Regular Season Analysis/Predictions

[DarthMonk]

The schedule:

@ TEX
JAG
@ EAG
NYG
SEA
@ ARZ
TEN
@ COW
@ VIK
BUC
@ 49R
@ IND
RAM
@ NYG
EAG
COW

I've highlighted the games I anticipate losing. We need to win 10 of the other 13. We don't seem to have a home field advantage. SEA and @ ARZ seem to be very tough. This makes winning @ TEX in game 1 very important.

I think 8-8 would be a huge success. I think our offense will be explosive with a healthy Griff and good with Cousins. If our defense can play 4 quarters for 16 games they way they have played so far, we could be very good.

I'm calliing 8-8.

[SkinsJock]

I want them to win every game - winning 8 or 9 is doable

I really am looking for RG3 to show that he can be a good NFL QB - he's not had the benefit of being prepared to play the position the way that Jay and Sean want him to - Mike and Kyle almost ruined him the way they had him play and the offense they devised for him

given what we saw and the team attitude, it's hard not to imagine that we'll be improved on what we saw last season as a whole

I'm afraid we're another season from being very good again

it's almost that time again and anything can happen on any given Sunday

[riggofan]

Coming off 3-13, 8-8 would definitely be a nice step up.

If we're going to make predictions though, how about we take 8-8 off the table? Its too "win some, lose some". I want to hear if people think we're going to have a winning season or a losing season.

The 49ers/Seahawks games are really hard to guess right now. I think Seattle is the better team, 49ers have lost a couple key LBs. But we get Seattle at home and 49ers away.

I'm going to guess we go 4-2 in our division games.

From the other ten games, I see seven games where I expect us to at least be competitive: Texans, Jags, Arizona, Titans, Vikings, Bucs, Rams. Not to say we'll win those, but most of those teams have their own issues and none of them should just flat out scare us. v. Colts, 49ers, Seahawks, we're definitely the underdogs. I'll be conservative and say 5-5 in non-division games.

Healthy QB, some positive momentum from the new coach, big year from Alf, weak division and some things going our way for a change. Optimistic homer that I am, I'm going with 9-7 this year.

[SkinsJock]

The only games I see as being hard to 'find a way to win' are the Seahawks, Cardinals and 49ers

I understand that we'll win some we shouldn't and lose some we shouldn't but I really think we'll make our own luck better than we've done recently - going 6-0 in the division is not going to be that hard

9-7 would be a good season

[KazooSkinsFan]

10-6, we were good two years ago and the wheels came off last year, but I think we weren't as bad as our record. If the OL sands up, the secondary improves and we get a stronger pass rush, I think we start middling then start winning. We also play in the NFC East and that's good for some extra wins if we're just decent.

[SkinsJock]

10-6, we were good two years ago and the wheels came off last year, but I think we weren't as bad as our record. If the OL sands up, the secondary improves and we get a stronger pass rush, I think we start middling then start winning. We also play in the NFC East and that's good for some extra wins if we're just decent.

9-7 - agree with you that we were not as bad as our record
I think we'll see improvement defensively - the weapons on offense are encouraging but the O line is a bit of a mystery as we go away from the Mike & Kyle gimmick stuff and begin the Jay and Sean era

there are a lot of good signs but it takes time to build the quality depth you need

[riggofan]

10-6, we were good two years ago and the wheels came off last year, but I think we weren't as bad as our record.

Probably weren't as bad as our record last year, but I don't think we were much better than our record last year either.

I do think your reasons for thinking we'll be better this year are solid.

[KazooSkinsFan]

10-6, we were good two years ago and the wheels came off last year, but I think we weren't as bad as our record.

Probably weren't as bad as our record last year, but I don't think we were much better than our record last year either.

I do think your reasons for thinking we'll be better this year are solid.

Actually, let me rephrase it. I think we had more talent than our record indicated. I think we did play like a 3-13 team for most of the season, I just don't think we had 3-13 talent. Yeah, we needed upgrades, I'm just saying if we got them, and I hope we did, then we could bounce back pretty quickly. We did have big holes, like on the O-line and in the secondary, we had a circus atmosphere over the Shannanans that harmed us, and we got some bad breaks, like RG3.

[DarthMonk]

Coming off 3-13, 8-8 would definitely be a nice step up.

If we're going to make predictions though, how about we take 8-8 off the table? Its too "win some, lose some". I want to hear if people think we're going to have a winning season or a losing season.

What can I say? I think we will win 8 games and lose 8 games.

I think we go 2-4 in division while getting swept by the Eags. Sorry but I think it will happen.

