Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs hates the schedule-makers. Those little computer geeks always mess over the Redskins.
Gibbs isn’t alone in his disdain for the calendar crew. Every coach wants to play all home games versus awful teams. “Why do they make us travel?” they cry. It gets old real fast.
Gibbs sees night games at Philadelphia and New York Giants. I see opening and ending the season at home, often two of the more important games. Gibbs cries over playing at Green Bay and New England. I see a Thursday night home game versus Chicago plus Arizona and Detroit at FedEx Field.
In the end, the Redskins are still facing another losing season. Yes, 7-9 is my pick and that’s being a little generous.
OK, you know you want to do it even though everything can change over the coming months. Let’s go down the schedule.
Opening versus Miami is a win. The Dolphins have a new coach and the Redskins get a 91,000-person edge. Figuring Gibbs actually cares about the preseason after learning last year’s 0-4 can suddenly lead to a 1-4 regular start, the Redskins should be ready.
At Philadelphia is a loss. Eagles are healthy once more. However, Washington follows with home victories over the New York Giants and Detroit. Fans talk of the Super Bowl once more.
The Redskins lose at Green Bay, beat Arizona at home and fall at New England and New York Jets. Now 4-4, Dan Snyder fires three custodians, two valets and a ballboy.
Take a deep breath after beating Philadelphia. It will be the last good memory of the season. The Redskins follow with losses at Dallas and Tampa Bay for 5-6. Players start reviving the ghost of 2005 when reelingoff the last five. Boys, it didn’t happen last year. It won’t happen this season.
Somehow, Washington beats Buffalo for a 6-0 home mark. However, Chicago ends the unbeaten FedEx schedule with a midweek game that gridlocks the beltway.
Unfortunately, the Redskins return to the road for losses at the Giants and Minnesota for an 0-8 away mark and playoff elimination.
Washington ends the season with a meaningless home triumph over Dallas as fans exit happy once more. How many times have we seen this over the past decade?
Redskins get the ninth pick in the draft and immediately head for the Pro Bowl talking trade. Some things never change.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
