The Redskins begin mini camp Friday for their final preflight checks before training camp starts July 27. Just one thing comes to mind — are they twice as good as last year?
Not a few games better, but twice the five wins of 2006 because that’s how many are needed to reach the playoffs. It seems to be asking a lot. Probably too much.
There are a handful of positives that should benefit the Redskins, mostly health. Running back Clinton Portis, cornerback Shawn Springs and receiver Santana Moss are in form. While Ladell Betts was a sensational successor last season when Portis went down, the latter is a game breaker.
Quarterback Jason Campbell now has nearly a half season ofexperience. Equally important, offensive coordinator Al Saunders has a year of experience with this roster. It seems the Redskins will retool the high-octane offense to fit the talent rather than the opposite that failed last year. That might be the biggest difference over last season.
First-round pick LaRon Landry looked like a banger with speed during recent workouts. Receivers should worry over a secondary with safeties Sean Taylor and Landry ready to hurt them. Springs’ return means there are no holes in the back four.
The Redskins even found a kicker late last season with Shaun Suisham. Kickers have bedeviled the team for a decade so it would be nice to finally have a consistent one.
Those are all great things, but are they enough? Maybe for three more wins, but that only gets Washington back to mediocre.
Now let’s factor two offseason setbacks. The offensive line lost guard Derrick Dockery, who was probably their worst player but nonetheless a hole to fill. Todd Wade is 6-foot-8 so getting low won’t be easy and he’s used to playing tackle on the other side of the line.
The defensive line is healthy once more, but it’s not especially good at run stopping or pass rushing. If the Redskins don’t make the playoffs, the defensive line will probably be the reason.
This is a pivotal year for the franchise. After 6-10, 10-6 and 5-11 seasons respectively, coach Joe Gibbs needs a winning year. The background noise says the Hall of Fame coach might opt out of his final season if this year stinks. That’s difficult to gauge, but the scenario isn’t far fetched. The only problem is where would the Redskins go without Gibbs? Oh, I know the rumor is Bill Cowher is warming up in Raleigh, N.C., but Cowher would go over with owner Dan Snyder as well as Marty Schottenheimer did in one season. Former Hog Russ Grimm would be a much better alternative.
Meanwhile, enjoy your last football fix before the preseason. After all, the Redskins own this time of year.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
