Rich Tandler's Real Redskins

Redskins-Eagles prediction: We've see this before

The last time the Redskins went to Philadelphia for a late season game with heavy playoff implications for them but not for the Eagles, it was 2005. Washington was 9-6 and needed a win over the 6-9 Eagles in the season finale to wrap up a wild card berth in the postseason.

In the first quarter, Washington took a 7-3 lead on a four-yard touchdown pass from Mark Brunell to Mike Sellers. With Donovan McNabb sidelined with an injury, Mike McMahon was the Eagles QB and he threw two touchdown passes to Reggie Brown to put Philly up 17-7 in the second quarter.

It looked like the playoff berth was slipping away but the Redskins battled back. They took a 24-20 fourth-quarter lead on a 22-yard Clinton Portis touchdown run one play after linebacker Lemar Marshall picked off a pass. They wrapped it up later when Sean Taylor dove across the goal line to complete a 39-yard fumble return to make the final 31-20.

I think we will see a similar game on Sunday. Sometimes coaches talk about how talented the upcoming opponent is and they are stretching their credibility. Not so with the Eagles. They have a lot of good players but they have been hit with a lot of injuries and the talent they have doesn’t really mesh together very well. The former is not the fault of coach Andy Reid; the latter is and because of that this will be Reid’s last home game after 14 years at the helm.

The players like Reid and they will come out and play hard in honor of the coach’s Philly farewell. They could well build up an early lead. Robert Griffin III may be a bit rusty after missing last week with a knee injury.

But the emotion will only carry the Eagles so far. Eventually RG3 will get it going, the Washington defense will force Nick Foles into a couple of turnovers and the Redskins remain in control of their playoff scenario. In a game that is closer than the final score would indicate:

Redskins 31, Eagles 20

Wait, the Redskins are favored?

Are the Redskins really good enough to beat the Ravens?

Before the season almost everyone had this game marked as a loss for Washington. Even all the way back on the morning of Nov. 22, the day of the Dallas game, the thought that the Redskins could beat the Raves was not rational. That was all of 15 days ago.

But then the Redskins beat the Cowboys and the Giants. Baltimore needed a fourth and 29 miracle to beat the struggling Chargers and then they lost to the Charlie Batch-led Steelers at home.

So, even though the Ravens are three games better than the Redskins in the standings, they will be underdogs by two to three points. Yes, the Redskins are favorites.

Is all of this real? Are the Redskins just on a lucky hot streak? Are they bound to come crashing back to earth sooner rather than later?

Offensively, they seem to be very real. With a 12-game sample size to work with, the Redskins are the top rushing team in the league and Robert Griffin III is one of the top quarterbacks in the game by nearly every statistical measure.

Defensively they are 4^th against the run and, as is well know, they have problems against the pass.

Those numbers don’t add up to a rock-solid team but they do point to a team with some strengths that are good enough to win some games with minimal use of smoke and mirrors.

I don’t know if the Redskins will win out and get into the playoffs. But I do think that this week they have a distinct advantage at quarterback. Flacco is a competent signal caller; RG3 is on his way to becoming elite. And the Redskins should be able to run against Baltimore’s 23^rd-ranked rushing defense.

The key for the Redskins will be getting seven points instead of three when they get deep into Ravens territory.  Baltimore has the league’s top-ranked red zone defense. Or, better yet, don’t stop in the red zone; let Pierre Garçon or Aldrick Robinson run right through it on the way to the goal line.

The Ravens will put up some points, but not enough.

Redskins 24, Ravens 20

Redskins hope to avoid second-quarter woes

Maintaining their good starts has proven to be a challenge

The Redskins face a difficult slate in the second quarter starting with the 4-0 Falcons at FedEx Field. The surprising 3-1 Vikings come into town next and road trips to the Giants and Steelers follow. Both New York and Pittsburgh are 2-2 but both are perennial playoff teams and recent Super Bowl champs.

