Please welcome new DCist Redskins contributor Rob Birgfeld.

So what do we make of the preseason? When the team started 3-0, even the most subdued Redskins fans began to salivate at the potential that was 2008. The kid from Hawaii with the name that screams “star quarterback,” Colt Brennan, was shining. The veterans were cheering on the young ones from the sidelines and the new coach looked cool and collected. Even James Arthur Monk and Darrell Green were finally recognized by the Hall of Fame. 2008 was looking surprisingly promising for the Washington Redskins. Fast forward two weeks: The oft-mentioned “bandwagon” had lost its way and those same believers had quickly turned to naysayers. Outscored 71-6 in their last two “tuneup” games, the Skins looked remarkably inept, quickly moving from dark horse to the doghouse. So let’s look ahead and see if the most compelling news coming out of FedEx Field will be on the gridiron or in the parking lot.

Picked by most “experts” to finish fourth (out of four teams) in the NFC East, the Redskins hope to play like a team with nothing to lose. Or play with a chip on their shoulder. Or silence the doubters. Whichever BS battle cry they claim this year, the biggest question that will need to be answered is what will define this team—the new or the old?