They Control Their Destiny

Being a Redskins fan is rarely rewarded and almost never easy, but when the reward does come, it is that much sweeter. Tonight's game against Philadelphia certainly was not easy, but the outcome was the best in a Redskins game since 1999. And the first game in the playoffs may bring more sweetness, because they play none other than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Why is this so great of an opportunity? Six years ago, it was Tampa Bay that knocked out the Redskins from the playoffs when a field goal attempt by the Redskins was muffed, and earlier this season, Tampa Bay won the game on a two-point conversion that should have never happened, sending the Redskins in a downward spiral that very nearly knocked them out of contention.

The Redskins are a dangerous team right now, riding a 5-game winning streak, a 10-2 record against NFC teams (including wins against the Seahawks and Bears, both 10-1 in the conference entering week 17), and of course recognizing the opponent that they face as one that has given the Redskins some trouble in recent years. With Brunell receiving further rest to help his injury this week and Portis recovering from some of his bumps and bruises, not to mention having the devastating receiving abilities of Moss, Tampa Bay will have their hands full. Still, the Redskins will not be facing a weak team either, featuring an infamously good defense and a young, skilled running back in Cadillac Williams. While the AFC is considered the stronger conference, the NFC is extremely competitive and the Redskins will make a huge statement, even if they only win one game.