The Road To MetLife Stadium Starts Now

Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs to catch a pass in warm ups prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins came out with their official 53-man roster this evening, when teams had to cut down to 53 players by 6 pm. While some familiar faces are still on the team and some have left, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are gone forever.

Pat White for instance is still on the team, but according to sources, the plan is to attempt to trade him at some point for something, but as stated before, that might work out just as well as the Jabar Gaffney trade to New England did in 2012.

Needless to say, Mike Shanahan has again but together one of the best lineups in the past decade for the Washington Redskins, which could help set them on the Road to MetLife Stadium next season.

In order for this to occur, it all starts with Robert Griffin III offensively, who has been reported to only be 50% healthy in Philadelphia, but there’s probably a reason they keep reporting that way, even though Dr. Andrews continues to deny all accusations.

Griffin has looked strong during his rehab this offseason and certainly appears eager to unleash against the Philadelphian Eagles Kickoff Week on Monday Night Football for the world to see. There’s no better stage to make a statement early why the Redskins will be at MetLife Stadiumthis upcoming February than Monday Night Football.

Aug 24, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) gets introduced prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Alfred Morris returns, and so far appears to be the Alfred Morris of old, yet with a bit more speed, which could turn him into being one of the more highly rated running backs this season. With Roy Helu, Evan Royster and Chris Thompson backing him up, the Redskins should be able to use Morris less, while not missing a beat in the blocking nor running game.

With wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Joshua Morgan healthy, Robert Griffin III will have two of his biggest targets ready to go instead of being held back as they were the majority of last season.  The Redskins won all games except one that Pierre Garcon started, and the majority of that time he wasn’t near 100%.

Washington might be featuring a four tight end for the first time in while, thanks to the new addition to Jordan Reed who has shown Aaron Hernandez style play. If there’s one thing defenders didn’t want to see, it was another highly talented, wide receiver tight end on the field against them.

Defensively will be the biggest question for the Redskins if they hope to play in the Super Bowl, and that all begins with the defensive line who again is dealing with injuries.

Aug 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback David Amerson (39) intercepts the ball during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

While Adam Carriker continues to struggle with his recovery, and Jarvis Jenkins is suspended the first four games, others will be called upon. Phillip Merling will be the biggest question mark as he’s a new face, but so far in preseason he’s proven why he deserved a spot on the 53-man roster, and should bring that each week.

Nick Barnett and Darryl Tapp shined in preseason, only making a linebacking core that lost Kennan Robinson for the season, and Rob Jackson for the first four games a stronger group, and possibly the strongest group on the team.

Losing Richard Crawford hurt the Redskins, and the surprise cut of Chase Minnifield might have seemed to of made them take a step back, but assuming Josh Wilson can come back from his poor season last year, and DeAngelo Hall can continue to grow off of what he did at the end of 2012, the Redskins should only be stronger at CB, especially with the veteran-like rookie, David Amerson.

Brandon Meriweather, who is the key to the Redskins defense this season will need to stay healthy in order to help rookie Bacarri Rambo grow and learn from him. If that happens, receivers could be afraid of going down the middle against the Redskins for the first time in at least six season.

Washington might not be on a lot of list to win the Super Bowl, but there’s no doubt they could be a contender if all goes as planned and injuries are kept to a minimal. The Road to MetLife Stadium starts Monday Night, and Washington should be ready.

“I am currently a member of the Road to MetLife Stadium Preferred Blogger Program and this post is part of my involvement. While MetLife provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in Riggo’s Rag are my own.”