Redskins: Why it’s okay to root for a loss against the Jaguars

Four weeks ago, the Redskins commanded modest respect as a playoff sleeper. Now, one could make an argument that they’re the worst team in the league.

The team’s drastic fall has them now at 6-7; still outside contenders for the NFC playoff race, surprisingly enough. But with the way the Washington Redskins have played over the past few weeks, and with them now on their fourth quarterback in Josh Johnson, it’s hard to expect them to win one game, let alone three.

So what is there for the passionate but reasonable fan to do when his or her team is, based on logic, out of the mix?

Well, the passionate but reasonable fan can root for the team’s demise, if a hard reset is contingent upon a longer streak of losses. No, you won’t lose your fan card. Rooting for a loss is perfectly reasonable, for a number of reasons.

As mentioned above, a certain head coach, defensive coordinator, and with any luck, a certain team president, are looking over their shoulders, concerned for the security of their jobs. This season, however, those coaches have shown nothing but reasons to cut them loose. A seven-game losing streak to close out the season would seal their fate, and help the team move forward. Of course, none of it matters if Bruce Allen is still here, but you have to think, if the Redskins lose enough, he’ll be gone eventually.

It’s not ideal to lose. But if, in the act of losing, you get rid of your losers, it means something.

Additionally, losing out would also give the Washington Redskins a higher draft pick. This isn’t as important; if your team is good at scouting, a slightly higher draft pick doesn’t make that much of a difference. But one cannot deny that there is a benefit in being higher up. If they want to trade up, it’ll take less ammo, and one or two picks could end up being the difference between getting your favorite prospect and your third favorite prospect.

In the grand scheme of things, and on a broad scale, perhaps it doesn’t matter. But for the Redskins, in 2019, it could give them the edge they need in a rebuild.

So go ahead. Root for a loss. If more losing is what Dan Snyder needs to hold the team’s liabilities accountable for poor performance, then so be it. It’s not ideal, but it might be the only way that change occurs.