The Redskins look 9-7 this fall for a wild card.
Sure, only an idiot projects a record five months from the season. There are lots of pesky things in between like the the draft, training camp, preseason and injuries much less how other teams handle the same challenges. Teams expected to be good may be bad and the same for bad teams playing well. No matter — the schedule released yesterday is the best time to dream because the Redskins played like nightmares too often in recent years.
The victories come over New Orleans, Arizona, St. Louis, Detroit, Dallas, Seattle, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Philadelphia. The Redskins lose to the New York Giants twice, Dallas, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and San Francisco.
Ironically, the preseason will be crucial. If new coach Jim Zorn proves his surprisingly hire was instead inspiring by looking together in exhibitions, the Redskins will gain confidence entering the regular season to start 2-2. If they look like bumbling fools (see Steve Spurrier, 2002) then a 1-3 start is possible and the whole season gets harder.
The NFL didn’t help Zorn by opening at defending Super Bowl champion New York, but the two easiest home games — New Orleans and Arizona — follow. The Redskins must win both because trips to Dallas and Philadelphia follow. A 2-3 start is miles better than 1-4. The latter means restarting the Bill Cowher watch.
The season ends with three of four away. Fortunately, it’s Baltimore, Cincinnati and San Francisco. The Redskins should win two to gain playoff momentum.
The downside for Redskins fans is the first four home games are New Orleans, Arizona, St. Louis and Cleveland. Yuck — not a sexy team in the bunch. No division rival reaches Landover until Dallas on Nov. 16 — a long wait for the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles.
The best stretch is consecutive night home games versus Pittsburgh (Nov. 3) and Dallas. Too bad there’s a bye in between. There are probably as many Steelers fans around Washington as Cowboys backers so look for lots of razzing around the office.
There’s no perfect time for the bye, but five preseason games should earn an earlier break. That’s 14 weeks straight.
Zorn returns to Seattle on Nov. 23 where he was the quarterbacks coach. Zorn isn’t alone wanting to beat the Seahawks. Washington has lost two straight playoff games in Seattle, including last season when many thought the Redskins could have reached the Super Bowl if surviving the Seahawks. Time to kick those birds to the curb.
Ultimately, the Redskins will either make the playoffs or freefall to a handful of wins.
Just 137 days until finding out.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
