Mike Shannahan returns at the helm for the 2013 Washington Redskins looking to improve after last year’s division title win. The Redskins will not go far without a healthy Robert Griffin III and the tale of his recovery has been the most conspicuous storyline from the NFL offseason. The Redskins’ organization knows its entire season depends on the health of Griffin’s knee, though Kirk Cousins may have something to say about that. Predicting the lead back in a Shannahan backfield is like picking the lead back in a Carolina Panthers backfield; it cannot be done. That being said, Alfred Morris had a tremendous season as a rookie in 2012, and will look to improve during his sophomore season. The Redskins’ biggest area of need was within the secondary a season ago, as they finished 30th while giving up an average of 281.9 yards per game through the air. Washington is dreaming big heading into the 2013 season, but the NFC East is a tough division and ten wins may not be enough.
For the Redskins, the offense will hinge on the continued development of their high profile rookies: Griffin, and Morris. Recent reports have indicated that Griffin is expected to make his season debut, but ACL injuries are tricky so there is no telling if this is an accurate prediction. Morris shined as a rookie in 2012 when he recorded over 1600 rushing yards matched by 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately for Morris, he may not see as many touches in 2013 due to the depth at the running back position, and Coach Shannahan’s finicky nature regarding starting running backs. Roy Helu missed most of the 2012 season with turf toe, but should become the team’s 3rd down back; a position he thrived in as a rookie in 2011. Expect heavy doses of a healthy Helu alongside Morris for a thunder and lightning style of approach.
The men responsible for a successful rushing campaign a season ago will return in full; the full line of: Trent Williams , Kory Lichtensteiger , Will Montgomery , Chris Chester , and Tyler Polumbus are back with a brand new mission. Protecting Griffin will be the name of the game for one of the best run blocking lines in football. The weight of the pass protection, pun intended, will center on the tackles Williams and Polumbus. The big question for the Redskins will be if Polumbus will improve in the pass blocking game. Williams may be the best offensive tackle in football, if not for Philadelphia’s Jason Peters .
Joining the aforementioned titans of the gridiron on the line of scrimmage will be all-pro tight end Fred Davis . Davis missed much of the latter part of 2012 with a knee injury, and had his season cut short by drug suspension in 2011. These sidetracks could be part of the reason Davis was forced to return to Washington on a one year deal. Regardless, Davis is expected to be healthy for the start of the upcoming season, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the passing game. Davis adds another dimension to Washington’s vertical offense, and is an effective run blocker; if he can stay healthy, the Redskins will have a veteran leader on the offense.
Another aerial weapon on the Redskins’ roster is Pierre Garcon who missed much of 2012 with torn ligaments in his foot. When healthy, Garcon is a deep threat with explosive speed and great hands. Hoping to take the Redskins’ offense to the next level alongside Garcon will be Josh Morgan , Leonard Hankerson ,and the ancient Santana Moss . Griffin will have no shortage of weapons on offense; the unit is ripe with potential yet shy on experience. Contrary to their offensive counter-parts, big questions remain on the Redskins’ defense.
On a positive note, the Redskins’ front seven was one of the best in football in 2012, ranking fifth in the league after giving up only 95.8 yards per game on the ground. The unit will be rejuvenated by the return of sack-master Brian Orakpo who is playing in a contract year. Accompanying Orakpo at the front of the Redskins’ 3-4 base defense will be inside linebackers Perry Riley , London Fletcher , and Ryan Kerrigan opposite Orakpo in the linebacking corps. The defensive line will be led by nose tackle and eight-year veteran Barry Cofield and the projected defensive ends are Jarvis Jenkins , and Stephen Bowen . This unit should return to dominance in 2013, and has a nice mix of youth and experience permeating its ranks.
It is no secret that the Redskins’ secondary was very nearly the worst in the league in 2012. The defensive backs are still the biggest problem in Washington this season, but have they gotten any better? Three Redskins’ rookies have been practicing, albeit in short spurts, with the first team offense. David Amerson, Bacarri Rambo, and Phillip Thomas have potential to make an immediate impact, though they have yet to be truly tested on an NFL level. Regardless, the very least the Redskins’ have added depth in an area of need. The team also signed free-agent corner E.J. Biggers to play the nickel-corner role. Biggers is a capable talent, and should improve the secondary. Furthermore with the injury to Josh Wilson , Biggers could start the season across from veteran pro-bowler DeAngelo Hall . There is no questioning Hall’s playmaking ability, but Wilson will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, making the addition of Biggers that much more important. Hall remains one of the league’s elite corners. For a unit already struggling, Washington can hardly afford another injury within the secondary.
As for the safeties, Brandon Meriweather will return as the team’s strong safety, and will likely be accompanied by Reed Doughty . The defense will struggle if they do not get NFL-quality safety play, but will the aging Merriweather and unimpressive Doughty show they have what it takes to bring the Readskins’ defense to the next level? Don’t be so sure. If either of this underperforming duo falters expect Washington to dip into the fountain of youth with Thomas or Rambo.
Without a first round draft pick, the Redskins’ will be hard pressed to find an impact rookie for the offense. On the defensive side of the ball, they may have found three in Amerson, Thomas and Rambo. Considering the injuries to Josh Wilson and Merriweather heading into training camp, it would be surprising if all three youthful defensive backs didn’t see extended time during the preseason.
There is no doubt that Washington’s objective in 2013 is to win a super bowl, unfortunately for the Redskins their goal may be quite unrealistic. The NFL is in a pass-heavy period and the Redskins’ have one of the worst pass rushing, and pass protecting defenses in the league. Furthermore, they are facing numerous health problems on both sides of the ball.
Multiple impact players: Wilson, Davis, Meriweather, Griffin, and Orakpo, are all entering the season with injury concerns. If Washington can overcome the injury woes and get better within the secondary, their ceiling could still be an NFC East crown. To reach their ultimate goal, Griffin and company will have to make major improvements via the passing game. Though Morris and Griffin made up the best rushing attack in football in 2012, the Redskins must find balance to their vertical offense if they hope to achieve their ultimate goal.