There is reason for optimism in the nation’s capital. The Washington Redskins are off to a 3-1 start heading into their bye week and if not for a botched snap and a blown coverage against the arch-rival Cowboys, the Redskins would be sitting pretty at 4-0. As it is, Washington is tied atop the division with the New York Giants, whom the ‘Skins beat handily in Week 1. The Dallas Cowboys are in third place at 2-2 and the “Dream Team” Philadelphia Eagles, who can only dream of winning, sit  alone in the cellar with an abysmal record of 1-3.

Heading into the season the Redskins had a quarterback controversy that most NFL teams would not want; Rex Grossman or John Beck. The father-son Shanahan combo (Mike’s son Kyle is the offensive coordinator) decided that Grossman was the lesser of two evils. Grossman has been inconsistent throughout the first four weeks, throwing six touchdowns and five interceptions (he also has two fumbles), but a strong running game complimented with a vastly improved defense have made the Redskins winners in three of four games.

The Redskins have a trio of running backs who can move the chains. Tim Hightower, acquired from the Arizona Cardinals during the offseason, has been the primary back rushing for 233 yards and a touchdown. Roy Helu, a rookie fourth-round draft pick out of Nebraska, has a 5.3 yard average per carry collecting 126 yards on just 24 rushes. Ryan Torain, the primary running back last year, had an injury that kept him out the first few weeks. On Sunday against the Rams, he took full advantage of his opportunity to shine rushing for 135 yards on 19 carries (a 7.1 average) and a touchdown in the Redskins 13-10 win. All three backs are north-south runners meaning they get up the field rather than dance around trying to shake defenders. Hightower and Torain are powerful runners who will lower their pad level to run defenders over while Helu has great cutback vision to burn over-pursuing defenses. The Redskins must successfully run the ball to set up the passing game.

The Redskins haven’t had the toughest schedule to date (The Rams and Cardinals play in the weak NFC West) but the schedule for the near future isn’t to gloom. In the Redskins next five games they play the Eagles, Panthers, Bills, 49ers, and Dolphins. I can easily see the Redskins winning 3, if not 4, if not all 5. The Bills proved they aren’t legitimate contenders by losing to the lowly Bengals. The Eagles have not found the answers on defense. San Francisco scares me because they are a well-coached up-and-coming team. However, I believe the Redskins are better than all 5 of the teams listed above which if they won would increase their record to 8-1. The Redskins would only have to win a handful of games after Week 10 and it just so happens that Minnesota and Seattle are on the schedule.

Redskins fans get excited because general manager Bruce Allen and head coach Mike Shanahan have come into the organization, weeded out the negative influences, and produced a quality football team that has a legitimate shot at making the playoffs and even winning the division. This feat seemed unattainable at the beginning of the season but with division rivals struggling the Redskins seemed poised to pounce upon the opportunity.