Fun 'n' Dud

Washington Redskins' fans have been going on a roller coaster ride since the departure of Joe Gibbs back in 1992.

Every preseason starts with high optimism from all the newly signed personnel, as the wealthy owner throws his money around trying to acquire any talent he can find.

Then, as the season begins, endless articles and news about the team during the week only gets me more pumped up for the big game on the weekend.

Yet, although the season is far from over, it is almost time to start thinking about next year.

The (Steve) Spurrier era is in full swing in Washington. There was so much hype before the season that you could not help but get fired up about the ball club. Everyone in town was ready for a little game of pitch and catch.

The first preseason game was a passing clinic and threw the city into a frenzy. Then, after a few early season losses, reality quickly set in.

Now, with the regular season more than halfway over, the Redskins do not look much different then they have in recent years, except for the new anniversary helmets. And while the playoffs are not out of the question, every game from here on out needs to be considered a must win -- and they better make a run now!

What went wrong this year?

Everything.

When you look at the offensive roster, the only steady players are Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels on the line and Stephen Davis in the backfield. Rod Gardner is doing a nice job at wide receiver, but he is not going to make any defense alter their strategy.

Davis, a workhorse in the backfield, was back against the Giants on Sunday and he broke a few runs for nice yardage, but he never got the ball on a consistent basis because they threw the ball so much. Why would you throw so much on a day when the weather was absolutely dreadful?

Good question. Solution -- Let Davis run the ball 25-30 times a game. Maybe establishing the run would allow the Fun 'n' Gun to get off the ground.

The defense looks like they are finally coming together. The year started out rough, as the newcomers tried to work together as one unit. Lately, however, the defense has held their own. As the year goes on, this group will continue to grow with all of the talented players on that side of the ball.

The main concern for the team will be whether or not the defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis remains with the squad. With many coaching opportunities always available in the college and pro ranks, Lewis will be considered a front-runner for many positions. If Lewis leaves, then Lavar Arrington, the young pro bowl linebacker, will have his fourth defensive coordinator in four years. The defense needs stability.

The special teams have been a disaster throughout the year. It is amazing how many kickoffs barely get down to the 10-yard line, and the opposing return men already have an advantage before the ball is even teed up. Michael Lewis of the Saints ran wild on them earlier this year.

The Redskins also are missing the big playmaker they had in Brian Mitchell for many years. Champ Bailey is the new the punt returner, and hopefully, he can get accustomed quick and make an impact for the remainder of the season.

With the Rams coming to town next Sunday, the Redskins need to get a win to stay alive in the playoff picture. The NFC East is still very much wide open, especially with Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb having suffered a broken ankle.

However, if the losses begin to mount in the upcoming weeks, it might be time to say "uncle" and put rookie QB Patrick Ramsey back in the mix. Ramsey has a cannon of an arm and a bright future.

For now, I will pray for the Redskins to establish the run, and hope for some completions down the field instead of the overused wide receiver screen. How many times can you throw a wide receiver screen?

My Bold prediction: The Redskins finish 9-7 and sneak into the wild card spot.

What's that noise? It must be the alarm clock. Time to wake up from dreamland.

Hail to the Redskins.