PHOENIX -- There’s the outside perception: The Washington Redskins are coming apart, having fired their general manager, unable to sign their quarterback to a long-term deal and with no big-name talent joining the defense. Then there’s the perception from the inside: Life isn’t as bad as it appears.
In fact, for Redskins coach Jay Gruden, life is pretty good.
“I’m very optimistic,” he said. “I know it's not great, but we’ve had back-to-back winning seasons. There's no reason for us not to be optimistic.”
Skeptics will point to the general manager situation -- Scot McCloughan was fired and the team doesn’t plan to hire a replacement until after the draft (and the role remains undefined).