Updated

Coach Mike Shanahan's Washington Redskins are in a familiar spot: They're 3-6 after an embarrassing loss to an opponent that had one previous victory.

Almost exactly a year ago, when his Redskins fell to 3-6 after an embarrassing loss to an opponent that had one previous victory, Shanahan sounded as if he were throwing in the towel — and Washington won its next seven games.

There was no reason to think in November 2012 that Washington was ready to go unbeaten the rest of the way in the regular season en route to an NFC East title.

And there is little real reason for optimism Friday at Redskins Park, either, based on the team's latest lead-blowing, mistake-filled performance, a 34-27 defeat against Minnesota.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org