Quarterbacks
Better or worse: Better
Jason Campbell and Todd Collins both are in the second year of Jim Zorn’s system, which should help on the field. At least that’s the theory. Campbell has limitations and is still dependant on those around him; good defenses will trouble him. He’ll be better; how much so remains to be seen. This is a slight leap of faith here.
Running backs
Better or worse: Same
You could actually argue that they’re worse considering the mileage on Clinton Portis and his age, 28. This is a veteran group so they’re not exactly going to get better. Sorry, but Marcus Mason’s addition doesn’t bump them up. However, I don’t think Portis’ second-half dropoff was an indication of a major slide. I think he has another good season left. Mike Sellers is about the same; saw him make some good lead blocks and saw him miss some. Pretty much business as usual.
Receivers/tight ends
Better or worse: Better
It has to be, right? Considering that Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas should have more than just a pulse this season. Is anyone that confident? This is a major cross-your-fingers position because of Kelly’s knees and Thomas’ inconsistency. If one of them comes through, however, then the passing game will benefit greatly. Marko Mitchell may provide big plays in the future, but I don’t see that happening this season. As for the tight ends, it’s hard to imagine Chris Cooley getting much better. Todd Yoder won’t. Fred Davis appeared to be improving early in camp, but after watching him this preseason I’m not confident that’s the case. His blocking was mediocre and his routes need honing.
Offensive line
Better or worse: Worse
The starters might be solid, at least in the run game. I have my doubts about Stephon Heyer as a run-blocker, however. Needed to see more proof in the preseason that he had improved that much in this area. I worry about Chris Samuels’ and Randy Thomas’ durability. And the backup situation is a potential nightmare. Their top reserve at tackle hasn’t played a game in three years and was in and out of camp because of injuries. Not one of their reserves played in a game last season. Not one. Anyone think the Redskins will escape injuries among the starters?
Defensive line
Better or worse: Better
This was an easy one, right. I can’t remember a Redskins line potentially having this much depth and versatility since I started covering the team in 1994. Kedric Golston was a solid starter on a defense that ranked fourth overall last season. Now he’s a reserve. Jeremy Jarmon had a terrific summer and might not play a whole lot. Albert Haynesworth’s arrival and Brian Orakpo’s inclusion as a rush end makes this an excellent group. They’ll still be better at stopping the run than rushing the passer, but this defense has a chance to be very good because of them.
Linebackers
Better or worse: Worse
Maybe by season’s end this will change; that depends on Brian Orakpo’s improvement. And this comes with a caveat: They’re worse than if a healthy Marcus Washington had been on the roster. Of course, Washington could never stay healthy. But here’s the problem: I’m not sure how well Orakpo will handle his role in a real game. He’s still learning how to read the tight end and engage him. London Fletcher looks about the same, though he’s 34 and an age where players are on the decline. It will help to have two big tackles in front of him. Rocky McIntosh is the same: a guy who is physical and makes no impact plays. The backup situation is OK, but only H.B. Blades is experienced. Chris Wilson improved at strongside linebacker, but he’s never played it in a real game. And Robert Henson is a rookie who was likely going to be cut until the preseason finale. This group can be better; if Orakpo is a fast learner and stays healthy, they’ll be more consistent than 2008.
Secondary
Better or worse: Worse
The secondary is still good and can be even better. But last season they were the strength of the defense; this year, they’re second behind the line. That’s probably a better way to go. But from the end of last season, they lost Shawn Springs and added Kevin Barnes and Byron Westbrook. Hard to say that makes any team better. The Redskins had no choice but to let Springs go, if they wanted to retain DeAngelo Hall and not have Carlos Rogers demand a trade. But that doesn’t mean this group is better. Barnes is nowhere close to being ready to play. It helps that Chris Horton has improved and that Reed Doughty is healthy. But Fred Smoot is coming off a rough season and is a year older. Rogers is nursing a sore calf. They’ll miss the versatility a healthy Springs provided. Too bad he couldn’t stay healthy or he’d still be here.
Special teams
Better or worse: Better
Having Hunter Smith is a major plus. He won’t be the best in the NFC, but he is a dramatic improvement over last year’s punters. And he should help the coverage units. But, alas, he’s the only real improvement. Don’t like Antwaan Randle El returning punts. He drives the Redskins nuts, too, with his often failed moves. If the Redskins use Devin Thomas more on kickoffs, that would help. He showed explosiveness when he did it in the preseason. Paired with Rock Cartwright, that could be a good combination. Which Shaun Suisham will the Redskins get this year? A slow start equals unemployment.
