As the 2006 season unfolded, Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs had to be asking himself if this was what he came out of retirement for. The team has suffered through two bad seasons out of the three since his return. He’s most likely not on the hot seat yet, but if things continue down the path they were on last season, he could conceivably pack things in after the season voluntarily.
What's New?
The Redskins did a lot of retooling on defense, specifically in their secondary where they brought in defensive backs Fred Smoot, David Macklin, Jerametrius Butler and rookie LaRon Landry. Pairing Landry with Sean Taylor gives Washington the potential for the best safety duo in the NFL in the near future. There could also be a little tension between the two, however, based on the fact that Landry is making considerably more money than Taylor and has yet to play a down in the NFL.
The addition of London Fletcher-Baker was the team’s biggest splash into free agency this year, and his addition should help solidify the linebacking crew, assuming last year’s top pick Rocky McIntosh can handle the weak side, and strong side linebacker Marcus Washington can avoid producing any more diluted urine samples.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - LaRon Landry, S LSU
5th Round - Dallas Sartz, OLB USC
6th Round - H.B. Blades, LB Pittsburgh
6th Round - Jordan Palmer, QB Texas-El Paso
7th Round - Tyler Ecker, TE Michigan
Who's Gone?
With the addition of so many new faces in the secondary, the Redskins flushed out a few defensive backs to make room, including Mike Rumph and Troy Vincent. Also gone are starting weak side linebacker Warrick Holdman, backup running back T.J. Duckett -- who they gave up a second-round draft pick to acquire just a year ago -- and kicker John Hall.
What Needs to Change?
The defensive unit has got to start making more big plays. It’s as simple as that. Last season the defensive line couldn’t get to the quarterback and as a unit they set a team record for the fewest take aways with just 12 all season. Inexplicably though, the Redskins chose to not address their lack of a pass rush through free agency or the draft.
On offense, youngster Jason Campbell needs to come into his own this season and start producing like a veteran. I believe he has the potential to do a lot of things this year, and will be surprised if he doesn’t make a big jump in production and leadership this year.
A resurgent year out of Clinton Portis would go a long way toward taking some of the pressure off Campbell, but the veteran running back has already missed time in training camp thanks to the tendonitis in his knee that he has been battling since offseason workouts began. This is something that could very well linger with him all season, which could lead to a much bigger load for backup Ladell Betts.
Under Pressure to Perform
Jason Campbell - For the first time in his career, Campbell enters training camp as the undisputed starting quarterback. But there is a lot of pressure on the youngster to get this team back into playoff contention. I like the poise he displayed in 2006, and would not be surprised to see this team respond favorably as he continues to develop.
Clinton Portis - Injuries plagued Portis from the opening preseason game through the rest of the 2006 season. And it seems he’s still having some problems with his knee that could limit his time and production on the playing field once again.
Brandon Lloyd - Campbell needs someone he can count on to consistently catch the ball besides Santana Moss, and Lloyd was supposed to be that guy.. The Redskins invested way too much in Lloyd prior to the 2006 season based on the potential he flashed in previous seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. But he was a huge, huge disappointment, and his attitude was a bit of a distraction at times. Lloyd really needs to start earning some of that big money he got last year if this offense is to improve significantly.
Rocky McIntosh - As a first-round rookie last season, McIntosh had a tough time finding playing time behind journeyman Warrick Holdman. But Holdman is no longer with the team, and McIntosh is going to be given a shot on the weak side. He must step up his game in his second season or else the team will probably turn the position over to veteran Lemar Marshall.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 13th (327.7)
Rushing Offense - 4th (138.5)
Passing Offense - 21st (189.2)
Overall Defense - 31st (355.5)
Rushing Defense - 27th (137.3)
Passing Defense - 23rd (218.2)
Prediction - The Redskins have a long way to go on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. But if they can stay healthy, and things bounce their way, they could approach a .500 record. A little below that is probably a more realistic expectation
Record:6-10 and third in the NFC East
