Need to Know: Some reasonable expectations from NFL.com

Here is what you need to know on this Wednesday, four days before the Redskins fact the Saints in their season opener.

Some reasonable expectations from NFL.com

The Redskins are getting hammered as analysts put together their preseason predictions. It’s not unusual to see this publication or that website pick the Redskins to finish the year with three or four wins.

And until the Redskins actually get their heads above water such predictions are to be expected. On the other hand, one would think that a reasonable analyst would look at their five wins from last year, account for the upgrade at quarterback with Robert Griffin III and at other positions like wide receiver, and add a win or a few to that.

There is an oasis of reason out there, however. The four main analysts at NFL.com did an article projecting each team’s fortunes in the coming year and they picked the Redskins to go anywhere from 6-10 to 8-8.

Former Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah is the Redskins pessimist of the group, saying that they’ll go 6-10 despite RG3-generated excitement because of their suspect secondary playing in a division loaded with quality receivers. It’s hard to argue with that point.

Bucky Brooks and Adam Schein say 7-9 for the boys in burgundy and gold. “The Redskins have certainly upgraded the perimeter players in the passing game,” wrote Brooks.

“Brighter days are ahead with Robert Griffin III,” said Schein.

Steve Wyche tips his hat to the defense, particularly Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan, and predicts an 8-8 mark.

As we know, preseason predictions will be forgotten soon after the first kickoff. But there will be a little more credibility given here to articles penned by Wyche, Brooks, Schein, and Jeremiah as they have taken a reasonable view here.

Meet me, Tarik, Chick, and B-Mitch at the Palm

The NFL season gets underway tonight and I’ll be at The Palm at DuPont Circle along with Tarik El-Bashir, Chick Hernandez, and Brian Mitchell to talk Redskins with you.

It starts at 7:00 and you can get the details here.

See you there.

Today’s schedule

Now we get into the regular-season routine:

11:15—Open locker room
1:00—Practice, closed to media after first 30 minutes
After practice (approx. 3:00)—Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan news conferences.

In case you missed it

2012 preview: Five games that will determine the season.

Brandon Banks is where he wants to be.

20 in 20 examines the running back by committee approach.

Days until: Redskins @ Saints 4; home opener vs. Bengals 18; RG3’s first division game @ Giants 46; RG3 vs. Cam at FedEx Field 60

Comments

[Reneebranner]

You know every year people rag on the Redskins. It's nothing new. I have followed this team since I was a little kid, I am now 45 years old. They will return to those glory days of my childhood. Ignore what the critics say, and just prove them wrong. I have a 13 year old son who loves his skins as much as his mommie, and it is time for him to see a championship team. He's been waiting a long time. All I can say is use the criticism as a positive way to get it done and have a winning season boys.