2006 Washington Redskins Preview

2006 preview of the Washington Redskins pro football team from the Maddux Sports professional handicappers. Don't forget Maddux Sports' expert handicapping tips once the NFL Season rolls around for Winning NFL Picks and be sure to view our free NFL odds page featuring live up to date point spreads from 16 quality sportsbooks.

2005 was Joe Gibbs’ second year back as the Redskins head coach. In his first season, the team was 6-10; in his second, Washington was 10-6 and in the playoffs. Money was spent over the off-season to improve the team and coaching staff.

The steady but unspectacular Mark Brunell (454 ATT, 262 COMP, 3,050 YDS, 23 TDs, 10 INT) is back. He’s 36, not very mobile and has weakening arm strength. It’s a long, physical season, during which Brunell got fatigued last year. He’s got to hold up better this season.

Clinton Portis (352 ATT, 1,516 YDS, 4.3 AVG, 11 TDs) set a franchise record for yards gained in 2005. His backup Ladell Betts was effective as a blocker and runner. Also Portis and Betts proved to be solid receivers, giving Washington’s offense a nice wrinkle.

The receiving corps includes the dynamic Santana Moss (84 REC, 1,483 YDS, 17.7 AVG, 9 TDs), who set a franchise record for receiving yards. Washington added quality with Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh) and Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco). Chris Cooley (71 REC, 774 YDS, 10.9 AVG, 7 TDs) enters his third year ready to breakout.

The offensive line provided sound support last season and comes back with more experience and in good health.

On defense, the secondary has some solid performers, including the newly added Adam Archuleta (St. Louis)—a big playmaker at strong safety. In two seasons, free safety Sean Taylor has been a “take no prisoners” player. Corner Carlos Rogers (40 tackles, 2 INT) played well in his first NFL season and Shawn Springs offers a veteran presence at the other corner.

Marcus Washington (125 tackles, 7.5 sacks) anchors the greatly improved linebacking unit. San Francisco’s Andre Carter (4.5 sacks) has been added to the line, and along with an improving Philip Daniels (8 sacks), the Redskins may be able to pressure the QB.

2006 Washington Redskins Predictions

The Redskins will slug it out with the Cowboys and Giants for the NFC East division title. This is certainly an improved team. They have a chance to take it to Dallas and we are going to call for the Skins to win the NFC East in 2006. The two teams meet to the first time in week two. They meet again in week nine and this will ultimately decide the division.

For more info on the Redskins NFC East division rivals check out the Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys team previews from the MadduxSports.com experts.

For more info and news on the 2006 Washington pro football team visit the Redskins team page at NFL.com.