The Washington Redskins had a typical Redskins season in 2018. They started 6-3 but then Alex Smith (85 QB rating) had a horrific leg injury and should miss this season too. They finished 7-9 after that hot start and have a lot of work to do this season. HC Jay Gruden looks to prove he isn’t just a fat Jon Gruden. My former team will need some magic to compete with the Cowboys and Eagles in the NFC East in 2019.
Strengths
Pass Rush
The Redskins might/may have pass rush. Ryan Kerrigan is an underrated beast coming off a 13 sack season. Montez Sweat was added in Round 1 and has great speed. DE Jonathan Allen and NT Da’Ron Payne are former first round picks from 2017 and 2018 from Alabama that anchor Washington’s line. Matt Ioannidis is a solid 3-4 DE in DC Greg Manusky’s scheme. This is a formidable group that if healthy and with some development can give offenses fits. Ryan Anderson is solid OLB depth.
Running Back
Adrian Peterson had a 1,000-yard season despite his age. He’s still got that switch blade speed at 4.2 YPC. Chris Thompson is a receiving threat and had 4.1 YPC. 2018 2nd round pick Derrius Guice returns from a torn ACL in his rookie year. Samaje Perrine and rookie Bryce Love are both 4th round picks that provide great depth as well.
Offensive Tackles
Trent Williams is a long time good LT but is holding out of camp. Morgan Moses is a good right tackle for Washington. Geron Chrisitian is a 2018 3rd round pick for depth. The book-ends are set in Washington. Hope they keep their QB healthier than Alex Smith.
Weaknesses
Secondary
Washington has some big-time talent with Josh Norman at CB and Landon Collins at SS. However, the rest of the secondary has big questions in the nation’s capital. 2017 3rd round pick Fabian Moreau, nickel Greg Stroman, old ass Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie and safety DeShazor Everrett leave a lot to be desired.
ILB
Mason Foster is a solid LB but Reuben Foster tore his ACL in OTAS. Jon Bostic will replace Reuben Foster in the 3-4 defense. The Reskins lack depth here as well and this could be their downfall in run defense and tight end coverage.
Weapons
Jordan Reed is a good tight end but often injured but Vernon Davis is a great backup. Paul Richardson didn’t earn his big contract as a deep man and Josh Doctson hasn’t lived up to his first round status. Terry McClaurin was drafted in Round 3 to replace Jamison Crowder (left in free agency). Kelvin Harmon is a 6th round rookie with potential for depth.
Interior Offensive Line
Chase Roullier and rookie 5th round pick Ross Pierschbacher (Alabama) must prove a lot at center. Brandon Scherff is a stud guard but Ereck Flowers is a terrible guard. Rookie 4th round pick Wes Martin provides the depth.
QB
Case Keenum wants to forget his time in Denver and looks to revive his career like 2017 in Minnesota. Dwayne Haskins was drafted in Round 1 out of Ohio State with 50 TDs and could start over Keenum. Colt McCoy is a proven backup with experience. OC Kevin O’Connell has a lot of work to do to get the most out of these QBS. Haskins has a bright future though in Washington.
Schedule
Redskins host the Bears in Week 3 and Lions in Week 12. I will be there in Week 12 at FEDEX field to watch another Lions victory. Washington travels to Minnesota in Week 8 and Green Bay in Week 14. The Skins have talent but should lose to all four North teams.