Full Stat Predictions for Washington Redskins' Regular Season
Offensively, the Washington Redskins might experience a slight dip in production through the air. But there will be no such problems in the running game, which will remain at least as dominant as it did in 2012.
However, the most notable statistical improvement from last season will come on defense. In particular, the pass rush will enjoy a prolific campaign.
The following slides offer predictions for the Redskins statistics, position by position, for the 2013 NFL season.
All 2012 stats courtesy of NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Quarterback
1 of 12Let's start by taking Robert Griffin III at his word and trusting that he will be fit for the season-opener. However, as impressive as Griffin's prompt comeback from major knee surgery will be, his numbers as a passer could still suffer.
With no preseason to prepare and potentially diminished mobility, Griffin will be challenged to make plays from the pocket more often. He will also be relying on a group of receivers that needs greater consistency.
Both Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan must stay healthy, while youngster Leonard Hankerson needs to improve his concentration week-to-week.
These factors will leave Griffin's numbers down across the board:
3,182 Yards Passing, 18 TDs, 9 INTs
71 Rushes, 324 Yards, 2 TDs
Kirk Cousins
It is probably safe to say that Kirk Cousins will see the field at some point in 2013. The capable backup filled in admirably when needed last season.
Cousins will see action in at least a pair of starts during this campaign.
405 Yards Passing, 3 TDs, 4 INTS
Wide Receiver
2 of 12For all their success on offense in 2012, the Redskins did not feature a wide receiver who reached 650 yards. That dynamic could continue this season, but a definite No.1 will emerge at the position.
Leonard Hankerson
Inconsistent third-year flanker Hankerson has enjoyed a productive preseason and needs a big year. He has so far only offered glimpses of his talent, but he is the Redskins closest thing to a complete receiver.
The 24-year-old will use his blend of size and speed to emerge as Griffin's primary wideout. According to Mike Jones ofย The Washington Post,ย Hankerson appears more confident heading into a make-or-break season.
He will beat out Josh Morgan for a regular starting berth and post some solid numbers:
51 Receptions, 803 Yards, 4 TDs
Pierre Garcon
Injuries won't be as big an issue for Pierre Garcon as they were in 2012, when he missed six games after signing a bumper deal in free agency. However, inconsistency, something that was a common criticism of his game during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, will plague Garcon.
49 Receptions, 800 Yards, 6 TDs
Aldrick Robinson
Aldrick Robinson surprised many with his flair for the big play in 2012. His knack for getting deep should again be evident this season.
Back in July, Griffin noted how impressive Robinson has looked this preseason, according to Mike Jones ofย The Washington Post.ย While the diminutive speedster won't challenge for a start, he will still be a vital contributor.
25 Receptions, 282 Yards, 2 TDs
Santana Moss
The old man of the receiving corps will begin to prepare for the end of his distinguished stint in D.C. Santana Moss was still very productive in 2012, despite his reduced role.
But in 2013 the 34-year-old could see even less passes come his way. Nonetheless, Moss will remain effective in the red zone and of course, save his best games for the Dallas Cowboys.
19 Receptions, 223ย Yards, 2 TDs
Josh Morgan
Josh Morgan looked a smart signing last offseason. However, the usually resourceful possession receiver failed to establish a niche in the offense.
Despite leading the Redskins in receptions with 48, Morgan averaged only 10.6 yards per catch, the lowest on this list. In some ways that complements the big-play style of Hankerson, Robinson and Garcon.
But this Redskins offense is built to stretch the field and Morgan looks out of place. He will endure further struggles during his second season in Washington.
18 Receptions, 194 Yards, O TDs
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will let the speedsters rule the roost this season. It is also worth noting that the Redskins did not have a pass-catching back to take some receptions away from their wideouts in 2012.
That will change with the return to health of Roy Helu Jr. Having tight end Fred Davis back to full fitness will also affect the number of passes thrown to the flankers.
Tight End
3 of 12The tight end position is one of the more intriguing on the roster. Returning veteran Fred Davis is the standout playmaker, but he faces increased competition.
