Washington Redskins offseason optimism a challenging thing to trust

There have been some unpleasant developments, but all reports from the Washington Redskins training camp have been predominantly positive.

For almost any other team, this would be a cause for excitement. But hesitance and doubt have become regular visitors to each Redskins offseason. These auras come with the fans and reporters who line the turf’s edge each weekday, but they do not go with the crowd. They stay and they linger, and each parcel of bad news is a reminder of darker times. Times that lay not far behind.

The Redskins are at the climax of a long, winding journey to reclaim their relevance. The tipping point of an incredible and incredulous epic. A playoff season is more than possible. And with it, the Washington Redskins can join the ranks of the elite, despite the impending tumult next offseason. But if the Redskins fail, the turnover in 2018 will render the team irrelevant in the league once again.

There’s plenty to be excited about. Don’t get me wrong. Plenty. The defense looks rejuvenated, filled to the brim with young, talented players. D.J. Swearinger has emerged as a strong leader beside Josh Norman. Junior Galette appears to be well on his way to a comeback season.

Among countless other reasons to be absolutely psyched for 2017, Terrelle Pryor looks like a transformer in the Redskins’ offense, and with Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball, he should be downright electric.

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The optimism is palpable in Redskins Park. And it’s a surprising thing, especially following the ugly firing of Scot McCloughan and the continued gridlock in Kirk Cousins’ negotiations. There is genuine excitement surrounding the 2017 season. In the past, the success of this team has been met with skepticism. There’s still doubt in the present day, but all the facts are pointing to an upward trend.

But nevertheless, this kind of offseason optimism is a challenging thing for Redskins’ fans to accept and harness. There are too many cautionary tales to list. Time and time again, a free agency acquisition has shown promise, only to falter in historic fashion. Time and time again, coaches and coordinators have entered right with promise and a new beginning. And too often, they last only one mere act, with the script ending at “exit left”.

Every offseason comes with a little bit of hope. But the Redskins have been through seventeen offseasons since the turn of the century. And out of all that optimism, only four playoff berths have materialized. Why should we treat 2017 any different? What makes this offseason more than simply premature positivity?

Perhaps we’re simply stuck in the cycle. But this year feels different. We say that every year. But this time, it’s easily visible. Not just through speculation. But by watching the practice clips, seeing the players and coaches talk, and interact. Seeing the confidence that is exuded.

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For the Washington Redskins, offseason optimism is a challenging thing to trust. But in 2017, that confidence appears to be more trustworthy than its reputation suggests. We won’t know anything until the regular season. But feel free to get excited. The offseason isn’t over yet.

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