As noted, the Redskins face a tall task in getting the second quarter of the season off to a good start. The Falcons are undefeated and their main strength, the passing game with Matt Ryan throwing to the likes of Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez.

But already know that. You also probably know that the Redskins have the top rushing attack in the NFL and that the Falcons struggle defending the run.

So, what happens? One of two things.

--The Redskins get their doors blown off, relatively speaking. I think they are moving the ball well enough to where they are going to put a score in the 20’s. But things have the potential to get really ugly if Ryan can find his receivers. Something like the Bengals game, only the Redskins don’t rally for a late touchdown to make the score look better.

--The two teams get into a shootout, with Robert Griffin III matching Ryan pass for pass, yard for yard, touchdown for touchdown. Who has the ball last? Think the Bucs game but with the score in the upper 30’s.

So which will it be? Despite the forecast for rain at FedEx Field on Sunday, I’m looking for the shootout scenario. The Redskins will be in it until the end. But I think they come up just short.

Falcons 38, Redskins 35

Game prediction: Shootout on tap

This is going to be a shootout.

The Redskins have given up an average of over 30 points per game and they will line up on Sunday, and for the rest of the season, without end Adam Carriker and linebacker Brian Orakpo. They let Rams receiver Danny Amendola, a good but certainly not dominant receiver, catch 15 passes on them last Sunday.

The Ravens hung up 44 on the Bengals in the season opener and they made rookie Brandon Weeden look like a seasoned veteran in a 34-27 Week 2 win. After posting a single-digit QB rating in Week 1, Weeden lit up Cincinnati with 322 yards passing, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

And both offenses have weapons. Robert Griffin III is both the triggerman for the offense and a threat to score every time he touches the ball, whether he launches the ball through the air (three TD passes, including passes of 88 and 68 yards) or carries it himself (two touchdown runs).

Bengals QB Andy Dalton isn’t as dynamic as RG3—Dalton has run six times for 15 yards compared to 20 for 124 for Griffin—but he is a very efficient quarterback. He can throw to the towering A. J. Green or the diminutive Andrew Hawkins. Either one can torch a defense.

This could be a game where whoever has the ball last will win it. It seemed like last Sunday’s Redskins game was going to be like that only the team with the last meaningful possession lost its chance on a boneheaded penalty.

RG3 almost got his first stirring comeback win against the Rams. It say here he’ll get it this Sunday with a fourth-quarter TD pass.

Redskins 30, Bengals 27

And the Redskins' 2012 record will be . . .

Earlier this week, we asked Redskins fans to vote on who they thought would win each game. Now, it’s my turn to do that. Here are my picks for all 16 games along with how the fans voted.

Tandler’s predictions add up to an 8-8 season. The fans came up with an 11-5 record; looks like we should have asked for playoff predictions, too.

@ Saints: Loss—I think that RG3 and company will hang with the Saints for a while but it’s just too much to expect them to outscore Drew Brees and the Saints.
Fans: Loss 55%-45%

@ Rams: Win—The Redskins probably won’t want to face the Rams in a few years when they have had a chance to utilize all those draft picks they got in the RG3 deal but right now the Redskins are better.
Fans: Win 97%-3%

Bengals: Win—Even if they don’t go back to being a cupcake like the seem to do in alternating seasons, Cincinnati should be beatable in RG3’s official FedEx Field debut.
Fans: Win 80%-20%

@ Bucs: Win—The Redskins will pass the test and beat a bad team on the road.
Fans: Win 93%-7%

Falcons: Loss—Too bad this isn’t a playoff game as Atlanta just can’t win in the postseason.
Fans: Loss 64%-36%

Vikings: Win—For the third year in a row, a bad Vikings team comes to FedEx Field. After two Minnesota wins, the third time should be a charm for the home team.
Fans: Win 97%-3%

@ Giants: Loss—Hard to imagine winning in the Meadowlands two years in a row.
Fans: Loss 51%-49%

