Why the 2nd quarter of the Redskins season is the biggest of the four

The Redskins enter their Monday night match-up against the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles, in second place in the NFC East at 3-2. It is evident after six games that this Eagles team is more talented and mature than years past, making them one of the tougher opponents of the season. Prior to the season opener, I made mention that the Redskins would not have the upper hand against the Eagles week one. The Eagles had not won against the Redskins in five consecutive attempts, the Redskins ineptitude in pre-season in addition to the additions and development of Philadelphia, they were due for a win.

This time around the Redskins have no reason to be caught off-guard in any fashion, so the pressure entering week seven is on Washington to get a big victory on the road. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has improved weekly, and there are emerging weapons offensively, the overall production against Philadelphia will be much improved compared to the week one loss. Defensively, key players for Washington are going down on a weekly basis now, making it difficult to maintain the same level of intensity. It will be hard to say one can expect the same out of the reserve players in back-to-back weeks when it hasn’t been seen yet.

This week against the Eagles is what makes the second quarter of the season the biggest of the season. Following Philadelphia, there are match-ups against the Dallas Cowboys at home and Seattle Seahawks on the road. Two games that will be bigger than the previous week’s game. Does that mean the season is over if the Redskins finish 1-2 or 0-3? Not at all. However, it does mean that the Redskins will be seeking the help from other teams in the final month of the season. If the Redskins wanted a time period to prove they are a legitimate threat in the NFC, the next three games against formidable opponents gives them that moment.

What are your thoughts on the state of the Redskins? How big is this quarter of the season for them?