Washington Redskins 2009 Outlook

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The Redskins can be successful this season by following the same model they used under Joe Gibbs: by playing solid Defense/Special Teams to create a short field for their offense to begin their possessions. The Redskins were one of the worst in the league at creating a short field for the offense last season.  By adding Albert Haynesworth and having D’Angelo Hall for a full training camp the Skins defense should be much improved rushing the passer and creating turnovers.  It will be up to Zorn to improve on the Redskins touchdown percentage in the Red Zone.  The Skins have shown to be marginal at best in the Red Zone this preseason but marginal is better than being dismal.

Its no secret that for Jason Campbell to be successful the Redskins need to have two things. 1) A wide receiver emerge who’s consistent and outstanding.  Not just making the normal receptions but lifting his quarterback up and making plays on balls that aren’t thrown well.  The Redskins don’t need another Santana Moss. They need a reliable pass catcher that they can count on to pick up the intermediate yards and keep the chains moving. Devin Thomas seems to be a prime candidate to fill those shoes. 2) The offensive line needs to stay healthy. The offensive line is much improved from last year by bringing back Derrick Dockery and with Stephon Heyer’s hard off this season work should be better.  If preseason is any indication, then they have improved.

The fact is that if Campbell does not perform this season he will be gone.  Jason doesn’t have enough years in the league to qualify for unrestricted free agency so the Skins will still own his rights depending on how the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is worked out. They could opt to go another route by trading with a team that already has multiple QBs such as the Browns or Chargers. They could also look to the draft to fill their QB needs. I certainly can’t imagine a scenario where the Redskins would pick high enough in the draft to take Sam Bradford but if Campbell is out then someone like Jevan Snead or Colt McCoy could be the future of the franchise.

Based on the preseason performance as well as last year’s results with the offseason moves here is where I believe the Redskins are currently.

Right now I would give the offense a C. They have a lot to prove this season. A viable 3rd receiving option needs to emerge behind Moss and Cooley. Hopefully, it’s one of the 2008 2nd round picks but anyone will suffice. Based on last year’s statistics and the additions to the defense (Orakpo, Haynesworth) I would give the Redskins a solid B with the potential to be a B+. They were a bend but not break defense last year. Orakpo and Haynesworth offer Greg Blache some flexibility in passing situations now. If the Redskins can force some turnovers that could very easily move from a B to an A.

I think special teams are a spot where the Redskins can improve the greatest from last year. Obviously the fact that our punter, whomever it was, had the worst yards per punt avg in the league.  And Shaun Suisham had the most missed field goal attempts in the league.  By bringing in Hunter Smith not only has that improved the punt game but also gives Suisham or Dave Rayner a consistent and reliable holder for the entire system. While that may not seem like a lot it could be the difference in one or two kicks which could be critical in the NFC East.  One area of concern is the lack of depth and talent of the Linebackers for the Skins. Special teams could exploit that fact. Right now I would give the Redskins a C- based on the improvements made in the offseason. Whoever wins the job can be more reliable then instantly upgrades to a C+.

The Redskins will have every opportunity to make the playoffs this season. The defensive improvements should prevent the Redskins from losing games they shouldn’t (ie Rams, 49ers last year).  It will be up to the offense to generate more points and more specifically touchdowns. I don’t think any team in the NFC east made themselves significantly better in the off season and the Redskins lost the least amount. I think the Redskins win one or two more games than last year which means 9-7 and the potential for a playoff berth.

udothedishes . . .