Redskins Cinderella story?

[DFI]

with a team looking like it would be taking a perfect record in the super bowl cant say it didn't cross my mind who was in the bowl last time that happened. would hope for a different result of course.

[hail_2_da_skins]

If the Redskins can make it to the playoffs...anything can happen. Remember 2005, the Redskins offense was led by Dr. Dunkenstein (Mark Brunnel). They could barely score 17 points but the defense was tremendous. They were one dropped interception by Carlos Rogers away from the NFC Championship...anything can happen.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

It wouldn't be as much of a Cinderella story as it would be an equalizer. We weren't some football team with a $30 million dollar payroll an obscure coach who started 0-6 before their starting QB got knocked out and the autistic backup lead us to a playoff birth.

We were a very, very good football team who was ready to compete with the likes of Dallas and Green Bay prior to being beset by injuries and tragedy all year long and playing one of the toughest schedules across the league in the process. We were a near lock for a playoff birth before we got physically and emotionally ravaged.

We definately deserve the playoff birth, even though its a longshot at this point.

Nice post. If I were to watch this team in isolation, I would say we are not a good team. But, when you look at how the vast majority of other teams are faring this year, we look decent by comparison. We have the 15th ranked passing attack and, surprisingly, the 13th ranked rushing attack. We also have the 11th best defense. So, according to the stats we have an above-average team. We're it not for the turnovers (2nd most in the league), I think we'd be a 11-5 caliber team. Granted, we did in fact turn the ball over a lot, but that is to be expected with a young QB.

We've blown an awful lot of leads and very good teams don't do that. But, on the other hand, those teams that we were beating at the half (e.g., Dallas and GB) have been blowing a lot of other teams out of the water.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by hail_2_da_skins

If the Redskins can make it to the playoffs...anything can happen. Remember 2005, the Redskins offense was led by Dr. Dunkenstein (Mark Brunnel). They could barely score 17 points but the defense was tremendous. They were one dropped interception by Carlos Rogers away from the NFC Championship...anything can happen.

The only three differences between this team and the 2005 team is that 1) that offense didn't turn the ball over, 2) the running game was somewhat competant, and 3) the defense got timely interceptions of weak QBs.

Both the 2005 team and the 2007 team faced unbelievably tough competition week in and week out. If Todd Collins can provide Campbell or Brunell like efficiency without turning the ball over as often as Campbell does, it's very conceivable our passing game could improve to 2005 levels.

[Paintrain]

Tirico called it today on his show, even said that we deserve it.. I don't want to be the league's charity case, but if we get into the playoffs I'll get over it!

[CrazyCanuck]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

We were a very, very good football team who was ready to compete with the likes of Dallas and Green Bay prior to being beset by injuries and tragedy all year long and playing one of the toughest schedules across the league in the process. We were a near lock for a playoff birth before we got physically and emotionally ravaged.

Couldn't agree more, and that's what makes this season even more painful.

Personally I think we were one small step from being the #1 team in the NFC. We killed GB in their park, and we stayed with Dallas all game despite our injuries and playing on the road. We beat up the division leading Bucs in TB, and despite a horrible 2nd half, still almost beat the wild card Giants.

Of course when we played a real elite team (Pats) we got killed, but there isn't a single team in the NFC that scares me.

Ahh what coulda been...a playoff berth would definitely soften the blow.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuck

Couldn't agree more, and that's what makes this season even more painful.

Personally I think we were one small step from being the #1 team in the NFC. We killed GB in their park, and we stayed with Dallas all game despite our injuries and playing on the road. We beat up the division leading Bucs in TB, and despite a horrible 2nd half, still almost beat the wild card Giants.

Of course when we played a real elite team (Pats) we got killed, but there isn't a single team in the NFC that scares me.

Ahh what coulda been...a playoff berth would definitely soften the blow.

All the more reason to keep after it with the same team, same system, next season. No major changes, no free agent spree, no overhauling the offense. I just want to see us come back healthy with one or two key additions, plus a solid draft. Next year could be so much better.

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

All the more reason to keep after it with the same team, same system, next season. No major changes, no free agent spree, no overhauling the offense. I just want to see us come back healthy with one or two key additions, plus a solid draft. Next year could be so much better.

Totally agree, the only time you "blow it up" is if the entire locker room is rebellious and clearly won't get onboard.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

All the more reason to keep after it with the same team, same system, next season. No major changes, no free agent spree, no overhauling the offense. I just want to see us come back healthy with one or two key additions, plus a solid draft. Next year could be so much better.

I agree.

Blowing up the team is a horrible idea, that's not how you go about building around a young QB.

Generally the only good times to blow up a team is when the cap dictates that you do, or you are stacked with aging high priced veterans.