2009-2010 Washington Redskins Prediction and Preview

Last Season -

The Washington Redskins got off to a very promising start in 2008 winning the first 4 of their 5 football games. However, the promising start would not last long as the Redskins lost their momentum through the latter part of the season. The Redskins lost the last 4 out of 5 games on the year to finish a disappointing 8-8. Quarterback Jason Campbell also had a very promising start. In the teams first 8 games, Campbell averaged for over 220 yards, 8 touchdowns, and not a single interception. However in the final 8 games, Campbell threw for only 185 yards per game, 5 touchdowns, and 6 picks. It is safe to say the offensive performance went downhill through the latter part of the year and the losses accumulated during that time. Defensively, the Redskins were among the best defenses in the league. Washington held opponents to just 288 yards per game ranking 4th in the NFL and also held teams to just 18 points per game. However, the offense was the biggest blame for their overall record as they failed to produce points. The Redskins key statistic is that they ranked in the bottom 5 in scoring offense averaging just 16 points per game.

Off Season -

The Washington Redskins would have loved to add a big playmaker to the offensive side of the ball in the NFL Draft. However with the number 13 overall selection, the Redskins could not pass up on defensive end Brian Orakpo. Orakpo is a very explosive lineman who possesses above average strength and skill in pass rush situations. Considering the Redskins was able to get Orakpo at this position in the draft kind of feels like robbery because there is no reason that the former Longhorn should not have been a top 10 selection. Washington also drafted CB Kevin Barnes out of Maryland with their next selection in the 3rd round. Barnes has great size for a corner with average speed, but missed much of his 2008 season with a broken shoulder blade so durability plays into question. The Redskins biggest off season move was the deal that landed the team the biggest defensive tackle in the NFL. The Redskins landed Albert Haynesworth from the Titans. Haynesworth has posted 14.5 sacks over the last two seasons and 91 tackles in the middle of the defensive line. The Redskins and Haynesworth reached an agreement worth 100 million for 7 years. Washington also boosted their special teams play by signing former Colts punter Hunter Smith.

2009 Preview -

The Redskins defense is developing into one of the best defenses in the league. A year after ranking 2nd in the NFC in total defense, the Redskins could very well be among the best defenses in the conference again this season. Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo give the Redskins defense a very bright future. However, Washington has to find away to make touchdowns in 2009. Jason Campbell must find a way to get the ball to receivers Santana Moss, Antwaan Randal El, and Chris Cooley. The receivers can make plays, but they need Campbell to give them the opportunity. Clinton Portis remains a huge part of the offense, but the offensive line is in the rebuilding phases and we don’t expect the 1,400 plus rushing yards again in 2009. Defensively things remain the same, unfortunately perhaps the same for the offense.

2009 Prediction -

Washington gets possibly three of the worse teams in the NFC in the first 4 weeks of the season. The Redskins also get the Giants during that stretch and there is no reason that they could not possibly get off to a 4-0 start. However, we expect things to head south as the schedule gets tougher much like 2008. Anything less than a 3-1 start in those 4 games has to feel like a loss. The defense will remain solid, but Campbell is dropping off the radar after giving such a promising outlook at the end of 2007.

Pick – 4th NFC East (8-8)