Washington Redskins: 5 Reasons They Will Improve Their Record from Last Season

It's the ultimate goal of every football team every season: improve your record from last year. 

Seeing as how teams are only as good as their records, the Washington Redskins are no exception. Despite finishing last season with a miserable 5-11 record, the Redskins weren't considered a team strictly labeled as a project. That miserable record would also land them their next face of the franchise. 

Trying the best to conceal my obsession, I think the Redskins are much improved in 2012. 

Improved Quarterback Play

Not to bore you with the most obvious, but the Redskins addressed a humongous need at the quarterback position this offseason. 

The team couldn't afford to go through another season with Rex Grossman leading the pack and the Redskins have an ugly history of quarterbacks in general. Although some fans got frustrated with the price that Mike Shanahan paid to land Robert Griffin, it's a move that had to be made. 

And while many are still dumbfounded by Shanahan's decision to draft Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth round, it's very much a non-issue.

Just like every other team in the NFL, the Redskins need a starting quarterback and a backup. According to team scouts and Shanahan himself, Cousins was high on their board and they were shocked to have him fall in their lap that late in the draft. Given their liking of him and the cost at which they can retain him for the next few years, the Redskins have assembled a young and promising stable of quarterbacks. 

Offensive Line Gets the Attention It Deserves

Not that Shanahan has ever ignored the offensive line, but he really went after the position this offseason after selecting three linemen in the draft and signing a handful of undrafted free agents. 

Last season, the Redskins' offensive-front was hit hard by the injury bug and their overall play appeared to be a direct result. 

Without knowing just how strong Kory Lichtensteiger will return in 2012, the left guard position was slightly concerning. Drafting Josh LeRibeus gives the team insurance and a likely starter. 

Jammal Brown has never had trouble starting the year in good health, but he rarely stays that way throughout the whole season. Although Brown is expected to be the starter at right tackle, snagging Tom Compton in the sixth round was a steal and second-year tackle Willie Smith showed big potential in limited action last season. 

Not displaying much versatility, Will Montgomery was a decent center last season. However, you won't find many that argue him not being a better fit as a backup. Shanahan drafted Adam Gettis in the fifth round and could very well have plans of using him at center. He then went and signed rookie Grant Garner (Oklahoma State) after watching him go undrafted. 

Regardless of whether the Redskins make changes to their starting offensive line, the team at least added necessary depth. But expectations are high for the new guys. 

Adding YACability

A lack of playmakers last season made for a huge crutch in Washington. They didn't have the game-breaking running back, they didn't have the threatening passer and they were without any sort of electrifying receiver. 

With wide receiver being the main focus, Shanahan and the Redskins went out and spent money in order to add YACability — pass-catchers that earn their paychecks with what they do after they haul in the pass. 

Guys like Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are two receivers that could match very well with Robert Griffin's style of quarterback play. Both Garcon and Morgan have the speed to get behind defenses, and they can make defenses pay in the short game with shifty moves and explosive acceleration. 

In an attempt to remain realistic, the Redskins still lack overall speed on offense. As much as they upgraded the quarterback and receiver position, the team could still use at least one more guy that can completely change the flow of a game based solely on his speed, a la Darren Sproles. 

As the saying says, beggars can't be choosers. Fans should be comfortable with the Redskins' moves pertaining to offensive playmakers. 

Jarvis Jenkins Finally Makes His Debut

Jarvis Jenkins' rookie season was over before it even began last year, so 2012 marks an exciting and highly-anticipated debut for the 310-pound defensive end. 

That's not to say that Jenkins is the second coming of Reggie White, but he was clearly a coveted player in practice leading up to the regular season last year and his loss was a tough one. 

Jenkins has made a very strong recovery and Shanahan noted him as one of the best players in camp leading up to his injury. 

Veteran Adam Carriker currently holds down the left end with his new contract from the offseason, but don't be surprised at how much of an impact Jenkins makes in 2012. 

What to Make of the Platoon?

Washington's secondary isn't necessarily an aspect that will improve the Redskins' record in 2012, but it will play a key role in the results. 

The Redskins have seemingly gone with a platoon approach when it comes to addressing a very weak secondary. 

In the draft, Shanahan went with two defensive backs in the seventh-round — one of which is a potential starter (Crawford) and another that's very prone to injury (Bernstine). The Redskins also signed the highly-touted Chase Minnifield following the draft, after watching him fall unexpectedly due to injury. 

Staying busy in free agency, the Redskins brought in a handful of low-risk guys that could result in larger payoffs. Brandon Meriweather is already making a fool of himself after being hit with a DUI in Virginia, but he could contribute at the safety position and possibly start. 

The team also added safeties Tanard Jackson and Maryland alum Madieu Williams. Former Redskins corner Leigh Torrence has rejoined the team and Cedric Griffin brings versatility to the squad after trying to bounce back from injury. 

All of that is in addition to the expected return of Kevin Barnes and Byron Westbrook, as well as the progression of last year's draft pick Brandyn Thompson. 

Without any certainty in the secondary, it's a position that will form itself through camp. And while it could become the weakest link of the Redskins' season, it also has the potential to keep the Redskins a respected team in 2012.