Although former Washington Redskins running back Willie Parker would have us believe otherwise, the team didn't party its way into the basement of the NFC East last season.
In that respect, I'm inclined to think that Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh had it right with this recent response to the assessment Parker made after a brief stint in Washington: Sure, McIntosh told a radio interviewer, everybody's human and everybody likes to have a good time, but when it's time to play, "all these guys are focused on the task at hand."
Perhaps the culture is less than ideal for success on the field, but it seems to fall well short of explaining last year's 6-10 finish than a far more obvious problem: The Redskins don't have a legitimate starting quarterback.
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They can't seriously believe they'll become a serious contender with John Beck under center.
Yet, in the aftermath of the failure that was last year's acquisition of Donovan McNabb, Beck is the best the Redskins apparently have to offer. That is, at least for now.
After trading the 10th overall pick in the draft so that the Jacksonville Jaguars could use it on a quarterback (Missouri's Blaine Gabbert), the Redskins proceeded to make a statement that their quickest path to improvement is by building a strong defense. They used the 16th overall choice on Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan and their second-round pick on Clemson defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins.
They did pick up a few wide receivers, including the University of Miami's Leonard Hankerson in the third round. But without a better option at quarterback, it isn't likely to matter whether the Redskins party or not.
They'll still have a reserved spot in the basement of the NFC East.
Follow Vic Carucci on Twitter @viccarucci.
