Six Things I Learned About The Washington Redskins After Week 7

Good Morning everybody.  Well, I've had time to sleep on it, wake up, drink some coffee and relax a little bit.  Ahhh, yes.  Now back to talking more shit!

Washington is a team that is rebuilding.  That is the cut-and-dry, no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is truth.  Most Skins fans don't wanna hear that crap though.  Of course it doesn't help matters when the Head Coach is running around saying shit like he doesn't like using the term 'rebuilding' because it implies that you can't Win now.  Fine dawg; do what you do.  But don't be surprised when Redskins fans actually expect to Win NOW.

Now don't get me wrong: I watch every ballgame expecting to see the team Win too.  That is the nature of competition.  Still, my expectations for this year's team is 9-7.  I think The Redskins have a decent shot of attaining this goal.  It'll take a few lucky bounces, sure.  And the fellas will have to beat three or four legitimate quality teams.  That shouldn't be too tall an order...let's hope.

Anyhow, with this goal in mind, let's review the six things I learned about the Washington Redskins after Week 7.

1. Washington Needs More Depth - There is no doubt about it.  We're reaching that point of the 2011 campaign when every team is a little dinged up.  Some more than others, obviously.  What will keep the Redskins in the mix throughout the course of the season this year, and for years to come is having quality backups ready to come in and deliver at a moment's notice.  I'm not sure that the team is quite there yet.
2. John Beck Needs Time To Settle In At Quarterback - This is why I disagreed with making the switch.  Beck (and the entire offense) looked out of sync yesterday.  It is wholly unreasonable to expect him to come in, after not starting since George W lived in DC, and  play well.  Hell, I wanted him to, but that is asking a lot from the guy.  But that doesn't mean he's no damn good either.  It just means he needs to get acclimated.  I expect better play up in Toronto this Sunday.
3. The Defense Clearly Had A Bad Day - A football season is a marathon and not a sprint.  Under those circumstances, I consider that defensive performance to be a 'bad day'.  Now this is the second time in a row that they got hit square in the chops.  Last week they fought back admirably.  This past Sunday, they got their ass whooped.  Hell, it's the NFL.  Happens to everyone at least once.  I can forgive that, because overall, the D looks good this year.
4.  The Redskins Must Start Playing To Their Strengths - It's not rocket science y'all; Washington, beats people in 19-13 kinda games.  They don't Win shootouts.  This is not New Orleans.  I am getting sick of watching The Redskins pass so much when they are within one score of the opponent!  That is not the team's strength at the moment.  This team is built to control the tempo by running the ball, play action pass off the rushing threat, play to Win a field position battle, and play sound defense that keeps em in every ballgame.  That gives em opportunities to Prevail. 
5. Washington Will Learn Who They Are Now - Earlier this season when the team, was 3-1, everything was peaches.  Now with consecutive losses for the first time this year, we will all find out who this Washington Redskins team is in short order.  I am a firm believer that adversity tests character.  Are The Skins legit?  Or are they a mirage?  We'll find out now since they've been humbled a little bit.  Here's the test.  The Next opponent, The Buffalo Bills, think they're pretty good.  And they have a record that reinforces that belief.  Now what kind of Washington team will show up in Toronto?  A flat, lethargic, complacent bunch -- or a horde of ass-kicking goons that kick open the door and start swinging?  I wanna see them goons!!!  We will find out soon.
6. A Successful Season Is Still Possible - The reality is that with a 3-3 record, DC's season can go in myriad directions.  Many of those directions leads to positive outcomes.  But the fact of the matter is that it's decision time.  Every team gets banged up.  Every team suffers a little adversity.  Every team has a few tough draws, or difficult stretches on the schedule.  What truly matters is how a team deals with these types of obstacles.  Successful squads navigate these stretches well and overcome any percieved obstacles.  Where does Washington rank?  Stay tuned.