Washington Redskins: 3 Reasons to Be Excited for the 2011 Season

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Ryan Kerrigan, #16 overall pick by the Washington Redskins, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Not everything is gloom and doom with the Washington Redskins.

The lockout is literally so close to being done that I can smell the sweaty locker rooms, Sunday brats and tailgate beer.

It’s close folks.

With a new season, and a new CBA, comes new hope for the ‘Skins.

What are you the most excited for about the Washington Redskins 2011 Season?

Here are three reasons to be excited.

3. No More Albert Haynesworth

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 02: Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins stands on the sidelines during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

I’m assuming that Haynesworth will eventually get himself released or traded from the Redskins. Obviously ‘Skins fans are hoping that the front office can somehow manage a trade so Haynesworth can actually bring back some value for once.

Either way…

An Albert Haynesworth free season sounds like something we can all look forward to!

2. Mike Shanahan’s Second Year

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan makes a point with a referee in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Phot

Win McNamee/Getty Images

Shanahan is a great coach. Yeah, I know that he wasn’t perfect in his first year with the Redskins, but the fact of the matter is that Shanahan is the best coach they’ve had since Joe Gibbs’ first stint with the team.

Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how he handles his second season and all the challenges that are going to come with it, especially the uncertainty at quarterback.

Will Shanahan be able to “coach em up” in 2011?

I’m looking forward to finding out.

1. Ryan Kerrigan

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Watching how Ryan Kerrigan adapts to the NFL and to the Washington Redskins is going to have to be the most exciting thing to look forward to for ‘Skins fans in 2011.

Kerrigan, who will most likely be converted from end to outside linebacker in the 3-4 has a non-stop motor and an extremely high work ethic.

I feel Kerrigan is going to be much more than just a good player for the Redskins though. He seems to have all the intangibles to be a leader, and right now on this team a young leader could be exactly what they need to start moving in the right direction.

Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AKonSports

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