Roadblocks That Halt the Washington Redskins

Brian Orakpo is the best defensive lineman in all of college football.

Albert Haynesworth is one of the best defensive lineman in all of professional football.

Kevin Barnes is a good defensive back from the University of Maryland. 

These three picks are excellent and will improve a defensive side of the ball that was already the fourth best defense in the league. 

One problem. 

How much better can it be?  How much money do you want to spend to move up the ladder three positions?

The dilemma here is that they spent their entire 2008 draft on weapons for Jason Campbell to throw the pigskin.  Yet, the offensive could not surpass the 19th position with an average of 320 total yards per game.  What should they have done in the 2009 NFL draft? 

The management decision that Mr. Snyder should commit to is to hire a general manager.  One with experience in taking a struggling or underachieving team and turning them into a success.  This would eliminate bad free agent signings and poor draft choices such as drafting the best college tight end when you already have Chris Cooley. 

Coach Zorn really should decide to put Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly in game situations where they can make plays on offense to really evaluate if they fit the bill. 

The offensive line will remain the biggest question mark.  They recently signed free agent Mike Williams, a 6'6" 400 pound tackle.  Derrick Dockery is back in Chocolate City and will need to really dominate the line.  Jon Jansen, Chris Samuels, Jason Fabini, Pete Kendall, and Randy Thomas not getting any younger.  While he posseses the physical attributes, Stephen Heyer has yet to blossom.

The success of the O-line feeds the success of Clinton Portis, which feeds the success of Jason Campbell and the passing game. 

Time will tell.

The NFC East is the toughest division.  The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and the New York Giants are capable of making it deep into the playoffs on any given season.  There is no room for error. 

Here is a breakdown of how the NFC East will play out.

The Dallas Cowboys will not make the playoffs again until they address the Tony Romo problem.  I do not expect many Cowboy fans to agree but if Terrell Owens were seen on vacation during a bye week, he probably would have been cut before the next game.  End of discussion.

The Philadelphia Eagles have shown a resurgence as of late with Donovan McNabb's leadership and increased passing ability.  He has excelled despite having a wide receiver corps that would be deemed average.  Brian Westbrook is their greatest asset but a running back should never, ever be a team's leading receiver.  The Eagles will be a force to reckoned in the NFC East.

The enigma in the NFC East are the New York Giants.  Eli is inconsistent but remains the future of the franchise.  The coaching staff seems to differ on the direction and identity of the team.  The offense is potent with bruising back Brandon Jacobs. 

The 2009 Washington Redskins have their work cut out for them.  To emulate the 1988 and 1992 Washington teams, this team has to find its identity and prove the naysayers wrong.