Our Schedule...Did you know?

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

Shanahan's records in denver his last three years were 9-7, 7-9, and 8-8.

I think its somewhat unreasonable to expect him to take over a 4-12 team, turnover the coaching staff 90%, rehaul the entire offensive line, bring in a new quarterback, completely change pretty much everything about the defense from basic scheme to overall philosophy... yet have a record markedly better than when he had an established system with established coaches and a roster completely of his chosing.

I highly doubt that a Shanahan-coached team will ever be too far above (or below) .500. If he ever has an 11-5 or better season in DC, it will be in 3-4 years. To make matters worse for 2010, we've got one of the toughest schedules in the league (atleast based on our opponents 2009 rankings).

Anythings possible - look at what the Jets did last year (albeit with a ridiculously easy schedule). Every year one or two teams catch the league off guard. I'm expecting a 7-9 season and hoping for 9-7: anything better than that is simply unrealistic.

Shanahan was also trying to wear too many hats in Denver, and had basically burnt out. I think he comes back and these first few years has several reasons to "prove" something. I think our low end has to be 8-8, splitting the division, winning games we should win ie Rams, Lions, Jags, Bucs and pulling an "upset" or two, ie Minnesota. That doesn't include beating teams like Chicago, Tennessee, or Houston where they may be very good or flops.

Since we have the benefit this year of a last place schedule I would not be surprised to see us be that team that bounces way high this year, then next year settles back even though we may be more talented next year than this.