For years now I’ve had to read articles published by PFT regarding the Washington Redskins, or the Washington Football team since they, like ESPN, tend to recycle outdated political fluff pieces. Personally, when I visit a sports website, I like to read about my team, the moves made and the issues they will face the upcoming game, week or season. Everyone is entitled to their own views and beliefs, but once those views play a role in true reporting, you’ve lost me as a visitor.
If you’re not aware, PFT’s preseason power rankings have the Washington Redskins at number 25. Hate much? Biased because of the name? According to PFT the Redskins have the 7th worst roster in the NFL. Yes, we lost two 1,000 yard receivers. Both of whom were short and did not help in the red zone. Since then we’ve replaced them with the “Washington Monuments” aka, a bunch of 6-foot-somethings to help Kirk move the ball and scores TDs. Next you factor in a revamped defense, stud free agent additions, a solid draft that addressed many needs on defense and a RB that can bench a school bus.
It’s incredible that a team who was a game away from missing the playoffs with essentially everyone returning except Jackson and Garçon can be ranked so low. I haven’t even mentioned the Hogs 2.0. Somehow the Redskins went from having crossing guards as offensive lineman to maybe the second best o-line in the league. Top 5 easy.
I am not going to say we are a great team. There is plenty to prove, the Kirk contract issue is still on everyone’s mind and the NFC east got a lot more difficult this past offseason. However, the truth remains, regardless of the contract situation, we will have a top tier QB behind center. Just because our front office can’t sign our QB to a long term deal and the media thinks we are dysfunctional, does not mean the roster isn’t talented. You can’t possibly think that the Redskins are worse than the Buffalo Bills, who just lost a pro bowl MLB…to THE REDSKINS.
25 is low. Very low. A potent offense, a coach with a fire under him, (not to be mistaken with a hot-seat) and additions to a defense that already had some nice pieces in place do not make a 25th ranked team. Knowing how PFT operates, I’m sure the Cowboys will be a top-10 team. A team that has a 2nd year QB, whom we at DTC predict will take a HUGE step backwards, a RB that will probably miss the first 4 games, and a defense that has Jeff Heath starting at safety.
When all is said and done the question here is not if the team has talent. The offseason moves show this team has improved from top to bottom. Jackson/Garçon are 30 years old. One was injury prone, the other lost a step. TP/Doctson could easily be bright spots this upcoming year. The only “concern” would be the motivation. Watching a team play hardball with a possible franchise QB who has done nothing but prove himself is not something to motivate. Maybe a slap in the face ranking by a garbage website that has its own political agenda will motivate the guys a little bit.