Washington Redskins 2008 Season Preview

The Washington Redskins will enter the 2008 season with a familiar roster but a new attitude.

Washington Redskins Preview: 2007
The Washington Redskins ended the 2007 season with a 9-7 record and a trip to the playoffs. In the Wild Card game, the Washington Redskins were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks. After the loss, dedicated head coach Joe Gibbs retired, ending his second stint with the Washington Redskins. Joe Gibbs coached the Washington Redskins to three Super Bowl titles in 10 postseason appearances. Joe Gibbs will remain with the team as a special advisor to the owner Daniel Snyder.

Washington Redskins Preview: Moves
The Washington Redskins offseason began with an excellent draft, starting with second round pick Devin Thomas out of Michigan State. Devin Thomas was heralded as one of the strongest receivers in college football. Fred Davis was known as the best tight end in football during his collegiate career at the University of Southern California. With all starters from offense and defense returning, the Washington Redskins didn’t have to make many changes. The Washington Redskins acquired DE Erasmus James from the Minnesota Vikings and DB Stuart Schweigert from the Oakland Raiders.

Washington Redskins: Offense
The Washington Redskins went through the 2007 season without one of their standout linemen RT Jon Jansen. Though Jon Jansen’s career may be on the decline, he provides the Washington Redskins a savvy and experienced lineman to run behind in short yardage and goal line situations. As with Jon Jansen, age and injury risks will be big issues with the entire Washington Redskins offensive line. Jim Zorn was named the head coach and plans to implement a West Coast passing offense similar to the one he ran with the Seattle Seahawks. Sherman Smith was hired as offensive coordinator and thus has the unenviable job of trying to adjust veteran players to a new scheme.

Jim Zorn will play a big role in the maturation process of QB Jason Campbell. The new offense will be better suited to a quarterback of Jason Campbell’s skill. The addition of rookie receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to the receiver corps should give Jason Campbell bigger targets and a better chance of completing passes. WR Antwaan Randle El is returning from an injury and will see heavy competition from the talented rookies for a starting spot. Jim Zorn’s offense should also work to the advantage of veteran WR Santana Moss. With sure-handed RB Clinton Portis coming out of the backfield, the Washington Redskins offense will wreak havoc on opposing defenses.

Washington Redskins: Defense
While DB Stuart Schweigert is expected to go into training camp and compete for a starting job, the injury history of DE Erasmus James might be an issue for the Washington Redskins. Erasmus James was cut by the Minnesota Vikings after failing a physical. The Washington Redskins report that Erasmus James showed up at organized team activities prepared to work hard. SS LaRon Landry is entering his second season. The Washington Redskins are excited about the powerful way LaRon Landry plays the game and by his high football IQ. If LaRon Landry can capitalize on his potential and improve on last season’s performance, opposing receivers are in trouble. Although LB London Fletcher will be 33, fans should not expect any decline in his level of play. London Fletcher has totaled over 110 total tackles in each of the last eight seasons, and London Fletcher has produced three straight seasons with at least 100 solo tackles.

Washington Redskins: Special Teams
Rookies are competing for starting spots up and down the Washington Redskins roster. Fifth round draft pick Durant Brooks is expected to take punting duties away from veteran P Derrick Frost. Durant Brooks is heralded for his tremendous leg power and ability to place punts inside of the 20-yard line. Rookie wide receivers will also compete for return jobs on special teams. Ladell Betts and Antwaan Randle El have handled returns in the past, but Devin Thomas’s extreme speed and ability to break tackles will be a factor in determining who will handle return duty in 2008.

Washington Redskins Preview: 2008
At the end of organized team activities, Jim Zorn was completely satisfied with the Washington Redskins defense and running game. Training camp will be crucial for the Washington Redskins offensive skill players to figure out the new West Coast style passing game. If the ability of Clinton Portis to run pass routes out of the backfield is any indication of how well the Washington Redskins offense will perform, opposing defensive coordinators will have their work cut out for them. With a nice blend of seasoned veterans and the raw talent of the rookies the Washington Redskins are poised to have another successful season. Fans at FedEx Field will have a lot to cheer for in 2008!