5 Potential Trap Games on Washington Redskins' 2015 Schedule
Coming off a 4-12 campaign, as you'd expect, the Washington Redskins' 2015 NFL schedule is quite favorable.
According to ESPN.com, the Redskins have the league's 21st-ranked strength of schedule—a schedule that features just three playoff participants. Overall their opponents sport a winning percentage of 47.9 percent.
It may be hard to fathom because of their lack of success over the years, but the Redskins have to be wary of overlooking opponents with this schedule.
The fact is it's rare to find a team that's perception of itself is in tune with reality. It's this mindset that leaves teams open to have trap games. You know, games teams should theoretically win but instead they struggle or outright lose.
A lack of respect, focus and preparation for an opponent are the most likely causes for this occurrence.
With that said, let's now examine Washington's 2015 schedule and highlight five potential trap games.
Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills
1 of 5
Washington's ticket to the postseason is the NFC East crown. And with that, its final two games on the schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys will play a pivotal role in deciding the division winner.
With so much at stake ahead, the Redskins' matchup with the Buffalo Bills may not receive its due attention.
Buffalo's defense was elite in 2014, and that was without new head coach Rex Ryan as the mastermind. So you won't have to worry about a Robert Griffin III-led offense underestimating the Bills in the home finale.
The defense? That's another matter. Just look at Buffalo's quarterbacks. Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel aren't exactly intriguing options.
With its defense centered on stopping LeSean McCoy, you can count on one member of this trio seeing some favorable coverages against Washington's secondary.
Chris Culliver and a healthy DeAngelo Hall should ensure the team doesn't finish dead last in Football Outsiders' rankings for pass defense. Even so, the back end of the defense remains a weak spot that the likes of Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin can expose.
Knowing that points will be at a premium, a big play or two from this duo could turn the game.
Week 6 at New York Jets
2 of 5
The New York Jets have a drastically different look from the team that finished 2014 with a 4-12 record. Not at the position that matters, though.
Head coach Todd Bowles and a revamped secondary led by Darrelle Revis are a welcome sight in Gotham City. Quarterback Geno Smith, though? Not so much. And therein lies the trap.
Don't get it wrong, Smith has been dreadful in the short time he's been in the NFL. Not only has he thrown 34 interceptions and fumbled seven times in 30 games, but his QBR in each of his first two seasons was under 36.
Even with that said, Smith has on occasion flashed greatness. As Kevin Kaduk of Yahoo! Sports notes, Smith was the only quarterback to post a perfect passer rating in a game last season.
Against the Miami Dolphins, Smith completed 20 of 25 passes for 358 yards and three scores. Behind this performance, he became the fifth quarterback in the past decade to sport a perfect rating.
With Washington's suspect secondary in the mix, the potential is there for Smith to have another banner day if it overlooks him.
Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3 of 5
What defense isn't licking its chops to go against a rookie quarterback? No. 1 pick or not, Jameis Winston falls in this category.
In what will be his sixth NFL tilt, the speed and sophistication of the NFL game will still be something Winston is adjusting to.
Even so, in a league predicated on preparation, Winston will have the advantage of having an extra week to prepare for Washington. Prior to this contest, the Bucs are on their bye week.
Going back to preparation, another decided advantage Tampa and Winston will have is the lack of film Washington will have to attack the weaknesses of the Florida State product.
The Bucs can't match the Redskins in overall talent, but with difference-makers like Mike Evans (remember last year?) and Gerald McCoy on both sides of the ball, Tampa could again spring the upset.
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Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints
4 of 5
There isn't much of a drop going from Tom Brady to Drew Brees. The teams they play for, though, that's a different matter.
And that's why, following their matchup with the defending Super Bowl champs, the Redskins have to be wary of a letdown. It's easy to get up for a team the caliber of the New England Patriots. What better way to gauge your team than to play against the best, right?
Speaking of which, following its tilt with the New Orleans Saints, Washington will have another measuring-stick game against the reigning NFC South champs, the Carolina Panthers.
Again fielding a makeshift defense and feeling the sting of its salary-cap-inspired purge this offseason, fair or not, New Orleans won't garner the same respect as these two opponents.
Factor in the locale of this outing (2011 was the last year the Saints had winning road record), and the 'Skins are the superior team here. They just can't think that. Because if they do, this is a matchup that has all the makings of a trap game.
Week 14 at Chicago Bears
5 of 5
Confidence is a prerequisite for success on the NFL level. Have too much of it, though, and it can be your downfall. Looking at the Chicago Bears, this much is evident when you look at Jay Cutler.
His talent is undeniable, but because he has so much faith in his own ability, he often throws preparation and sound decision-making to the wayside.
Comparing the rosters of the Bears and Redskins, Washington too could fall victim to overconfidence, making this a potential pitfall for the team.
With Cutler's play making him the NFL equivalent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, you already know the capabilities of Chicago's offense, even minus Brandon Marshall.
A franchise that was once synonymous with great defense, the Bears were 30th in yards allowed and 31st in scoring defense last season.
But that's why Chicago brought head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio into the fray.
This late in the season, their imprint on this team will be more evident. And with that, in addition to whatever aid Chicago's December weather can bring to the table, a Washington team off its A-game is susceptible to an upset.
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