Additions and youth are positives
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
September 3, 2007
ASHBURN — The Redskins survived the preseason without a devastating injury, an ugly loss and a starting quarterback controversy. It’s a start. They also exited as, like most teams, flawed in some areas.
After trimming the roster, and heading into the first week of the season, they have clearly solved some problems this summer, while still waiting to have other questions answered.
Problems solved:
1. Left guard. Trading for Pete Kendall took care of this hole, but how quickly he can mesh with Chris Samuels remains an issue — just not a big enough one to be worrisome.
2. The defense. The infusion of speed, and, in some areas, youth, has provided this defense with energy. That should help them recover from last year’s 31st ranking. The coaches can be more creative than last year, when they were hamstrung by weak corner play and no pass rush. They won’t be an elite defense — not until they find a top pass-rusher — but they can be a good one.
3. Safety. The Redskins have done a nice job in making it easier for their safeties by more sharply defining their roles. Lining up inside the box, LaRon Landry can play on reaction and instincts. Landry appears to be a very smart pick, though he remains untested in coverage. That will come soon enough.
4. Jason Campbell’s development. He has improved since last season, making better reads, unloading the ball quicker. He was more accurate this preseason, too. The only question is: How much has he improved? That will be answered in 17 weeks.
Remaining questions:
1. Defensive line depth. The Redskins wanted to get younger and have, cutting Joe Salave’a and Renaldo Wynn. That’s left them with unproven backups; it doesn’t mean they won’t produce, but it does mean they haven’t yet. They envision Chris Wilson as a Chris Clemons speed-rushing type, though Wilson struggled against first teamers this summer. But, while he learns and bulks up, Wilson can be a special teams asset.
2. Injuries. Santana Moss played more than he expected this summer, a sign that his groin was not a problem. But Clinton Portis remains an issue; a guy who couldn’t make it through spring or summer workouts must be viewed skeptically. And if he can’t play, the Redskins’ depth at running back, once a strength, looks rather shallow. Marcus Mason is a wonderful story and Rock Cartwright is a fan favorite, but if Portis’ knee forces him out for a sustained period, they become the primary backups.
3. No. 2 receiver. Antwaan Randle El had a good summer, but few around the league would consider him a legitimate second wideout option. Fortunately for Washington, Chris Cooley can serve as a good second option; that is, if he doesn’t have to stay in to block too often. Brandon Lloyd needs to have a big year, but is he capable?
Roster updates
» Eight players were signed to the practice squad, including DeMatha graduates Byron Westbrook (cornerback) and Brian Bell (fullback) as well as Georgetown’s Alex Buzbee (defensive end). The others were: cornerback John Eubanks, linebacker Anthony Trucks, linebacker Matt Sinclair, offensive lineman Kili Lefotu and wide receiver Burl Toler.
» The Redskins signed wide receiver Shaun Bodiford and tight end Cody Boyd and released tight end Eric Edwards. Bodiford, released by Green Bay this summer, has played in six career games, with five kickoff returns for 81 yards and six punts for 25 yards. Boyd was an undrafted free agent cut by Pittsburgh this summer. Washington also waived running back Derrick Blaylock and fullback Pete Schmitt from the injured reserve list with a settlement.
