NFL Preview: Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins


Key Additions:
DE Ryan Kerrigan (draft)
DT Jarvis Jenkins (draft)
CB Josh Wilson (FA)
S O.J. Atogwe (FA)
RB Tim Hightower (trade)
P Sav Rocca (FA)
T Sean Locklear (FA)
DT Barry Cofield (FA)
DE Stephen Bowen (FA)
G Chris Chester (FA)
WR Jabar Gaffney (trade)


Key Departures: 
CB Carlos Rogers 
C Casey Rabach 
DE/LB Andre Carter
DL Vonnie Holliday


Report:
Mike Shanahan is in year two with the Redskins, and it may be a long one. Washington is still unsure who will be starting at quarterback. The battle is between Rex Grossman and John Beck. Whoever does start, do not expect much as both players are not very talented. At running back they are expected Tim Hightower to take over the bulk of the carries. Rookie Roy Helu should be the back-up, and get a good amount of playing time. WR Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney are projected as the starters, but Anthony Armstrong had a good season last year and could get a starting spot. TE Chris Cooley is back as a consistent receiver. The offense line returns most of its starters and adds more good pieces, which is important when they have instability at quarterback. 

The defense was on of the worst in NFL last year. The defensive line looks better with the additions of Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield. Linebacker is full of consistent players. London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are tackling machines. Brian Orakpo is fast player who has a nack at getting to the quarterback. Rookie Ryan Kerrigan will be asked to start at linebacker right away. The defense had its highs and lows last season. CB DeAngelo Hall had a four interception game which propelled him to the Pro Bowl. Josh Wilson is the corner opposite of him, and will asked to replace Carlos Rogers. S O.J. Atogwe is a good safety and a good pick-up for Washington. 


K Graham Gano is an underrated kicker, and newly acquired one of the best punters in the league in Sav Rocca. KR Brandon Banks can take it to the house on occasion.  


Review: 

Washington is in a rebuilding process, and that is tough for Shanahan to say. Quarterback is not a strong position and that is the biggest position on the field. In an increasingly difficult NFC Washington looks to be slipping backwards. Playoffs does not look to be in the plans this season. Winning 6 games may be a victory for this team. 


Division Finish: TBA