Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins Reality Check: Realistic predictions for the team in Week 1 vs. Cardinals

By Tim Payne

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins looks on before playing the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 24: Running back Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins looks on before playing the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins ooks on as his team takes on the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Jay Gruden of the Washington Redskins ooks on as his team takes on the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Reality is, clock management and turnovers reflect on the head coach.

The Redskins have often played down to their competition throughout Gruden’s tenure, barely squeaking by against teams they should have beaten solidly.  The primary causes of these underwhelming performances have been poor game management and sloppy turnovers.

Gruden indicated this week that turnovers have killed the team in home openers.  Pundits across all forms of media have been decrying Gruden’s clock management for years, and rightfully so.  Until he proves otherwise, it’s fair to say he’s not been great at getting the most out of his team in season openers, and his teams have turned the ball over far too much when it’s really counted.

I’ll be thrilled if there are no clock management gaffes and the Redskins win the turnover battle.  I’ll be disappointed if Gruden blows a clock management opportunity or we lose the turnover battle, regardless of the final outcome of the game.

More from Commanders News

Prediction: I expect a 50/50 outcome…either they get a clean clock management game, or they win the turnover battle, but not both.  I expect to be nonplussed.

6. Reality is, the Redskins need a W in the worst way this Sunday.

Gruden is 0-4 in season openers.  Arizona is expected to be one of 2-3 teams on the Redskins’ schedule this year with losing records by season’s end.  Andrew Luck and Aaron Rodgers loom the next two weeks before a painfully early bye-week.  The Redskins start this season with the closest thing to a must-win away game in week 1 I can ever remember a team having.  No pressure, guys.

I’d be thrilled if they get the win in a business-like fashion.  I’d be disappointed if they lose or look like they were lucky to win.

The reality is, I just lied…a win is a win. I’d only be truly disappointed if they lose (or tie…I have experience with being disappointed with a tie).

Prediction: I expect a sloppy win. I expect to be relieved but nervous. Redskins 20, Cardinals 17.

Next. 5 bold predictions for Redskins vs. Cardinals. dark

I am excited to see what the Redskins have in store for us this season…and I’m excited to chronicle the ups and downs with whoever wants to join the conversation with me either in comments below or on Twitter. Check back for more reality checks throughout the season!

Home/Commanders News