Just three Redskins are age 33 or older The Redskins youth movement started in the offseason and continued through the summer. Old guys remain, but they’re rare.
They have more players 25 years or younger than they had in 2010. But not by much. A year ago, they had 23 such players; now they have 25. Where they’ve gotten younger is by shedding the players 33 or over. Last year they had eight; this year they have three.
But the point is: they wanted to get young. And to succeed, they’ll need those younger players to perform well.
– John Keim
| What We’ve Learned |
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| Nose tackle Barry Cofield is for real. Cofield will make a tremendous difference in the middle, a major weakness for the Redskins in 2010. He’ll be a terrific pass rusher, too, which will help. Losing Jarvis Jenkins was a major blow to the line, but Cofield’s presence still makes them better. They’ll have to make sure they don’t overuse him. If Stephen Bowen can apply pressure out of the nickel packages, it would help in that regard. |
| » The offense will be better, but it still lacks big-time playmakers. The quarterbacks both operate the offense much more to the coach’s liking than Donovan McNabb in 2010. They saw too many open receivers missed last season. This year, they know the offense better. The running backs look more dynamic as the line is more in sync on the stretch zone runs. But the line still has issues in pass blocking. The receiver depth provides more options, but none are considered huge threats to a defense. So there will be games they look good and games they don’t. Part of the building process. |
| » The defense could take time. They have five new starters, a rookie changing positions and two safeties who haven’t been healthy most of camp. The defense will be good if safeties LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe are healthy. There’s much more concern about the former. So the defense should be improved, but when? This unit will make plays early, but strong consistent efforts might take time. |
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| The attitude is fantastic. It was always good under Joe Gibbs, too. But they made a concerted effort with the rookie class and with the free agents to bring in a certain type of player. It helped, too, that they had a lot of time to investigate free agent targets. They wrote off some players after learning more. That wasn’t a luxury in previous offseasons (it might not have mattered, either). The result is fresh voices in the locker room and more energy. Yes, it helps that you know who is gone too. |
Here are four who must do so:
LB Brian Orakpo
Orakpo is going to have a huge season. The coaches can see a difference in him, the way he uses his hands and how he’s shedding tight ends and fullbacks to make tackles. If Orakpo gets any help in the pass rush, he’ll easily reach double digits in sacks. But he’s also showing more signs of becoming an all-around linebacker. He can’t be considered a breakout player — he’s already made two Pro Bowls — but he can take a big step.
Our prediction » Orakpo will produce double-digit sacks and reach a third straight Pro Bowl. He’ll also become more of a leader.
RB Tim Hightower
He plays with the wisdom of an older player and comes across as much older than 25. Ryan Torain is capable of carrying the load for a few games, but durability is an issue beyond that. And Roy Helu is talented, but his inability to pass protect will limit him. So Hightower must carry his preseason work into the regular season.
Our prediction » He’ll be solid, but not spectacular. He’ll be mostly good in pass protection, but not as good or as consistent as Clinton Portis. The Redskins would be wise to limit him to around 15 to 18 carries a game. Otherwise, with his third down role — as a receiver and in protection — he’ll get worn out.
LT Trent Williams
The fourth pick in the 2010 draft certainly reported in excellent shape this past summer. And he’ll benefit from a second year in this offense. But the key is recognition, particularly against the rush. Williams was inconsistent as a rookie, allowing too much pressure. He looked quicker on the move, but in straight protection this summer he continued to have breakdowns.
Our prediction » Improved, but not at the level he should be at yet. He’ll continue to make terrific plays, but his inconsistency is still evident.
LB Ryan Kerrigan
He’ll become a player capable of multi-sack games, using his smarts and relentless style to capitalize on a front that collapses the pocket. Oh, wait, that’s next season. For now, Kerrigan must continue adjusting to playing outside linebacker and all that entails: how to rush from a two-point stance, how to cover and how to play in space. Coaches rave about his ability to learn quickly. He’s already learned how to take better angles to the quarterback, but most of his success this summer came against backup linemen.
Our prediction » He’ll have an OK year in terms of big plays. But he’s already showing that he can play with strength, which will help vs. the run. He won’t repeat Orakpo’s rookie season.
