Washington Redskins 2010 Preview
Let's lay to rest 2009, shall we. A 4-12 record, a dismal day in Detroit week 3, and an offense that finished dead last in the NFC East. Do you want me to go on? No.
Welcome 2010. We have a new leader at the Head Coaching position, in Mike Shanahan, a new Quarterback in Donovan McNabb, and a new leader in the front office, Bruce Allen. The leadership has already taken a turn for the better. Last year we saw an inept offense that could barely throw the ball downfield. With McNabb at the helm, just his presence alone in the pocket is dangerous. Unlike Jason Campbell, McNabb's decision making and awareness allows the offense to take a step forward. Mike Shanahan relied heavily on his tight ends in Denver. Fred Davis and Chris Cooley are both high skilled pass catching tight ends. Shanahan isn't afraid to line either one up at the slot position, opening the field up for guys like Santana Moss, and Devin Thomas. The Running Back position has always been Shanahans go-to. Look for Clinton Portis, and Larry Johnson to carry the load this year.
The Skins will rely heavily on a one back, zone blocking scheme that made Shanahan's Broncos teams so successful. Remember Terrell Davis. Not only will defenses be on their heals, but this will help open up the pass, and create some more electricity through the air. Emerging threats in the passing game include Malcolm Kelly, and newly acquired home run threat, Bobby Wade.
Defensively led by Jim Haslett, the Redskins will sport a 3-4 defense. Emerging Linebacker Brian Orakpo (11 sacks), and veteran London Fletcher (142 tackles) will bring the heat on the outside, for this bend not break mentality. This defense is very similar to the Steelers, who use the outside better then any NFL team. The Dline, once anchored by 100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth, yield to newly acquired Adam Carrike (former 1st round pick), and Maake Kemoeatu. Andre Carter and Orakpo should lead the charge in this new defense, strictly because they hold the edge and are quick enough to get to the Quarterback. Orakpo played alot of the 4-3 last year and this new defense, Haslett said, should "double, maybe triple his attempts to get to the cornerback." Ends Phillip Daniels, Carriker, and Jeremy Jarmon will rotate, giving the Skins some much needed depth at a position that lacked stability in 2009.
Given the state of Haynesworth, the Dline should be one of Haslett's strenghts heading into the new year. The secoondary led by DeAngelo Hall will prep for more single coverage. This will give LaRon Landry, and Reed Doughty more responsibilities in playing the pass. Carlos Rogers will split time with Philip Buchanon on the other side. Both guys are weak and especially covering the deep pass. Single coverage might spell doom for this secondary that registered just 11 interceptions a season ago. Doughty, who's speed is questionable for a guy who plays centerfield, will have to take gambles and could see a fair share of blown coverage. Meanwhile expect Landry to make more plays on D.
Special teams is key especially when you have a rookie kicker in Graham Gano. Gano is sort of a mystery heading into the season. He was 4-4 last year, but hasn't been tested in those last second meaningful kicks. Expect Gano to struggle a little bit this season. Punter Josh Bidwell is certainly an upgrade at punter. The former Buccaneer has spent 11 seasons in the NFL and is very dangerous placing kicks inside the 20. Kick returner will be Devin Thomas and returning punts will be the dangerous Santana Moss.
Overall the Skins will be much better this season, then last season. Expect the offense to be a touchdown better because of McNabb and the bolstered O-line. Consistency is key in this NFC East. Although I like the Skins to be able to compete this year, I see an 8-8 record in their future.
Robbie C
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