Washington Redskins: Five Areas That Need Improvement

Like every team in the NFL, the Washington Redskins have many issues to address before the season begins. Below, we will look at the top five issues facing the Redskins in the offseason.

Area No. 1: Solidify the quarterback position

The question to be answered is if Jason Campbell can be considered the quarterback of the future for the Washington Redskins. With three years under his belt, he seemed to be catching on to Jim Zorn's system, right up until the second half of last season.

A stagnant offense for the last three seasons and a 2-6 record the second half of the year, shows signs that Campbell's career with the Redskins may never truly take off.

If there is even a spec of doubt about the long term future of Campbell at quarterback, now is the time to act. The Redskins have a history of waiting until a quarterback loses any value in the market, before making a change—see Patrick Ramsey.

Colt Brennan has shown promise after being drafted out of Hawaii last season.

Are the Redskins ready to make the move for the future, or are they waiting to see if Campbell's career takes off? 

If they choose to wait, they will be waisting the prime years of the supporting cast such as Clinton Portis.

Area No. 2: Strengthen the Wide Receiver Corps, NOW!

The Redskins have spent years trying to find the right combination of receivers. After failing to acquire Anquan Boldin last offseason, Washington went on to draft two receivers in the second round last year.

The Redskins didn't need a No. 3 receiver, they needed a No. 1 to complement Santana Moss.

With the exception of Michael Crabtree, there are no immediate impact receivers in the draft, which leaves free agency and the trade market.

The most common name mentioned in free agency is T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who at his best would be a low end No. 1, but more likely a No. 2 receiver. Sure, he would help the offense, but could he live up to the salary he would demand?

The other more obscure receiver out on the market is Marvin Harrison. With Harrison towards the end of his career, he would be more suited to supplement an offense ready for Super Bowl contention today—not one, two, or three years down the road.

The most compelling option would be to try and pry Boldin out of the hands of the Arizona Cardinals again this offseason. Boldin has been one of the top producing receivers in the league the last two years, and is just coming into his prime.  

A Boldin/Moss combination would almost immediately change the passing game for the Redskins.

Area No. 3: Improving the offensive line

It's amazing how a talented passing game can improve an offensive line almost immediately. Forcing defenses to defend a balanced attack will go along way in opening up lanes for Portis.

Regardless, the offensive line has to step up this year, or changes have to be made.  For a team built around the run, the offensive line must be up to par.

Area No. 4: Handling DeAngelo Hall

Will it be possible for the Redskins to keep Hall in check? 

Both in college, and in the NFL, Hall has proven to be a talent on the field—but a risk in the locker room. Having the right team leadership is the only way this can truly happen.

There is no doubt Hall strengthens the team's defense, but can he do so without ripping the team apart?

Area No. 5: Finding cap space to make the above happen

With the signing of Albert Haynesworth to a $100 million contract, can the Redskins afford to do anything else?  

Finding a hall-of-fame-caliber receiver comes along only so often, are the Redskins in a place now to capitalize?

Daniel Snyder has found ways before, but this one is looking less and less likely by the minute.