When training camp started, so, too, did the questions. Could the Redskins improve their pass rush up front? Would the kicking game be adequate? Would they find depth along the offensive line?
Four preseason games provided answers: no, no and no.
Which is why, with the season finally starting, the Redskins face the same questions. If they harbor dreams of a Super Bowl, they must change those answers.
» Strengths. They are deep at wide receiver and running back. If David Patten is a No. 4 receiver, an offense is in good shape. Ditto for a team with Ladell Betts and T.J. Duckett as backup runners.
The starting lines both are solid. The offensive line does well in run blocking and is athletic. The defensive line plays the run well. Linebacker appears solid, especially with Warrick Holdman’s improved play and rookie Rocky McIntosh.
» Weaknesses. The kicking game. Derrick Frost at least finished with a strong preseason game. He’s young (25) and has shown a strong leg — albeit too often when he’s punting inside the 50.
But the devout faith in kicker John Hall is surprising. He’s made a sub-par 74.3 percent of his career field goals, but has made 20 of his past 25. However, he’s missed six of his last 11 attempts beyond 40 yards. And he missed all three such attempts this summer. A kicker with two years of leg injuries and average stats that longer kicks off should have faced a stiff challenge in camp.
» Injury concerns. The problem is several key players already have gotten hurt, leaving many to legitimately wonder if they’ll become season-long issues.
And, with the way the cornerbacks played this summer, it’s clear the Redskins need Shawn Springs (abdomen) healthy. He’s their best cover corner. Also, defensive end Phillip Daniels (back) becomes more important given how little rush was applied by other ends this summer.
» Problem areas. The overall depth of the offensive line, especially at tackle.
The backup quarterback situation remains questionable; Todd Collins was unimpressive against anything other than third-stringers this summer and Jason Campbell is still learning the offense.
» Question marks. Two defensive newcomers, safety Adam Archuleta and end Andre Carter, did little this summer to inspire confidence. Archuleta misses too many tackles and struggles in coverage — his reputation in St. Louis.
And Carter showed little explosiveness. Perhaps he was saving his best moves for the regular season, or is still adjusting to a new defense.
Both players look the part. Now they need to play the part.
Talkin’ practice
The Redskins announced Sunday the nine players signed to their practice squad: wide receivers Mike Espy and Steven Harris, fullback Manuel White, linebacker Robert McCune, defensive back John Eubanks, wide receiver Steven Harris, defensive linemen Vaka Manupuna and Joe Sykes and offensive lineman Chris Pino.
