Predicting Top Offensive, Defensive Stat Leaders for the Washington Redskins

Equipped with a number of new faces over the past three seasons, the Washington Redskins have finally taken on the new look that fans had hoped for when Mike Shanahan took over as head coach in 2010.

With training camp taking shape, it's only natural for fans to speculate, wish and dream of what the Redskins will look like in 2012. And for those fresh faces, Redskins Nation wants nothing more than for the young and new to lead the team where expected. 

Whether it's Josh Morgan leading the team in receiving yards, or Alfred Morris leading the team in rushing, a majority of fans' opinions will differ when it comes to predicting the Redskins stat leaders. I'll start with my predictions, here. 

Passing Yards

Remember before the draft when some people suggested the Redskins start veteran Rex Grossman at quarterback rather than the rookie they were preparing to draft?

Then it got even worse, when those same people watched the Redskins draft Robert Griffin III and still stood behind the turnover machine that's better known as Rex Grossman. 

Make no mistake about it, Robert Griffin III is the Redskins quarterback. All season long. 

A predicted end-of-season stat line? Let's go with 3,125 yards, 61 percent completion rate, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. 

Rushing Yards

Shanahan operated his Redskins backfield last season by committee. Although Helu led the team (640 yards) by a hefty margin, the rookie was only given 151 carries in 15 games. 

This season should be a little different. While I still believe that Helu leads the team in rushing, I think 2012 will mark the youngster's first 1,000-yard season. 

Still expecting Tim Hightower and Evan Royster to contribute, Shanahan tends to stick with the hot runner. And as long as Helu stays healthy, I think he'll be considered the "starting" back. Helu also contributes as a receiver out of the backfield, making him the most versatile back in the Redskins stable. 

Receiving Yards

Perhaps the first real debatable offensive stat category for the Redskins, the team's top receiver has even been a wish-wash for myself. 

Originally I didn't even think veteran Santana Moss would be back with the Redskins in 2012. Now I know that Moss will have a spot on this team and could very well lead the team in receiving yards due to his smarts and sure hands. For a rookie quarterback, Santana Moss and his sub-6' frame could be quite the security blanket. 

That said, I think it's new addition Pierre Garcon that ultimately leads the team in receiving yards. After increasing his production in each of his first four seasons, Garcon comes to Washington to become the Redskins true deep-threat option. And while deep-threat receivers get big chunks of yards at a time, I also think Garcon develops a solid relationship with the rookie signal-caller and ends up finishing the year with a career high in receptions. 

Predicted stat line for Pierre Garcon? Let's go with 82 catches, 1,135 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Sacks

As arguably the best natural pass-rusher on the Redskins defense, Ryan Kerrigan finished his rookie season last year with 7.5 sacks. After an expected increase in production next season, I predict that Kerrigan leads the team in sacks. 

Brian Orakpo on the opposite end of Kerrigan is great, but I don't think he has quite the repertoire of Kerrigan. And when it comes to the 3-4 scheme, tackles and ends across the defensive line don't typically lead their team in tackling the quarterback.

While Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield and Adam Carriker are very stout up front, it's Orakpo and Kerrigan that should get a bulk of the sacks. My edge goes to Kerrigan, who finishes 2012 with 11 sacks. 

Tackles

What's crazier than London Fletcher racking up 166 tackles last season while pushing the age of 40? That cornerback DeAngelo Hall was second on the Redskins with 90 tackles. 

Despite being a year older, London Fletcher is the clear favorite to lead the team in tackles again this season. But in order to change things up a bit, I'll cast more of a surprise vote. 

Perry Riley enters his third season with the Redskins in 2012 and his starting position alongside Fletcher is the assumption at this point in the offseason. If he can retain his current position and hold off camp competitors like Jonathan Goff and Lorenzo Alexander, Riley could possibly give Fletcher a run for most tackles on the year. 

By the end of the season, Riley edges out Fletcher by a hair. Fletcher: 134. Riley: 140.

Interceptions

Typically, I'm labeled a DeAngelo hater. But it's not that I hate DeAngelo Hall. It's simply my belief that he's not a true No. 1 cover-corner in the NFL.

Even so, that doesn't keep me from predicting that Hall will lead the team in interceptions this season. 

Not only is Hall the team's top playmaker in the defensive secondary, but he could also see a lot of time at the nickel position this season. Hall isn't necessarily receiving a demotion, but defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and the coaching staff think they may have found a way to really highlight Hall's athleticism and ball skills. 

With Hall playing more snaps on the inside than outside, I think his interception numbers increase in 2012. DeAngelo finishes the season with seven picks. 

Return Yards

While I still believe that Brandon Banks must seriously fight for a roster spot this offseason, the possibility of using him out of the offensive backfield could help his chances. 

If Banks returns, he's the clear favorite to return both punts and kicks. He's electric with the ball in his hands, and he has the ability to break plays wide open. 

Rivaling for return duties could also be second-year man Aldrick Robinson and/or fourth-year receiver Terrence Austin.

Let's also not forget newcomer Josh Morgan, who is more than capable of returning kicks so long as the coaching staff doesn't feel it interferes with his role on offense. 

Because the coaching staff comes up with some clever ways to use Banks on offense, he remains with the team. And because he remains with the team, he leads the Redskins in return yards in 2012. He'll have 1,235 kick return yards and 420 punt return yards with one touchdown.