Is there hope yet for the Washington Redskins?
The Redskins’ 34-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday showcased young prospects Brian Orakpo, Fred Davis, Quinton Ganther and Graham Gano. It makes 2010 seem brighter.
Orakpo may be Defensive Player of the Year. The rookie was a steal with the 13th overall selection. He has 11 sacks, including four against the Raiders, with three games remaining. Just think what Orakpo will do when moved to defensive end one day. He’s the team’s best pass rusher since Dexter Manley, which, sadly, was 20 years ago.
The Redskins will have some tough choices with Davis’ emergence. Davis likely returns to second team next season behind a healthy Chris Cooley. There are only so many two tight end sets. Davis has been impressive since Cooley broke his ankle, including two touchdowns on Sunday, but the latter is a Pro Bowler. Still, Davis makes Cooley expendable, maybe even part of a draft day trade. Davis certainly gives the Redskins options.
Ganther produced 93 combined yards with two rushing touchdowns in his first NFL start. It’s too soon to say if Ganther is truly Clinton Portis’ successor. However, the next three games will very much determine whether Portis returns if Washington thinks Ganther is for real. If nothing else, he presses for No. 2. That means goodbye Rock Cartwright and maybe Ladell Betts.
Gano showed a strong leg on kickoffs and 46- and 41-yard field goals in his first game for the Redskins. Kickers are streaky, but Gano earns a training camp invite with a good finish.
While he’s no novice, quarterback Jason Campbell is also making the Redskins wonder if they shouldn’t keep the passer rather than spend their first-rounder on the draft. The only thing more amazing than that would be coach Jim Zorn returning.
The Redskins have been scouting Campbell’s replacement, looking for the second Colt in their holster. But what good would a rookie be behind no offensive tackles? Still, owner Dan Snyder loves big names and quarterbacks are the biggest. Then again, if Washington wins even once more — and there’s a fair chance against slumping Dallas and the New York Giants — the Redskins forfeit any chance of getting a quarterback in the first round.
The offense scored a season-best in points for the second straight week. Campbell threw two touchdowns. The Redskins shouldn’t give up on him when he’s finally delivering.
But 2010 has little to do with this season. That’s the NFL way. Still, if Washington can grow their young players, the Redskins have a chance to escape the NFC East cellar next season. Meanwhile, at least the waning weeks of another losing season don’t have to be so miserable.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