@ Steelers: Loss—They may be starting to decline a bit but it’s hard to see the Steelers losing this one.
Fans: Loss 62%-38%

Panthers: Win—The more experienced Cam may outplay RG3 but the Redskins should do enough to pull this one out.
Fans: Win 90%-10%

Eagles: Win—The Eagles will be very good but very inconsistent. It says here the Redskins catch them on a down week in this one.
Fans: Win 67%-33%

@ Cowboys: Loss—Maybe someday the Redskins will win in Dallas on Thanksgiving. It doesn’t look like this is the year.
Fans: Win 65%-35%

Giants: Loss—Under the bright Monday night lights, the Redskins will show well but the Giants end up stealing a win.
Fans: Win 80%-20%

Ravens: Loss—The Redskins just aren’t in the Ravens class—yet.
Fans: Loss 55%-45%

@ Browns: Win—The Browns look like one of the worst teams in NFL right now. They will be better by mid-December but so will the Redskins.
Fans: Win 97%-3%

@ Eagles: Loss—They won’t catch Philly looking past them twice in a row.
Fans: Win 53%-47%

Cowboys: Win—Redskins end the season on a high note, either knocking Dallas out of the playoffs or at least damaging their playoff seed.
Fans: Win 88%-12%

Predictions: A tough matchup to figure

The Redskins head up to Philly today to wrap up a disappointing 2011 season on the first day of 2012. The CSN Washington Redskins coverage team makes its final predictions with a resolution to do better next year.

Ryan O’Halloran (10-5)

This is the kind of game that is toughest to predict. Both teams are out of the playoff picture. Who knows what coach Mike Shanahan has up his sleeve in terms of playing time (or non-playing time) for several veterans. And who knows what Philadelphia’s mindset is after its disappointing season comes to end. The Eagles are nine-point favorites, but the Redskins have fared well recently in Philly both straight up and against the spread.

Eagles 27, Redskins 24

Jennifer X. Williams (8-7)

Sunday, the Redskins face the Eagles and a hostile environment at Lincoln Financial Field. With virtually nothing on the line but pride, can the Redskins have a winning record in the new year?

Our own Rich Tandler noted that the Eagles have a better QB and backs.

While I don't disagree, the 2011 Eagles are far from the 'Dream Team,' Vince Young fantasized earlier about this season.  However, Michael Vick and company are coming off a 20-7 road win over the Cowboys and their victory over the Redskins earlier in season arguably was the beginning of the end of the Skins playoff hopes.  We have also learned even if Rex Grossman throws 4 interceptions, he is still better than John Beck, but hopefully one of resolutions is to work on that little interception problem.

Last season versus Washington, Vick threw for 413 total yards and 6 TDs, which includes the Monday night massacre, but have we really seen the same level of unearthly athletic prowess from the QB? Just glimmers. With #7 you never know though, and something just tells me I jinxed it.

As for running backs, let's talk about Washington's situation.  With Ryan Torain gone Roy Helu and Evan Royster have got to feel confident that they are being groomed by the burgundy and gold.  Roy Helu will be back this week and after Evan Royster's 132-yard performance on 19 carries, it looks like the kid who had 3 consecutive 100+ yard games will have something to prove.  As I am picking the glitter out of my hair after New Year's eve, I'll be watching the Skins running game.

I'd love to have a winning prediction record in 2012, but I'm placing my ball drop kiss on Sexy Rexy and Skins.

Hopefully, Washington can leave that devastating loss to the Vikings in 2011 and come out with something to prove Sunday.

Redskins 23, Eagles 17

Rich Tandler (9-6)

I pick Redskins games in a few different places around the Web and I usually try to be consistent in who I pick to win. And I have been consistent in picking the Eagles to win this game. But since Ryan’s record in making the picks sits at 10-5 and I’m a game behind at 9-6, I’m going to depart from my usual practice here. Since my only chance is if he gets it wrong and I get it right, here we go:

Redskins 31, Eagles 21

 

Tandler and O'Halloran pick the game

 

 

Redskins-Vikings predictions: Will the rout be on?

