2009 Redskins Preview: Zorn's Healthy Approach To The Season

(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The Redskins’ 2009 preseason concluded last Thursday night in the same fashion it started, with an ugly loss.

With each meaningless preseason game, fans hope to catch glimpses of improvement.  The Redskins obliged until the Jacksonville game—the Jaguars are an average football team at best—created doubt in a team looking to turn the corner and perform (starters and reserves alike) on a consistent basis.

So what have we learned about the 2009 Redskins during the preseason, and what can we expect from them during the regular season?

Quarterback Jason Campbell looks confident when given time and has put an eventful offseason behind him.  Campbell throws one of the prettiest balls when he stands firmly in the pocket.  When opposing defenses put enough pressure on him, his technique suffers along with his accuracy. 

Zorn will try to use as many three-step drop pass plays as possible to protect Campbell.  But to increase scoring (the Redskins were ranked 28th in the NFL in 2008) Campbell will need more time to throw.  While the three-step drop produces short completions and first downs, five to seven-step drops produce plays down field—often, touchdowns. 

Campbell will get his shots down field as opponents sneak closer to the line to shut down the run.  Evident in the preseason, Campbell and his receivers are not in sync with the long ball, but that will come as the season progresses. 

Both QB Colt Brennan and QB Chase Daniel will not be part of the 2009 roster.  Brennan was placed on injured reserve while Daniel was cut.  Daniel may be selected to join the Redskins practice squad.  That leaves 40-year old QB Todd Collins as the only other quarterback on the roster.  The Redskins aren’t expected to sign or acquire a third quarterback any time soon.  “It is not unusual to have two quarterbacks on the roster.  Other teams are doing it.  Besides, (Antwaan) Randel El can fill in adequately if we need him during a game,” Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said.

An aging but adequate offensive line is very thin.  One or two lengthy injuries and the offense could be in trouble.  Line coach Joe Bugel was counting on OL Chad Rinehart to improve on his impressive 2008 rookie season.  But Rinehart, who has struggled thus far, needs to be ready as OL Randy Thomas (recovering from offseason back surgery) and OL Derrick Dockery may not be capable of making it through an entire season healthy.  On a brighter note, OL Stephon Heyer has secured the right tackle position and looks more confident than he did last year.

OL Mike Williams who surprisingly made the 53-man roster will need time before the Redskins can count on him for extended periods of time.  Williams has been slowed by an ankle injury and is continuously adjusting to his new body.  Williams lost over 100 lbs in the last year in an effort to return to football and his strength and is not there yet.  

The young receivers, Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas have improved their play and their health.  Both were disappointments last season nursing injuries.  Early in camp they appeared to be headed down that same path.  But each has gone three weeks or longer without missing a practice and they will be factors in the offense. 

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