The Heat Is On: The Redskins Prepare For The Upcoming 2009 Season

The start of the 2009 campaign meets with high expectations for the Washington Redskins and their fans, but then again, expectations are always high for Redskins Nation. 

The team seems to perpetually whet the collective appetite of its fans, only to disappoint in the end with another mediocre season. The 2008 season left many frustrated and disappointed when after a strong start in the first half of the season, they managed to deliver tremendously inconsistent and sub-par performances week after week in the last half of the season. 

There are a lot of questions surrounding this team and its lack of identity.

Who is going to step up and be the outspoken leader? Can the offense show improvements for the entire 16-game schedule? Will the running game maintain its consistency? Did they spend wisely for Albert Haynesworth? 

Those questions and more exist for a team that seems to have the talent to make the playoffs.

Pressure?  It starts with the Head Coach and the QB.

Jim Zorn brings energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to a traditionally run-oriented offense. Yet, the results were poor at best. The offense dropped from 18th in points and 19th in touchdowns to 28th in both statistical categories. Hardly the improvements fans were expecting when Zorn was hired.

Last year, the calls for Zorn's head were way too premature, but don't expect the fans to let off the pedal.  Anything short of a major improvement in scoring once the season starts and it will be tough going in the nation's capital. 

It's playoffs or bust.

It is said that the first year is a learning curve for a QB in a new system while the second year is when it's supposed to click. For Jason Campbell's sake, he must get off to a great start and continue it the entire season. 

Campbell has had to learn three different offensive schemes during his pro career with the Skins. Yet, his performance has been consistent throughout each change. In 2008, he cut his interceptions in half (six down from 11) and improved in both completion percentage (62.3% up from 60.0%) and touchdowns (13 up from 12). His consistency is a good sign, but it also means he has yet to take his game to the next level.

Clinton Portis closed the year with 1,487 yards; his best in three years. On the whole, the Redskins running game improved in 2008. The only question mark for the Redskins running game is with regard to the offensive line, especially with the departure of Jon Jansen at right tackle.

Statistically, we need more in the red zone from Campbell and the Redskins offense. There needs to be more touchdowns on the ground and more touchdowns in the air. I would expect more offensive creativity and diverse play calling to help deliver more points on the scoreboard.

As we shift to the other side of the ball, two new arrivals, Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo has set higher expectations for the NFL's fourth ranked defense in total yards allowed per game.  However, in 2008, the Redskins declined in sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, each of which signal a lack of aggressiveness. 

Stingy against the run and average against the pass, the Redskins defense is counting on more front line pressure, led by both Haynesworth and Orapko, to net improvements in all three categories. Further, I would expect adjustments in their overall defensive scheme. Look for them to become more aggressive in the pass rush and more creative in defensive coverage.

The 2008 Redskins were a bit of an enigma and tough to figure out week to week. A slightly more favorable schedule in 2009, coupled with a familiar playbook has heightened expectations for the upcoming season.