ASHBURN — Christmas is over and so are the Redskins’ playoff hopes. Eliminated from the postseason, the Redskins will meet the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, but the focus now clearly is already on the new year.
If the Redskins want 2019 to be better than 2018 has been, here are a few suggested resolutions:
Win, and all is forgiven
Fans are fed up. The hashtag #FireBruceAllen can be read practically under every social media post from the Redskins.
Jay Gruden’s hold on his job looks more tenuous by the day. But owner Dan Snyder can and should take comfort in the cross-town example of Capitals and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis. Win, and all will be forgiven.
Fix the revolving door at safety
Here are the 16 safeties who have started for coach Jay Gruden over five seasons: D.J. Swearinger (above), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Montae Nicholson, DeAngelo Hall, Deshazor Everett, Will Blackmon, Duke Ihenacho, Dontae Whitner, David Bruton, Dashon Goldson, Kyshoen Jarrett, Jeron Johnson, Brandon Merriweather, Philip Thomas, Trent Robinson, Ryan Clark.
That doesn’t even include the departed Su’a Cravens, who was supposed to be the team’s safety of the future (while he was here, the Redskins had him playing a hybrid safety/linebacker position).
Drink more milk, or go organic, or cover players in bubble wrap
Remember the brand new equipment the Redskins invested in to cut down on injuries? So much for that.
The Redskins placed tight end Jordan Reed and quarterback Colt McCoy on injured reserve Thursday — bringing their total to 23 players on the list. That matches the same total as 2017, when 23 players ended the year on IR. Redskins keep breaking. How they solve that is anyone’s guess.
Get weaponized, start packing heat
If — if — Alex Smith returns and can play quarterback in 2019, he’ll need more explosive weapons. Josh Doctson progressed in 2018, but his numbers were still underwhelming.
Others like Reed and wideout Jamison Crowder weren’t the difference makers some had thought before the season.
Enough already with the self-inflicted wounds
Here’s a tip: Don’t claim a guy off waivers just days after he was arrested for a domestic violence arrest.
Sometimes, the Redskins can’t get out of their own way from the dysfunction and backlash that follows the franchise every year.
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