Redskins_SF Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Redskins season preview By Tim Polzer | Special to NFL.com http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d801ecb5d&template=with-video&confirm=true Like most sequels, the Joe Gibbs Era Part 2 has not lived up to its blockbuster original. In three seasons, Gibbs has tried every trick in his Hall of Fame book. The Redskins have grabbed at a quick fix by throwing money at free agents. And Gibbs has leaned on veteran performers whose best days are well behind them. The result has produced only one winning season and a single playoff appearance. Now Gibbs hopes that the team will benefit from the experience gained by youngsters like quarterback Jason Campbell during the second half of 2006. Fortunately for Campbell, coordinator Al Saunders will focus first on the run, hoping to grind out drives on the legs of Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. Betts may become an important third-down receiving outlet as Campbell reacts to pressure defenses. The Redskins must get better production out of their receiving corps. It was bad enough that the normally reliable Santana Moss had a down year in 2006, but heralded acquisitions Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd failed to live up to their paper. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams lives and dies with pressure blitz packages, and he did a lot of dying last season. He's hoping that another offseason under the belts of young hitters like defensive backs Sean Taylor and Carlos Rogers, and pass rusher Andre Carter will cut down on the catastrophic plays. Williams added veteran linebacker London Fletcher-Baker to plug the running lanes, and Fred Smoot to calm the secondary. The biggest impact on defense should come from No. 1 draft pick LaRon Landry who earned his way into the starting lineup, despite missing valuable camp time working out his contract. The Redskins love Landry's physical play and blitzing ability, and believe he makes the perfect complement to Taylor. THREE KEY GAMES Sept. 23 vs. Philadelphia: If the Redskins are going to compete for the NFC East title -- or escape its basement -- they must win inter-divisional home games. Dec. 2 vs. Buffalo: Wonder if Gregg Williams will get his defense up for the team that fired him? Dec. 30 vs. Dallas: What better way to end the regular season than a grudge match with the Cowboys? The Redskins will be better than you think if ... Portis and Betts each rush for 1,000-plus yards. Campbell convinces Gibbs he's the real deal. The Redskins will be worse than you think if ... Portis is sidelined by another injury. Gibbs must insert Todd Collins for a healthy Campbell. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Pat Kirwan's take No one is talking about the Redskins making any waves this year, so watch out! They were fourth in the NFL in rushing last year and should be better in '07. But young Jason Campbell is under center and he has a ways to go before he can dominate the NFC East. There is a lot to overcome from last year. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams put an excellent defense on the field in 2005 but it collapsed in 2006. Can Washington sneak up on teams in 2007? Yes, but Campbell needs to take a quantum leap, the defense and special teams have to make drastic changes and it may be too much to ask. Next season seems like a better target for a playoff run. Projected record: 7-9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Om Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Just me, or does Kirwan's take sound like it was written a couple months ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsOrlando Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Just me, or does Kirwan's take sound like it was written a couple months ago? Agree, it also sounds like the normal [insert name] piece thats generated about several teams every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidenreich Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 THREE KEY GAMES Sept. 23 vs. Philadelphia: If the Redskins are going to compete for the NFC East title -- or escape its basement -- they must win inter-divisional home games. Um, we play the Giants on Spetember 23rd..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKINS FAN #56 Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Things aren't as bad as hes saying they are.. I feel it, this year is gonna be big Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCranon21 Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 I think with Kendall at LG now and Big Chris, Clinton, and Marcus coming back well rested I might add, we will finish better than what a lot of people think. I expect Clinton to run for at least 1300 yards and 13 TD's, Betts doing about 700-900 yards rushing. Also JC is going to make a lot of people's head turn too. Me personally, don't listen to who the experts has as their so called "paper champions". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmeriplanDentalMan Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Things aren't as bad as hes saying they are..I feel it, this year is gonna be big yea, but you FEEL it every year at this time....come on and admit it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santana_Fan Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Dallas will definitely get punished in a game as important as the last game of the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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