Washington Redskins 2009 NFL Season Preview!

The Redskins in 2008

The Redskins were a decent team last year. They finished 8-8 last year, but they finished last in their division. They are in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. They started the season going 6-2 in their first eight games of the season. After their first eight games, the Redskins went 2-6 to finish the regular season.

Their quarterback, Jason Campbell was the reason the Redskins went 6-2 in their first eight games. Campbell threw eight TD passes and no interceptions in their first eight games of the season. He also had a passer rating of 99.6. Campbell 's play started to fall off after the midway point. He threw five TDs and six INTs in the second half of the season. He had a passer rating of 72.3.

The Redskins main problem last year was on offense. Their defense played fairly well, even though there were some key injuries during the season. The Redskins defense allowed the fifth least points scored in the league. The Redskins offense was 29th in the league in points scored. They headed into the offseason needing some offensive weapons.

The Offseason

The Redskins made some huge offseason moves. They didn’t sign Jason Taylor. He signed with his former team, the Miami Dolphins. The Redskins signed somebody even better than Taylor. They signed Albert Haynesworth, the big defensive tackle from the Titans. Haynesworth had 8.5 sacks last season. He also had 51 tackels and three forced fumbles. Haynesworth should have a huge year for the Washington Redskins. He should improve that defense to make it even stronger.

The Redskins picked up some key defensive players and offensive players as well in the 2009 draft. None bigger than Brian Orakpo defensive end from Texas. They also picked up a good wide receiver in Marko Mitchell.  Mitchell has some good potential in the future with the Redskins.

The Preseason

The Redskins haven’t done that well throughout the preseason this year. They were shut out against the Ravens, 23-0. Campbell was okay in the preseason game against the Ravens. He was 3 for 6 with 38 yards. Portis was not playing in the game due to injury. Randle El had 15 receiving yards in that game.

In the second preseason game against the Steelers, the Redskins played better, winning 17-13. Campbell played worse than he did in the first preseason game. He was 1 for 7 with 10 yards passing. Portis played in this game and he had five carries for 26 yards. The Redskins have some things to work on before the regular season begins.

Positional Breakdown

The Redskins have some talented players at every position, but they are young and inexperienced. That’s the one thing that is keeping them from making the playoffs.

Quarterback

Jason Campbell is entering his third season as a starting quarterback. Campbell took over the starting job in the middle of the 2006 season. He has struggled sometimes, but he is getting better each year. He played great in 2008, especially in the first half of the season. His numbers have been going up every season.

Campbell is working with some good wide receivers, but there are inexperienced. Campbell has a pretty tough schedule this year. The Redskins will face seven playoff teams this season. They face four divisional opponents in the second half. Campbell should have great success in 2009 and to have a great season in 2009.

Running Backs

Clinton Portis is an elite running back. Portis had impressive numbers in 2008. He had his best season since the 2005 season. Portis rushed for over 1,400 yards and had nine rushing TDs. Portis also had six 100 yard games last season. Portis is a major key for the offense to have success. If Portis can get the running game going early, then he can put less pressure on Jason Campbell.

The back-up running back, Ladell Betts had a decent season last year for a backup. Betts role is minimal, so he won’t get as many carries as he would like. Betts rushed for over 200 yards and one TD.  With very young wide receivers, it is really key for the running game to be successful in 2009.

Wide Receivers

The Redskins have some really young and inexperienced wide receivers. Their No. 1 receiver, Santana Moss is one of the only wide receivers that have lots of experience. Moss is entering his ninth NFL season. He had a great season last year. He had 1044 receiving yards and six TDs last season. His numbers were the best they've been since the 2005 season.

The Redskins No. 2 wide receiver, Antwaan Randle El is the other experienced wide receiver. He is entering his eighth NFL season. Randle El had a decent season last year. He had over 500 receiving yards. Randle El’s career hasn’t been that successful so far. He has yet to have a 1000 yard season as a wide receiver.

The Redskins third wide receiver (backing up Santana Moss) is Devin Thomas. Thomas is very young and inexperienced. He is entering his second NFL season. His rookie season was disappointing. He only had 120 receiving yards in 2008. Thomas has shown improvement in training camp, and looks to continue that success into the regular season.

Malcolm Kelly (fourth wide receiver and backing up Randle EL) is entering his second NFL Season as well. He only had 18 yards in his rookie season. He is looking for improvement heading into the 2009 season.

Hopefully this year, the Redskins wide receivers can step up and have some success this season.

Tight End

Chris Cooley is one of Jason Campbell’s favorite targets to throw to. Cooley had over 800 receiving yards last season, including only one TD. His receiving yards were a career best. Cooley has developed great communication with Campbell and looks to do even better and hopes to have his first ever 1000 yard season.

Offensive Line

The offensive line played decent last year, but needs improvement. They were 22nd in the league in sacks allowed with 38. The offensive line must do better if they want to make the playoffs in 2009. Most of the Redskins offensive line has lots of experience except their right tackle, Stephon Heyer. Heyer has only two NFL seasons under his belt. The rest of the offensive line has at least seven years of experience. Hopefully this offensive line will improve in 2009!

Defense

Washington has  lots of star players on their defense. They have Albert Haynesworth (former Titan, signed with Redskins in the offseason), London Fletcher, LaRon Landry, and DeAngelo Hall.

The Redskins defense was ranked fourth in the league in overall defense. They were seventh in the league in passing yards allowed per game with 193.4. They were eighth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game with 95.4. This defense can only get better. They did all this last season without Albert Haynesworth. Their sacks should go up tremendously with the help of Haynesworth. Haynesworth had 8.5 sacks last year. The Redskins were tied for 28th in the league in sacks in 2008. This defense should do great in 2009!

Redskins Season Preview

The Redskins have some great potential to do great this year. They have an elite defense.  They have a great running back. They do have some wide receivers that are young and inexperienced. Their quarterback is still learning. The Redskins have some simple things to work on.

I believe the Redskins will be last in the division again. Their division is just too tough for the Redskins to compete in. I believe the Redskins will get at least seven wins this year. The Redskins can get more, but their quarterback, Jason Campbell has to play extremely well and their wide receivers have to step up for that to happen.