will you still think you're the best or will all the sky is falling stuff come out?

I'm not saying you'll lose, I really have no idea against Philly, but I am curious to how people believe they'll react, or their fellow fans will, should they lose Sunday.


Most people in this thread have made it a point to say we are not the best team right now.

This board (IMO) tends to be very critical of these guys even when they win (see the Landry thread) so to think that there won't be alot of grumbling around here is crazy - the difference is - before this game most of the people in here were nervous/excited for the game - most of the Cowfelon fans I know were saying that the 11 point spread was an insult to them........ So of course it feels good to gloat after hearing crap like that. You're always going to have a few "extreme swingers" but not too many here...... :Peace:

[BurgundyNGold]

Most people in this thread have made it a point to say we are not the best team right now.

This board (IMO) tends to be very critical of these guys even when they win (see the Landry thread) so to think that there won't be alot of grumbling around here is crazy - the difference is - before this game most of the people in here were nervous/excited for the game - most of the Cowfelon fans I know were saying that the 11 point spread was an insult to them........ So of course it feels good to gloat after hearing crap like that. You're always going to have a few "extreme swingers" but not too many here...... :Peace:
Most of the fans on this board are super-educated when it comes to football. The average Dallass fan out there crying about an 11 point spread isn't. That's the difference.

Plus, while everyone is excited about this ONE victory, we've all been fans of football long enough to know that after every win (save one) for every team (save one) you get a day to gloat and then it's right back to the grind. There is only 1 victory that deserves extended celebration and glee and that comes in February. Anything else is premature folly... like we've seen in Dallass for 3 weeks.

[Sweepea436]

Most of the fans on this board are super-educated when it comes to football. The average Dallass fan out there crying about an 11 point spread isn't. That's the difference.

Plus, while everyone is excited about this ONE victory, we've all been fans of football long enough to know that after every win (save one) for every team (save one) you get a day to gloat and then it's right back to the grind. There is only 1 victory that deserves extended celebration and glee and that comes in February. Anything else is premature folly... like we've seen in Dallass for 3 weeks.



:goodpost:

yeah...... what he said :cool:

[CarMike]

oh god ... can we at least change the name of this thread please?

How about the Giants? They are undefeated and have already beat us. So until they lose a game I dont think that we are in position to assume we could beat them.

I really, really hate this thread

Done.

[Keino]

I am curious, and I'm curious about this because of some stuff I've seen elsewhere, but lets say that you guys lose to the Eagles Sunday. Will you still think you're the best or will all the sky is falling stuff come out?

I'm not saying you'll lose, I really have no idea against Philly, but I am curious to how people believe they'll react, or their fellow fans will, should they lose Sunday.

Regardless of the Philly outcome, I'd say we are in the Top 12 teams in the league. Divisional games don't tell a whole lot because there is so much familiarity.

But if we beat Philly in a hostile environment and end up 4-1 after the toughest part of our schedule, then I think we are well on our way to being a contender, barring a Mid-Season let-down like we had in each of the past 4 seasons......

[cal_junior]

Vegas lines are set to get people to bet evenly on both sides. In addition, the home team almost always gets 3 points.

The line is definitely designed to even the action, but public perception is only one of about ten factors. Right now the people whose job it is to come up with accurate point spreads think that Washington is three points worse than Philly on a neutral field.

My only point is that to even suggest we're the best team in football is silly.

[BurgundyNGold]

Regardless of the Philly outcome, I'd say we are in the Top 12 teams in the league. Divisional games don't tell a whole lot because there is so much familiarity.

But if we beat Philly in a hostile environment and end up 4-1 after the toughest part of our schedule, then I think we are well on our way to being a contender, barring a Mid-Season let-down like we had in each of the past 4 seasons......
I adopt this post as my own. I think it is an optimistic, yet reasonable, measured perspective.

[Keino]

The line is definitely designed to even the action, but public perception is only one of about ten factors. Right now the people whose job it is to come up with accurate point spreads think that Washington is three points worse than Philly on a neutral field.

My only point is that to even suggest we're the best team in football is silly.

I think it's reasonable to argue that both Washington and Philly are among the best teams in the league....but I do agree with your larger point because it is premature to suggest it after 4 games......

[CarMike]

But if we beat Philly in a hostile environment and end up 4-1 after the toughest part of our schedule, then I think we are well on our way to being a contender, barring a Mid-Season let-down like we had in each of the past 4 seasons......
I wonder if any other team had to play all three of their division rivals not only in the first 5 weeks of the season, but also all on the road? The schedule makers tried their damnest to put the Redskins behind the 8ball early in the season.

