Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Washington Redskins
by Chris Brophy
27/6/2008
 
Overview
 
The Redskins sneaked into the playoffs on the back of another December winning streak resembling their run to the 2005 post season. The second era of Joe Gibbs was always going to struggle to match the successes of the first time around but Gibbs still showed that winning in the last month of the season was a gift he hadn't lost. With the pressure that run brought, along with family issues and the body blow of Sean Taylor's murder, Gibbs did manage one last hurrah but it seemingly took everything he had left and he stepped down shortly after the Redskins wild card lost to the Seahawks. After a strange search for a new Head Coach, the Dan Snyder settled on his newly appointed Offensive Coordinator - Jim Zorn - who had only just come on board after being more recently the long time Seahawks QB Coach. It's a massive gamble and a very much unexpected hire but given that a lot of the Redskins future success probably hinges on how far young QB Jason Campbell can take this team it's clear that getting Campbell the right guidance was a large consideration in the decision to bring in Zorn. If Zorn can get Campbell to understand his passing scheme and be productive in it, the Redskins have a chance to challenge in a very tough looking NFC East. If the relationship doesn't bear fruit early though, Zorn might find he is a risk that doesn't have much leash.
 
Quarterbacks
 
As already eluded to, how Jason Campbell goes, the Redskins will likely go. In his short NFL career Campbell has shown plenty of promise but has also had a habit of coming up just a little short. Before his season ending knee injury last year, he came close to toppling Division winners Dallas and Tampa Bay on the road, only to get close but no cigar (throwing late interceptions). Zorn's system is going to be very West Coast in style so Campbell needs to improve his footwork and his timing on short patterns but it seems Zorn will also allow Campbell to play at a fast pace which he clearly enjoyed and thrived in at times last season. If Campbell falters, Todd Collins will be asked to perform more heroics. When Campbell went down last season, in came the unlikely figure of Collins to help the Redskins win their last five games and go into post season. Collins is not physically gifted like Campbell but he does understand timing and plays with poise. He is the ideal veteran back-up. The 3rd spot will either go to 6th round draft pick Colt Brennan who Zorn gets to shape from scratch or Sam Hollenbach who hung around the roster and practice squad last year.
Grade: C
 
Running Backs
 
An area of strength for the Redskins. Clinton Portis showed he still had something left after an injury hit 2006 and whilst he doesn't break off as many big gainers as in his younger days, he has developed more power to his game is is one of the finest pass blocking backs around. He can also contribute to the passing game as a receiver which will be vital in an offensive that will look to get the ball into receivers hands much quicker. He is backed up by Ladell Betts who produced 1000+ yards in Portis's absence in 2006 only to return to the backup role last year. Betts hits the hole fast but doesn't have the array of shifty moves Portis possesses. He is a decent receiver also but nowhere near as good a blocker. Mike Sellers is the Fullback - a good short range receiver and a blocker who can be dynamic when on the move, Sellers can also line up at TE and block from their. He also gets some short yardage carries. The final spots (likely 5 backs are kept) will be fought over by Rock Cartwright, who doubles as a kick returner, Marcus Mason, who has an impressive pre-season in 2007 and made the opening day roster before moving back to the practice squad and former Panthers 2nd round pick Eric Shelton.
Grade: A-
 
Receivers
 
An area that has seen the Redskins try and try again to add to over recent years got an injection of talent via the draft rather than free agency this off-season. After a disappointing campaign that saw drops, fumbles and niggling injuries, Santana Moss bouncing back to the form of his early Redskins career might be the best medicine this unit could get though. If Moss can stay healthy, he has to be respected by opposing defenses at flanker. Split end will probably be a battle between the Redskins two 2nd round draft picks - Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. This allows Antwaan Randle El to move to the slot. With the various multiple receiver formations the WCO employs all of the above should get plenty of chances to see the field. Veteran James Thrash and former Auburn Tiger Anthony Mix, who played with Campbell in college, will battle to make the roster and it could be that all six are kept. Tight end features one of the league's best in Chris Cooley. Given that the WCO relies on good running after the catch skills, Cooley, as arguably the best run after catch TE in the league, could be in line for a massive season. Depth was an issue until a 2nd round pick was spent on USC's Fred Davis although he needs to improve his alarm clock setting skills. Todd Yoder likely makes up the TE trio although he could be challenged by undrafted free agent Jason Goode. This receiving corps needs a return to form from it's big play threat and instant contribution from at least one of the two rookies to really help Jason Campbell out.
Grade: B
 
Offensive Line
 
The Redskins return a bunch of veterans to their offensive line in 2008 and will also have the services of Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas who both missed nearly all the season with injuries. It's worth noting though that when Thomas gets seriously injured, the Redskins make the play-offs. All the starters are 30 or over though so it's vital that some of the younger talent the Skins have as backups show signs of challenging the starters. Stephon Heyer, an undrafted rookie last season, started several games at RT and held his own so he is hopefully one. 3rd round draft pick Chad Rienhart will hopefully be another. Chris Samuels is the undoubted star of this unit though and he'll be hoping to make his 6th Pro Bowl. How Jansen and Thomas bounce back from injuries and how the young back-ups challenge the veteran back-ups such as Jason Fabini and Todd Wade will be the stories of this unit in 2008.
Grade: B+
 
