2007 Rankings
Rushing: 12th (116.9)
Passing: 14th (216.4)
Total Offense: 15th (333.4)
Run Defense: 4th (91.3)
Pass Defense: 16th (214.0)
Total Defense: 8th (305.3)
What was the Redskins’ best/worst move during the off-season?
The best thing the Redskins did during the off-season was resist the temptation to go overboard in free agency, instead showing some patience for a change. In recent years, Washington would have been among the biggest headline-grabbers during the free-agent signing period, and they wouldn’t have been shy about trading away draft picks looking for a quick fix on their roster. It looks as though they may now be content to build through the draft and develop their own players.
On the flip side, the Redskins needed to add some firepower to their pass rush, but the best they could do during the off-season was trade for defensive end Erasmus James, who seemed to spend more time on injured reserve than he did in pads for the Minnesota Vikings. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache likes to create pressure with his front four, but I’m not sure he has the horses to get the job done on a consistent basis.
What needs to go right for the Redskins to succeed this season?
Quarterback Jason Campbell must adapt quickly to the new offensive system being installed by new head coach Jim Zorn, and by all accounts, it seems he is doing just that. Campbell is now learning his third new offense in four years, so he’s use to change. But how quickly he catches on could determine how quickly the Redskins get out of the gate.
Where will the Redskins finish the 2008 NFL season?
With the club learning a new offense and adjusting to a new head coach, this will be a year of transition for the Redskins, which could lead to some inconsistency in a tough NFC East. They should remain competitive for the most part, but starting the season with three of their first five games on the road against division opponents could put them in an early hole. Look for a finish around 7-9, which will probably be good for last place in the division.