I bet there is some ticked off people somewhere to see the Redskins sitting pretty at 3-1 a quarter through the season.

[AliBabba]

I wonder if any other team had to play all three of their division rivals not only in the first 5 weeks of the season, but also all on the road? The schedule makers tried their damnest to put the Redskins behind the 8ball early in the season.

I bet there is some ticked off people somewhere to see the Redskins sitting pretty at 3-1 a quarter through the season.
The answer is no.

The last time the Redskins faced the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles within their first five games was 1993. But even then, two of the games were at home. No other NFL team will finish this weekend with all its division road games completed.

LINK (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/29/AR2008092903141_2.html?sid=ST2008092903359&s_pos=)

[AliBabba]

I wonder if any other team had to play all three of their division rivals not only in the first 5 weeks of the season, but also all on the road? The schedule makers tried their damnest to put the Redskins behind the 8ball early in the season.

I bet there is some ticked off people somewhere to see the Redskins sitting pretty at 3-1 a quarter through the season.
I was very worried about this stretch going into the year, as was any fan who looked at our schedule. While I don't dismiss Keino and adopted owner BNG's belief that a midseason let down could occur, I think we are in great shape to turn the bend halfway through the year as a serious contender.

The three games we play after Philly we must win and that puts us at 6-2 with a loss @Philly and 7-1 with a win. We'd play the Steelers next at home on Monday night and after watching last night's game that seems winnable. While they will always put up a good fight and Willie Parker will likely be playing then, they have some glaring issues none bigger than their OL play. If we go into our bye week at 7-2 I really like our chances closing out the year with the divisional games at home and some cupcakes like SF and Cincy.

[Farmer Ted]

I think the Skins are definitely one of the better teams in the league, but I wouldn't call them the best at this point. The problem with the Gibbs' teams were that they could beat any team, anywhere, but they could also lose to any team, anywhere. Maybe I'm just getting over-confident, but I feel like this team can beat anyone, but that it's not as prone to lose to the bad teams (home or road) as well.

If we're 7-1 at the half-way point, then I'll start to think we may be the best (or in the top 3). We're going to have to whip the Giants at FedEx, though, before I'm totally convinced. That game is going to be huge.

Edit: Footballoutsiders (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teameff) has us at #7 (and the turds at 8); these stats don't include last night's game, but that's not going to affect the Skins much. I figure that's about right. I'm not sure I understand why Philly is #3, though. Pretty cool, though, they have us with the #1 ranked passing offense.

[smoak]

ok, so i did this off the top of my head and came in with the skins #9 (although this is only in the order that i thought of the teams). i am not going to defend this only b/c i don't want to seem like i am ripping the skins... i am not, but rather i am just slow to say that a team that i thought was ~ 15 to start the season should be top 10. i just am being honest and not getting carried away yet. i mean best team in football???? that was really a thread???? the good news is that i ALWAYS felt that if we survived the first half of the schedule, we would start gelling and play better down the stretch, but it seems the offense got there sooner than i thought. kudos to campbell as the overall team MVP in the first four games!!! he and portis can take this team all the way b/c there is no great team in the nfc.

i look at the redskins and say they won two games at home that they should have won (saints & cards obviously), beat down dallass on the road, and never got off the plane in NY... so will the real redskins please stand up? we have a point margin of < 10 (four close games) and at least going into last week we were leading in turnover differential @ ~ +6 (according to aikman/buck). we should have put all three wins away much earlier as we were "up and down" on all the teams but stalled in the red zone (don't know the %). i would also say that the defense has been a little of the "bend but don't break" flavor but its been working so no complaints (except doughty)... so what do we make of the skins who are barely winning games but at least winning them? i say it looks great as long as we improve in a couple areas (red zone being the most important).

disclaimers:
1) i respect solid defensive teams much more than offensive ones. that is just how i roll and why i never would have put dallass as #1. this is not fantasy football (mo).
2) i am very slow to significantly move teams barring a prolonged streak (e.g. buffalo 4-0) or serious change in the starting lineup (e.g. brady going down) -- the concept of a team moving up 5 slots one week to slide 7 the next and then back up 5 is just stupid (to me) and why i never read power polls -- a slot or two a week is about right

