Through the tragedy and the losing streak and the injuries, the Redskins maintained a sense of optimism. Some, though no one these days, might have labeled them delusional. Teams don’t endure what the Redskins have this season and still thrive.
It wasn’t just the tragedy, which was bad enough. It was the close defeats that could have robbed them of their spirit. It was the injuries that started early in the year, took a breather and then never really let up. It was the tough closing schedule, among the hardest among the playoff contenders.
And now, after Sunday’s 32-21 win over Minnesota, look where they are: one win from a playoff spot.
Optimistic indeed. Their outlook is now being rewarded.
“We kept pushing and found a way to come together at the end,” Redskins receiver Santana Moss said.
Of course, the end is not here yet. The Redskins (8-7) still have work to do. If the Redskins beat Dallas on Sunday — the game was switched to 4:15 p.m. — then they clinch a spot. But if they lose, the only way they can make the playoffs is if Minnesota and New Orleans both lose.
“Surprise is not the word,” Redskins safety Pierson Prioleau said of the three-game winning streak. “It’s a sign of resilience. Right now it looks like it’s starting to turn around for us. We haven’t gotten anywhere yet. We don’t want to drop the ball now that we think we’re going somewhere.”
The bonus for Washington is that Dallas already has clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which means theCowboys might not play their starters all game. Which means the Redskins chances of winning are increased. Not that they’re altering their mindset.
“I expect them to come out here and play; the rivalry speaks for itself,” Moss said. “They’re gonna be smart. At the same time we’re gonna be smart. We have to win regardless of the situation. We’re not thinking about someone giving us something.”
Said safety Reed Doughty, “They won’t hand us a win.”
The Redskins have now won three straight — all since late safety Sean Taylor’s funeral. They’ve done so despite losing their starting quarterback, Jason Campbell. And then their starting weakside linebacker, Rocky McIntosh. That was after already losing 40 percent of their offensive line and another defensive starter, Carlos Rogers.
“With everything that we’ve been through this season, [we’re] like one big family,” rookie safety LaRon Landry said. “I’m sure Sean would have wanted that for us. It’s like he’s out there with us. We’re winning for him and for all the fans. We’retrying to make it to the playoffs.”
