Training camp’s opening day is no different than the first day of a beach vacation. It may rain later in the week and a sunburn is looming. You know the fun times will end. But for now, it’s all upside.
The Washington Redskins believe they can make the playoffs. A 10-win season is possible, though in the NFC East that might only buy the second wild card. Long before injuries decimate the roster, opponents decipher playcalling or quarterback Jason Campbell is befuddled, the upside remains possible.
“We’re on our way,” coach Jim Zorn said. “We’re not starting out with an injury report.”
Campbell is the key. Critics believe he’s not a good quarterback. But where were naysayers last season when Campbell didn’t throw an interception during a 6-2 start? When the offensive line crumbled and running back Clinton Portis couldn’t find many yards, Campbell also went downhill. Coincidence?
The offensive line may be the foundation for high expectations. Left tackle Chris Samuels is healthy and 30 pounds lighter after ending last season on injured reserve. Derrick Dockery is now the young left guard ready to blossom. Right guard Randy Thomas is healthy after an offseason neck operation that he was crazy to play with last season. Mike Williams may be the new right tackle after shedding 100 pounds over the offseason.
The Redskins will have a shutdown defense with the additions of tackle Albert Haynesworth and linebacker Brian Orakpo — so it comes down to the offense. And the offense always comes down to the line.
Now factor in a second season together for Campbell and Zorn. Campbell finally gets a second bite at the same system. Zorn spent the offseason learning why opposing defenses solved the offense in the season’s second half once enough game film was amassed.
Those are great intangibles. Zorn was an unknown the first half of last season because of no previous playcalling. But everyone has patterns and defensive coordinators obviously spotted some come November.
“Every year coaches have to grow with their own program,” Zorn said. “I try to stay up with the natural change the league goes through.”
Finally, do second-year receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas plus tight end Fred Davis contribute after combining for 21 receptions as second-round rookies?
There will be plenty of time for haters to howl. For now, opening day is always promising.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail [email protected]
