First, let me state two semi-obvious things: 1) I'm a Redskins fan, and 2) I don't think they're headed for anything better than an 8-8 final record. Regardless of whatever you think about the Redskins, that at least seems fair, right? They have a few tough games in the second half, but it's at least conceivable that they finish the season with a .500 record. Even a complete hater could admit that.
OK, now with that out of the way, let's address the subject of this post: Despite owning a 0-7 record, the Buffalo Bills, according to Bill Simmons's latest power poll, are better than the Redskins. How could the Skins, even if they've played slightly over their heads, be placed below a winless team that has also been outscored by the most points (80) in the NFL? It just seems wrong.
Normally, I wouldn't bring something like this up. But Simmons, for the most part, seems pretty levelheaded about how good most teams are (not counting his blatant homerism for the Patriots and other Boston teams, for that matter). Anyway, let's take a quick look at the two teams. (The numbers in parentheses are teams' ratings according to Simmons, for what it's worth.)
Teams the Redskins have beaten: Dallas (29), Philadelphia (12), Green Bay (8), Chicago (28)
Teams the Bills have beaten: no one
Teams the Redskins have lost to: Houston (16), St. Louis (19), Indianapolis (2), Detroit (22)
Teams the Bills have lost to: Miami (13), Green Bay (8), New England (1), New York Jets (9), Jacksonville (23), Baltimore (4), Kansas City (10)
The Redskins have the advantage in terms of wins, particularly because they've actually won a few games -- four, in fact -- which is, you know, kind of important. The Bills, again, have no wins. Still, the Bills have played against some very good teams and only lost to the Ravens and Chiefs by three points each, and to the Dolphins by five in Week 1. They've been a very competitive team, especially the last few weeks.
Was a breakdown like this really necessary? Probably not -- after all, these are just one guy's rankings. But how the Skins, with four wins, can be placed below a winless team, even if the Redskins have overachieved and have a bit of a problem at quarterback, is simply questionable at best. (By the way, I didn't mean to hate on the Bills in this post, so don't take it that way. And if you do, blame it on Simmons.)
Agree. Not sure how any levelheaded sports enthusiast would rank Bills over Skins. As you already know I am a homer as well but wins are the bottom line. Have to admit Skins have been more lucky than good at times. Would really like to see the D start giving up less yards. As the season started I said I would be happy with 8-8. Nothing has changed there. I also was not that excited about Shanahan. Don't get me wrong he is obviously a good coach and will eventually make us a playoff contender. But his record without Elway is only around .500. That's about it for now from Jacksonville.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I hear that congratulations are in order. I am happy for you.
Rob