OFFENSE The Redskins figure to have an improved offense with the additions of Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randel El. These two give Mark Brunell a myriad of weapons along with Santana Moss and Chris Cooley. However, I have a bad feeling about Mark Brunell this season. This offense and perhaps the entire team will only go as far as Mark Brunell can take them. If Washington's offense struggles, they won't win this tightly contested division. One key element that will help out Washington is their running game. Clinton Portis is one of the league's elite backs, and the Skins possess the division's best offensive line. New offensive coordinator Al Saunders should make for an interesting season as well. Saunders is an offensive guru, but only time will tell how long it will take for the offense to master his scheme. It might take a half a season before this offense is hitting on all cylinders. DEFENSE The best defense in the division last year was in Washington. They were an overachieving bunch led by Gregg Williams. The problem with an overachieving defense is that they will usually begin to play to their ability. To combat this, they went acquired two key players. Andre Carter could finally give them a legitimate pass rusher, and Adam Archuleta gives them the strong safety they have been looking for. These two pieces should keep them at or near the level at which they played last year. SPECIAL TEAMS The Redskins should have a solid special teams units. Their kickers are only average, but Antwaan Randel El is one of the league's best punt returners. BREAKDOWN Rankings are from 1 to 4 (1 being the best in the division) QB - 4RB - 2WR/TE - 3OL - 1Passing - 4Running - 2Total Offense - 2DL - 3LB - 3CB - 3S - 2Run Defense - 1Pass Defense - 3Total Defense - 2Special Teams - 3 Avg. Rank - 2.8 |
