Dissecting the 2009 Washington Redskins

(Photo by: Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Every year it seems like it is impossible to set expectations for the Washington Redskins prior to a given season. In 2005, most experts believed the Redskins would continue to disappoint after a dismal 6-10 effort in Joe Gibbs 2.0's first season.

However, Washington made it to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs that year (even with Mark Brunell at quarterback). The next season came with high expectations, but only produced a 5-11 record.

Never mind all of that, though. I will attempt to give you my realistic expectations of this year's team and how they can achieve the goals I've set for them. As well as what might hold them back.

On a yearly basis, I pick the 'Skins to get eight wins because it seems like the safe pick for an erratic team like that. Plus eight seems to be their lucky number over the last dozen years (1997, 2000, 2001, 2008).

I don't want to set too lofty of a goal for a team that is so consistently inconsistent. With the additions of a big name free agent and a fantastic first round draft pick, this could be the year they break through in the brutal NFC East.

To go beyond the mark I have set for them and make their first Super Bowl in seventeen years, a lot has to go right. Chemistry seems to be working in their favor for the first time in awhile.

With only three starters that were not on the team in 2008; Albert Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo (First Round Pick), and Derrick Dockery (former Redskins draft pick).

All of the other starters have had a good share of experience with last years version of the team, and they seem to have a perfect mixture of veterans and younger players. Despite a mediocre record, the players appeared to be in sync with each other off the field. We'll see if that can translate to on-field play.

Deangelo Hall was the latest addition in the 2008 campaign and seems to have blended in nicely. He fits the mold in the swarming Redskins defense.

If he can keep his off-field antics in check and show the dedication to the team as he did last year, we can expect another fantastic year from the defense that was ranked fifth in the entire league just last season.

That defense will have to keep it up and stay in the top five in 2009 if they want to have a realistic shot at a title, because it just doesn't seem like the offense has the fire power to sustain sixteen or more weeks of championship caliber football.

Another thing on the positive side the Redskins have going for them is Clinton Portis being the heart and soul of the team. The franchise finally has a player to use as the identity, and Clinton Portis is that man.

It doesn't seem like Washington has running backs that last more than five seasons, so having CP in the backfield on a consistent basis has been a real breath of fresh air. He has eclipsed names like Larry Brown, Stephen Davis, and Terry Allen to move to second all time on the Redskins rushing leaders list.

With a 1,370 yard season, he would pass Hall of Famer John Riggins to become the top running back in Washington Redskins history. In an era of free agency and lack of continuity, (especially from Dan Snyder) that's awfully impressive.

His ability to block and catch passes out of the backfield has made him the most complete back the team has probably ever seen and he'll be asked to carry the load once again for the Redskins offense. If he can do it from wire to wire, then he can do some serious damage in the postseason.

Now there are some hindrances on this team that could really throw a wrench into the works of a Super Bowl run. There are three areas that could negatively affect their performance.

First and foremost is Jason Campbell. It's not bad enough that he had the 19th best quarterback rating in 2008 (behind every other NFC East QB), but now he is disgruntled. After Dan Snyder repeatedly attempted to to acquire a new starter at the position, Campbell has been crying foul and has requested a trade at each new step.

First they tried to get Jay Cutler in a trade from Denver (Campbell wanted out), then Snyder wanted to move up to draft Mark Sanchez from USC (Campbell wanted out if he did).

Mediocre and disgruntled is not a good mix, especially for a team who's passing offense was anemic for the second half of the season, falling to 8-8 after a 6-2 start. If Campbell struggles in the early going, Dan Snyder may give Jim Zorn an ultimatum: Start the Colt Brennan era or find a new job.

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