The Redskins are favorites at home for only the second time this year as they are minus 6.5 against the Vikings today. Here is how the team that covers the Redskins for CSN Washington see things turning out today.

Ryan O’Halloran (10-4)

As much as it pains me growing up as a Vikings fan, this is a bad team. The offensive line is leaky. Adrian Peterson is banged up. They have one weapon in the passing game. Chad Greenway is over-rated. E.J. Henderson can’t play anymore. The secondary stinks. On and on I could go. Thanks a lot Brad Childress. Rant over, the Redskins offense should have plenty of opportunities in the passing game and the defense should be able to fluster Christian Ponder.

Redskins 30, Vikings 13

Jennifer X. Williams (8-6)

The Vikings give up an average of 260.4 passing yards per game, making them one of the NFL worst passing defenses.  This will be the third consecutive game that the Skins 14-ranked passing offense faces one of the leagues worst defenses.

In week 13 versus the Jets, Jabar Gaffney didn't have a catch, but after Fred Davis was suspended Rex Grossman has been throwing some gator love his way.  In the past two games, Gaffney has had 2 catches for 177 yards, and that memorable TD versus New England where he accidentally jumped into a sea of Patriots fans during his celebration.

The things to keep an eye on will how newcomer Willis Smith handles Jared Allen and if Perry Riley, London Fletcher, and the rest of the defense can shut down Adrian Peterson.

The Redskins, once again have been more naughtier than they have been nice this year.  However, something tells me Santa will come early this year to Washington.

Redskins 31, Vikings 24

Rich Tandler (9-5)

It is hard to say that the Redskins should dominate any team, especially one that has, as Jen mentioned, Allen and Peterson. But as Ryan notes, their roster is dotted with players who are overrated and/or incapable. On top of that, one of their best players, guard Steve Hutchinson, is out of the game with a concussion. The Redskins should end their seven-game losing streak to rookie quarterbacks by handling Christian Ponder and the Vikings.

Redskins 24, Vikings 13

 

Our predictions: Tough to beat that Giants jinx (and Eli)

When the Redskins visit the New York Giants, the result is usually very predictable. So the CSN Washington Redskins coverage team takes on that easy task and predicts the result.

Ryan O’Halloran (10-3)

Regardless of the stadium, the Meadowlands has been a rotten place for the Redskins to visit, having lost eight of their last 10 games there. Removing that from the equation, this will be a high-scoring game. The Giants can’t run it (last) but can sure throw it (fourth) so it’s another tough assignment for the Redskins’ defense. Conversely, the Giants can’t stop the run (22^nd) or the pass (29th) so there will be opportunities for the Redskins’ offense to build upon their season-high yardage total last week against New England. But turnovers will be the difference – the Giants will get a key one.

Redskins 30, Giants 24

Jennifer X. Williams (8-5)

The Skins kicked off the season with a triumphant 28-14 victory at home over the  G-Men on the anniversary of 9/11.  A promising start after the Redskins woeful 2010 season that had been plagued with melodrama.

Fast forward to week 15 and unfortunately, not much has changed for the Redskins.

Brian Orakpo said earlier this week, 'We beat them the first time. We have the formula. We started out on a good note against them, and, hopefully, we can carry it over.' Well, at least the burgundy and gold sound confident.

This time around, however, the Skins face an Eli Manning who has somewhat found his rhythm, completing 27 of 47 attempts for 400 yards in a comeback win in the 4th quarter over the 'Boys last week.  (Disclaimer: The last sentence is no way an endorsement of Eli being a member of the elite club! Please see link above).  And the tables have turned as it is the Giants, that now face an injury riddled Washington squad.

