ASHBURN — The questions were obvious before the season ended. In some cases, they’re repetitive as the Redskins have searched for certain offensive parts for a while.
But as they head into the 2012 offseason, the Redskins have questions that must be answered on offense:
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Who will be the QB?
Check the 2010 season finale list of questions. Yes, it was there as well. Sort of an annual question here.
The big question will be: Do you take a shot at Green Bay’s Matt Flynn, a potential free agent, or do you make a bold move in the draft by trading up to draft a Robert Griffin III?
Or do you gamble that Rex Grossman will improve given more playmakers around him? The Redskins weren’t thrilled with Grossman’s high rate of turnovers, but they also don’t blame him for all of them. There’s clearly a part of them that believes they can win 10 or more games with him — and more playmakers. However, Grossman’s inability to extend plays with his legs also is an issue.
And, yes, John Beck also might return. He’s under contract and there is a sense that he was hurt as much as anyone by the lack of a legitimate offseason. That doesn’t mean he’ll start, but it could be why he comes to camp.
Where are they better?
Running back. The Redskins might not have a budding Pro Bowl running back, but if Tim Hightower returns and is healthy, they at least have a solid group with Roy Helu and Evan Royster. All three have proven they can run in this system, and have a big game. All have limitations, too.
Helu was the rare Redskin who made a play on his own that resulted in a touchdown this year (vs. Seattle when he hurdled a defender at the line).
Will they address the line?
They need to find more depth and if any starting spot is up for grabs it’s right tackle.
Rookie guard Maurice Hurt showed that he’s further along than rookie tackle Willie Smith. But Hurt must get stronger and into better shape this offseason, reshaping a body accurately described as “fleshy” by one draft analyst last spring. But he was solid as an inside zone blocker, and if he develops into a quality starter, the Redskins could always move the quicker Kory Lichtensteiger to center.
This is a huge offseason for right tackle Jammal Brown, who hasn’t been healthy, nor has approached his Pro Bowl level of 2008.
Will both TEs return?
The Redskins could franchise Fred Davis or sign him to a contract in which they protect themselves should he be suspended a year for drugs. Chris Cooley is confident in his return, but the real question is this: Will he need to take a paycut to remain in Washington? It’s not a lock either way and it depends on what contract Davis receives — would they give two tight ends starter money?
But money aside, a healthy Cooley and Davis’ return makes the offense better.
What’s needed after QB?
The Redskins must find a playmaker, most likely at receiver. They are sold on Leonard Hankerson, but is he a rising playmaker? He’s the only one who has the chance to become one. There’s just as good a chance that they’ll have to look outside to find one, whether in the draft or free agency.
They need to find someone who is a threat after the catch. The Giants’ Victor Cruz had 508 yards after the catch this season. Washington’s nine wideouts with a reception this season combined for 537. It’s an issue.
