In 2008, the Washington Redskins were the epitome of mediocre after finishing a forgettable season just eight and eight. The defense was a bright spot, finishing top-10 in most yardage and scoring categories but failed to produce a significant amount of game changing plays. The dominant Redskin’s defense was simply vanilla, finishing tied for fourth and eight last in sacks and interceptions, respectively.
The scheme’s still in place, but Daniel Snyder’s extensive pocketbook and the acquisition of hybrid LB/DE and Bronco Nagurski winner, Brian Orakpo, has the ship pointed in the right direction. Already a stout crew, the addition of Haynesworth and Orakpo should provide infinitely more interior and exterior penetration. Double teams encountered by Haynesworth should free up the agile Andre Carter on the edge.
Hard hitting safeties, LaRon Landry and Chris Horton occupy the middle of the field and should both see their turnover numbers increase. DeAngelo Hall and Fred Smoot are capable man-coverage guys that can both play on an island if required. Carlos Rogers is a bigger, physical, cornerback that should match-up nicely against the largest receivers in the NFC East.
Unlike previous years, the Washington Redskins come into 2009 with a defense that’ll do more than keep them in the game; It’s capable of winning the game too. They’ve entered into elite territory normally reserved for the Steelers, Ravens and Bears of the world.
The question thus becomes, can Jason Campbell steer the ship in the right direction?
Campbell’s made small stride’s under second-year head coach and former Seahawk’s quarterback, Jim Zorn. Campbell’s now entering his fifth year in the league, and his fourth with considerable snaps, so if the Redskin’s courtship of Jay Cutler didn’t clue you in — it’s definitely Campbell’s make-or-break year.
The ‘Skins have relied on a run-heavy attack featuring Clinton Portis and Ledell Betts to ease Jason Campbell into the league, gradually increasing his responsibility. In 2009, Campbell has all of the tools around him to succeed. While Devin Thomas hasn’t matured as expected, Malcolm Kelly has provided much needed competition for Antwaan Randel El at the WR2 spot, opposite Santana Moss.
The weapons are at Campbell’s disposal, but can he make use of them?
Fred Davis, a former USC standout, and Chris Cooley could prove to be the cornerstones of this offense. Cooley and Davis should provide useful targets underneath for the accurate Campbell and with the proper rapport should allow Campbell to have faith in his progressions.
Jason Campbell isn’t going to be asked to win many games with his arm alone, which is good news for the Hogs. However, Campbell’s certainly capable of leading a long deliberate drive at this point in his career, even if the two-minute offense will still sputter from time to time. The Redskins have put the required talent on the field for Campbell to succeed, and it’s now just a matter of play calling.
A healthy Portis and an aggressive running game should go a long way to keep Campbell in rhythm. He has the arm to stretch the field, but the touch isn’t quite there yet. A healthy diet of short, quick passes should set up the running game and the deep game to Santana Moss.
The Redskins have an outside shot at the Superbowl, but more importantly the depth to make a serious playoff run even while sustaining multiple injuries on either side of the ball. At 34-to-1, the Washington Redskins’ Superbowl odds are deliciously tempting.
Other teams are better, but I like the ‘Skins chances with Campbell at the helm.
