NFL Season Preview: Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins

Front Office:

Owner: Daniel Snyder

GM:     Bruce Allen

C:  Neither has done a lot.  Bruce Allen did not improve the Buccaneers when he was there and has done likewise for the Redskins.  Snyder likes to spend money but knows nothing of building a foundation for this football team.

Coaching:

HC:      Mike Shanahan

OC:      Kyle Shanahan

DC:      Jim Haslett

C+: Though an ego maniac, coach Shanahan, is knowledgeable on building a winning football team.  Even without Elway he still made the Broncos a stable team.  I love their Offensive Coordinator.  Kyle Shannahan knows how to get a lot from little.  He knows his system well and knows how to format people into it…see the Houston Texans before he got their.  I am not a fan of Jim Haslet.  He was an okay coach but has not done well as a DC at any of his previous spots.

QB:     D

Battle between John Beck and Rex Grossman.  This is like when Screech fought Mannut Bull.  Grossman did have some unexpected success late in the season but still is a turnover machine.  The coaching staff likes Beck enough to ignore the position in the last draft.  I don’t believe they will go after one this offseason and will wait to get one of the three elite QB next draft.

RB:     C

A Shanahan will never spend too much to find a RB.  Shanahan’s system is predicated upon quick, one cut RB who knows how to react quickly and take what’s there.  Ryan Thorain when healthy is a solid RB in this system.  They also believe they got a steal in rookie Roy Helu from Nebraska.

WR/TE:          B

Santana Moss will be resigned.  Moss is a staple for this team.  He will be accompanied by Leonard Hankerson who I believed to be a major steal in the draft.  Hankerson reminds me of a Reggie Wayne like receiver…big, knows how to run routes, and has huge hands.  Anthony Armstrong is a dangerous slot WR.  At TE Chris Cooley is a borderline All Pro and Fred Davis, while not consistent, is a big play waiting to happen.

OL:     C-

Trent Williams showed signs of being a bust and a Pro Bowler last year.  My thinking is he will be inconsistent this year as well…though not quite as much.  Redskins love Casey Rabach at center.  While not physically imposing Rabach has great knowledge of the game.  At RT they hope to resign Jammal Brown who is a force now that he is healthy.  At OG they have major holes.  I think they will attack this in FA for some athletic OG such as Justin Blaylock from the Falcons.

DL:     C

I don’t know much, but I know Haynesworth won’t play for the Redskins next year.  The Redskins have solid players in Jarvis Jenkins and Adam Carriker but no one that will cause OC to lose sleep.  NT is a huge need for this team.

LB:      B

By selecting Ryan Kerrigan last draft they have ensured they have two pass rushers coming off the end.  Orakpo will not complain again this year from lack of help.  London Fletcher has one more solid year. This season will be the coming out party for Perry Riley.

DB:     B-

By signing Atogwe they have an awesome safety duo….Atogwe is a center fielding safety the Redskins can pair up with the hard hitting LaRon Landry.  The CB duo of Rogers and Hall is solid but very over rated.  I know this because my Lions have a two game winning streak versus this team.

Last Draft:

The picks of Ryan Kerrigan and Jarvis Jenkins, while solid, were nothing special.  Both will be solid players but better talent was available.  At least the Redskins traded down and acquired more picks.  I love the Leonard Hankerson pick and believe him to be a rock solid #2 WR.  Roy Helu was nothing special but fits the system.  Afterwards they used a few picks to get WR depth.  Overall an okay draft                     C/C+

Sleeper on Offense/Defense

If healthy I believe Ryan Thorain to be able to rush for around 1100-1200 yards and 8-10 TD’s.

Perry Riley was taken in the fourth round last year and has the ability to be a solid ILB to complement Fletcher.  Riley attacks the line of scrimmage well and has some pass rushing ability…he needs to improve upon his pass coverage but is shielded in the 3-4 from too much pass coverage.

Prediction for Year:                           4-12

With not a ton of firepower, an average/to below average OL, worst starting QB position in the NFL, and a decent but far from dominate defense this team will struggle to win more than 4 wins.  On a positive note that puts them in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.