Just three weeks ago, the Washington Redskins were 6-3 and in first place in the NFC East. They had a home date at FedEx Field against the red-hot Houston Texans. Things were going well and the biggest complaint surrounding the team was why the Redskins weren’t getting more from veteran quarterback Alex Smith.
Later in that game, Smith would go down with a gruesome leg injury and that was the start of the unraveling of the 2018 season.
Veteran backup Colt McCoy would come in and almost lead Washington to an impressive win, but some questionable officiating in the final minutes kept the Redskins from getting a game-winning field goal.
Still, the Redskins thought they were in decent shape with McCoy. Many around the team and fans even felt the Redskins would be in better hands with McCoy. His knowledge of the offense and his propensity to push the ball downfield gave everyone cautious optimism.
Sadly, some things just aren’t meant to be and in Monday night’s loss to Philadelphia, McCoy broke his fibula—just like Smith—and was lost for the season.
And Washington’s realistic hopes for an NFC East title went down with him. It’s debatable if the Redskins could even win the NFC East with McCoy. After all, Dallas is hot and McCoy does turn the ball over more than Smith. But, the the Redskins thought they could win with McCoy as many believed in the veteran from Texas.
Now, McCoy joins a long list of starters and key contributors on injured reserve. Smith, Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, left guard Shawn Lauvao, receiver Paul Richardson are among those out for the season. Injuries to Trent Williams, Chris Thompson, Morgan Moses, Jamison Crowder have decimated the offense, too.
For the second straight year, injuries will become the theme of the season. However, unlike 2017, this team had the promise to not only win the division but perhaps create some noise in the postseason. All that barring a heroic run down the stretch is off the table now as fans can start preparing for another long offseason ahead.