Redskins
There is no disputing the Washington Redskins are on an upward trajectory, since Jay Gruden came to town. The team made the playoffs in 2015, but lost to the Green Bay Packers. Gone are the days of signing a lazy overrated defensive tackle to a record breaking contract, only to have the player get fat and quit on the team, before permanently leaving town. The days of throwing multiple draft picks at an unproven quarterback are over as well.
Dan Snyder has seen the light
You build a great team through the draft picks, and you need every one that you can get. No doubt Gruden has been the catalyst to Snyder’s “come to Jesus moment” in DC. Since his arrival, the team has grown into a tough competitor in the NFC East. Although the Dallas Cowboys have a more talented roster, Gruden has a way of getting the best out of what he has to work with. The Redskins will give the Cowboys a run for the their money in 2016, but will likely come up short.
Too many hills to climb?
The franchise has too have many questions coming into this season. Will OLB Jr. Galette be able to resurrect his career after a season-ending torn Achilles? Will first-round-pick Josh Dotson out of TCU have an immediate impact as a rookie? Uncertainty still remains at center and guard, running back, and wide receiver, but the biggest question is: Can they best last years’ performance? They will have to, if they are to repeat as Division Champions. The Cowboys will not be the same team as they were last year, when Tony Romo was out for an extended period. Romo being down made Dallas an easier target for teams to get a W. I am inclined to believe that America’s team will be much like the 2014 unit, perhaps even better. This spells trouble for a Redskins repeat, with a capital T.
Offseason Moves
The defense added depth in the 2016 NFL DRAFT, not to mention adding one of the best lockdown corners in football in Josh Norman via free agency. However needs at inside linebacker and safety could have been addressed previously with quality picks sent to the now Los Angeles Rams in the RGIII debacle from 2012. The jury is still out on the 2015 draft class. Training camp and preseason should provide some clarity as they approach.
Knock Knock…
DeSean Jackson‘s production has been in steady decline. Jackson had a career low 30-receptions for 528-yards and 4-touchdowns last season. Kirk Cousins needs weapons. Thankfully one of his most reliable targets, TE Jordan Reed is returning albeit at a hefty price tag of 46.5 million through 2021. Cousins was lethal in the red zone in the second half of last season and a big part of the Redskins’ success. However, it looks as though he will be expected to do to much this year. That’s a bad formula with Kirk. Washington’s success is hinged on its running attack. The loss of running back Alfred Morris to Dallas in free agency is a major blow.
No run…YES PROBLEM!!
Heading into September with Matt Jones as the starting RB is a huge leap of faith. Jones rushed for only 490-yds with a 3.4 average and 4 total touchdowns (1 receiving) as a rookie. He will need to, more then double, that production this season. Some analysts say Matt will have a breakout campaign this year. Jones must breakout and prove himself to be a 3-down-back, in order for the Redskins to win. A weak running game will basically throw Mr.”YOU LIKE THAT” under the bus. Cousins must have help out of the backfield, if the Redskins are to win the division in 2016, and history is not on Washington’s side.
The last three times the team won the NFC East, they have followed up with losing record the next season. I hate it for the Redskins fans, but my pick this year is the Dallas Cowboys.
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Christopher DuVall is a writer for the Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook.
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