If we, by chance, had lost either the Eagles game or the Dallas game-or worse,
both, the Vegas point spread, I would think, likely be more in the 5 to 7 point range rather than 2 1/2.
This is what is different. How long has it been since we basically dominated most or all of a game against the Eagles and Dallas and then held on to win-much less in back-to-back weeks?
Been a while. That's the difference that makes it possible for me to retain a positive view of the Redskins future no matter if we win or not tonight. First, I think we are perfectly capable of winning tonight. It's not guaranteed and nor, at least in my case, is it a "make or break" as far as how much better the future looks for the Skins. New York is known for putting together their best efforts during the last few games of the season and yet we are still playing well enough to win anyway. I haven't seen a Redskins team I felt this way about in quite some time. Yes, I will be disappointed if we lose tonight-I'm always disappointed when we lose and even more so now because we're a better team than we've been in years despite the well known holes and deficiencies left to fix.
Making the playoffs is not implausible. How long has it been since it has been possible to say
that about the Redskins? The first half of 2008 maybe, until the wheels came off that particular wagon. Even being able in my mind to think that it wouldn't be all that much of a surprise to see the Redskins sneak into a Wild Card slot is one hell of a refreshing change from the recent past for me.
After the 2008-2011 seasons, which were among the most disturbing I've watched in recent years for numerous and confidence-shaking reasons I can honestly say this team has the greatest potential upside of any Redskins team I have seen in over a decade or more. If we wind up in the playoffs I will be dancing around the room like a madman, but if we don't....well, I will be disappointed but
not to the extent that I lose reason for looking forward to an even more improved Redskins team next season-and the next after that...and so on.
Even beating the Giants and still somehow not being able to garner a Wild Card slot-other pieces elsewhere in the league would have to fall in our favor-would leave me with a level of confidence I haven't had in a long time. There would be some disappointment but it wouldn't be confidence-shredding.
Of course, its possible my own personality is a large part of my perspective here-I freely admit that.
Having said all that, Beat The Gnats!
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