Fred Davis
Davis won't quite make the most of his contract year, but he will still be the most productive tight end in the offense. Davis has enjoyed a strong training camp, according to Mike Jones ofย The Washington Post.ย
But recovering from a torn Achilles that destroyed his 2012 campaign, will leave Davis a step off what he was. Shanahan will also spread the ball around at tight end more often to take advantage of increased options at the position.
41 Receptions, 438 Yards, 2 TDs
Jordan Reed
One of those options is rookie Jordan Reed, who will slowly integrate into this season's passing game and showcase his playmaking skills. The third-round pick has the athleticism and move skills to fit the mold of a Shanahan-style tight end.
26 Receptions, 295ย Yards, O TDs
Logan Paulsen
Natural in-line tight end Logan Paulsen surprised many with his receiving skills during 2012. But with Davis now healthy and Reed offering greater downfield potential, Paulsen will return to blocking duties.
16 Receptions, 122 Yards, 2 TDs
Niles Paul
Niles Paul will continue to be a factor on special teams, but will struggle to make a breakthrough as a converted tight end.
9 Receptions, 34 Yards, O TDs
Running Back
4 of 12It could easily be a record-breaking year for the Redskins ground game. Last year's rookie sensation will be supported by a healthy Roy Helu Jr.
This year's rookies Jawan Jamison and Chris Thompson will also vie to be in the mix, along with Evan Royster. The Redskins are loaded with options to run the ball in a zone scheme that as good as guarantees productivity.
Despite the intense competition for places, Alfred Morris will still lead the way. A natural workhorse, Morris will continue to showcase the recognition and quick decision-making that lets him thrive as a zone-runner.
Sharing more of the carries than he did as a rookie will have some impact on his numbers. But Morris will again be near the top of the NFL rushing charts.
310 Carries, 1426 Yards, 18 TDs 11 Receptions, 36 Yards
Roy Helu Jr.
As effective as Morris will be, head coach Mike Shanahan won't be afraid to work Roy Helu Jr. into games as often as possible. The rushing attack will be the central focus of the offense and Helu's speed will create numerous long gains as the season progresses.
He will also lead all Redskins backs in receptions and prove invaluable on third downs.
177 Carries, 798 Yards, 2 TDs 38 Receptions, 321 Yards, 2 TDs
Jawan Jamison
Seventh-round pick Jawan Jamison will contribute more than expected, despite the crowded rotation. The crafty runner has already displayed a great instinct for letting blocks develop and making clever cuts, according to John Keim of ESPN.com.
That makes the former Rutgers ace a perfect fit for this system and a good bet to make the roster and earn his share of carries.
43 Carries, 161 Yards, O Receptions, O TDs
Evan Royster
Evan Royster had only had 23 carries in 2012 and could struggle to significantly better that number this season. A sixth-round choice in 2011, Royster does make quick decisions in the backfield, but he lacks elite qualities after that.
Royster does not boast the subtle, but decisive moves of Morris, or his natural power. He is also unable to offer the speed Helu possesses.
If Jamison does distinguish himself as a deputy workhorse, Royster's position will be under serious threat.
27 Carries, 80 Yards, O Receptions, O TDs
Chris Thompson
Fifth-rounder Chris Thompson is also a long shot to make the final roster. That is despite his experience in a read-option attack.
Thompson does possess acceleration, quickness and shifty moves. But he is also recovering from a torn ACL. It would be a shame to see Thompson's injury history blight his chances of being an effective weapon in sub-packages.
11 Carries, 37 Yards, 4 Receptions, 16 Yards, 0 TDs
Fullback
5 of 12Darrel Young
Without many noticing, Darrel Young has become one of the best fullbacks in the NFL. The former linebacker will continue to deliver his share of skilled and punishing blocks.
With more tailbacks ready to carry the ball this season, Young won't get many chances to show he is an underrated runner.
9 Carries,ย 34 Yards, 6 Receptions, 23 Yards, 1 TD
Defensive End
6 of 12The Redskins boast some solid 3-4 ends led by former Cowboy Stephen Bowen. But the rotation suffered a blow when Jarvis Jenkins received a four-game suspension.
The continuing fragility of Adam Carriker is also a cause for concern. Thankfully, Kedric Golston is an able deputy and Chris Baker and Phillip Merling can also contribute.
