Offensive overhaul will come in the offseason
ASHBURN – The offense sputtered to the finish a year ago, prompting changes … on the defense. While the Redskins fortified their defense this past offseason, they hoped a second year in Jim Zorn’s offense would make a difference offensively.
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They were wrong.
Now many changes await the offense.
Forget the coaching staff, which is expected to be fired; of the opening day starters, seven or eight could be elsewhere next season for various reasons. That might be a little high, but it’s also not unrealistic.
And if Mike Shanahan takes over for Zorn, as is widely expected, then he’ll bring the West Coast offense along with him. But he’ll also bring more power to unload certain players.
Offensive line » With Chris Samuels expected to retire and Randy Thomas coming off his second major injury in three seasons (as well as turning 34 years old next month and costing $5.6 million on the cap next season), the Redskins will need at least two new starters. Or more. Center Casey Rabach is a free agent and the current tackles, Stephon Heyer (a restricted free agent after the season) and Levi Jones, have struggled. So the Redskins could need to find three, and perhaps four, new starters along the line. They need guards who can pull, something they rarely have done this season but is a big part of the West Coast offense.
Running backs » Washington wanted to upgrade here regardless. More speed is needed. Though Clinton Portis has endorsed Shanahan; it’s uncertain if that love will be returned. Shanahan’s training camps aren’t exactly the most demanding, which would limit, perhaps, Portis’ disdain for practice. But he’s lost his explosiveness and if it’s an uncapped year, the Redskins should look elsewhere. They’ll likely need to find a starter and a backup, though Ladell Betts is under contract until 2014. Fullback Mike Sellers is another possible casualty. If Shanahan is the coach, he’s almost always employed smaller, pass-catching fullbacks (rookie Eddie Williams might fit that description). Sellers is a big, bruising lead-blocker.
Tight ends » Redskins broadcaster Sonny Jurgensen said on the pregame radio show Sunday night that new executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen told him he believes in having one tight end who can catch and one who can block. If that’s the case, they have a decision to make between pass-catchers Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. They could always trade one to acquire a draft pick or an offensive lineman. But which one?
Receivers » Antwaan Randle El is a potential victim; his punt returns are poor and he hasn’t scored a touchdown offensively on 47 receptions. But if he’s their No. 4 receiver, they’re OK. That means Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas must produce more; the latter is much further ahead than the former. Santana Moss shouldn’t go anywhere, but his days as a strong No. 1 are over. This is still a position in transition.
