Redskins can join elite ranks by slaying NFC East beasts ( Won't happen tho! )
When the regular season opened Sept. 4, the Redskins didn't look completely ready for prime time.
When the regular season opened Sept. 4, the Redskins didn't look completely ready for prime time.
First-year coach Jim Zorn was making his debut as a playcaller. Quarterback Jason Campbell wasn't crisp making his reads and running the offense. The offensive line struggled. Of course, the Redskins were going against the Super Bowl champion Giants, whose defense can make a lot of offenses look offensive.
Washington's fortunes have improved considerably since that 16-7 loss in the Meadowlands. The Redskins have recorded home victories over the Saints and the Cardinals, and their offense is showing signs of explosiveness.
Now, the Skins embark on their most important two-game road trip of the season. It starts Sunday in Dallas and concludes in Week 5 in Philadelphia. If they win at least one of those games, the Redskins will establish themselves as contenders for the NFC East title. Losing both will make them 0-3 in the division and extreme long shots.
The NFC East is the beast of the NFL. Just ask the Packers and the Steelers. After their narrow Monday night victory over the Eagles in Week 2 , the Cowboys dominated the Packers six days later at Lambeau Field. The Eagles, also on only six days' rest, then played more physically than a powerful Steelers team. Through three weeks, the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants rank as the league's three best teams.
But the Redskins don't have to hide. Despite their division, it's not out of the question for them to have a 10-win season. Like their division-mates, the Redskins play four games against the NFC West and four against the AFC North. Barring unforseen events, any NFC East team could go 3-1 or better against each of those divisions. In the two non-common games, the Redskins already have beaten the Saints and get to play the woeful Lions. If things go right, the Redskins could think about an 8-2 non-division record.
The key to their season is doing something positive in the NFC East. They can't afford to go 1-5 in division play. A split in the next two weeks could make them players in the division race because they finish the regular season with three NFC East home games between Nov. 16 and Dec. 21.
It won't help that defensive end Jason Taylor will miss Sunday's game following an emergency procedure on his leg. Taylor was acquired when the Redskins lost defensive end Phillip Daniels for the season. With Taylor, the Redskins had six sacks in the first three games. They might have to do some blitzing to force Tony Romo into making uncomfortable throws.
The Cowboys come in with all the confidence in the world. They rank No. 1 in offense, averaging 440 yards a game. They are outscoring opponents 32-21 on average. More than anything, though, they are playing loose and having fun. Coach Wade Phillips has set up a great environment in which this team thrives.
Dallas' defense is aggressive and hard-hitting. The offense has confidence. Romo continues to grow as a quarterback and a leader. The running game looks unstoppable.
Still, this is a great rivalry. The Redskins know that. They just have to get one win in the next two weeks to solidify themselves as one of the four beasts in the NFC East.
Washington's fortunes have improved considerably since that 16-7 loss in the Meadowlands. The Redskins have recorded home victories over the Saints and the Cardinals, and their offense is showing signs of explosiveness.
Now, the Skins embark on their most important two-game road trip of the season. It starts Sunday in Dallas and concludes in Week 5 in Philadelphia. If they win at least one of those games, the Redskins will establish themselves as contenders for the NFC East title. Losing both will make them 0-3 in the division and extreme long shots.
The NFC East is the beast of the NFL. Just ask the Packers and the Steelers. After their narrow Monday night victory over the Eagles in Week 2 , the Cowboys dominated the Packers six days later at Lambeau Field. The Eagles, also on only six days' rest, then played more physically than a powerful Steelers team. Through three weeks, the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants rank as the league's three best teams.
But the Redskins don't have to hide. Despite their division, it's not out of the question for them to have a 10-win season. Like their division-mates, the Redskins play four games against the NFC West and four against the AFC North. Barring unforseen events, any NFC East team could go 3-1 or better against each of those divisions. In the two non-common games, the Redskins already have beaten the Saints and get to play the woeful Lions. If things go right, the Redskins could think about an 8-2 non-division record.
The key to their season is doing something positive in the NFC East. They can't afford to go 1-5 in division play. A split in the next two weeks could make them players in the division race because they finish the regular season with three NFC East home games between Nov. 16 and Dec. 21.
It won't help that defensive end Jason Taylor will miss Sunday's game following an emergency procedure on his leg. Taylor was acquired when the Redskins lost defensive end Phillip Daniels for the season. With Taylor, the Redskins had six sacks in the first three games. They might have to do some blitzing to force Tony Romo into making uncomfortable throws.
The Cowboys come in with all the confidence in the world. They rank No. 1 in offense, averaging 440 yards a game. They are outscoring opponents 32-21 on average. More than anything, though, they are playing loose and having fun. Coach Wade Phillips has set up a great environment in which this team thrives.
Dallas' defense is aggressive and hard-hitting. The offense has confidence. Romo continues to grow as a quarterback and a leader. The running game looks unstoppable.
Still, this is a great rivalry. The Redskins know that. They just have to get one win in the next two weeks to solidify themselves as one of the four beasts in the NFC East.
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