Source: Washington Redskins via Facebook
Washington had a disappointing 2016 NFL season. While key injuries may have hindered the Redskins’ chance of competing against their NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, ultimately they fell short in the grand scheme of things. For many Redskins fans, it felt like Jay Gruden’s men had failed to build, or improve on the 2015 campaign.
But the 2016 season has been and gone. Time to focus on the future, and can Washington challenge at the top of the division in the coming months? With a few favorable results in the opening few weeks of the year, Gruden’s side could hit the ground running, and early momentum could help the Redskins pull away from Dallas and New York in the NFC East title race.
Three weeks from today: Eagles at Redskins, Giants at Cowboys.
What will NFC East standings be at the end of the day?
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) August 20, 2017
In the Redskins favor, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is suspended for the first six weeks of the season. Washington will be desperate to gain an early advantage over Dallas before his return. As a rookie, Elliott broke numerous rushing records in 2016 and the Redskins know he will make an immediate impact when he returns. Washington will still have to contend with Elliott twice, as they play the Cowboys both times in the second half of the year. But his suspension will hurt Dallas early on.
The Philadelphia Eagles are going through a transitional period right now and might not appear too great a threat, but it would be foolish to write them off. Alshon Jeffery is, if he is able to regain his best form, an elite wide receiver and Carson Wentz has a decent corps at his disposal. Do the Redskins have a more complete team?
In Kirk Cousins, Washington has one of the best and most consistent passing quarterbacks in the National Football League. That may seem a little far-fetched but Cousins has shown that he can consistently carry this Redskins offense – especially when he has all of his options healthy. Jordan Reed, Jamison Crowder and free agency acquisition Terrelle Pryor are all capable of putting up big numbers when called upon.
And what might make this Redskins offense good, is that they are all able to contribute. It is more about the collective whole, than its individual parts with Washington. If they can stay healthy, could that be the difference between themselves and their NFC East rivals this season? Sportsbet have the Redskins at +400 outsiders to win the division and if you want to bet on sports with these tips, you can! If Washington is lucky with injuries, could this be their time to rise to the top of the division?
Jay Gruden will likely have to lead his side to the playoffs by winning the division, in what is a competitive NFC conference. The Redskins are hopefully heading in the right direction and a potent offensive unit can take them to the next level. Washington isn’t the finished article by any means, but an NFC East title would definitely pave the platform for future glory.