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2008 Team Report: Washington Redskins

Quarterbacks

Starter: Jason Campbell
Backup(s): Todd Collins, Colt Brennan [R]

Starting QB: The good news is Jason Campbell is used to change. The bad news is Campbell is about to execute his seventh offensive system in nine seasons. It may sound impossible but Campbell played in four systems in college and will now be learning his third offense as a pro. To hear Campbell tell it, the transition should be relatively easy as he contends he ran a similar offense as a senior at Auburn, however, most pundits would tell you that Auburn's offense was far less complex than the classic West Coast Offense new head coach Jim Zorn plans to install. Zorn is bringing in entirely new verbiage -- this will be an adjustment from the Don Coryell system Al Saunders and Joe Gibbs were fond of. Further complicating things, Zorn intends to tweak Campbell's mechanics. Having missed four games last year with a hyperextended knee, Campbell has much to learn and prove this season. With a new regime in place, this is a make or break year for the QB in less-than-opportune circumstances.

Backup QB: Todd Collins re-signed with the Redskins this offseason and is secure in his position as Campbell's backup. The 36-year-old hadn't seen significant playing time since 1997 until an injury forced him into the lineup late last year. Collins proceeded to complete 63.8 percent of his passes while throwing five TDs and zero interceptions as the Skins won their final four games. Interestingly, Collins will be operating a West Coast Offense for the first time, so his vast experience may not be as much of an advantage as it was a year ago. The third QB spot appears to be Colt Brennan's to lose. The prolific rookie out of Hawaii has been erratic in camp but was sharp in early preseason action.

Running Backs

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

Starting RB: Clinton Portis answered his critics last year and proved once and for all that he's one of the best backs of his generation. After injuries cost him half of the 2006 season, there were questions about whether Portis' days as a 300-carry workhorse were over. They weren't as evidenced by his league-leading 325 carries last year en route to a 1,262-yard, 11-TD campaign. Portis has exceptional patience and lets his blockers set up the holes for him, rarely going down on initial contact. He's run for at least 1,200 yards and scored 11 TDs in four of six seasons. He shows no signs of letting up as the Redskins rely on him while they groom a young passing attack. With the team moving to a West Coast Offense this year, Portis could build off of last year's career-best 47 receptions cementing himself as a top fantasy option in any scoring format.

Backup RBs: When you're backing up Clinton Portis, it's difficult to assert yourself. Ladell Betts has fewer than 100 rushing attempts in five of his six seasons; and he understands that role isn't likely to change as long as Kid Bro Sweets is healthy. But that one season when Betts did indeed get his chance is notable. In 2006, Betts ran for 1,154 yards including six 100-yard games and proved that the Redskins offense can survive a Portis injury. In the meantime, the 5-foot-10, 222-pound bruiser will contribute an occasional series each game. Rock Cartwright returns as the team's third back, and will fill a similar role in the new system as he did under Joe Gibbs.

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. While not a natural receiver, Sellers has a chance to play a larger role in the passing game this year.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El
Backups: Devin Thomas [R], Malcolm Kelly [R], James Thrash

Starting WRs: Is Santana Moss an elite receiver or not? After the 2005 season, it certainly seemed the case with his 84 catches, 1,483 yards and nine TDs, but the last two seasons point toward a different conclusion. The fact is, Moss has averaged just 58 catches for 799 yards and 4.5 TDs over the last two years, missing time both seasons. More disturbing is his per catch average has fallen four consecutive seasons from 18.6 to 13.2, which goes against Moss' greatest attribute: his speed. At just 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Moss lacks durability and now must adjust to an offense that relies on its receivers making plays in traffic. This is a critical year for Moss in Washington; new coach Jim Zorn may look to accelerate the youth movement if Moss doesn't reassert himself. Antwaan Randle El starts opposite Moss and is coming off a career year of 51 receptions, 728 yards and one TD. Randle El is a hard worker and has improved his route-running of late, but he's never scored more than three receiving TDs in a season and has a whopping 11 TD catches in six seasons. If it weren't for his hefty contract and leadership position in the locker room, Randle El would be better suited as a slot receiver.

