Wild Card Chances as Fall Back Option

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

Well, if we go 4-1, I would rather see that one loss against the Ravens or the Browns. I just feel it hurts this team too much for it to be against an NFC opponent at this point in the season, especially it being against an NFC East opponent. I still feel the only way to ensure the 'skins getting into the playoffs is to win out, but I understand even going 4-1 the rest of the way is going to be a tough task to accomplish.

What us fans can hang our hats on right now is the fact that the Redskins seem to match up well against the Giants, the Ravens aren't really playing very good ball right now at all, the fact that the 'skins have already beaten the Eagles and the Cowboys once and can do it again, and that the Browns are definitely a beatable team as well. So, it's definitely not impossible to think the Redskins could at least go 4-1 the rest of the way, if not 5-0, but either task is going to take a flawless effort on both offense and defense.

In the end though, you can't be too disappointed if this team ends at 8-8. Sure, we want the 'skins to be 10-6 and in the playoffs. I don't want the Redskins to lose another game the rest of my life! However, to make it to 8-8 after being down 3-6 and losing several very key players is nothing to be upset about. That's a 5-2 record down the stretch without guys like Fred Davis, Brian Orakpo, Adam Carriker, and Brandon Merriweather. To me, if this team is 8-8, it tells me even losing some key players, this team improved and showed it in the win column. With those players healthy next year in addition to some new players, this team will hopefully continue to turn the corner and would be expected to make at least make the wild card round.

Couldn't agree more. 8-8 is a solid record considering the circumstances.

[Hdf561]

As much as I want this to happen I do not think this is our year. Our defense while having played better still is pretty bad, they couldn't stop the Cowgirls the other night in the second half and almost gave the game away.

I would like to see us make a run, but we are just not quite ready for a stretch run like this or playoffs IMO. Sme of that has to do with players some of it has to do with coaching we got a big lead and got ultra conservative against the cowgirls, most of the playoff teams can beat you on D or by scoring a lot of points, the only way we are gonna beat these teams is going TD for TD with them and we haven't proven we can do that on a consistent basis yet, although we have seen flashes of it.

Again I just think while all this talk is good and exciting it just isn't gonna happen, but I hope that I am wrong and will gladly eat crow if I am.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I think a lot of it was playing prevent defense against a team that can score in 2 minutes. Leave the prevent for when you're up by 20 in the 4th quarter, not the 3rd.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I think a lot of it was playing prevent defense against a team that can score in 2 minutes. Leave the prevent for when you're up by 20 in the 4th quarter, not the 3rd.

We tend to go soft zone out of the quite rational fear that our defense can get burned in a split second. So I guess we're ok with getting scored on quickly...just not too quickly. I think, if it were me, I'd take my chances on getting burned on a big play and play base D and count on my guys doing their damn job. Maybe we give up a big play but to me that's better than getting run up and down the field for an entire half and giving up 3 TDs. I also would get a little more aggressive on offense around the 50 yard line. A lot of times we've got 4th and short we should be going for it. Punting it down inside the 10 just to have them back at midfield in 3 plays seems...pointless. Our best defense right now is our running game and keeping their offense off the field.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Part of the problem in pass defense is the Redskins defensive backs were playing trail technique in their coverages. Trail technique is something Raheem Morris brought with him from Tampa Bay. For instance that 77 yard bomb from Eli Manning to Victor Cruz earlier this season was a result of Madieu Williams playing trail technique. The play was suppose to go to Hakeem Nicks and Williams was actually playing Nicks to the inside. Cruz then flies up the field and runs past Madieu Williams and Josh Wilson and Eli Manning hits him in stride.

That trail technique is the reason why the Redskins are ranked 31st against the pass. In the last two games against the Eagles and Cowboys, the Redskins defensive backs didn't play trail technique as frequently.

[milellie111]

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

That big win Thursday really got you in a bad mood?

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

Wow.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Wow.

I would have gone with

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I would have gone with

That is literally what I did.

[Hail to the SteelSkins]

Originally Posted by milellie111

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

I started this post and made cons and pros for each statement then after typing for about 30 mins i deleted it all and it comes down to this...

Any given Sunday.... or Monday night on Dec 3rd.

