TK Posted October 27, 2003 Share Posted October 27, 2003 http://www.redskins.com/story.asp?ContentID=12159 Schedule Doesn't Offer Any Breaks 10/27/2003 Inside Slant By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com The Redskins opened the 2003 campaign with what at first glance appeared to be a daunting assignment: Play five playoff teams in the first seven games. The lineup included 2001 Super Bowl champion New England, 2002 Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay and 2002 NFC runner-up Philadelphia. As expected, it was a challenging stretch, given that the Redskins headed into the bye week with a 3-4 record. Three consecutive losses have dampened the optimism of a 3-1 September start. It’s a natural tendency for fans, media and even players to look at the regular-season schedule and gauge the toughest stretch. In today’s NFL, to do so is folly. With the Redskins’ season fast approaching the midway point, it turns out the toughest part of the schedule is only just beginning. Combined, the Redskins’ next four opponents—none of whom made the playoffs last season—have a record of 20-7 after eight weeks this year. And three of those four games will be on the road. Who would have thought the Dallas Cowboys—who the Redskins play next Sunday at 4:15 p.m. EST at Texas Stadium—would have compiled five wins in their first six games, thereby equaling their victory total in each of the last three seasons? In the three weeks after that, the Redskins will not only face three difficult foes, they will also contend with the subplot of former players and coaches squaring off against their former team. Seattle, with former Redskins coach Ray Rhodes serving as defensive coordinator, is currently tied for first with St. Louis in the NFC West. Carolina, with former Redskins running back Stephen Davis spearheading a strong rushing attack, leads the NFC South with a 6-1 record. Both teams are solid playoff contenders. The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Washington heads to South Florida to face the Miami Dolphins, who are in second place in the AFC East with a 4-2 record going into tonight’s Monday Night game against the San Diego Chargers. Miami will likely be facing a must-win to keep pace with New England, who is currently in first place with a 6-2 record. Of course, former Redskins’ head coach Norv Turner is now the offensive coordinator for Miami. Wide receiver Derrius Thompson, who played four years for the Redskins before departing last offseason, will also square off against his former team. After a home game against 3-5 New Orleans, the Redskins’ December stretch run will include three games against NFC East squads. Washington is 1-7 against divisional opponents since the start of the 2002 season. While it’s always tempting to look ahead, players and coaches know that everything starts with the next game: NFC East rival Dallas. With Bill Parcells’ Cowboys in first place, it’s set up to be the biggest game of the season so far. A win in Dallas and the Redskins would 4-4 and just one game back of the division lead. “We are going to take it one game at a time,” quarterback Patrick Ramsey said. “We have the talent to be a playoff team and I think we are capable of winning games. But it starts with Dallas. We have to get a win and regain some momentum.” Just as it’s much too early to gauge NFL playoff scenarios, it’s also much too soon to count out the Redskins despite the struggles of recent weeks. The challenge of the upcoming schedule—once thought to be a less difficult stretch—ensures that the team will be tested. If the Redskins can get through the November stretch with a winning record, they will be primed for December and a run at the divisional crown. And history has shown that those teams performing at a high level in December are usually on a course for the postseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevieInferior Posted October 27, 2003 Share Posted October 27, 2003 The bottom line is that withing the division the schedule does not pose an advantage or disadvantage for any team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TD_washingtonredskins Posted October 27, 2003 Share Posted October 27, 2003 SS, that's what makes it so great now. There is no excuse from year to year if you don't do well. Each team in the division plays 14 common opponents...that's great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted October 27, 2003 Share Posted October 27, 2003 this is bs we got the easiest schedule in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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