Anyways, why focus on the negative? Keep an eye on rookie running back, Roy Helu, to see if he notches another 100 yard game.  Last week versus the Patriots, Helu became the first 100-yard rusher against the Patriots this season. Yes, the Pats D awful, but with that 126-yard performance, Helu became the first Redskins’ rookie running back to rush for 100 yards in three consecutive games. Sadly, I dropped him off my fantasy roster in week 5, I'm obviously still mourning that loss.

To wrap this up, after a little positivity, it's time for a dose of reality, gotta go with the G-Men.

Giants 35 Redskins 24

Rich Tandler (9-4)

It is just hard to conjure up a scenario where the Redskins come into New Jersey and win. The last time they did it, in 2007 in Todd Collins’ first start at quarterback, almost seems like a fluke. Collins went 8 of 25 passing in the swirling winds at Giants Stadium but Eli Manning was worse. He went 18 for 53—that’s 35 incomplete passes. Still, the Redskins got out with a 22-10 win.

Of course, few players from either team are still playing. One of them is Manning, who will be the difference in the game. He’s playing as well as anyone not named Aaron Rodgers. Manning won’t put up huge numbers but he will do what has to be done in the fourth quarter to win this one.

Giants 24, Redskins 17

 

Skins-Jets predictions: Up and down vs. inconsistent

The Redskins have yet to win a game against a team that had a winning record as of kickoff (the beat the Giants, who are now 6-5, when they were 0-0). This may be their last chance to do that this year as they take on the 6-5 New York Jets. Our CSNwashington.com Redskins coverage team members make their predictions.

Ryan O’Halloran 8-3

For all of the hubbub the Jets have received this year, they enter December with a near-average 6-5 record and are a dismal 1-4 on the road. Add the lack of a running game and the Redskins’ mini-turnaround offensively and expect a tight game. The difference will ultimately be Plaxico Burress – all 6-foot-5 of him – out-jumping DeAngelo Hall or Josh Wilson in the end zone for the winning touchdown.

Jets 16, Redskins 14

Jennifer X. Williams (7-4)

You have to take the good with the bad right?  Although, Rex Grossman threw 2 interceptions last week, he did lead the Redskins to a win on the road in Seattle.  Grossman completed 25-of-35 passes for 314 yards with 2 touchdowns, but more importantly he established himself as a leader.  Look for Rex to be more confident in his 4th consecutive start versus the Jets, but I wouldn't count on him not throwing any picks.

Meanwhile, the Jets have been relying to heavily Mark Sanchez, who seems to have a 'Good Mark, Bad Mark' thing going on lately to employ the other Sexy Rexy's 'Ground and Pound' belief of running the ball.

We all know the Skins D has struggled this season to constantly stop the run. They allowed 111 rushing yards last week to the likes of Marshawn Lynch.

Washington has also struggled running the ball and all eyes will be on starting rookie RB Roy Helu. He'll be tested as  faces linebackers David Harris and Bart Scott who have a combined 133 tackles. Keep an eye on Helu Sunday.  Just don't blink, you might just miss him.

DeAngelo Hall is also coming off an amazing performance in Seattle, nabbing his second interception of the year and in doing so earning NFC Defensive POW honors. He'll also have an uphill battle proving he can perform consistently at a high level with the task of shutting down Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes.

Ultimately, If 'good' Rex Grossman and 'bad' Mark Sanchez show up Sunday….

Well that's where this game will get interesting.

Redskins 27, Jets 21

Rich Tandler (8-3)

I’m going to make a prediction because, well, I have to. My advice is not to bet a dime on this game between two inconsistent teams led by two inconsistent quarterbacks. It’s almost literally a coin toss. Grossman has been slightly better than Sanchez lately and the Redskins have been significantly better at sacking the quarterback than have the Jets. So I’ll go with those two edges to lift the Redskins to a win. But then again, ask me in 10 minutes and I could change my mind.

Redskins 17, Jets 13