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2007 Team Report: Washington Redskins

Quarterbacks

Starter: Jason Campbell
Backup(s): Todd Collins, Mark Brunell

Starting QB: A season ago, Jason Campbell was viewed as the promising future of the Redskins quarterback position, but the present was to be attended to by Mark Brunell; who enjoyed a resurgent 2005 and took the Redskins to the playoffs. But, the NFL is a fickle thing and the team's overall disappointing start accelerated the time line for Campbell's ascension. He started the team's final 7 games and showed just enough to make Redskins fans hopeful of an improved 2007. Despite completing just 53% of his passes and leading the team to just 2 wins, he did throw 10 TDs and had at least one touchdown in every game. Physically, Campbell has all the physical tools to succeed, including enough mobility and pocket presence to avoid the pass rush. For the first time in his career (collegiate and pro), Campbell benefits from playing under the same offensive coordinator in consecutive seasons. Training camp has been up and down, as Campbell's offensive line has dealt with the injury of LT Chris Samuels. Whether Campbell is ready to be more consistent remains to be seen, but after suffering a bone bruise on his knee in the preseason, we won't see much of him until Week One kickoff.

Backup QB: The current backup situation may be in flux, as reports continue that Mark Brunell could be traded to Atlanta (where he would be reunited with Bobby Petrino). However, given Jason Campbell's knee bruise, the Redskins will probably have to think long and hard about letting their proven veteran backup go. Brunell, last year's projected starter, is the most accomplished QB on the roster. But, at 37 years old coming off labrum surgery, is he someone the Redskins feel compelled to keep around? Working in Brunell's favor is that his primary competition comes from 36-year old Todd Collins. What Collins lacks in an on-field resume he makes up for with his familiarity with OC Al Saunders' offense, having spent years with him in Kansas City backing up Trent Green.

Running Backs

Starter: Clinton Portis
Backup(s): Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
Fullback(s): Mike Sellers

Starting RB: Clinton "Kid Bro Sweets" Portis would like a mulligan on his disappointing 2006 season. Portis was beset by a litany of injuries including a high ankle sprain, a broken finger and a torn labrum. Both the finger and labrum required surgeries, and as a result Ports missed the Redskins final 8 games and has continued to miss most of training camp with lingering knee tendinitis. Although Portis is no stranger to injury, last year was the first time it had an impact on his season tallies, as he finished with just 523 yards rushing on 127 carries. With just a few weeks until the start of the season, Redkins fans are left to wonder whether Portis is ready to resume his workhorse ways? A recent visit to renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews confirmed that Portis' knee is healing, an encouraging sign but until he's back on the practice field, he's a risky fantasy bet at his current ADP.

When healthy, Portis is among the league's most productive backs. Despite weighing in at just 205 pounds, he has proven himself a tough inside runner who rarely goes down on first contact. His days of 1,500 yards rushing may be a thing of the past because of the emergence of his backup, Ladell Betts. The coaches have incentive to use Betts liberally in order to keep Portis healthy as the marathon season rolls along.

Backup RBs: It's never a good thing when your best offensive player goes down to injury. But if there's a silver lining in Clinton Portis' injury, it was the emergence of Ladell Betts. Betts, a former 2nd round selection out of Iowa, answered the call last year in Portis' place; looking every bit the franchise runner Portis has proven to be. He ran for 1,154 yards on 245 carries (4.7 YPR) and caught 53 passes, while scoring five times on his way to a surprise top-10 fantasy finish. Once Portis went down, Betts rattled off five 100-yard rushing games and averaged better than 109 yards in the second half of the season. In 2007, expect Betts to be used liberally both in place of, and alongside Clinton Portis. There is going to be a dogfight for the other roster spots.

Fullback: Mike Sellers is a throwback player who sacrifices himself for the good of the team on every play. Described by his teammates as an "extra offensive lineman" he has developed into a punishing lead blocker. Although he's rarely used as a receiving threat, he has that in his arsenal, catching 7 touchdowns in 2005 on just 12 receptions.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El
Backups: Brandon Lloyd, James Thrash, Shaun Bodiford

Starting WRs: The Redskins revamped the receiving corps last offseason, acquiring both Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El and giving them starter money. It was thought the Skins would have an embarrassment of riches as both Randle El and Lloyd would combine with Pro Bowler Santana Moss to give the team three dangerous wideouts. Unfortunately, all three receivers failed to live up to preseason expectations. Moss, the team's true game breaker, caught 55 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns; down from 84/1483/9 the year before. Blame a combination of flawed quarterbacking with hamstring issues. The key for Moss is to get past the hamstring problems, because when healthy he's a potent combination of sprinter speed with run-after-the-catch ability. As for Lloyd and Randle El? They combined for 55 catches, 716 yards and 3 touchdowns. For the Redskins to succeed, they need more production from both receivers. The team moved quickly in camp to name Randle El the starter opposite Moss. Randle El, a former college quarterback, provides versatility but as a pure receiver, he's not a proven commodity. Randle El, who never caught more than 47 passes in his five year career, must do a better job of his opportunities.

