| The Washington Redskins had a pretty good season | | | | acquired Antwaan Randle El from the Steelers. He |
| last year. In 2005, they won some games they | | | | might be just what they need to stretch the opposing |
| shouldn't have, but they made it to the playoffs. While | | | | defenses even further. Between Randle El and |
| their defense played above their talent level, the | | | | Santana Moss, opposing defenses could have their |
| offense was a bit lacking at times. Will this year be | | | | hands full. The downside is that Randle El also has the |
| any different? Let's figure it out by breaking down the | | | | potential to be a big bust. |
| main units of the teams. | | | | Defense and Special Teams |
| Quarterbacks | | | | The defense is expected to perform well in 2006. The |
| Who's the quarterback? Mark Brunell is getting up | | | | secondary is above average. Shawn Springs is 31 |
| there in years, and he is not consistent. He's 36 years | | | | now, and he can still cover well. His main problem is |
| old, and he showed signs of wear last season. Expect | | | | staying healthy. Carlos Rogers showed the potential to |
| him to play well in the first 5-8 games of the season | | | | justify his being picked number one in the 2005 draft. |
| and tail off. If he gets hurt or tires, who takes his | | | | The rest of the defense is pretty average. They need |
| place? The answer is Todd Collins-if you call that an | | | | to perform above their potential to give the Redskins a |
| answer. Collins is a decent backup, but that's it. The | | | | real shot to win important games. |
| Redskins are about average in this area. | | | | 2006 Prediction |
| Running Backs | | | | I think last season was a fluke. The Redskins were the |
| The Redskins are above average in the running game | | | | recipients of some lucky bounces. I count 5 games |
| thanks to Clinton Portis. I look for him to have a solid | | | | that they could have easily lost-a few of those they |
| year running the ball. They have solid players in the | | | | should have. The fact is; the 2005 Redskins could |
| fullback position. The running game could become the | | | | have been 7-11 or 6-12. Not much has changed for |
| bright spot in the offense this year. Manuel White, | | | | them this year and their schedule is much tougher. |
| fullback, broke his leg last year. He's going to get a | | | | There are only four games against pretty weak |
| shot to produce this season. If he can stay healthy, | | | | opponents-New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, |
| White will be a great addition to the running game. | | | | Houston Texans and St. Louis Rams. Even those four |
| Receivers | | | | games aren't guaranteed. The Redskins should fight |
| Is this receiving core worth anything? On the surface, it | | | | for the cellar in the NFC East this season. Getting to |
| seems like the Redskins are just about average in the | | | | 8-8 will be a real accomplishment. The playoffs are |
| receiving game, but there lies more beneath. They | | | | going to have to wait until at least 2007 for this team. |