Baltimore Orioles Soundoff

Hail to the Redskins!

The Washington Redskins first preseason game is almost upon us--Saturday at 8 p.m. against the Carolina Panthers--and it is time to see what we are working with this year. Here we go, position by position to find the strengths and weaknesses of the 'Skins.
*disclaimer #1: This preview assumes that players who should be, will in fact be healthy, clean and out of prison by the time the season starts
*disclaimer #2: I am aware that I am a Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins fan, and not a Baltimore Ravens and Washington Nationals fan, so there is no need to point that out. Thank you.


Quarterbacks: In what was a major weakness for the 'Skins last season, this year's starting QB should at least not be Mark Brunell. Last year, Redskins QBs were abysmal, combining to complete only 56.4% of their passes for 2,859 yards, 17 TDs and 17 interceptions. In comparison, the three-headed QB that Tampa Bay used in their lackluster season still managed to combine for 66.4% of their passes totaling 3,773 yards and 24 TDs. This performance is unacceptable by Redskins QBs. Joe Gibbs will look to spread the offense, and a strengthened offensive line--Jon Jansen is back from injury--will help Patrick Ramsey be able to stay in the pocket and make better passes. The addition of Rookie Jason Campbell will give Ramsey a reason to look over his shoulder. Let's hope for a Drew Brees type situation, where Ramsey has a career year with a young stud standing behind him, waiting to get into the game.
Rating: C+

Running backs: An all-pro in his first two seasons, Clinton Portis went from averaging 5.5 yards per carry in his first two years in the league, to averaging 3.8 in his first year in Washington. The main reason for this was a depleted offensive line and the fact that Joe Gibbs used him like a bruising back when speed and finesse are clearly his game. This season, however, Gibbs vows to spread the offense and allow for Portis to be his speedy self, plus the additions of Jon Jansen and center Casey Rabach will allow Portis to burst through the line once again.
Rating: A

Receivers: Goodbye Lavernues Coles and Rod Gardner, the Redskins receiving attack is revamped, but is it for the better? They are speedier, but they are also shorter. The 'Skins brought in Santana Moss from the Jets and David Patten from the Patriots, both of whom are 5'11". The third receiver will be former Florida Gators wideout, Taylor Jacobs, who is 6'0". Personally, I think the passing attack will be a good deal better, simply because the O-Line will be better and Ramsey or Campbell will have time to throw the ball. Look for Gibbs to spread the receivers out and have them confusing secondaries like the Gibbs of old. Remember the posse? Ok, well not quite, but if all goes according to plan, the 'Skins will throw much more this season. They could still use Rod Gardner and Laverneus Coles though. Look for Chris Cooley, a rookie last season, who has great hands, to step up and make a lot of important catches this season at tight end.

Rating: B-

Defense: Last year's third-ranked defensive unit looks to improve upon itself this year. Linebacker LaVar Arrington will hopefully be healthy, finally, and Safety Sean Taylor will hopefully be not in prison to anchor the hardest hitting defense in the league. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams turned the 'Skins into a defensive force last year while missing Arrington and Mike Barrow. This year, with the 'Skins healthy, they should be dominating. They did lose Fred Smoot--a superb corner--which will hurt very much. Right now Walt Harris and Shawn Springs are the starting cornerbacks, however, Williams hopes to have rookie first pick Carlos Rogers ready to play full time by mid season. Look for another great year for the Redskins defense.

Rating: A

# posted by Jeff Lippman @ 11:04 AM