Backup WRs: Brandon Lloyd's road in Washington hasn't gone according to plan. Lloyd (6'0", 184 pounds) had difficulty adjusting to Al Saunders' offense after cutting his chops in the West Coast scheme as a 49er. He needs to earn back the coaches confidence after losing his starting job to Randle El late last year; but lingering shin splints have robbed Lloyd of much of camp. Ideally, Lloyd will establish himself as a reliable 3rd option and slot receiver, but he's got an uphill climb at this point. Veteran James Thrash stuck with the team, because of his experience and value on special teams. The Redskins haven't decided on a 5th WR, cutting all of their camp bodies and claiming Shaun Bodiford off waivers.

Tight Ends

Starters: Chris Cooley
Backups: Todd Yoder

Chris Cooley has quietly become one of the league's most productive receiving tight ends. After a 71-catch breakout 2nd season, the sky was the limit in 2006 as new OC Al Saunders was expected to utilize Cooley in much the way Tony Gonzalez was utilized in Kansas City. Things looked bleak after five weeks (15 catches for 149 yards and zero TDs), but his play picked up dramatically the rest of the way. At seasons' end, Cooley's numbers were rock solid (57 catches for 734 yards and 6 TDs). Expect more of the same in 2007, as Cooley presents mismatch problems against most linebackers. He should be an important option across the middle as the wide receivers stretch the defense outside. Todd Yoder, a veteran space eater, was brought in as a more traditional blocking end.

Place Kicker

Shaun Suisham : Washington released John Hall during the offseason, after yet another year where he landed on injured reserve. Suisham was brought in for the final five games last year, and actually provided some stability at the position. He previously had played sparingly with the Cowboys over the last two years. After joining the Redskins, he went 8 of 9 on field goals, and made all 12 PATs. The missed field goal came from 50 yards out. Washington ranked 27th in kicker scoring each of the last two years and 29th three years ago. CAMP UPDATE: Kicker Shaun Suisham made a 48 yard field goal and a PAT in the preseason game against Pittsburgh. He was consistently average on kickoffs, hitting them 66, 65, and 65 yards.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Antwaaan Randle El; James Thrash; Ladell Betts

WR Antwaan Randle El is backing returning kicks. He handled kickoff returns during his first three years in the league but had only one the last two years. James Thrash has never been an explosive returner but won't muff kicks, either. Ladell Betts has had success as a KR before, and may be an option depending on how Randle El embraces the job.

Punt Returners: Antwaan Randle El; James Thrash; Santana Moss

Antwaan Randle El 's abilities are especially evident on punt returns. In 2005, his final year with the Steelers, he averaged 10.2 yards on 44 returns and scored twice. In 2006, his first year with the Redskins, he averaged 8.8 yards on 39 returns and scored once. No other player had a punt return for Washington last year. James Thrash (10 returns, 7.7 avg. in 2005) is available as a backup. WR Santana Moss has not been quite as effective recently on punt returns as he was earlier in his career, however he would probably be the featured PR on many teams. With the Redskins he's just another backup (7 returns, 5.7 avg. in 2005).

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Chris Samuels, LG Pete Kendall, C Casey Rabach, RG Randy Thomas, RT Jon Jansen
Key Backups: T Todd Wade, T Stephon Heyer, G Jason Fabini, G Mike Pucillo

The Redskins are hopeful Chris Samuels can bounce back after sitting out the majority of the preseason with a badly sprained ankle. Rookie T Stephon Heyer has started in his place and struggled, as you might expect of a rookie. Samuels is the Redskins best lineman, and had played in all 16 games for the third consecutive season and made the Pro Bowl each of the past two seasons. At left guard, Pete Kendall has been a godsend after being acquired from the Jets; which frees up Todd Wade to return to the tackle position as a key backup. The rest of the line is, thankfully, stable. Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas and Jon Jansen are all good linemen that have played together for years.

