The debate over whether Joe Gibbs had a positive impact on the Washington Redskins will go on even in his absence. Gibbs came in on a huge wave of optimism, carrying his Super Bowl credentials with him and attracting top talent on his coaching staff. His success in the NFL, along with his winning NASCAR ways, had fans preparing for another run of Redskins dominance in the NFC East. Unfortunately for the fans that routinely pack FedEx Field, Gibbs was never able to reach the heights he previously attained.

There are a number of reasons to be optimistic in the wake of Gibbs departure. The Skins finished on a positive note in the NFL regular season with four consecutive wins, knocking off the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and the Dallas Cowboys. It seems as if they also found a capable quarterback for the future in Jason Campbell, and a solid backup with future potential in Todd Collins. Clinton Portis will do for the time being at running back but look for the Redskins to draft a replacement in the near term.

As always, the Redskins will have a tough road to hoe in the NFC East, one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. But it’s that adversity that makes Super Bowl winners, as the 2007 New York Giants can attest.