Dissecting the 2009 Washington Redskins

Every year it seems like it is impossible to set expectations for the Washington Redskins prior to a given season. In 2005, most experts believed the Redskins would continue to disappoint after a dismal 6-10 effort in Joe Gibbs 2.0's first season.

However, Washington made it to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs that year (even with Mark Brunell at quarterback). The next season came with high expectations, but only produced a 5-11 record.

Never mind all of that, though. I will attempt to give you my realistic expectations of this year's team and how they can achieve the goals I've set for them. As well as what might hold them back.

On a yearly basis, I pick the 'Skins to get eight wins because it seems like the safe pick for an erratic team like that. Plus eight seems to be their lucky number over the last dozen years (1997, 2000, 2001, 2008).

I don't want to set too lofty of a goal for a team that is so consistently inconsistent. With the additions of a big name free agent and a fantastic first round draft pick, this could be the year they break through in the brutal NFC East.

To go beyond the mark I have set for them and make their first Super Bowl in seventeen years, a lot has to go right. Chemistry seems to be working in their favor for the first time in awhile.

With only three starters that were not on the team in 2008; Albert Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo (First Round Pick), and Derrick Dockery (former Redskins draft pick).

All of the other starters have had a good share of experience with last years version of the team, and they seem to have a perfect mixture of veterans and younger players. Despite a mediocre record, the players appeared to be in sync with each other off the field. We'll see if that can translate to on-field play.

Deangelo Hall was the latest addition in the 2008 campaign and seems to have blended in nicely. He fits the mold in the swarming Redskins defense.

If he can keep his off-field antics in check and show the dedication to the team as he did last year, we can expect another fantastic year from the defense that was ranked fifth in the entire league just last season.

That defense will have to keep it up and stay in the top five in 2009 if they want to have a realistic shot at a title, because it just doesn't seem like the offense has the fire power to sustain sixteen or more weeks of championship caliber football.

Another thing on the positive side the Redskins have going for them is Clinton Portis being the heart and soul of the team. The franchise finally has a player to use as the identity, and Clinton Portis is that man.

It doesn't seem like Washington has running backs that last more than five seasons, so having CP in the backfield on a consistent basis has been a real breath of fresh air. He has eclipsed names like Larry Brown, Stephen Davis, and Terry Allen to move to second all time on the Redskins rushing leaders list.

With a 1,370 yard season, he would pass Hall of Famer John Riggins to become the top running back in Washington Redskins history. In an era of free agency and lack of continuity, (especially from Dan Snyder) that's awfully impressive.

His ability to block and catch passes out of the backfield has made him the most complete back the team has probably ever seen and he'll be asked to carry the load once again for the Redskins offense. If he can do it from wire to wire, then he can do some serious damage in the postseason.

Now there are some hindrances on this team that could really throw a wrench into the works of a Super Bowl run. There are three areas that could negatively affect their performance.

First and foremost is Jason Campbell. It's not bad enough that he had the 19th best quarterback rating in 2008 (behind every other NFC East QB), but now he is disgruntled. After Dan Snyder repeatedly attempted to to acquire a new starter at the position, Campbell has been crying foul and has requested a trade at each new step.

First they tried to get Jay Cutler in a trade from Denver (Campbell wanted out), then Snyder wanted to move up to draft Mark Sanchez from USC (Campbell wanted out if he did).

Mediocre and disgruntled is not a good mix, especially for a team who's passing offense was anemic for the second half of the season, falling to 8-8 after a 6-2 start. If Campbell struggles in the early going, Dan Snyder may give Jim Zorn an ultimatum: Start the Colt Brennan era or find a new job.

Campbell needs to be a top ten quarterback from the first week for things to gel into the second half of the season.

The second thing that really worries me is the lack of depth in the trenches. The Redskins were marred with injuries on the offensive line and it took a toll on Portis and Campbell.

Derrick Dockery was brought in to provide much needed relief at the guard position, but there doesn't seem to be a contingency plan at the tackle position. Chris Samuels has been rock solid at the left position but he has been around for a decade and is sadly due for a few injuries.

On the other side, Jon Jansen is the longest tenured Redskin and suffered a multitude of injuries, causing young Stephon Heyer to step in. Heyer played adequately in his rookie campaign, but struggled when asked to step in for Jansen in his sophomore year.

Chad Rinehart was drafted in '08 to provide a little bit of depth but he hasn't seen much playing time at all and may get jitters if needed to appear as a starter.

The last concern I have with the 2009 Redskins isn't them, but the fact that they are in what is arguably the most competitive division in the entire NFL.

Dallas may have been improved from addition by subtraction from the T.O. soap opera. New York has been very impressive the last few seasons, and Philadelphia has given Donovan McNabb multiple weapons on offense to help him out.

The Redskins went 3-3 against the division after sweeping Philly, being swept by New York, and splitting with Dallas. The last five NFC East Champions have had at least four wins in the division, so that should be the goal for the Redskins this year.

We will get to see a preview of their divisional schedule in Week One as the Redskins travel to New York face the Giants for the second straight opening week. They play four of their last seven games of the schedule against NFC East foes.

Their mettle will certainly be tested down the stretch, and it will be the make or break season for Jim Zorn. If they can get to the playoffs and make a decent run, it should set up 2010 nicely.

If they fail, don't think that Dan Snyder will keep Zorn or Campbell around. Especially with Sam Bradford and Jevan Snead coming out of the draft, plus Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan may be available to coach.

Like most seasons, it seems that 2009 will be an unpredictable one for the Redskins. Fans keep holding on hoping that the flashes of brilliance they show every year will be strung together for one magical season.

Could it happen this year? It's possible. If Jim Zorn is allowed to do the things he wants to do as a coach this season could be satisfying for the fans to watch. If not, expect another massive rearrangement from Dan Snyder.