Are the Washington Redskins better than last year? Not a pass has been thrown nor a tackle made, but the Redskins have spent the two weeks since training camp began frantically trying to prove just that. They open the preseason Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sixty-six of the 90 players in camp are new. That’s not reloading. That’s a reformation.
The good news is the Redskins are better. The bad news is they still might finish with a 6-10 record for the second straight year.
The Redskins have improved their offensive and defensive lines and at receiver. Washington is about the same at running back, tight end, linebacker and safety once LaRon Landry returns and maybe a touch worse at cornerback. Special teams might be a little better. The overall depth has improved, too.
So why won’t the Redskins win more games? It’s all about the quarterback. The preseason soon will reveal the team’s potential.
Normally, preseason games are throwaways. The last person who thought they counted was Steve Spurrier. The schemes are as bland as Shanahan’s news conferences. Starters make cameo appearances, and second halves are dominated by those soon to increase the nation’s unemployment figures.
Not this year, though. While Shan?ahan practically pleads the Fifth Amendment over the lineup, the Redskins appear ready to play their starters more in the opener and in the preseason overall. Quarterbacks John Beck and Rex Grossman probably will combine for two-thirds of the preseason snaps.
With Beck not working in 11-on-11 drills on Wednesday because of a sore groin, he’ll probably at best be the second passer against the Steelers, who reportedly will play their starting defense 10 snaps. Grossman will get a chance to keep Beck on the bench if he plays well, but the opening-day choice probably won’t be announced until shortly before the Sept. 11 kickoff. That’s just how Shanahan rolls.
It’s worth taking the extra time because the season rests on the passer. The Redskins simply need someone who manages the running game, throws a few decent passes and doesn’t turn over the ball. Beck and Grossman can probably do that, but it’s not a given.
The lockout harmed the chances of the Redskins and other losing teams of improving. But Washington can threaten 8-8 if it jells quickly.
“Nobody’s been through a situation like this ever,” Shanahan said. “There is no OTAs. There is no offseason program. … But everybody’s under the same microscope. Everybody’s adhering to the same rules, so you just have to make sure you have the edge.”
Translation: You have to be smarter because there isn’t time to outwork opponents. Maybe the Redskins are the foxes. Maybe they’re the hounds. The preseason soon will reveal which.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
