Redskins Reality Checks: Assessing predictions postgame Week 3

6. Reality is, the Redskins are better than they played against the Colts, but Gruden’s seat has to be feeling a bit warm, nonetheless.

I said another home-game dud this week would certainly lead to more consternation and uncomfortable discussions at the top of the organization, so Gruden needs to have his team ready to play this Sunday. Win or lose, they can’t look embarrassing. While he has no control over the broader organizational narrative and the game attendance, he very well might be the scapegoat of an embarrassed owner and team president if attendance and on-field performance don’t improve dramatically from last week.

Pre-game Prediction: This is a week-to-week league largely because players take their season one week at a time. Jay has rarely presided over back-to-back duds. I predict a much more focused, disciplined, and urgent effort from the Redskins this week, leading to a close game. But it won’t be enough.  The Packers will win 31-27, and the ‘Skins go into the bye-week 1-2 with lots of work to do.

Reality Check: The Redskins put together another stellar performance in an important spot to beat the Packers convincingly, 31-17. All three phases of the team showed up, and the Redskins benefitted from the Packers looking a bit out of sorts offensively. Only time will tell if that was more about the Redskins’ defense being really good or the Packers just having an off day.

Tress Way punted fantastically. The Redskins ran the ball effectively, passed it efficiently, forced a key turnover and dominated field position.  Hopkins made his only field goal attempt. As a Redskins fan, I’m conditioned to worry that they won’t be able to take that momentum through the bye into New Orleans. But maybe this team is different. We’ll see.

Hit me up on Twitter @TheRealityIs__ and we’ll keep the conversation going over the bye week.  In the meantime, enjoy celebrating this win for 15 days.