Redskins Rehash-- Tis the Season... to look towards next season.

Elimination always stings... even when it's been a foregone conclusion for a month. And a ridiculous thought after last week's loss. But there was a slim possibility that evaporated in yesterday's 34-27 loss to New England. Now officially on to next year. Wow-- with these players... that's going to be just great! But don't worry-- help is on the way in the form of a top ten draft pick... and whatever other picks Vinny didn't trade away before he left.

Turnoverasaurus Rex-- Mr. Grossman gave us plenty of good, bad and ugly Sunday: 252 yards passing and two TDs! Two turnovers again! Two very costly turnovers, mind you: the fumble was recovered for a Patriot score and the interception killed a last chance drive. But at least he looked downfield.

Holy Helu Batman!-- the rookie Roy rushed for 126 yards... his third straight century effort. He's proving to be a keeper... it's a shame it took this long into the season. What I also like is Evan Royster producing 44 yards on 6 carries... it's nice to have two backs who can do damage. Even with Tim Hightower on the shelf and Ryan Torrain in the doghouse.

Minus Fred... recycled receivers reel em in-- so no big target at tight end. Instead, Jabar Gaffney notched 6 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown while Dontae Stallworth added 4 grabs for 96 yards. Both outshined Santana Moss... although he gave the Skins a brief lead with a 49 yard catch from Brandon Banks. Hopefully Hankerson heals for 2012.

Third and Lukewarm-- one reason why the Skins were able to stay in this game was owning third down-- converting 50% (feels like they should give the offense ice cream and cake for this one) while holding the Patriots to 5 of 11.

Defensive doughnut-- strong at both ends but a hole in the middle. Meaning: on the Pats first three possessions the Skins forced two punts and on the last three New England drives the Redskins defense forced a punt and an interception.... but in between the Patriots had four possessions resulting in 20 points. Four drives where they gained 70 or more yards. Proving that while this defense is much better than last year... they still have a ways to go.

Flags flying-- 8 penalties for 73 yards is no way to stay toe to toe with a division leader... especially when you're the second least whistled team in the league (6th by yards). That stat bears noting-- because although this team is 4-9 and out of the playoffs... at least they're not making blatantly bad decisions (Deangelo Hall excluded).

D Hall gets an F-- Mr. Hall has ridden a rollercoaster this fall... from "cut me" to defensive player of the week honors to last Sunday. Standing around while Gronkowski broke two tackles. Throwing a flag in disgust. Whatever he adds to the team's success, he takes away. And the Skins would be well advised not to have him around next fall.

Networking well-- despite being 4-8 the Skins had CBS's #2 broadcasting team of Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf... a far cry from Ron Pitts and the Jim Mora not known for "playoffs!". Next week with FOX having regional coverage the schedule looks to have the Skins game with the Giants as the #1 or #2 game. So Buck-Aikman or Albert-Moose-Goose. Sadly, th Giants being on at 1 means the Jets are on at 4... so Jets-Philly won't get the audience it would against a weak slate of CBS games (Indy-Tennessee, Cincy-St Louis)-- instead playing second fiddle to New England-Denver.

Dissecting the division-- the Giants' victory over Dallas means they currently hold down first place in the NFC East... the two teams tangle again January 2nd in the New Meadowlands. NYG gets the #4 seed while the Cowboys are 8th in the conference. Still alive at #11 is Philadelphia... if the Eagles win out they'd take the divisional tiebreakers at 5-1. So if the Giants and Dallas go 1-2 in their remaining games (not a stretch, given these two team's late-season track record), the NFC East is still there-- scarily. The Skins are a lucky 13th in the conference... but now eliminated from getting the #1 draft pick in 2012.

Drafting deal-- Indianapolis is 0-13 for the first time since 1986 when Ron Meyer stepped in for Rod Dowhower and guided the Colts to three straight wins and out of the Vinny Testaverde sweepstakes. This year Indy has a 2 game lead with 3 weeks remaining... and no team has made me more confidence they can lose than this bunch. In previous years the Colts mailed in Decembers when they were actually good! St. Louis and Minnesota also appear to be in good shape to finish 2nd and 3rd in the sweepstakes. Then it gets tricky: the Redskins are tied with five other teams for 4th... so based on the next three weeks and strength of schedules the Skins could pick anywhere from 3rd (I have faith in the Rams overachieving when it doesn't mean anything) to 12th (I believe in the Bills' and Chiefs' as sinking stones).

Divisions of Destiny... and Conference Contest-- the AFC North has a one game lead at 31-21 over it's NFC counterpart. Blame Marion Barber for stepping out of bounds against Denver. That win also gives the AFC a 27-25 lead with 12 games remaining on the interconference slate. Woe is the AFC South: despite 3 wins the albatross that is the Indianapolis Colts sinks that quartet to the cellar at 21-31. Give the NFC Least time, though...