[Mechanix544]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

Even me, goat and punch don't think we are that bad. RG3 is good for at least 3 wins in the next 5 games the way he has been playing. Truth is, with the defense playing mediocre like they have the last couple weeks, we have taken out two division foes convincingly. (Even though they are both in disarray, it gives our guys confidence, which is exactly what they needed after the losing streak and Shanny's presser). I believe that we can go 4-1 and either win or back in. I believe there is a 1 in 20 shot that we could back in going 3-2, but neither of those two could be against the GMen.

Fact is, if we win out, we are definitely in. If we win 4, we are about 60% to get in,win 3, and that drops to about 5%. The pressure is on, and while I don't see us winning a super bowl this year, making a tough meaningful run at the playoffs in RG3's first year will do wonders when talking about the growth of the team. It might be just what they need.

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

I have been extremely dismissive of the Shanahans in general and am probably the biggest downer on this forum. That being said, I really underestimated the effect of the injuries on the defense -- we have had incredibly bad luck with the DBs and to lose Merriwether to an ACL tear in his other knee? Brian Orakpo going out? To not have Garcon on the field for so long? Man, the football gods are just taking a dump on the Redskins this year with regards to injuries.

That being said, with RG3, Morris, and Garcon on the field, this offense can score on anybody. In the whole time I have been a fan of the redskins (since I was 10 so 13 years), I don't think I have seen such an explosive offense from the Burgundy and Gold. NY and Bal will be tough but I really think we will get one of those. As for the other three, those are games that the Redskins will be considerable favorites to win so as long as they don't play down to the opposition (STL, CAR anyone?) they should win them as well. 4-1 isn't ridiculous. This team needs to go 4-1/5-0 to get into the playoffs and I think they do it. Most of the teams ahead of us (Min, NO, TB) we have beaten.

Also, how on earth do you think watching film is going to lead to the Eagles beating the skins? That team may finish 3-13. As for the last game against DAL, I think it will be a "Win and you're in" situation for us and we will own them at Fedex.

Edit: 13 years of fanhood

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

Your absolutely right. We definitely can lose all of our upcoming games. But honestly, I just can NOT see the happening. I say worst case we lose to the giants, browns and ravens (maybe cowboys). No way to the eagles. I see us losing to the giants and/or ravens.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by milellie111

LOL. The excited fan in us all. But take a step back and look at this realistically. We are all excited about beating Philly and Dallas, but both of those teams really do suck and were just always overrated. People are talking about playoffs when in reality, we may not even win another game and finish the season 5-11. This is how it could realistically pan out. Remaining games are:

vs NYG=Loss- They are simply a better team than us on both sides of the ball and has gelled stronger as a team since we played them in week 7.

vs Baltimore=Loss- Another good team who has had 4 game winning streaks TWICE this season

@ Cleavland=Loss-Tough game. Cleavland took Dallas into overtime in Dallas. They don't have many weapons but Trent Richardson is a beast and they are a gritty tough nosed team.

@ Philly=Loss-In Philly, tough environment. Got the upperhand on them the first time but teams adjust and watch tape for the second time you come up against them. Andy Reid may be trying to save his job so the team will come out hungry and prepared.

vs Dallas=Loss. Same statement as above, we already played them once and teams adjust for the second matchup. Jason Garrett will propably be on the hot seat as well and desperate for this win.

The Redskins have no homefield advantage playing in Fedex so that's not a pro against NYG, Bmore and Dallas. We also had and still have one of the worst if not worst passing defenses in the league as was on full display against Dallas in the second half. Josh Wilson and Deangelo Hall will not magically turn into Darrelle Revis/Champ Bailey and shut down Cruz, Nicks, Torrey Smith, Dez Bryant. Madoodoo Williams will not magically become a starting caliber NFL safety. The Redskins defense will not all of a sudden start generating pressure on the opposing QB without blitzing, Orakpo and Carriker. Jim Haslett will not transform into Dick Lebeau in the next few days. Kyle Shanahan will not turn into an offensive guru overnight and stop calling plays that make you scratch your head on 3rd and short.

No harm in hoping for miracles but let's not get ahead of ourselves or too dissapointed if the above happens.

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