The Washington Football Team has more than a pulse. It now has a chance.
Four straight wins has Washington 6-6 entering a final five-game stretch against NFC East opponents. It was all the team could have hoped for after a 2-6 start. The final division round robin, as unlikely a schedule as ever by facing two opponents twice in four weeks, gives Washington a chance to control their postseason fate.
Facing NFC East leader Dallas and Philadelphia twice each before finishing the season at the New York Giants means beating each at least once to earn a wild card slot. Defeating Philadelphia twice would likely push Washington past the Eagles for a wild card. Beating Dallas twice starting on Sunday at FedEx Field might mean a second straight division title.
And, who's changing the team name if that happens? Two division titles or playoff seasons in two years as the Washington Football Team means throwing away 18 months of research. WFT for life.
The future is now, as old Redskins coach George Allen often said. Taylor Heinicke may not be the quarterback of the future, but he's doing a fine impression of predecessor Billy Kilmer. Heinicke fits the moment well with a never-quit mantra.
Heinicke's never-die attitude has served well on both sides of the ball. The defense needed to make a final stop two straight weeks and did so. The offense needed to rally over Las Vegas on Sunday and did so. Why, even a new kicker that many teammates couldn't even name hit a 48-yarder to beat Las Vegas.
The resilience is unmatched. Few teams come back from 2-6, much less two straight years, and enter the late playoff chase. A month ago, some fans wanted to send coach Ron Rivera and staff on their way. Now, their methods seem so clear.
After a solid gauntlet of victories over Tampa Bay, Carolina, Seattle and Las Vegas, there's no reason to expect a letdown. Indeed, the team seems to be ramping up while losing injured players. Tight end Logan Thomas returned after two months to make a leaping touchdown in the end zone that illustrated how much the team missed him in the red zone, yet is hurt once more.
It has been a chess match on the field working new lineups each week. Running back Antonio Gibson has run his hardest in a two-year career now that he's healthy once more. Yet, the team desperately needs J.D. McKissic to return from a concussion to keep Gibson from wearing down. Safety Landon Collins revived his career by moving to linebacker recently, only to miss Las Vegas with an injury. Yet, Washington mashed two reserves together effectively. After losing a third kicker, this time to injury, the team found a free agent who won the game on a long field goal.
Can this type of run continue? Five more wins seem unlikely, but a 3-2 finish should mean a wild card. A 2-3 ending might even do it.
The NFL season is a long time. Teams completely change over 4.5 months. The start doesn't matter. The final month decides championships. Washington has even revived its decimated fan base into invading Las Vegas, and now may fill FedEx Field with local supporters for once.
The season is starting to get interesting.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