Defensive Line
 
A group that always seems to require an injection of talent but rarely gets it. The Redskins do return most of the same bodies that featured last year. The two key components are DT Cornelius Griffin, who is a very underrated player and Andre Carter, who is relied on to bring the pressure to QBs. Both have being two of the better free agent signings for the Skins over the years. Next to Griffin will be Anthony Montgomery who does the dirty work of eating up blockers in the trenches. Veteran Phillip Daniels, who isn't a great pass rusher but is solid as a rock against the run, will be asked to move inside at times to allow Chris Wilson, who had 4 sacks last year, to feature as a situation pass rusher. Kedric Golston and sometime TE Lorenzo Alexander provide depth at DT whilst rookie Rob Jackson, Alex Buzbee and Demetric Evans will provide further depth but a wild card has recently being added in the shape of former Vikings first round pick Eramus James. A unit that plays the run well but needs to get at the opposing QB more.
Grade: B
 
Linebackers
 
Marcus Washington and London Fletcher are the big names here. Two veterans who consistently deliver although Washington has started to wear down the past couple of seasons with some niggling injuries. Fletcher is never going to bust through blockers to make the tackle but he does have great organization skills and still possesses the speed to get sideline to sideline. Rocky McIntosh was quietly having a pretty solid season on the weakside before a bad knee injury finished his season. He should be back in full health for training camp but his knees are a constant worry. Depth for this unit is an issue, HB Blades, a rookie last year can play in the middle or outside. He saw some action last year but is a total unknown if needed to contribute more. Matt Sinclair will probably be a back up outside as will long time special teams ace Khary Campbell. The Redskins need their starters to stay healthy or things could get messy. Look for a veteran addition in camp/pre-season.
Grade: B-
 
Secondary
 
A unit that lost its best player who was having a career year in FS Sean Taylor last season did manage to get over it and still play some solid ball. LaRon Landry moved from SS to FS and Reed Doughty stepped in at SS. With the recent addition of Stuart Schweigert, 'Dirty 30' might yet go back to SS. Chris Horton and Kareem Moore were drafted for depth and they will challenge veteran Vernon Fox for roster spots. At CB, Shawn Springs, who played as well as any corner in the league down the stretch (only to have a nightmare in the wild card against his former team) and Fred Smoot will be the starters. Carlos Rogers has yet to live up to the billing of his high draft status and is currently recovering from a very serious knee injury. How much he can contribute in 2008 is unsure. With that in mind, Justin Tryon was drafted in round four and he'll battle with Leigh Torrence for playing time in the nickel and dime packages. Byron Westbrook (Brian's brother) and John Eubanks will try and sneak a spot somewhere. If Springs can stay healthy and the safety spots can settle down early, this unit is pretty strong but could crack easy. A better pass rush will help.
Grade: B+
 
Special Teams
 
Ethan Albright might be awful on Madden but he is the master of the long snap and got to the Pro Bowl last season. He'll likely be snapping to a new punter (and holder) in the shape of 6th round pick, punter Durant Brooks, who should be able to overcome average veteran Derrick Frost. Shawn Suisham has a chance to offer some consistency to the kicking position which has being lacking for years in Washington. He managed a couple of overtime game winners last season against Miami and the Jets and has shown enough to enter camp unchallenged. Coverage teams are led by the versatile Lorenzo Alexander, wedge buster Mike Sellers and Khary Campbell. The return game will feature Rock Cartwright and Justin Tryon returning kicks with Randle El returning punts although Cartwright wants to be considered for that role too apparently.
Grade: B
 
Coaching
 
Zorn, whilst a respected position coach and former NFL player, is a complete unknown as a head coach. He'll rely heavily on his assistants, some who return from the previous coaching staff and are helping to build the playbooks. Greg Blanche has run defenses before and looks to keeping things on an even keel defensively. Joe Bugel and Stan Hixon know the offensive players well and can help Zorn with his knowledge of them. In return, Zorn is not changing the run scheme terminology and will only change the passing game. How Zorn develops Campbell and deals with being a playcaller (also new to him) will be key in the Redskins ability to challenge in the NFC East.
Grade: C-
 
Outlook
 
The Redskins are a veteran team with some veteran coaches but with an inexperienced man leading the show. It appears Zorn will trust his veteran coaches and players to take care of business and that might be wise but if things get tough, will the tough get going or will the tough blame it all on the new guy? Talking of tough, Zorn's biggest problem is the NFC East. Featuring the current Super Bowl Champs, the Cowboys and their NFC leading record and the Eagles, who have won this division more than anyone in this current decade, Zorn has a battle on his hands just to be competitive with those teams, never mind winning. With a lot to learn and a lot to teach his young QB, it might take a year of getting his nose bloodied before Zorn and the Redskins can progress further.