The 2008 Redskins: Deep And Talented Team Will Continue Recent Success

"Fight for Old D.C.!"

The final line of the Washington Redskins fight song rang hollow for nearly twelve seasons as the proud franchise fell from perennial Super Bowl contender to division basement dweller. In almost seven seasons with Norv Turner (he was fired after 13 games in the 2000 season) the team managed only three winning seasons and one playoff trip, a far cry from the four Super Bowl appearances and eight playoff trips in the previous 12 seasons.

Marty Schottenheimer and Steve Spurrier followed Turner, also with mediocre or worse results. With his micro-managing, control freak style, Schottenheimer posted a solid 8-8 season before being fired because of a disagreement with Dan Snyder over his choice of coordinators. Spurrier’s tenure fizzled thanks to a talent challenged roster of castaway University of Florida players who were as cheap as they were inept (Seriously, Vince Lombardi could not even win with anemic armed Danny Wuerffel at quarterback!!!).

Then legendary Joe Gibbs came out of retirement and brought back the old “Hog” tradition of smash mouth football which, though considered old fashioned in the pass happy NFL was potent enough to reach the postseason two times in four years.

Fast forward to the very recent past; the legend retired in January 2008, leaving a talented and deep roster for rookie coach Jim Zorn. Despite wide speculation that owner Dan Snyder was determined to throw caution to the wind and land a big name such as USC's Pete Carrol, the organization hired a small market name with a reputation for turning Matt Hasselback into one of the game's most efficient quarterbacks.

Zorn, a West Coast disciple, was the offensive coordinator whose quick hitting offense had a lot to do with two Redskin playoff defeats in three seasons. His attack wore down two stout Greg Williams-coached defenses, outscoring them 55-24 in the two contests.

When hired back in February, Zorn inherited a talented roster with playoff experience. The offense boasts a solid core group of young Pro Bowlers including running back Clinton Portis, tight end Chris Cooley, and wide receiver Santana Moss. These players came into their own despite being hampered by Al Saunders' ill fitting offensive system and Joe Gibbs' frequent interference in play calling. Saunders’ ultra-complicated offensive scheme was constantly being shoved aside by Gibbs more simplistic approach. These week to week changes confused and arrested the development of young quarterback Jason Campbell, and in turn stunted the growth of the entire offense.

In addition, the offense had trouble scoring because it lacked a true red zone sized receiver, a tall target who can consistently move the chains and snag passes over the heads of smaller defensive backs. This was painfully obvious in week 12 when Campbell methodically moved the ball on the Bucs defense between the 20's but was intercepted twice in the redzone. Cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly intercepted two critical passes that nullified potential touchdowns and handed the Redskins a six point loss.

To fix this problem, Zorn drafted two Terrell Owens-like wideouts in 6"4 Malcolm Kelly and 6''2 Devin Thomas who will help to open up the field for Santana Moss and Chris Cooley.

Look for the Redskins passing game led by a now seasoned Campbell throwing to a host of big and speedy pass catchers to present oodles of match up problems for defensive backfields. If they stay healthy, the veteran offensive line led by Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas and John Jansen will give Campbell the time he didn’t have to throw last season.

On the defensive side, the Greg Williams scheme that has tormented opponents over the years remains the same, with a new face at the helm, Greg Blache. He is a long time coach in his second stint as a defensive coordinator who coached the Chicago Bears to the top scoring defense in 2001 (12.7 points per game). His defenses have a penchant for hard hitting and consistently forcing turnovers.

As far as personel, the defense is deep at cornerback (Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot, and Carlos Rodgers) and linebacker (Rocky McIntosh, Marcus Washington, Randal Godfrey, H.B. Blades and London Fletcher). The much maligned defensive line is led by hardy veterans Phillip Daniels and Cornelius Griffin, both thirty something’s but still great leaders and producers.

Acquiring defensive end Erasmus James, a former 2005 first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, gives the D-line a speedy complement to Pro Bowl sack artist Andre Carter.  Young defensive tackles Kendrick Golston and Anthony Montgomery who have been productive when called on also figure into the mix.

Suddenly, that "washed up" label given to this unit before the draft looks rather inappropriate; the group averages 26 years of age. They will be playing with a chip on their shoulder because of the post draft lampooning of the decision not to draft a defensive lineman early.

For all the experts picking the ‘Skins to finish 4^th in the NFC East, they may want to take a closer look back at this team’s recent progress and addition of useful talent in mid to later draft rounds (especially on the defensive line). Unless the injury bug bites hard, this is a 10-6 or better club in 2008, good enough to contend for the division title and reach the playoffs.

Three playoff trips in four seasons? “Fight for Old D.C.!” sounds like a phrase worth shouting once again.