I see us losing to SEA, @49R, and @IND.

I seeing us winning JAG, TEN, BUC, and RAM.

So far we are 6-7. 8-8 means going 2-1 @TEX, @ARZ, and @VIK. It won't be easy.

If our pass rush can step up this could all radically change. Making Holes, Sheli, and Blowmo hurry would make all the difference. Also, SEA is here on MNF. The crowd and a pass rush would be huge.

PS - I will certainly pick us every week in Hognostications. Please see that thread in Around the League if you have not yet signed up.

PPS - Our over/under in Vegas is 7.5 wins.

[OldSchool]

I want to see the next game where Griffin will play more before I make a prediction. He's looked uncomfortable thus far but maybe he hasn't play long enough to settle in and perform in the first two games maybe he'll do better and raise my hopes next time out. He's got more playmakers this season so maybe he'll be more effective without running.

[fabe]

I'm not being picky this year. As long as we get more than 3 wins, don't get swept by our division, and not end up 4th in the East, I'll be content. Not happy, but content.

@HOU = This one could possibly go either way. Houston's defense is looking like a force, but it's mostly because of Clowney, Watt and Cushing. I think our offense could still move the ball with a heavy dose of Alfred Morris. Houston's offense doesn't scare me, but our defense does. I'm just glad that this game is week 1, so with a new offense, we could have [somewhat] an element of surprise. Again, I think this one is a coin toss but I'll take the Skins just because.

JAC = It's a lock. Skins win this one.

@PHI = I never want to pick a divisional rival, but if I throw my bias aside, I can give Philly at least a home win.

NYG = I'll take the Skins. Giants are looking bad this year.

SEA = We could pull off the upset, but it's the smarter pick to go with the SB champs. I take Seattle.

@ARI = I'm taking the Skins. I know the Cards defense is looking good, but it's still the Arizona Cardinals, and Carson Palmer is still their QB.

TEN = Skins. Who the heck plays for Tennessee anyway?

@DAL = Skins all day!

@MIN = Skins

TB = Skins

@SF = I gotta go with the 9ers. I'll be rooting for the upset, though.

@IND = Skins. I see a lot of people are taking the Colts, but I think we could win this. It's not Peyton Manning's Colts.

STL = Dang, this one is kind of hard. I think it's another coin toss. The Rams defense is SCARY, and their running attack is decent enough. I'll say the Rams, but maybe the jet lag will get to them.

@NYG = Skins

PHI = We gotta beat the Eagles at least once this year, right? Better chance at our stadium.

DAL = Skins

This makes our overall record 11-5. Doesn't sound realistic, but who knows what could happen?

[cleg]

I got 7-9. Swept by the NFC West, losing both Eagles games, losing to the Vikings, Bucs and Texans.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Im surprised at all the respect for a mediocre smeagle team!!!

Like every year there is games we should win and games we SHOULD lose... but not a single game we CANT win.

With that said, LpJ and I will get it right one year!!!

19-0

Kap is crap, fecals are.. well fecal. And shehawks will likely be our biggest test.. before the knee totally gave way we were rolling em so I think with some momentum and confidence soaring we edge them out with their O not being able to do much and a smart game spells no defensive scores to bail them out.
/homerism

[OldSchool]

After watching the 1st half of the Raven's game I'm going with 7-9. Robert continues to be ineffective in the pocket running this offense in game three, it might take awhile for him to improve. He doesn't look that quick anymore so I don't how much things are going improve soon. Again he doesn't but the defense looks better and since the schedule is weak I think the Skins can win 4 more than last year.

I am updating this after watching Cousins lead a TD drive. I say 7-9 with Griffin starting or 9-7 with Cousins starting, Cousins skill set fits Gruden's offense much better than Griffin's.

[hanburgerheel]

6-10 or worse if they stay with Griffin all season.

8-8 or 9-7 with Cousins.

I long for the days when Washington had a good QB. Maybe one day we will have another one.

[hogz2013]

I hate to be a downer but I am not too confident in RG 3...I saw the game against the Browns and Griffin's woeful pick he threw and his form in throwing a couple of passes and his scramble in getting hit..Ughhhh! I am a ifelong Skins fan in NC going back to the George Allen days, btw... I see a lot of good offensive talent in place for this year: Ryan Grant, DeSean Jackson, Alfred Morris, Jordan Reed (if he stays healthy the whole year), but Griffin needs to get a lot better in the pocket and learn how to slide!

Redskins Forever!

