NFL Offseason 2012: 3 Reasons the Washington Redskins Offense Will Get Better

In a new era dominated by high-powered offenses and high-scoring games, the Washington Redskins were decidedly below average in 2011.  

The final numbers are indicative of three parts of the season: the first five games, the John Beck experiment and the second half of the year.  Each had its ups and downs (except the Beck part—that was undeniably awful) and showed us that the Redskins simply were not very good on offense.

The final numbers include ranking 26th in points scored (18.0), 25th in rushing yards (100.9, would have been 32nd if not for the late-season surge by Helu and Royster) and a very mediocre 14th in total yards (just under 337).

But for all the struggles during 2011, there is not doubt that optimism for this offense is on high entering the new year.

Here are three legitimate reasons for why Redskins fans should believe Washington's offense will be greatly improved next season:

1. The new guy under center.

We still don't know who will be the quarterback in 2012, but Redskins fans have to be happy knowing that it won't be the turnover-prone Rex Grossman.  Grossman had the ability to move the ball last season, but he was the primary reason the Redskins finished dead last in the NFL in turnover differential.  The Redskins turned the ball over at least once in all 16 games.

Be it a free agent or a rookie from the draft, the prospect of a quarterback who can protect the ball and direct an offense without sending the fans into cardiac arrest with every drop back is enticing.  There were at least three or four games the Redskins could have won had they protected the ball.

The other exciting thing about a new quarterback is that it could signal the beginning of a new era, especially if the QB happens to come out of the draft.  The Redskins haven't had a legitimately exciting young quarterback to direct the team in the last several seasons (Jason Campbell doesn't count, c'mon), and having that excitement alone could lead to a change in philosophy that leads to more wins.

2. An intriguing young backfield. 

The Redskins' running game was quite awful for the majority of the season—until they decided to turn their two rookies loose.  Roy Helu and Evan Royster combined to give the Redskins a 100-yard rusher in five of the season's last six games, and the coaching staff appeared very comfortable putting the ball in the young men's hands.

Helu provided the spark, excitement, and multi-faceted ability that made Redskins fans salivate over the possibilities.  He combined excellent moves and footwork with surprising vision and an amazing ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.  Royster ran between the tackles like it was his job, looking to me like Ladell Betts in 2006 when the he would run right through the heart of the defense play after play.

These two running backs provide a one-two punch that give the Shanahans a wealth of possibilities.  Their propensity to protect the ball also gives them good value.  The Redskins may have something rare: two starting-quality running backs with skill sets that perfectly compliment one another.

3. A play-action game to die for.

Helu averaged 4.2 yards per carry, though he showed the ability to gain yards on first down.  Royster averaged a ridiculous 5.9 yards per carry, and the Shanahans utilized that straight-back pitch play very well as the season went along.  

What does this mean? 

It means that the Redskins will have the coveted ability to gain yards on the ground on first down.  In 2nd-and-short, play-action plays are the best way to stretch the defense out because any play can be called. And if the running game is working, a play-action pass could completely change the game with a huge gain.

With Fred Davis running through secondaries and Santana Moss finding the holes deep down the field (and don't forget Helu coming out of the backfield), the Redskins will have the chance to gain some big yardage next season off of play-action passes.