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- Jul 24, 2009
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There's no denying that this team just has a completely different feel to it. I think we're all beginning to feel that old-Redskins expectation of winning. But when is it OK to let go? To let go of the past two decades, and truly believe in this corps of Skins?
Was it when we mudhole stomped the Eagles? Was it when we ground out (literally and figuratively) a one-point win over the defending champs? Was it when we ran in our backup rookie quarterback and second-half whooped on a team that plays very well at home? Or was it when we rattled off five in a row, to go from left for dead, to division leaders and controlling our own destiny?
This team is different; so different, in fact, that Mike Shanahan didn't even realize how different it is. With all respect to the coach, I think we'll hold off on evaluating players for next season until we're done with our playoff run THIS season.
The thing is, while I'm thrilled with what this team has already accomplished, I just don't have "that" feeling yet. You know the one I'm talking about. You remember the days when opposing teams visiting RFK felt like the lamb being led to slaughter. They showed up. They went through the motions. But ultimately, they knew there was nothing they could do to prevent the royal ass kicking that was about to ensue.
The Redskins of my youth were a juggernaut. Oft times, they just toyed with the opponent, like a feral cat does a wounded squirrel. And like that cat, they regularly finished off their prey, and dropped a big win at my doorstep -- my gift for being a loyal fan.
But two decades of suck -- or at least massively tempered expectations -- have a way of shaking one's confidence to its core. I believed in 2005, and again in 2007, only to have it take in away in a fashion colder than a bad divorce. I believe again in 2012...but in that "fool me once" kind of way.
There's no doubting the fact that my tempered expectations aren't the "fault" of the 2012 Redskins. They're the fault of the 1992-2011 Redskins. And while it's not fair to judge this cast of characters by those who preceded them, it's a necessity. I value what's left of my sanity. I just can't let go and believe all the way. But I can't not either. (Leave it to a Skins fan to be doubly negative.)
This team has already exceeded our wildest expectations. Who thought that RG3 would lead the league in QB rating? Who would have thought that if he couldn't go, Kirk Cousins would come in and keep us from missing a beat? Who would have thought that Alfred Morris would put up historic franchise rushing numbers; on a team known for running the football. Who would have thought that we, the Washington Redskins, would lead the NFC Beast with just two games to go? Who would have thought we would control our destiny?
Destiny. Funny word, that. I wish I could skip ahead a month or so, and see what ours is. I wish I could see just how excited I should be right now. I wish I could see just how much faith I should have.
But then I wouldn't enjoy the ride. And I'm going to enjoy this one for all it's worth. It's been way too long.
HAIL.
Was it when we mudhole stomped the Eagles? Was it when we ground out (literally and figuratively) a one-point win over the defending champs? Was it when we ran in our backup rookie quarterback and second-half whooped on a team that plays very well at home? Or was it when we rattled off five in a row, to go from left for dead, to division leaders and controlling our own destiny?
This team is different; so different, in fact, that Mike Shanahan didn't even realize how different it is. With all respect to the coach, I think we'll hold off on evaluating players for next season until we're done with our playoff run THIS season.
The thing is, while I'm thrilled with what this team has already accomplished, I just don't have "that" feeling yet. You know the one I'm talking about. You remember the days when opposing teams visiting RFK felt like the lamb being led to slaughter. They showed up. They went through the motions. But ultimately, they knew there was nothing they could do to prevent the royal ass kicking that was about to ensue.
The Redskins of my youth were a juggernaut. Oft times, they just toyed with the opponent, like a feral cat does a wounded squirrel. And like that cat, they regularly finished off their prey, and dropped a big win at my doorstep -- my gift for being a loyal fan.
But two decades of suck -- or at least massively tempered expectations -- have a way of shaking one's confidence to its core. I believed in 2005, and again in 2007, only to have it take in away in a fashion colder than a bad divorce. I believe again in 2012...but in that "fool me once" kind of way.
There's no doubting the fact that my tempered expectations aren't the "fault" of the 2012 Redskins. They're the fault of the 1992-2011 Redskins. And while it's not fair to judge this cast of characters by those who preceded them, it's a necessity. I value what's left of my sanity. I just can't let go and believe all the way. But I can't not either. (Leave it to a Skins fan to be doubly negative.)
This team has already exceeded our wildest expectations. Who thought that RG3 would lead the league in QB rating? Who would have thought that if he couldn't go, Kirk Cousins would come in and keep us from missing a beat? Who would have thought that Alfred Morris would put up historic franchise rushing numbers; on a team known for running the football. Who would have thought that we, the Washington Redskins, would lead the NFC Beast with just two games to go? Who would have thought we would control our destiny?
Destiny. Funny word, that. I wish I could skip ahead a month or so, and see what ours is. I wish I could see just how excited I should be right now. I wish I could see just how much faith I should have.
But then I wouldn't enjoy the ride. And I'm going to enjoy this one for all it's worth. It's been way too long.
HAIL.