5 pleasant surprises for the Washington Redskins through Week 3

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins after catching a pass at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 16: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Quinton Dunbar #23 of the Washington Redskins after catching a pass at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins scrambles with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins scrambles with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Three weeks are in the books, and with the bye week on deck, it’s time to reflect on the first portion of the Redskins season.

After Week 3, it’s still a little too early to look back and reflect; thirteen games have yet to be played, and although the Washington Redskins would be in the playoffs if the season ended today, no one’s giving them any trophies for winning part of the season.

The traditional NFL season is 16 games for a reason. It’s a war of attrition, and a test of fortitude. Who can withstand the grueling stretch through autumn and winter? Who can defy luck, adversity, and parity to rise above, and compete for the title?

Sometimes, the circumstances only allow you to go so far. The Redskins learned this last year. But this year, it appears they’ve been dealt with a better hand. The injuries (knock on wood) have stayed at bay, and a few leaps of faith have proved their worth early on.

Adrian Peterson has excelled as the team’s stopgap running back. Quinton Dunbar has emerged as a potential lockdown cornerback. But those are far from the entirety of the pleasant surprises we’ve seen so far. Turn the page, and find out how the Redskins have exceeded expectations, and how the NFL, to our delight, is not what it once seemed to be.