Stephen Bowen
Bowen could not quite match his 2011 form last season, but remains the best 3-4 end on the roster. He is a force against the run and can produce more as a pass-rusher.
32 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 1 Batted Pass
Kedric Golston
Kedric Golston is the most likely candidate to step in for Carriker and Jenkins. The rugged veteran won't ever dominate a highlight reel, but he will be a dependable performer.
21 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Fumble Recovery
Jarvis Jenkins
Once Jarvis Jenkins makes it back to the field, he will be under pressure to make a starting spot his own. He certainly has the talent, but his brief career has already been interrupted too often.
24 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Phillip Merling
A natural 3-4 end, Merling will prove himself a useful member of the rotation.
15 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 Batted Pass
Chris Baker
Baker will struggle to get on the field, despite being able to fill in at both end and nose tackle. He has still never quite learned how best to use his tremendous bulk to his advantage.
4 Tackles
Adam Carriker
Carriker has endured three surgeries and not played since Week 2 of last season. It is a shame for a player who was developing nicely in the scheme during 2011.
At this point it is tough to predict anything other than a minimal role for Carriker this season.
3 Tackles
Nose Tackle
7 of 12Hopefully the broken hand Barry Cofield suffered in preseason won't stunt his development into one of the best nose tackles in football. Fortunately, the Redskins are well-stocked at the position, with 2011 rookie Chris Neild now healthy and former New England Patriot Ron Brace.
Barry Cofield
For his part, Cofield is confident about his recovery from his hand injury, according to Brian Tinsman of Redskins.com. That is great news, given how disruptive the former New York Giant has become at the heart of Washington's 3-4 front.
29 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 3 Batted Passes, 1 Fumble Recovery
Chris Neild
Former seventh-round pick Chris Neild is equally confident about filling the void if Cofield does struggle, according to Tinsman. Neild showed some potential as a rookie, with his raw strength and hustle bothering more than one center.
But a torn ACL wiped out his second season. Now healthy, expect the ex-West Virginia standout to again produce in the rotation.
11 Tackles, 1 Sack
Ron Brace
Ron Brace offers another credible contingency against Cofield struggling to fully recover from his injury. He has ample experience as a 2-gapper, playing the 0-technique over the center, from his days with the Patriots.
6 Tackles, 1 Sack
Outside Linebacker
8 of 12The Redskins are stronger at this vital position on their 3-4 front than in recent years. The return of Brian Orakpo is a big reason why, but there is also greater strength in depth.
Brian Orakpo
When healthy, Orakpo is an awesome pass-rushing force. He has natural leverage and power in his thick base, combined with excellent takeoff speed.
He will take time to get going, but Orakpo will steadily resume his role as a consistent menace to quarterbacks.
10.5 Sacks, 47 Tackles, 5 Forced Fumbles, 2 Batted Passes, 1 Fumble Recovery
Ryan Kerrigan
As Orakpo begins to draw attention away from him, Ryan Kerrigan can start to dominate. He will enjoy his best pro season and emerge as a stellar pass-rusher in his own right.
12 Sacks, 61 Tackles, 7 Forced Fumbles, 3 Batted Passes, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Recovery
Darryl Tapp
Former Philadelphia Eagle Darryl Tapp will develop a niche as a valuable situational pass-rusher.
6 Sacks, 30 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Brandon Jenkins
Fifth-round draft choice Brandon Jenkins has the raw skills to also feature prominently in the pass-rush rotation. Along with Tapp, he will prove a useful weapon in sub-packages.
3.5 Sacks, 19 Tackles, 1 Batted Pass
Rob Jackson
Rob Jackson was a valuable stand-in for Orakpo last season. But his standing in the rotation will be damaged by serving a four-game suspension to start the season.
1 Sack, 14 Tackles, 1 Batted Pass, 1 Fumble Recovery
Inside Linebacker
9 of 12Ageless wonder London Fletcher will continue to be the vocal leader of the defense. But 2013 will mark the year when Fletcher's youthful partner, Perry Riley, begins to make the most plays.
London Fletcher
Fletcher is still as adept at reading offenses as any linebacker in football. The 38-year-old's speed is obviously not what it was, but he will still be around the ball on every play.