Backup WRs: The Redskins took a big step toward fixing their ailing receiving corps in the April by selecting a pair of receivers in the second round named Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas. In a receiver class where beauty was in the eye of the beholder, both Thomas and Kelly ranked atop many pre-draft rankings. Thomas (6'2", 216 pounds) is the higher-risk prospect, because he only had one successful season at Michigan State before declaring as an underclassman. Thomas lacks polish, particularly as a route-runner, but is excellent at catching balls in traffic and gaining yards after the catch. Malcolm Kelly is the more NFL-ready player having starred for three seasons at Oklahoma. He's huge (6'4", 224 pounds) and has the physical strength and timing to be an immediate red-zone target, but he lacks top end speed and has missed time each of the last two seasons. Between Thomas and Kelly, the Redskins may have solved their depth issues and found future starters simultaneously.

Tight Ends

Starters: Chris Cooley
Backups: Todd Yoder, Fred Davis [R]

Chris Cooley is the Redskins best receiver, period. He's a model of consistency having averaged 65 catches for 765 yards and seven touchdowns over the last three seasons, cementing himself as an elite fantasy tight end in the process. Cooley is a smooth route-runner with great hands and is perennially among the top TEs in generating yards after the catch. Given his skill set, expect Cooley to be the quickest to adjust to Jim Zorn's new West Coast Offense. Expect him to lead the Redskins in receptions and TDs in the process. Backing him up will be a traditional blocking veteran, Todd Yoder, and an athletic rookie from USC, Fred Davis. Davis has the talent to someday make his own impact in the league, but expect him to focus on special teams this year.

Place Kicker

Shaun Suisham : After more John Hall injury woes, Suisham was brought in for the final five games of 2006, and actually provided some stability at the position. In 2007, Suisham's first full season in the NFL, he made 29 of 35 (82.9%) field goals, including 11 of 15 from 40+ yards, and added 29 PATs. In week one he kicked a 39 yard game winner in overtime to beat the Dolphins. Against the Jets, he was 5 of 5 on field goals including a 46 yard game winner in overtime. Five of his six missed field goals and his missed PAT attempt last year were all wide left. Suisham doesn't have the strongest leg. He came up short on a 47 yard field goal attempt and averaged only 58.4 yards on kickoffs. After having ranked 27th, 27th, and 29th in kicker the prior three years, the Redskins climbed to 13th last year with 116 points.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Rock Cartwright; Ladell Betts; James Thrash

RB Rock Cartwright took over the top kickoff return spot in 2006 and the Redskins kept him very busy (64 returns, 24.1 avg., 1 TD). He led the team again last year (52 returns, 25.8 avg.). RB Ladell Betts averaged a healthy 25.9 yards on 24 returns in 2005, but averaged only 21.6 yards on 5 returns as a backup last year.

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

In 2005, Antwaan Randle El's 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. Last year his average dipped to 6.1 yards on 34 returns. During the offseason he had minor knee surgery. James Thrash (2 returns, 35.5 avg. is again available as a backup. WR Santana Moss was an effective punt returner earlier in his career, however his numbers began to fade, and he has not had any punt returns the last two years.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Chris Samuels, LG Pete Kendall, C Casey Rabach, RG Randy Thomas, RT Stephon Heyer
Key Backups: OT Jon Jansen, OG Jason Fabini, C Justin Geisinger, OG Chad Rinehart

Commentary coming soon.

Team Defense

The Redskins, depending on your scoring system, were either a very good or very mediocre fantasy defense last season. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams scrapped some of his aggressive style for fewer blitzes and more zone coverage. As a result, if you had the Washington D/ST in a system based on total yards and points allowed, you had a top-10 defense. If you had them in a format that awarded big plays, you likely were looking for other options by midseason. Given that new coordinator Greg Blache has hinted that he'll keep the defensive philosophy pretty much the same in '08, and the fact that they didn't add any impact defenders in free agency or the draft, there may not be much upside here this season either. Washington has some potential for big plays in pass-rushing DEs Andre Carter and Jason Taylor, as well as S LaRon Landry, but the rest of the solid defense isn't likely to generate much. Despite the acceptable finish in points/yardage systems last year, the tough NFC East divisional schedule will make it difficult to repeat that finish in '08. With continued struggles in the big-play columns also likely, it may be best to avoid the Redskins this season.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Jason Taylor, DE Andre Carter, DT Anthony Montgomery, DT Cornelius Griffin
Backups: DE Erasmus James, DE Chris Wilson, DE Demetric Evans, DT Kedric Golston, DT Lorenzo Alexander

