Redskins Offense May Look Eerily Similiar in 2009

The last image of the Washington Redskins’ offense in 2008 was of quarterback Jason Campbell diving into the end zone for a game-tying touchdown with one minute and nine seconds left in a 27-24 season ending loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Though Redskins’ fans hope to see Campbell, or any other member of the Redskins’ offense, consistently running into the opponents’ end zone this season, that hope may prove to be just that: hope.

Don’t expect the Redskins’ offense to look much different in 2009 due to the team’s inability to make any upgrades during the offseason. The Redskins have playmakers in running back Clinton Portis, wide receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, but beyond those three don’t have many more.

Redskins Coach Jim Zorn likes to get the football down the field in his version of the west coast offense. In order for him to do that he must have more than one wide receiver that can get down the field and stretch opposing defenses in his three and four wide receiver sets.

Zorn has that in Moss, whose 5’ 10” frame, combined with his speed and route running ability, allows him to weave through opposing secondary’s, with Antwaan Randle-El. Cooley, though a tight end, has the athleticism to outrun any linebacker in the NFL, as evidenced by his 83 receptions last season and his 28 career touchdown receptions.

A lot of the improvement on offense this season hinges on the play of quarterback Jason Campbell. Campbell has the size and the arm strength to make the throws that he is required to make in Zorn’s offense, evidenced by his eight touchdown passes and zero interceptions through the team’s first eight games last season.

Campbell, however, continues to stare down his first read on passing plays and at times holds onto the ball too long which leads to sacks. A second year in Zorn’s system should help eliminate those mistakes. But if Campbell’s play does not improve this year, don’t be surprised if Zorn turns to second year quarterback Colt Brennan, since the Redskins did try to upgrade the quarterback position this offseason with the failed trade attempt for former Denver Broncos’ quarterback Jay Cutler.

The problem with Randle-El being the Redskins No. 2 receiving option is he has not become the impact player that the Redskins had anticipated when they signed him away from the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2006 offseason. Though his numbers since coming to Washington have been decent, 136 receptions for 1,672 yards, Randle-El has only scored eight touchdowns in that time and fails to take double teams off of Moss.

Second year wide receivers Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly could do a lot in improving the Redskins passing game after dismal rookie campaigns in 2008. Thomas and Kelly were drafted in the second round last year to provide Zorn the depth he needed at wide receiver for his offense to succeed.

Kelly and Thomas give the Redskins receiving core the size they need. Kelly stands 6’4” while Thomas stands 6’2”, yet they still have the speed needed to get behind opposing secondary’s. However, Kelly only appeared in five games last year due to a reoccurring knee problem which limited his production to just three catches for 18 yards.

Thomas appeared in all 16 games, but finished with just 15 receptions for 120 yards and zero receiving touchdowns. Zorn accused Thomas several times last season of not knowing the offense, which led to Thomas running the wrong route at times and ultimately limiting his production.

As imperative as it is for Thomas and Kelly to provide some kind of contribution this season, Zorn will also have to do a better job of play calling.

During the Redskins 6-2 start last season, Zorn did a fantastic job of mixing in the run and the pass, and made a conscious effort to get the football down the field. However, during the second half of last season, Zorn became very predictable with his play calling often running on first down and calling the

Zorn must also do a better job of getting Cooley the ball in the red zone this season. Cooley scored 27 touchdowns during his first four years in the league, being one of the favorite red zone options of former Coach Joe Gibbs. However, Zorn often tried to run in the red zone or replace Cooley in goal line formations with veteran Todd Yoder.

If Campbell can show he has progressed and the Redskins can get contributions from Thomas and Kelly, then they have the potential to be a solid and productive offense. Zorn must also find ways to get Chris Cooley the football in the red zone and not be as predictable with his play calling. If they can’t do any of that, then expect another average season and Campbell and Zorn to possibly be on their way out.