128 Tackles, 1 Sack, 4 INTs, 3 Batted Passes, 2 Fumble Recoveries
Perry Riley
Perry Riley's progress has been steady but sure since he made a starting spot his own during the 2011 season. The 25-year-old will enjoy his most productive campaign yet.
149 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 2 INTs, 1 Batted Pass, 2 Fumble Recoveries
Nick Barnett
Veteran Nick Barnett will prove a shrewd acquisition for the Redskins. His 3-4 experience will come in handy and the former Packer will help spell Fletcher and Riley at crucial times.
51 Tackles, 1 INT 1 Sack, 2 Batted Passes
Safety
10 of 12The last line of defense still appears short of both quality and numbers. The Redskins will be hoping that sixth-round rookie Bacarri Rambo can emerge as a starter.
They also need veteran Brandon Meriweather to remain healthy and produce.
Bacarri Rambo
Former Georgia ace Rambo will overcome his share of early struggles to become something of a ball hawk. Run defense is likely to always been an issue, but Rambo's knack for producing turnovers is always welcome.
37 Tackles, 4 INTs, 4 Batted Passes, 1 Forced Fumble
Brandon Meriweather
Former Patriot and Chicago Bear Meriweather will prove something of a liability in coverage. However, the fierce-hitting 29-year-old will be useful closer to the line of scrimmage.
54 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 Batted Passes, 2 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery
Reed Doughty
The Redskins never seem able to part ways with Reed Doughty. Most of the time they are glad they keep the 30-year-old around.
Like last season, Doughty will once again be needed to step in and attempt to steady a frustratingly erratic defensive backfield.
29 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 Batted Passes, 1 Sack
DeJon Gomes
Like Doughty, Gomes is a limited safety, but useful to have around as cover. He will play a small role in sub-packages.
17 Tackles, 1 Sack
Cornerback
11 of 12While the picture at safety continues to look murky, the situation at cornerback is not much clearer. Coordinator Jim Haslett has concerns about both starters and could be relying on the team's top draft pick to establish himself sooner rather than later.
DeAngelo Hall
It is difficult to ever feel completely confident about DeAngelo Hall as the team's primary corner. The motor mouth veteran took on an expanded role last season, spending some time in the slot.
But Hall continues to balance out his share of big plays, with his share of costly lapses. Nothing will change in 2013.
81 Tackles, 4 Interceptions, 1 Sack, 10 Passes Defensed
Josh Wilson
Offseason shoulder surgery has naturally limited Wilson this offseason. That rates as something of a concern, considering he was far from his dependable self at times last season.
68 Tackles, 3 Interceptions, 8 Passes Defensed
David Amerson
Ideally, second-round pick Amerson will quickly be ready to take over from either Hall or Wilson. He offers greater size at 6'1" and 205 pounds.
As ESPN.com's John Keim points out, Amerson has to learn how to use his larger frame more to his advantage. Eventually, Amerson will refine his game and become a rookie starter.
43 Tackles, 4 Interceptions, 11 Passes Defensed, 1 Fumble Recovery
E.J. Biggers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers castoff E.J. Biggers knows the kind of coverage secondary coach Raheem Morris favors. He will see some action in dime and nickel sets, but his role and production will be limited.
16 Tackles, 1 Pass Defensed
Ryan Mouton
Similar to Biggers, Mouton will play only in multiple defensive back looks.
9 Tackles, 1 Pass Defensed
Chase Minnifield
Former rookie free agent Minnifield will win a roster spot and round out the cornerback rotation.
10 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 Pass Defensed
Special Teams
12 of 12Kai Forbath
The kicking chores were solidified last season when Kai Forbath took over from veteran Billy Cundiff. Forbath will remain dependable and enjoy another solid season.
Field Goal Attempts: 21 Field Goals Converted: 18
Extra Point Attempts: 43 Extra Points Converted: 43
Sav Rocca
An offense that could be just a little less than what it was in 2012, might give punter Sav Rocca some more work. But it won't be much and the veteran will post steady numbers.
Punts: 73 Yards: 3200 Long: 59 Average: 43 Yards
This slideshow will be updated after final cuts and any additional roster moves. Check back for the updates.
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