In 2015, the Washington Redskins were predicted to finish last in the NFC East. What did they do? They went and won the 2015 NFC East Championship.
Here we are on the cusp of the 2016 season and the Redskins are once again being looked upon as the 3rd best team in the division. In this article I will give you my top 3 reason why the Redskins will once again challenge for the NFC East and quite possibly go deep into the playoffs.
3. Front Office Structure – Just before the 2015 season the Washington Redskins and owner Daniel Snyder did something out of the ordinary; they signed a General Manager. Many people in the industry knew the Redskins needed this structure. Reason being is because they were failing at all front office aspects with the team’s previous structure. Then on January 7, 2015 the Redskins signed Scot McCloughan as GM. McCloughan has since changed the structure of the organization. Daniel Snyder is no longer as involved as he once was. Personnel decisions are left up to the “football” people. This has led to a success sooner than some expected.
With this structure in place there is only one way for the Redskins to go and that is up.
2. Daniel Snyder – How is Dan Snyder a key, you may ask? He is a key in a couple of ways. The main reason is he that he is no longer involved with football decisions. I mentioned this briefly in the previous paragraph. Daniel Snyder has taken his role as owner and has truly embraced it. He has finally put in a structure that can make the organization successful both on and off the field. He is letting his coaches’ coach and make roster decisions. Just use the 2015 decision to start Kirk Cousins over Robert Griffin III as validation.
In the past, If Snyder would have had his way, RG3 would have been the starter in 2015. Coach Jay Gruden knew that this was not best for the franchise and went forward with Cousins. This shows his, Snyder’s, willingness to take a step back and let the proper people make the franchise a winner.
This is why I have Mr. Snyder as a key to continued success in 2016.
1. Consistency – The Redskins finally have consistency in a few areas that they have lacked in previous years. Head coach and quarterback are the biggest areas here. Jay Gruden is emerging as one of the best young coaches in the NFL. He has assembled himself a quality staff and is assembling an aggressive and talented roster. This along with the drafting abilities of GM Scot McCloughan have brought a consistent coaching staff to the Redskins.
Quarterback is the other significant area of consistency. Before Kirk Cousins the Redskins had gone through about as many starting QBs as the Cleveland Browns. Now there is no question who the starting QB will be in 2016 and hopefully beyond. Cousins brings something to Washington that is needed to be a winner. It is highly known in the league that you cannot be a high ranking organization without a franchise quarterback and the Redskins finally have that. I truly believe that Cousins can and will continue his success of the 2015 season in 2016 and beyond. Being able to look at future years with the same player at the most key position on the field in critical to success.
The 2016 Washington Redskins are set to once again win the NFC East. I know that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are looked upon as the favorites. However, there is now reason why the Redskins cannot be mentioned in this conversation. With these keys and a young, talented roster the sky is the limit in 2016. Stay tuned!