The Redskins have made a ton of moves this offseason, but none was bigger than the trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is easily the best quarterback the franchise has had in years. Here is a look at what the Redskins will send to the field on both sides of the ball in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the NFC East.
Offense : McNabb will try and turn around an offense that finished 22nd in the NFL averaging just 312.5 yards per game in 2009. McNabb has proven he can get the job done regardless of who he has to throw the ball to, and I expect him to come out firing in 2010.
The Redskins added veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker this offseason to team up with Clinton Portis, and it will be interesting to see how they split the carries between these three veteran backs. Either way I think this unit improves with McNabb at quarterback, as he keeps defenses from loading up the box.
Veteran wide receiver Santana Moss is back as the No. 1 target on the outside, but for this unit to be productive they will need better play out of youngsters Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. The Redskins added depth to the position with the additions of veterans Bobby Wade and Joey Galloway. Still the guy to out for in the passing game is tight end Chris Cooley, who should benefit the most with McNabb under center.
The Redskins used their fourth overall pick in the draft on Oklahoma tackle Trent Williams, and he figures to be a very solid replacement for the retired Chris Samuels. The Redskins also traded for tackle Jammal Brown, who figures to start right away at right tackle. The rest of the line remains the same, with Mike Williams and Derrick Dockery back at the two guard spots and veteran Casey Rabach back at center.
Defense : The big question surrounding the Redskins defense is what they will do with defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who has voiced his dissatisfaction with his projected new role in the 3-4 scheme. Regardless if Haynesworth plays one of the end spots or the nose tackle spot, he will not put up the same numbers we have seen in years past. The Redskins do have options, as Maake Kemoeatu and Kedric Golston both have the size to play inside.
At linebacker the Redskins will send 4-3 defensive ends Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter to the outside, after both tallied 11 sacks in 2009. Orakpo figures to benefit the most from the move to linebacker. Veteran London Fletcher will team up with Rocky McIntosh at the two inside spots, and this unit has the potential to be very good in 2010.
In the secondary the Redskins bring back ballhawk DeAngleo Hall to start at one corner spot, while Philip Buchanon and Carlos Rogers are expected to battle for the other starting spot. Haslett has expressed his interest in moving LaRon Landry from free safety to strong safety, and I believe it’s a smart move. That leaves Reed Doughty and Chris Houston to fight for the starting free safety spot.
Prediction – Third NFC East: I believe there is no question that the Redskins will be much more competitive than they were in 2009, but I can’t see this team making a push for a division title in 2010. The defense will take some time to adjust to the 3-4, and playing in the NFC East is simply no easy task, as all four teams have the potential to make the playoffs.
For a complete look at the upcoming season, check out our 2010 NFL predictions . For those of you looking to bet on the NFL this season, be sure to take a look at our live NFL odds section.
source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/421936-2010-washington-redskins-predictions
author: Jack Jones
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