I asked other knowledgeable football fans their view on the Redskins

[skins4ever17]

Surprisingly, it was very positive. Most of the fans I know are adults in my neighborhood, and a few select friends that really know football.

It's such a nice feeling this year. Even though we are .500, people seem to respect us a lot more.

Last year we were a laughing stock at 4-12, and here we are 5-5. We still have playoff hope, and our team is still together.

Just loving the positive vibes. I think we have a good shot against the Vikings this sunday ;]

[Dukes and Skins]

A lot of the different positive views on us stem from actually having a competent Front Office and a coach who will get the best out of his players even if they aren't the greatest players. We are a team with not a lot of talent that is finding ways to win and that's the most encouraging part

[rockfan7224]

It's just nice to feel much better with the direction that the Skins are headed in as opposed to years past.

[Zzj]

Did they point out anything specific in terms of strengths and weaknesses? Or was it just a general 'yeah they're a decent team' sort of thing?

[joeknows]

i too have spoken to my friedns this season and they have all been impressed with the turnaround of our franchise. it IS a great feeling for a change to know that our teams is starting to be taken seriously again!!!!

[Special K]

Gee, I would hope that anyone who knows jack about football would view our team positively from last year...

We've made a lot of positive strides from last year, if we go 8-8 I'ld be stoked.

[MusicCitySkin]

It's clear that most now see us as an "any given Sunday" team as opposed to a complete joke that we have been. Hopefully next year teams won't just see us as a footnote on the schedule.

[campbellcooleyconnection]

i love that we are building a team that never quits & seems to fight for each other.i can't wait to we become a team that doesn't lose to the lions who haven't won a game since crushing us & are 2-9

[Darth Tater]

In my experience, when your rivals don't hate you, that means you are bad in their opinion.

[fnkdctr(007)]

Do they know you are a Skins fan. I believe your evidence is tampered but I bet your neighbors like you. HTTR

[Califan007 The Constipated]

The positives about the Skins that I've heard/read are usually along the lines of "Shanahan has that team playing hard" and "They're a damn tough team to beat now". This is usually said by Giants and Cowboys fans, and not to me directly lol...but between themselves.

[MumboSauce]

I think the tone and direction is definitely different...there is a culture change happening that can be respected. Those that know, know the skins are more competent and are playing admirably despite the serious lack of talent/weaponry.

[s0crates]

I was talking to another fan yesterday who said that he thinks the 'skins are due for a good season next year. He pointed out that Shannahan went 8-8 in his first season with the Broncos, and proceeded to win the Super Bowl the following year, something he thinks could be repeated with the Redskins. He drew a parallel between McNabb and Elway in making this argument. Food for thought.