Washington Redskins 2006 Preview
I know that the Washington Redskins are the “glamour” team in the NFL this year and that a lot of “experts” are picking them to either reach the Super Bowl or the NFC title game at the very least.
While I am admittedly, a huge Joe Gibbs fan, I am not prepared to give the Skins anything at this point, although I do think they are going to be a legitimate contender in the NFC in 2006.
This will be year-three of Gibbs’ return and it appears that he is building the Redskins franchise back into the perennial powerhouse that it was when he led them to three Super Bowl titles during his first stint with the team over a decade ago.
Here’s my 2006 preview on the Washington Redskins.
Quarterbacks
I’m amazed at how many people were surprised last season that 36-year-old veteran, Mark Brunell, could still play at such a high level. Personally, I’ve always liked the wily left-hander and thought that he still had plenty of gas left in the tank and just needed to be in the right situation.
Brunell couldn’t ask for a better situation than the one he’s currently in and should prosper even further under new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders’ innovative offense.
If Brunell should go down for any extended period of time, the Skins have a talented backup in 2005 first round draft pick, Jason Campbell.
Running Backs
What initially appeared as if it could be a huge problem for the Skins has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When starting running back Clinton Portis slightly separated his left shoulder this preseason, the Skins wisely made a trade for Atlanta Falcons running back, T.J. Duckett, who will be thrown right into the mix along with backup Ladell Betts until Portis returns to full strength.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
The Redskins pass catchers should have a field day this season in Saunders’ explosive offense. Not only do the Skins still have Santana Moss, one of the fastest receivers in the league, but Gibbs also acquired former Pittsburgh Steeler, Antwaan Randle El and former San Francisco 49er, Brandon Lloyd, to give the Skins a competent trio that should
Cause defensive coordinators all over the league, a lot of sleepless nights. The Skins also have two very competent veterans in David Patten and James Thrash, who can make tough catches when necessary. Tight end, Chris Cooley is also a major receiving threat that is getting better with each passing game.
Offensive Line
Left tackle Chris Samuels finally displayed all of the talent that is so apparent in the former first round draft pick. Right tackle Jon Jansen, center Casey Rabach from the Baltimore Ravens and right guard Randy Thomas are all competent players but sometimes inconsistent. Guard, Derrick Dockery, could be the best player of this bunch at some point in the near future.
Defensive Line
The Redskins signed went out and signed defensive end Andre Carter from the 49ers and
hope he will significantly increase their weak pass rush from a season ago. The Skins’ other defensive end, Phillip Daniels, has a lot of potential and is expecting big things in 2006 after closing out last season with six sacks in the last three regular season games.
Should tackles Cornelius Griffin return to the form he displayed in 2004 and Joe Salave’a, stay healthy, the Skins could have their best defensive line since Gibbs came back for his second stint.
Linebackers
I’m not sure about the Skins linebackers in 2006. Outside linebacker, Marcus Washington, is now the leader of this unit, which lost its most athletic member when the Skins decided to part ways with Lavar Arrington.
Lemar Marshall will start at middle linebacker and Warrick Holdman on the other side. However, should any of these three either go down with an injury or play sub par football, I’m not sure if backups, Nic Clemons, Robert McCune and Khary Campbell are the answer.
Defensive Backs
With the addition of safety Adam Archuleta from the Arizona Cardinals, the Redskins actually have a pretty good secondary. Cornerback Carlos Rogers, has a promising rookie season last year and is only going to get better with each game and veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, still has some gas left in his tank and is a good corner to matchup with some of the taller receivers in the league. Everyone knows how talented safety Sean Taylor is. If he can straighten out his off-the-field incidents, he could be a legitimate star in this league.
Special Teams
The addition of Randle El gives the Skins another return man that is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.
Kicker John Hall and punter, Derrick Frost, left a lot to be desired in 2005 and need to improve this season.
Coaching
Not only do the Skins have a rejuvenated Gibbs, but the addition of Saunders should help Washington improve even further in 2006. As a matter of fact, Gibbs is so confident in Saunders’ abilities that he has named him assistant head coach and given him the responsibility of calling all of the offensive plays – a first under Gibbs.
I thought Gibbs would need at least three years to get this team back to the top of the mountain and it would appear as if the Washington Redskins Express is right on time.
