It appears Redskins fan may have to wait another year for their playoff berth. Following a heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, the Redskins fell to 5-6, two games behind the 7-4 division leaders Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.
The Redskins must win their remaining five games this season for even a chance at making the playoffs -- a task that will be extremely hard to accomplish.
This week's game matches the Redskins against their division rival New York Giants, a game in which the Redskins are heavy underdogs. The Redskins defense, ranked 29th overall in passing yards allowed and 26th in rushing yards allowed, will have their hands full with a Giants offense which ranks 9th in passing yards and 6th in rushing yards. The Giants have been playing well on both sides of the ball, posing as a tough opponent for the Redskins to beat.
The Redskins remaining schedule includes home games against Tampa Bay and the Giants, and away games against Dallas, the Giants and Jacksonville.
The games against the Bucs and Jags should be close -- let's call them possible wins for the Redskins. The Cowboys, who have either been brilliant or disastrous on the field this season, will be a toss-up game for the Skins. Washington stands a slim chance of winning both of the remaining games against the Giants, who pose as the hardest opponent left on the schedule. At best, we see the Redskins finishing the season with a 3-2 record, giving them an overall record of 8-8.
This news comes as a disappoint to Redskins fans who, coming into the season, had a lot to be optimistic about. Behind a Super Bowl-winning coach in Mike Shanahan and six-time Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb, the offensive woes looked to be a thing of the past. However, injuries have hit the offense, and especially the running backs, hard. The Redskins two leading rushers, Clinton Portis (groin) and Ryan Torain (hamstring), have both seen limited action in recent weeks.
Since 2000, the Redskins have only made the playoffs in two seasons. The most recent of which in 2006, when they lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional game. Lack luster performances, injuries, and a tough rest of the schedule make many believe the Redskins will spend yet another postseason watching at home.
