Don't give up on the Redskins yet

I was going to do this column about Joe Gibbs and how maybe his new nicer demeanor wasn't working. But then it occurred to me, that we're only four weeks into the season. It's too early to jump to those conclusions.

Sure, the Redskins are 1-3, and granted, their offense has been pathetic. However, this is a very talented team that could be 4-0. They've allowed no more than 21 points in any game, and have never lost by more than six points in any of their three losses.

The reason why they are 1-3 and not 4-0? Turnovers, and not the delicious ones you find at the bakery. Fumbles, interceptions, muffed special teams returns. Running back Clinton Portis has had four fumbles in the last three games, after not fumbling for nearly a calendar year! What is happening with regard to turnovers should not be happening.

As we all remember, but would like to forget, the Redskins committed seven turnovers, yet only lost by six points in Week Two at the Giants. Sure that makes the loss even more frustrating, to have all those shots at winning, and then to still come up short, but it's a perfect example of how these Redskins are able to win games, as long as they don't commit stupid penalties.

The defense has kept the Redskins alive in all of these games. Led by new coordinator Gregg Williams, they have stymied the four teams they've played, allowing few big runs and big plays. Losing LaVar Arrington for a couple weeks at least has proven not be a huge loss for the linebacking corps.

If the Redskins can settle down this turnover problem and stop dropping easy catches (that means you, Lavernaues), they can turn this year around. Sunday night they host Baltimore, a decent 2-2 team who will not light up the scoreboard. The Washington offense will have trouble with this stingy defense, but if they play smart football, there is no reason they can't win.

Four weeks is too early to write a team off. This is a typically optimistic Redskins homer column, but it's true: this team is very talented. Now it's all about not making stupid mistakes. This is something that Joe Gibbs can work with, and if he has to curse Portis, Coles and others out, I have no qualms that he will. That will turn this season right back around in the right direction.