Redskins: From controlled by chaos to playoff contender in one year’s time
One year later
While 2017 was a time of uncertainty, 2018 appears to be a time of answers for the Redskins fan base.
The quarterback question was answered, albeit temporarily, by the team acquiring Alex Smith in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith is under contract for five years after inking an extension, and he figures to be a player who is on par with Cousins. The best part of having Smith is that he doesn’t make many mistakes and he has been happy to help mentor his successor in the past. Thus, Washington can rest easy and ensure that if they eventually draft a quarterback, Smith will help the young man to grow.
At running back, the Redskins finally added a high-upside player in Derrius Guice. The LSU product was a second-round pick, but some regarded him as the second most talented running back in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has drawn comparisons to Ray Rice and he undoubtedly has more upside than any running back since Alfred Morris‘ early seasons with the team. That will afford him an opportunity to succeed, and that will make the running game a strength once again.
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In the receiving corps, the team moved on from the disappointing Pryor and replaced him with Paul Richardson. While Richardson is still a developing player and only has one good season under his belt, he has excellent speed and uses his body very well to catch passes. He can make some incredible catches, and perhaps he will be a better complement to Doctson and Jamison Crowder. And don’t forget Trey Quinn either.
Perhaps the biggest problem area that the Redskins addressed was the defensive line. They spent a first round pick on nose tackle Daron Payne and followed up by taking another nose tackle in the fifth round, Tim Settle. Both players figure to help the team’s woeful run defense and pairing them with Jim Tomsula should be great for both of their futures. There is reason for excitement surrounding the youth on the defensive line, and it finally looks more like a strength than a weakness.
Of course, it helps that Jay Gruden came off the hot seat after some called for his job in 2017. Though he had signed a two-year extension before the season, some thought that Gruden may not make it through the season if the Redskins missed the playoffs. However, he guided an injury-plagued team to a 7-9 record and that earned the trust of the front office and fan base alike. With his input into Doug Williams, Kyle Smith, and Bruce Allen’s front office plans, the Redskins appear to be in good hands.
In 2017, the Redskins looked to be mired in chaos, losing their GM Scot McCloughan and making some questionable moves. But in 2018, they answered questions, addressed needs, and appear to have a strong foundation for the future.
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It truly is amazing how much can change in one year’s time. The Redskins have done well to turn their franchise around quickly. And perhaps they can make a playoff run in 2018.