[EA7649]

Prediction Might me reality depends on the qb, dbacks, health rhythm
W @ TEX L
W JAG W
L @ EAG L
W NYG W
L SEA L
L @ ARZ L
W TEN W
W @ COW L
W @ VIK L
L BUC W
L @ 49R L
L @ IND L
W RAM W
W @ NYG L
W EAG L
W COW W

Prediction 9-7
Very likely 5-11


That was my original post but I just found out Bradford is out for the season. So W against the Rams both ways.

Prediction 10-6
Very likely 6-10
Lets try to get into the playoffs though!

[Kilmer72]

Washington @ Houston W

Washington vs Jags Home L ( we lose these type games)

Washington @ Eagles W

Washington NYG W

Washingtone vs Seahawks W (we owe these guys)

Washington @ Arz L

Washington @Tn L

Washington @ Dallas W

Washington @ Minisota W (we oowe them too)

Washington @ Bucks W

Washington @ 9ners L

Washington @ Ind W

Washington @ Rams L (we owe them too but oh well)

Washington @ Ny W

Washington vs Eagles L

Washington vs Dallas W

[PAPDOG67]

10-6 and NFC East champs again this year. Going 5-1 inside the division is what will lock it up for us.

[StorminMormon86]

6-10, and that's being optimistic.

[riggofan]

Actually, let me rephrase it. I think we had more talent than our record indicated. I think we did play like a 3-13 team for most of the season, I just don't think we had 3-13 talent. Yeah, we needed upgrades, I'm just saying if we got them, and I hope we did, then we could bounce back pretty quickly. We did have big holes, like on the O-line and in the secondary, we had a circus atmosphere over the Shannanans that harmed us, and we got some bad breaks, like RG3.

Interesting. See, I think we probably did have 3-13 talent last year, and that was the problem created by the salary cap penalty. We had (and still have) some talented guys, just don't think we were able to afford enough of them last year. The lack of depth really showed at safety and on special teams.

That's actually the reason I'm optimistic about this year. We had some cap room, able to sign some stronger players, more depth and better players overall. You see decent guys like Rob Jackson not making this year's team. That probably doesn't put us immediately into the playoffs, but I don't think we'll be a four win team either.

Somebody on here wrote a brilliant post about the roster like three games into the season last year btw. Wish I could find it again. He just pointed out how obvious it was that the roster was flawed, and that we were in for a bad season. Not just "the sky is falling" stuff either. Really nailed it, I wish I could find that post again to give that poster credit.

[DarthMonk]

I'm actually more optimistic after the Raven game. Our D-line seems to get very good push. I think our front 7 will allow us to play man-to-man behind it effectively.

I see a good chance to start 2-0 @ TEX and vs. JAG. The Cowboys and especially the Giants are ripe for plucking.

If Griff just starts pulling the trigger on what's there instead of pulling it down, we could be real good. He actually started well against the Ravens but got spooked and started hesitating. The deep ball to Jackson was nice. DJ should have lined up and run the pattern a yard closer to the hash.

I expect stretch runs and bootlegs. I expect more quick passes. I expect everything we have not yet seen.

[FLWSkin]

I think there is a whole lot we haven't seen, which is why I'm keeping an open mind.

[SouthLondonRedskin]

I agree. I think Gruden is keeping a lot back, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a lot more play-action and read-option than many anticipate. He sees RG3 aint there yet and he'll hang his hat on Morris and the run game, utilising the deep threat of Jackson to spread the D and hitting Reed underneath.

I'm actually happy we lost to the Ravens, I'm glad we had obvious issues that need work on before week one, it gives us something to focus on. Imagine if eveything went ultra-smooth and we blew Baltimore away..? For that to happen this early into a new head coaches tenure would be crazy and give the players a false sense of security.

Remember, we won more pre-season games last season than regular season games! Looking good now don't mean squat.

Gibbs held as much back as he could in pre-season and used it primarily as a conditioning exercise. I reckon Gruden is of the same mind.

I'm optimistic we'll see good progress under Gruden, I think we can push Philly for the division but ultimately we might fall short. If we get lucky with avoiding injuries (Trent, Morris, Reed, Garcon are key players who we can't afford to lose on O, more so than RG3 believe it or not) and RG3 gets his mojo back then we'll both entertain and surprise.

If we're scoring points I'm confident the D will step up more times than not. Hall, Orakpo, Kerrigan will be consistant, but Clark, Hatcher, Amerson & Cofield need to have high-level seasons. Meriweather, if he can avoid any more suspensions, will be a major plus a year removed from his injury. The confidence is back in his knee, which I don't belive it was last season.

[StorminMormon86]

The positive from the preseason is how well our defense has played.