The Worst Team In the NFL?: Skins, Say It Ain't So

As the Washington Redskins head into their bye week at a lowly 2-5, they have some heavy criticism to ponder.

Jason Smith of ESPN Radio sounded off on the Redskins following an abysmal Monday Night performance against Philly.

"The Redskins are the worst franchise in football...They have become a punchline."

Smith went on to describe how the other bottom-feeders have it better than the 'Skins.

While I believe we have the talent to regroup and be a contender in a few years (if we stick to a solid plan that relies on the draft), Smith is right about one thing.

This year, there might not be a team as bad as the Washington Redskins. Nothing goes right for them. Momentum is never sustained, they don't play well with the lead, and they don't know how to bounce back from adversity. The list is endless.

Still I look at the front seven on defense, and there is hope. This front seven is really good. They are beginning to establish a strong pass rush, they control the line of scrimmage, and they hit well.

That's something to build around. Unfortunately, that's the only bright spot, and it doesn't hide the poor play from the rest of the team.

Yet Smith might have gone overboard by proclaiming the 'Skins to be in the worst shape of any team in the NFL. The Rams and Buccaneers both lost to Washington and have looked downright awful. In fact, they have even fewer prospects than the Redskins do.

Conversely, the 'Skins have a payroll that dwarfs those of the other NFL doormats. They have signed big-name players and given fans big-time expectations in the process. The results haven't lived up to the yearly hype.

Just three playoff appearances in 10 years and only one postseason win (17-14 over Tampa, savor that 'Skins fans). That isn't exactly good.

Smith brought up a valid point. Considering the Redskins make more moves and spend more money than every team in the NFL, their 2-5 record this year (along with their horrid overall performance) might just make them the worst team in the NFL this year. If not, then they are certainly the biggest punchline.

This is a dark year for D.C. football, and finally the fans have had enough. They want blood. Not just Jim Zorn's blood, they want Vinny Cerrato's. tThey want Dan Snyder's.

Of course, Snyder is censoring the mob by banning all signs from Fedex Field for the rest of the season. I guess it makes sense. Only Snyder would spit in the face of the fans who keep him in business.

This organization is in shambles from the top down, and the fans are catching on after 10 painful seasons. Unless they get quick results in the next few years, the seats at Fedex could be pretty empty on Sundays.

Smith saw it plain as day on Monday. The Redskins were unmasked to the nation as a bunch of clueless, uncaring clowns in cleats.

Until the 'Skins shake off the stench of mediocrity, that's all they'll ever be.