Redskins: Examining what part of the preseason matters the most

It’s overreaction season in the NFL, and the Redskins are certainly a part of it.

As the NFL preseason has progressed, there has been no shortage of overreactions to the performances of teams across the league. Fans and media alike read a thousand pounds of meaning into every piece of data that is gleaned from these exhibitions.

Which rookies look great? Which rookies look terrible? Which free agent signings appear to be working out? Which teams are wishing they hadn’t signed those free agents? Which incumbent starters are in danger of losing their jobs? Which teams lack the depth to have their starters being pushed? Which coaches are playing their starters too much? Which coaches are playing their starters too little?

The list of topics goes on and on, every single one leading to overreactions. And Redskins fans and media aren’t immune to this overreaction epidemic. If you don’t believe me, just take a look at these examples.

Week 1, Derrius Guice tears his ACL. Average reaction on social media:

Week 2, Daron Payne gets his first sack. Average reaction on social media:

Week 3, Adrian Peterson is the only bright spot as the Redskins look generally bad.  Average reaction on social media:

It’s fun to overreact to individual plays and hang on every play in the preseason, but the reality is, outside of injuries, it’s important not to give too much weight to the preseason results, performances, and so on.