Offense
Not many people expected much from the quarterback position last season. Rookie Jason Campbell had talent but was very raw. The Pat Ramsey/Mark Brunell battle left something to be desired and was certainly not exciting anyone. What Brunell did, though, was turn in a very solid season as he formed an obvious connection with wide receiver Santana Moss. While last year was Moss's coming out party, Brunell is only older and slower, with people anxious to see Jason Campbell.
Even with this, if he is healthy and protected, there is no reason why he can't be more than effective throwing to Moss and new acquisition Antuan Randle El. While they may have overpaid for Randle El, his versatility will be a welcome addition to a largely meat-and-potatoes offense. His most significant initial role may be to help keep double teams off Moss.
Running back Clinton Portis has produced in relatively quiet fashion in Washington. His YPC average has been less than stellar but the offense's dedication to the run has been a big reason for the success that Moss has had.
Brunell, though, is the key. If he plays well the offense will do enough to win most games. But if Brunell struggles, opposing teams will load the line to stop Portis and thus nullify the effectiveness and explosion of Santana Moss.
Will they feel comfortable turning to Jason Campbell if things get rocky? I would hope so, he could be a star. Joe Gibbs, though, may be just stubborn enough to stick with Brunell through good and bad.
Defense
The job that Gregg Williams did with this bunch is nothing short of outstanding. He had the guts to bench poster boy LaVar Arrington and the defense was better for it. At times they looked the equal of the 2000 Ravens.
After the season, Williams was quickly retained at a head coach salary. They simply had no choice and Williams very much wanted to stay. Arrington departs, with quite the chip on his shoulder, and vows to make the Redskins rue the day they ever benched him when he faces them as a member of the Giants. But the Redskins still have Marcus Washington and Lamar Marshall to pace them, and they were the linebacker stars last year, not Arrington.
The line is void of stars, but Philip Daniels, Joe Salave'a, and Cornelius Griffin simply make a wealth of plays. The secondary added safety Adam Archuleta to team with beastly Sean Taylor (as long as his legal issues are resolved). Cornerbacks Shaun Springs and Carlos Rogers are rock solid. But they will be tested all season long because teams feel it is a better option than trying to run on them.
Synopsis
This is the third year for Joe Gibbs and big things are naturally expected. They once again splurged in free agency and got a number of impact players. If Clinton Portis can explode out of the gate and allow Santana Moss to make plays all over the field, the Skins will be in good shape. We know what to expect from Gregg Williams and the defense, and I do not expect the departure of Arrington to have a substantial effect.
If Jason Campbell gets a chance, he could light a big aerial spark. I just do not see him getting his chance, at least not while they are winning. Gibbs will probably stick with Brunell even if the defense is winning the games all by themselves. I forecast a 10-6 season, but not able to surpass the Cowboys in a tight race.
