When the NFL preview magazines start to roll out in full — a few already have trickled out — it’ll be interesting to see how they consider the Redskins. So far the answer is: not well.
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One of the most respected NFL writers, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News, ranked Washington as the 25th best team in his initial poll. Yep, behind Detroit even.
Gosselin’s rationale: “The Redskins will be an old team this season. Veteran Pro Bowlers Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker have been added to the roster along with former first-round draft picks Philip Buchanan, Adam Carriker, Joey Galloway and Vonnie Holliday.”
The Redskins clearly haven’t gone the youth route this offseason. With few draft picks and not many attractive free agents entering their prime, they opted for veteran savvy over youthful promise.
But 25th? That’s 5-11 territory. It’s hard to see Washington improving by only one game over 2009, which was guided by a coach who everyone knew would get fired, a quarterback whom no one was wowed by and a line that was decimated.
As the Redskins get ready to start their final minicamp — and thus their last official work week before training camp starts July 29th — they have the makings of a seven-win team (The Sporting News pegged them at 6-10 and last in the NFC East).
In another dagger to Redskins fans, Gosselin predicts an Indianapolis-Dallas Super Bowl. The Cowboys have issues along the offensive line, but they have plenty of defensive talent and offensive weapons. That’s not a stretch.
