Washington Redskins: 2009 Recap and Season Preview

So the bulk of the offseason is over as we close in on September, and the coming of the first games of the NFL 2009 season.

Yes a lot has happened this offseason; we’ve seen franchise tags and intriguing trades, possible gems in the draft, and picks that left fans saying “Who the hell IS this guy?”

We got to witness the changing of Presidents, the Terminator movie franchise getting destroyed, heck, we even got to see Jack and the crew set off a hydrogen bomb on the island. Pretty interesting stuff right?

But now as training camps continue, it’s time to get down to the important stuff: Football.

Specifically, Redskins football.

Although Washington’s offseason wasn't as remarkably bad as I had expected, it wasn’t terribly good either. Yes, we did get arguably the best free agent out there in Albert Haynesworth. But we can’t forget that Haynesworth only played 59 percent of his team’s defensive snaps last year and missed games down the stretch due to injury.

So what do we do? Give him $100 million dollars, a move that in both my pessimistic and sports fan’s opinion will always amount to something along the lines of “not living up to the contract” when all is said and done. Hello Deion Sanders, Adam Archuleta, Jason Taylor—we might have a new friend for you to play with in a few seasons.

Instead of landing one huge free agent, I would have liked to see the Skins spread the wealth and address their multitude of needs which include linebacker, O-line, D-end, and receiver.

Now Washington did address D-end and linebacker through the draft. Look for Brian Orakpo, their first round pick from Texas, to make an impact rushing the passer in the coming seasons, but not this year.

D-ends usually struggle their rookie season before having a breakout year. Mario Williams: 4.5 sacks in his rookie year, John Abraham: 4.5 sacks, Osi Umenyiora: one sack—get my point? No immediate impact, but down the road I expect some big things from Orakpo.

The Redskin’s biggest mistake was not addressing their offensive line. They did sign Derrick Dockery for $28.5 million. As Skins fans remember, however, Dockery was a pancake blocker when it came to rushing plays. On passing downs—well let’s just say Lindsay Lohan, even with her new diet that consists of eating…nothing, could protect JC’s blind side better.

The O-line is again a concern for Washington. Their right tackle hopes lay in the hands of incapable Stephon Heyer, cut from the Panthers Jermey Bridges, and laughably obese Mike Williams.

Last year this unit gave Campbell next to no time to get rid of the ball. Despite this lack of protection, JC got unfairly blamed for the team’s second half falters. However, if this unit, whose average age is around 31, can stay healthy for the entire year then they can perform at a solid level.

What Washington definitely needs is some major improvement from second year wide receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas, the Redskin’s top two draft picks last year. So far these two are complete and utter busts—thanks Vinny.

But if either of them can perform at a consistent No. 2  level this season than Washington’s offense will get a major boost. If one of them does step up and takes the No. 2 spot then that will allow Antwan Randel El to go back to the No. 3 position, a position he excelled at in Pittsburgh.

This will also give the Skins another look on offense, instead of their usual repertoire which includes Moss, Portis, Cooley…and that’s it. Both are big receivers and could be useful in the red zone.

The problem with the Redskins is that this upcoming season has too many “what if’s.” What if Thomas or Kelley don’t step up? What if Orakpo doesn’t pan out? What if our O-line collapses like last year?

I got a question. What if the Skins weren’t the most relevant mediocre team in the league?

I have an answer as well. As long as Snyder has the reigns don’t count on that happening anytime soon unless they bring in a Shanahan or a Cowher. I am more than willing to give Zorn another year. His unconventional teachings, such as using slip n’ slides to help QB’s practice sliding, are refreshing for a team that had gotten used to Joe Gibbs’ traditional style. But if the Redskins' struggles continue, I say Zorn can slip n’ slide his way right out of D.C.

I see Washington having another so-so season. Somewhere in the range of 7-9 and 9-7. Since they usually get killed by the Giants and split division series with Philly and Dallas, I won’t get into those games just now.

Instead I think they’ve got three games that will be the deciding factor in weather or not they have a winning record. The three games could go either way. Week four they got Tampa Bay at home. week 10 they host Denver. Then week 13 the New Orleans Saints visit Fed Ex. All home games that the Skins could win but might let slip away in the waning moments of regulation.

But again, we are dealing with the Washington Redskins; nothing can be properly predicted with this franchise. It should be an interesting season for the Skins, especially for Jason Campbell and Jim Zorn.