Examining how the Redskins stack up against the rest of the NFC East
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were hit by injuries harder than any other team last season. This season hasn’t started any better. They’ve lost rookie running back Derrius Guice and sophomore wide-out Robert Davis who both figured to make an impact on the offense this season.
The Redskins will struggle to run the football at an elite level, but to assume that the running game will completely struggle due to the loss of Guice is misinformed. As long as the Redskins offensive line is healthy, who ever runs behind it will find some level of success. We saw it last season when Robert Kelley was healthy, I still expect Kelley to have a strong season and the Redskins offense to elevate from the injury riddled season.
The Redskins passing offense will also reveal a new weapon. Josh Doctson is going into his third season, but this is the year I believe he puts it together. He’s now viewed as the undisputed No. 1 receiver will get looks on screen passes, intermediate routes, and deep throws. Alex Smith and Doctson is the combo I’m most excited for this upcoming season. Add Paul Richardson, Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and Vernon Davis to the equation, and this passing game could be one of the NFL’s best.
The Redskins defense is expected to be improved this season, specifically the run defense. They drafted two defensive tackles in the draft and brought in Pernell McPhee, one of the leagues elite run edge defenders. The passing defense was quietly excellent, but I don’t expect it to be as strong as last season. They lost starting outside corner back Bashaud Breeland along with star slot corner Kendall Fuller. The defense as a unit will improve with a much stronger run defense, but the pass defense will be slightly weaker.
The Redskins have a strong roster, with few weaknesses, but the schedule the Redskins face is one of the toughest in the NFL, so they’re going to need to play their best football and have a little bit of luck. I expect the Redskins winning anywhere from 7-to-10 wins. Alex Smith is a proven winner, and has a solid roster around him. The team won’t be terrible, but they will have their fair share of struggles this season.