top 10:
giants - no explanation needed as they beat us and are currently undefeated -- i still think we are a better team, but i have to remove the perception of bias
titans - would get my vote as the best team in the league (i love me some defense and running game)
bills - 4-0 and playing solid D with the right mix of offensive firepower
carolina - two very impressive wins sans steve smith, and now he is back and making a difference -- this is a good football team
dallass - we beat them, and i always thought they were OVER rated at #1, but we have not leapfrogged them in the standings yet (beat philly and yes we pass them both)
tampa - 3-1 and quietly building momentum in the only other real division in the NFC
steelers - very injured on offense, but still a solid team with the way they play D
iggles - if we beat them in what is a "must win" for their team, then i'll say we are top 3-5
skins - sitting somewhere between 9-12 depending on how you feel about the other close teams
chargers - lost to the tough, tough carolina team and the tough, tough ed hochuli (sp?) -- i need one more week before i drop them from the top 10, but they need to start playing defense

close:
colts - as they were injured, and i am not ready to write them off yet... but they have fallen significantly
ravens - this won't be popular, but again, i personally respect solid defensive teams more than offensive teams
pats - i'm not sure what to make of the cassel pats, but they are a good team (top half)
jacksonville - granted they are decimated with injuries, but i was big on both the jags & titans before the year

[Skins-R-Us]

One only has to look one year back to come back to reality! The Patriots won 18 straight games and came up empty on the game that counts. What did they beat us by last year 40? You can win as many as you want in the regular season and you can win by 40 point spreads, but if you don't go to the dance and win the dance, then none of it matters. Cowgirls had the most wins in the NFC, couldn't win a playoff game.

Gotta stay grounded, focused and you have to play every game as if it is going to be the last! You've got to FINISH!!

HTTR

[smoak]

I think the Skins are definitely one of the better teams in the league, but I wouldn't call them the best at this point. The problem with the Gibbs' teams were that they could beat any team, anywhere, but they could also lose to any team, anywhere. Maybe I'm just getting over-confident, but I feel like this team can beat anyone, but that it's not as prone to lose to the bad teams (home or road) as well.

If we're 7-1 at the half-way point, then I'll start to think we may be the best (or in the top 3). We're going to have to whip the Giants at FedEx, though, before I'm totally convinced. That game is going to be huge.

Edit: Footballoutsiders (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teameff) has us at #7 (and the turds at 8); these stats don't include last night's game, but that's not going to affect the Skins much. I figure that's about right. I'm not sure I understand why Philly is #3, though. Pretty cool, though, they have us with the #1 ranked passing offense.


oh lord....

i didn't want to debate this b/c again, i don't want to seem like i am killing the skins... b/c i'm not. i am in full-on bore mode!!! i just don't understand why a fourth quarter comeback against the saints, a fourth quarter win against the cards, and a SQUEAKER that never should have been close against dallass translates to this much bravado. if we beat the iggles, then this is a top 3-ish team in the league and you can't count them out... but i'll be damned if i won't be worried about every game of the next three (rams, browns, @ lions) b/c this is the NFL.

so let me get this straight... people that had dallass at #1 last week (not me but "media types") now have them all the way down to # 8 simply b/c they feel that the skins must be ranked higher??? so dallass drops 7 spots??? granted i think we will be better come end of the season, but i don't get the wild swings.

mark my words that philly is still dangerous, and they are a cornered & wounded animal this weel.... we must BEAT PHILLY!!!!! put a nail in their coffin!!!! and lets focus on moving up the nfc east before we get too carried away with the standings (that are meaningless until mid season)

[smoak]

Exactly. We won the first quarter 3-1. We have three more quarters to go. I'm blanking on the year we started 7-1 and finished 8-8. Too much football to be played.


Thankfully Norv Turner is long gone.

[Farmer Ted]

so let me get this straight... people that had dallass at #1 last week (not me but "media types") now have them all the way down to # 8 simply b/c they feel that the skins must be ranked higher??? so dallass drops 7 spots??? granted i think we will be better come end of the season, but i don't get the wild swings.


FO actually had Dallas at #7 last week, and only dropped them to #8 after we whipped them. Their ratings are all stat-based (they analyze drives someway or another, not just raw stats), so they definitely could see through all of the BS about the 'turds before we pantsed them.

[smoak]

FO actually had Dallas at #7 last week, and only dropped them to #8 after we whipped them. Their ratings are all stat-based (they analyze drives someway or another, not just raw stats), so they definitely could see through all of the BS about the 'turds before we pantsed them.

Gotcha. Again I don't read them, but there was a lot of talk about dallass, gnats, iggles being 1-2-3

[BurgundyNGold]

B&G- What's up with that green dancing thing? It's kinda freakin' me out.
I can't explain it beyond saying that it is Green Man and that you should check it out for yourself (http://www.hulu.com/watch/36777/its-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-america%E2%80%99s-next-top-paddy%E2%80%99s-billboard-model-contest#s-p1-so-i0) over at hulu.com. Hilarious, lol.