2012 Wins: 10
NFC Odds: +2200
Superbowl Odds: +4000
Odds courtesy of 5dimes.com
The Washington Redskins won 10 games last season and return almost everyone. Robert Griffin III is maturing and will look to take big strides in year two. There’s a lot of reasons to expect this Redskins team to be very good and a playoff contender. The key is Griffin maintaining good health, and the offensive line being at least “good.” The OL returns all five starters, but it isn’t the most talented in the NFL.
The line executes a decent zone blocking scheme, but also lacks depth. Griffin will have to hope they can provide adequate coverage for him to reach a good corp of receivers that includes the aged Santana Moss, Josh Morgan, Pierre Garcon and Leonard Hankerson. Garcon is exceptional but was bothered by a sprained toe most of last season. The Redskins will bank on his full health.
Morgan can be explosive at times, and the Skins need more big plays. TE Fred Davis is a good threat for RG3 and he was good at finding spots for receptions last year. So much defensive attention is devoted to RG3 that it opens up spots for Davis and also for short run plays by Alfred Morris and Roy Helu in the backfield.
Morris had 1,613 yards as a rookie and is one of the best young RBs in the NFL, he looked well versed and veteran in just his first NFL season. Helu had turf toe last season and his return will provide depth behind the dependable carrying of Morris.
Defensively, the Redskins are going to use an aggressive 3-4 scheme with zone blitzes and mixed coverage. Jim Haslett will be the mind behind the “D” and will use a similar scheme to what he did during his years in Pittsburgh. He will move his pass rushers around to confuse defenses and will often use full on five-man blitzes, heavily. The team is strong on the defensive line and has great linebackers.
The Redskins should contend for the playoffs, as stated. The collection of talent meets good coaching and the squad ranked 5th in total offense last year and 1st in rushing offense. Returning that squad with another year’s experience together should yield good results, and if a number of speculators are high on RG3 creating a special situation in Washington.
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