Starting DL: The big news is the addition of 6-time Pro Bowler Jason Taylor via a July trade that sent the Dolphins 2nd and 6th round draft picks. By adding Taylor, the Redskins dramatically improve their pass rush and, in turn, given their defense unit a chance to make big player; something that was lacking in 2007. Taylor's presence should help Andre Carter immensely. Carter settled into his role as the primary pass rusher last year, following up on a strong finish to his 2006 season with 43 solos and 10.5 sacks last year. He remains in the prime of his career and should have another strong season in 2008. With Philip Daniels lost for the season, the Skins lose some diversity but should field a solid starting front four. Inside, Cornelius Griffin and Anthony Montgomery are the starters at tackle heading into camp. Griffin, if healthy, has the potential to be a disruptive 3-technique but may be kept in a rotation to keep him fresh. Montgomery settled into the nose tackle role nicely last season and should get the bulk of the snaps on base defensive downs.

Backup DL: The Redskins took a flier on oft-injured end Erasmus James, acquiring him in a late spring trade with the Vikings. James reportedly failed his physical in Minnesota, however, and is not guaranteed to have any impact this season. If healthy, James has a chance to fill a situational pass rushing role, but not much more. Evans will help provide depth at end. Golston may rotate in for a series here and there if Griffin is healthy and would easily slide into a starting spot if needed.

Linebackers

Starters: MLB London Fletcher, SLB Marcus Washington, WLB Rocky McIntosh
Backups: MLB H.B. Blades, OLB Khary Campbell, OLB Alfred Fincher

Starting LBs: Fletcher had no trouble adjusting to a new team and different defensive scheme last year. He picked up where he'd left off in Buffalo, topping 100 solos for the third consecutive season and adding solid coverage play. He'll again anchor the middle of the Redskin defense as one of the most underrated players in the league. McIntosh suffered a significant knee injury late in 2007 but is reportedly on track to return during training camp. McIntosh thrived as a Cover-2 backer last year when healthy and should return to that form by mid-season (if not sooner) if his health holds up. Washington suffered through another season of nagging injuries and inconsistent play last year. He still has the ability to be an all-around force at strong side linebacker.

Backup LBs: Blades proved himself capable of handling an OLB role after filling in for an injured Rocky McIntosh late last year. He'll be the primary backup at all three positions again this year and gives the team a solid option if McIntosh isn't ready to play on opening weekend. Campbell is a veteran special teams player who can also contribute in the base defense in a pinch.

Defensive Backs

Starters: SS Reed Doughty, FS LaRon Landry, CB Fred Smoot, CB Shawn Springs
Backups: CB Carlos Rogers, CB Leigh Torrence, SS Kareem Moore, FS Chris Horton, SS Justin Hamilton

Starting DBs: Second year player LaRon Landry has become the anchor of the Washington secondary, almost by default. With the tragic loss of Sean Taylor, Landry looks likely to remain in Taylor's old roving free safety role and the team has said that Doughty has the inside track at strong safety entering the summer. Veterans Smoot and Springs will start at corner. Neither have been particularly productive and both have struggled with health concerns in recent seasons. With Carlos Rogers just rounding into game shape, however, the vets are the only experienced corners on the roster right now.

Backup DBs: The Redskins have a bunch of names on the depth chart behind their starters, but few have any experience on the field. The exception, of course, is Carlos Rogers. Rogers tore an MCL and ACL last October and is recovering. He'll provide a big boost to the corner rotation if he can return to form early in the season.

Last modified: 2008-09-01 08:56:11