A couple quick things before we look at the schedule: Five of the first six games are a bear, with four of those teams having made the playoffs in 2009. But what looks tough now doesn’t always pan out that way. That’s why it’s silly to say in April that they can’t win certain games. Injuries play too big a role in how teams play.
Anyway, on to the schedule:
Sept. 12 vs. Dallas (Sunday night): Wonder if this game was originally scheduled for this slot? Or did Donovan McNabb’s addition bump this to prime time? Regardless, it’s the first time since 1999 that these teams will play in the season opener. For those who don’t want to be annoyed, go on to the next game on this list. Otherwise, know this: that was the game when Matt Stevens was torched in a 41-35 loss.
Sept. 19 vs. Houston: A 4:15 p.m. game as Kyle Shanahan calls plays against his former team. The Redskins’ defense faces another good offense to start the season. Certainly, we’ll hear a lot about how THIS is the year for the Texans. May be true this time.
Sept. 26 at St. Louis: Man, imagine what the league would have done with this game had the Adam Carriker trade happened a couple weeks earlier. Jim Haslett gets to face his former team. Surely there will be a lot of emotions by the folks in St. Louis who will warmly recall his 2-10 mark as an interim coach in 2008. Actually, he did receive some praise for the job he did. They were just a dreadful team. Will Sam Bradford be playing already?
Oct. 3 at Philadelphia: Anyone know a reason why this game might draw some attention? It’s a 4:15 p.m. game. Surely, I believe those who will call this “just another game.” And the Mona Lisa is just another painting. Kevin Kolb, be ready. Wonder if Andy Reid will recognize Donovan McNabb when he turns to hand off.
Oct. 10 vs. Green Bay: Maybe we could call Joe Gibbs up and ask about that James Thrash false start penalty. That’ll get him going. Yet another good quarterback the Redskins’ D must contend with.
Oct. 17 vs. Indianapolis (Sunday night): What is this, the Pro Bowl parade of quarterbacks? The Redskins’ secondary had best be good next season. But it’ll be interesting to watch the Redskins new left tackle — whoever that will be — face Colts end Dwight Freeney.
Oct. 24 at Chicago: Mike Shanahan vs. Jay Cutler. Shanny liked Cutler a lot, which is one reason the Redskins pursued him last offseason. What’s that you say? Shanny wasn’t the coach yet? Maybe not, but he was talking to the owner. Donovan McNabb and Shanahan both are from Chicago.
Oct. 31 at Detroit: Another trip to Detroit. Oh joy. Will Sherm Lewis be in attendance this time? This is where it all unraveled for Washington last year.
Nov. 7 Bye: Nice. Midseason. Good time to get away.
Nov. 15 vs. Philadelphia: A Monday night game. Wonder how many Eagles fans will be in attendance. By this point, we’ll have a great idea on the whole Kolb experiment in Philly.
Nov. 21 at Tennessee Titans: Uh-oh, could this be the Redskins first game against their former defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Or will this be Haynesworth’s first game against his original team? All depends if the Titans swing a deal for the large disgruntled one.
Nov. 28 vs. Minnesota: Brett Favre comes to town for only the third time in his career — he only was here once with Green Bay.
Dec. 5 at New York Giants: Our first look at the new stadium. I’m not feeling the Giants this year. But I have to warn you: I’ve consistently picked this game wrong for the past few years. Consistently.
Dec. 12 vs. Tampa Bay: Don’t have much to say about this one. But I did like what I saw of Josh Freeman last year.
Dec. 19 at Dallas: Lots to say here. My guess is the Redskins will at least be in playoff contention until the end of the season, so this game will be important. Very important.
Dec. 26 at Jacksonville: Nothing to say here either. Really, just don’t care about the Jaguars. Sorry. Honestly, is there a reason I should feel differently?
Jan. 2 vs. New York Giants: A good way to close the season, with a home game against a divisional foe (thanks Roger Goodell). It goes without saying that this could be for a playoff spot. Did I mention I’m not feeling the Giants this year? I wonder about their offensive line. Then again, they still have talent on both lines. Their O-line started to look old last year and typically lines go down fast (or did you not notice the Redskins problems?). But the Giants are still well coached with a good quarterback and some decent young talent at receiver. So maybe I’m wrong. Again.
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