Observing the Redskins through Week 11:
1 » Atlanta losing at home to Denver really helped the Redskins. Though they’re both 6-4, the Falcons needed to win that game because of what they have coming up: Carolina followed by games at San Diego and New Orleans and then home against Tampa Bay. It’ll be harder for the Falcons to reach 10 wins than the Redskins. That means Tampa and Dallas should be the Redskins toughest competitors for the two wild card spots.
2 » Of the wild card contenders, the Redskins have the second-best conference record behind Tampa Bay. That’s the first tiebreaker after head-to-head.
3 » Washington’s defense has now played six games against offenses currently ranked in the top 11. In each case, the Redskins held the team to less than its current average in points and yards.
4 » But the Redskins’ defense still needs more playmakers in the front seven. This group has combined for a shockingly low amount of big plays. The linemen and linebackers have combined to recover zero fumbles and intercept two passes. No lineman has forced a fumble while the linebackers have combined to force five.
5 » It’s hard to imagine a better secondary in the NFL. And this can be said despite Shawn Springs not playing the past four games. And without benefiting from a pass rush.
6 » Every game is the so-called biggest of the season, but this one is an absolute must-win. If the Redskins lose to Seattle, the playoffs are toast. It would be hard to see them then turn around and win four of the last five.
7 » Of course, we thought the same thing in 2005 after they lost to lowly Oakland and then San Diego at home. And they won the next five. We also thought the same thing after they lost to Buffalo last season. And they won the last four.
8 » After two games against stellar defenses, Clinton Portis is now on pace for 1,700 yards instead of nearly 1,900. But give Porits credit; it would have been easy for him to sit out the Dallas game considering he was much less than 100 percent. Can’t question the man’s desire.
9 » Remember this summer when Jim Zorn said James Thrash would be involved in the passing game? Thrash has seven catches, despite playing quite a bit.
10 » The Redskins are on pace for 24 sacks, which would match their second lowest total in a season since 1970. Their lowest? The 19 sacks they recorded two years ago.
