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Five reasons the Washington Redskins might not live up to expectations

By Ian Cummings

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs hits the ground during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs hits the ground during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-24. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-24. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – Pass Catchers

If there is truly a glaring question mark on the Washington Redskins’ roster, it isn’t the left guard position. Shawn Lauvao is a familiar face, and he should be able to perform as a viable stopgap. It isn’t the cornerback position, either. The Washington Redskins are relying on potential there, but Quinton Dunbar played very well last year, and Fabian Moreau should be able to develop under Torrian Gray’s watch.

The biggest question mark on the Washington Redskins’ roster lies in its pass catching group. You won’t find me acknowledging the weaknesses of this group often, because in truth, this unit has the potential to be one of the better groups in the league. Josh Doctson is a former first-round talent. Paul Richardson is a speed receiver with solid contested catch ability. Jamison Crowder is a miracle worker in the slot, and Trey Quinn and Robert Davis are very solid depth pieces who could take on more opportunities.

That said, the potential of this unit does not come without risk. While Doctson has immense upside, he also has yet to be consistent. He dropped a fair bit of passes last season, and this year, he needs to step up. Richardson needs to prove he can stay healthy for consecutive seasons. Jordan Reed needs to get healthy. Vernon Davis needs to fight off age for another year.

Make no mistake: This supporting cast is decent, and if all the pieces can stay healthy, it is at least as good as what Alex Smith had to work with last year. But right now, we’re banking so much on what has to happen for everything to go right. How often does that end up being the case?

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