Team Defense

Washington was arguably the worst team defense in 2006. The Redskins finished in the bottom five in every major category but scoring defense, where they were sixth worst. They were dead last in the league in both sacks (19) and takeaways (12). The front seven provided little pass rush and struggled to stop the run. There is reason to be optimistic in 2007. DE Andre Carter seemed to hit his stride in Gregg Williams' scheme by the end of the year with four sacks in his last five games. London Fletcher and a healthy, motivated Cornelius Griffin should improve the run defense. The Redskins' first round pick LaRon Landry joins Sean Taylor to from a safety tandem that could make a bunch of big plays. The Redskins still have some issues up front, but a team full of this much talent has the potential for a major turnaround. They should prove to be a very good option for those looking to play matchups with their fantasy team defenses, but aren't a great risk as a DEF1.

Defensive Line

Starters: LDE Philip Daniels, LDT Cornelius Griffin, RDT Kedric Golston, RDE Andre Carter
Backups: DT Lorenzo Alexander, DE Demetric Evans, DT Anthony Montgomery

Starting DL: The Redskin defensive line struggled in 2006, amassing a league worst 19 sacks for the season. Andre Carter, another in a long line of high priced free agents signed by Dan Synder who didn't live up to expectations, showed signs of life with four sacks in his final five games and will line up at the weak side end again this year. He is an athletic edge rusher with double digit sack potential. Veteran Philip Daniels will be back at left end. He had surgery on his wrist and both ankles in the off-season, and, while he has apparently slimmed down some 15 pounds, Daniels isn't likely to bounce back to his solid 2005 numbers. Tackle Cornelius Griffin hopes to be more effective in 2007 after two seasons of struggles through injury and inconsistent play. Second year player Kedric Golston moves into a starting role after a solid 2007.

Backup DL: Depth is an issue for the Redskins. Demetric Evans will see little playing time as a back end DE/DT. Anthony Montgomery could see time in rotation but still needs to develop. Lorenzo Alexander has little playing experience.

Linebackers

Starters: SLB Marcus Washington, MLB London Fletcher-Baker, WLB Rocky McIntosh
Backups: WLB Randall Godfrey, LB H.B. Blades, LB Khary Campbell

Starting LBs: The latest big money free agent acquisition for the Redskin defense is London Fletcher-Baker who will play MLB. Fletcher-Baker is a steady all-around talent who should fit this defense well. Marcus Washington struggled through multiple injuries in 2006 and had his worst season in four years. Washington has been able to take part in voluntary team workouts in May after hip and elbow surgery this off-season. It looks like he'll be cleared for the team's June mini-camp. When healthy, Washington is one of the better SLB in the league and a solid third down pash rush threat. McIntosh couldn't take advantage of a shaky WLB situation in 2006 after undergoing knee surgery just prior to the team's first mini-camp but has looked tremendous so far in camp. He is a quick, rangy prospect who has projectable skills as a pass rusher and cover linebacker.

Backup LBs: The Redskin depth at linebacker looked better than it had been in a number of seasons. Surprisingly, the team cut veteran Lemar Marshall midway through camp. Marshall, who was expected to back up both MLB and WLB spots, had apparently falling behind Khary Campbell for snaps outside. With the emergence of Rocky McIntosh as a solid every down defender, Marshall became expendable. The team added veteran Randall Godfrey after releasing Marshall. Godfrey has lost more than a step and shouldn't be a major factor in the base defense but may help mentor the young backers. H.B. Blades, the team's sixth round draft pick in 2007, will develop behind Fletcher-Baker and should take over at MLB at some point in the future.

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB Carlos Rogers, SS Laron Landry, FS Sean Taylor, CB Shawn Springs
Backups: CB Fred Smoot, CB David Macklin, S Reed Doughty, S Pierson Prioleau, S Vernon Fox

Starting DBs: Shawn Springs has played well in camp after allaying concerns that he would leave the team during OTAs. Third year player Carlos Rogers has been inconsistent in his first two seasons, but has shown flashes of solid all-around cover play. The starting safety duo has the potential to be the most explosive in the league. After releasing major disappointment Adam Archuleta earlier in the off-season, the Redskins drafted Laron Landry to play SS next to stud talent Sean Taylor. Landry may have been the best defensive talent in this draft and will free up Taylor to go back to his playmaking centerfielding role. Both will be aggressively support the run.

Backup DBs: With Springs starting, Smoot will likely play a nickel corner role behind Carlos Rogers. David Macklin will fill the nickel role if Springs is released. Pierson Prioleau was the favorite to start at SS before Laron Landry was drafted. He and Vernon Fox will provide solid depth and special teams play but are unlikely to see any time in the base defense behind the stud Redskin starters.

Last modified: 2007-09-03 19:44:43