Winners of their last game and now having a week off to rest due to a bye, the Washington Redskins find themselves in another situation that could determine the long-term ramifications of their season.
The Redskins are 2-1 on the season and travel to New Orleans to face a 3-1 Saints team that has become more than a familiar foe.
Last year the two teams’ played a thrilling overtime game that the Redskins ultimately lost 34-31 despite leading by 31-16 with 5:58 to go in the game. Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees went 11-for-11 during that final comeback and threw for two touchdowns in the come from behind win.
Washington entered that game with a record of 4-5 and were heavy underdogs to a New Orleans team that was 7-2 at the time. This year, the Redskins travel to New Orleans as early 6.5 point underdogs.
The Redskins will need to carry the momentum of their Week 3 win over the Green Bay Packers against the Saints and not fall back into mediocre play as they did in a Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That loss came after an impressive win in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden mentioned that the team should have no reason to not carry momentum into the Mercedes Super Dome this Monday night.
“I think playing on Monday Night Football helps a lot,” Gruden told reporters from the INOVA Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park today after practice. “I think you should be pumped up to come out of the tunnel against the Saints on Monday night. They’re 3-1 and obviously led by a Hall of Fame quarterback again. It’s going to be a very exciting time for everybody. These young guys are going to have to step it up and the veteran guys are going to have to lead the way. But, should not have any problem whatsoever motivating the cats for Monday Night Football.”
The Redskins will need to have a solid showing if teams’ and fans take them seriously as a legit NFC East and NFC playoff contender.