Entering the 2007 NFL playoffs, the Washington Redskins have to be on cloud nine. They have won four straight games and have been under extreme pressure to win to get into the NFL playoff hunt. All of this has been with a quarterback that has been on the bench for a decade or more. Todd Collins has breathed new NFL playoff life into this Washington Redskins’ team. Add to that the powerful running of Clinton Portis and you have a brew for potential NFL playoff success.
Many left the Redskins’ season for lost when they lost Sean Taylor in a horrible home invasion murder. He was not only a leader off the field for the Redskins, but on the field he was a key member of their defense. Through the emotion, pain, and upheavals, the Washington Redskins have stayed right on track, and that should be a credit to the leadership on the team.
The Redskins face a tough path through the NFC NFL playoff wars that will start against Seattle. The Seahawks are a formidable team that could give the Redskins fits if they are not on top of their game. Patrick Kerney has been a beast for the Seahawks and should put pressure on Collins to deliver the ball quicker than he is used to. Collins and the Redskins will have to keep their composure as well in the loudest stadium in the NFL.
The Redskins will have to also contend with some unknowns on the Seahawks offense. Running back and former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander will be motivated to make up for a slow season. He has the talent to explode and the Skins must keep an eye on that. Matt Hasselbeck is also a lock to put pressure on the Redskin defense with a good bit of experience in the NFL playoffs. If he has the hot hand, the Redskins may be in trouble.
Assuming the Redskins can overcome the Seahawks, next in line is Brett Favre and the legendary Lambeau Field. Most would feel that the buck would stop there, but the Redskins are built for cold weather with a powerful running game. Oddly enough, the Packers make for a good match up for the Redskins to try to spring the upset. Stranger things certainly could happen. With Portis in the backfield and Collins making the necessary throws, the Redskins could shock everybody and come out of the NFC.
Certainly the Redskins face an uphill battle with the distractions and getting used to having Collins behind center. So far, the mix is working. I expect that Collins will struggle in a trip to Lambeau field, but I do see the Redskins making it to the NFL divisional playoffs against Green Bay. Once they get there, expect them to put up a valiant effort but to come up short against a determined Brett Favre.
