WASHINGTON – WTOP loves the gridiron so much, the newsroom’s central table where all the junk food lives is called “the football.” A lot of heart goes into the game, which is why the Redskins’ 5-11 performance this year has been particularly exhausting.
Back in September, WTOP staffers predicted how this season was going to go.
Following their 10-34 routing from the Eagles in the Redskins last regular season game Sunday, WTOP staffers weigh in on the hopes and dreams placed in the hands of the Shanahans’ quarterback carousel.
Among the most generous in September was Dimitri Sotis, WTOP anchor, who fell far short of his 10-6 prediction:
“I never learn my lesson – every September I convince myself the Skins will make the playoffs. What is a loyal fan to do? Maybe this year I’ll predict they’ll go 4-12. That contrarian move may be just the ticket to a winning season. Go Redskins!!!”
Some of the greatest critics saw their expectations realized. WTOP Anchor Shawn Anderson predicted the season’s final merits perfectly:
“5-and-11 is the Redskins’ permanent condition.”
Don’t forget the poem he wrote before the season played out:
Rex or Becks?
Blitzer’s heaven.
Spells doom at Fed-Ex.
And 5-11.
Here are some of the other pained reactions:
Mike Jakaitis, WTOP morning drive editor
“I really thought the Skins would improve in year 2 of the Shanny era but I overlooked the team’s QB/offensive coordinator situation. It was too much for the defense to overcome.”
Molly Welton, WTOP operations manager
“Well, I said the back end would be tough. It was tough. Injuries early to key players they were relying on to carry them and no depth on the roster killed the season. The early bye didn’t give them the ability to adjust and meant no rest for the weary down the stretch. Grossman was mediocre and Beck couldn’t fire them up either. Actually, it seemed like the decision to start Beck before going back to Grossman was the biggest spark all year before it fizzled out. But I’m a Ravens fan and they’re in the playoffs. So I’m ok with it.”
Mike Gartell, wtop.com managing editor
“There are three certainties in life: Death, taxes and a Redskins losing season. 5-11 seemed logical back in September
