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Redskins Reality Checks: It’s not yet a dumpster fire, but it’s smoldering

By Tim Payne

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #20 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 03: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #20 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 07: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder looks on before the New England Patriots play the Washington Redskins during an preseason NFL game at FedExField on August 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 07: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder looks on before the New England Patriots play the Washington Redskins during an preseason NFL game at FedExField on August 7, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Redskins appear to be approaching total combustion. But in a week-to-week league, would a win in Jacksonville stave off the doom and gloom or just delay the inevitable?

Just four weeks ago, the Redskins were 6-3, two games clear of their competition in the NFC East, and looking to earn the opportunity to host a playoff game. What happened next?

  1. DJ Swearinger and Josh Norman criticized the fanbase.
  2. Alex Smith broke his leg.
  3. The team failed to put the division away in Dallas.
  4. The organization bungled the Reuben Foster signing.
  5. Colt McCoy broke his leg.
  6. The team forgot to show up against New York.
  7. Mason Foster (or his cousin) disparaged the fanbase, the team, the organization.

All the while, the team lost four straight games and finds themselves on the outside looking into the playoff picture.  As the Redskins approach their game this weekend in Jacksonville, there appears to be much more at stake than simply avoiding a fifth straight loss. The Redskins reality is pretty dismal right now, but, as usual, there are intriguing and encouraging glimpses to consider as well. Let’s take a look at the Week 15 Redskins reality checks.

More from Riggo's Rag

1. Reality Is, the Redskins do still have a chance to make the playoffs.

Any year where it’s Week 15 and that is true isn’t a total loss. We’ve all experienced plenty of years where the Redskins had nothing to play for in December. It’s important to remember how bad it could be. If the Redskins weren’t starting their fourth quarterback in five weeks, it might feel reasonable to hope they could make the playoffs. Since they are starting their fourth QB, the hope that some Redskins fans feel is somewhere short of reasonable…but far be it from me to blame any fan for hoping.

2. Reality Is, there’s a reason Josh Johnson was out of the NFL before last week.

Johnson hasn’t proven capable of running an NFL offense for long stretches. He had flashes along the way but was not consistent enough to demand a starting, or even a backup, role. However, just because a guy isn’t a long-term solution doesn’t mean he can’t provide a short-term spark.

There is no reason to think the Redskins can’t move the ball a little bit with Johnson and his skill set under center. But which version of the Jaguars defense shows up will certainly play a large part in determining what kind of a day Johnson has. I’m not expecting spectacular, but neither am I expecting total ineptitude. Johnson should have an exciting, roller-coaster type of day. Redskins fans should hope the ride ends on a high.

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