The Washington Redskins’ 5-10 record entering Sunday’s finale at Philadelphia might not show it, but they will be in better shape entering the offseason than a year ago. The Redskins are improved at running back, defensive line, linebacker and special teams. The personnel on defense is better suited for the 3-4 scheme. Coach Mike Shanahan rid the roster of problems, two drug suspensions aside. Thanks to a strong 2011 draft, the depth helped counter persistent injuries.
The improvement has not been reflected in the win-loss record, though, and that’s the bottom line. Washington has fewer needs entering free agency and the draft. Unfortunately, they’re monster ones.
The Redskins’ need for a quarterback will dominate the offseason. The problem is they may not get one in the first round. A good quarterback can be found in the second round, but try selling that to the shrinking number of season-ticket holders.
The right side of the offensive line must improve, and the Redskins have to hope that injured left guard Kory Lichtensteiger and suspended left tackle Trent Williams return ready. Nobody lets solid offensive linemen become free agents, so Washington’s best chance is to draft one in the first three rounds. Depending on when the Redskins take a quarterback, they might have to wait until the third round for a lineman. Of course, guard Tre Johnson was a third-rounder, and he started 69 games for the Redskins.
A big, dominating receiver remains vital. That might come down to whether Leonard Hankerson returns healthy for his second season. The Redskins won’t draft a receiver, and there aren’t many top free agents willing to sign with a losing team that has a rookie quarterback. The elite seek Super Bowl rides.
The front seven on defense are fine, but both safeties could be in play, and improving at cornerback wouldn’t hurt. If safety LaRon Landry leaves as a free agent, which is less likely after two injury-shortened seasons, then the Redskins must sign one.
These are the pieces Shanahan must fill in his third year or he might not reach a fourth one. Those who preach patience often are the ones who don’t succeed.
Redskins fans have been more than patient, backing a team that has made only three playoff appearances in 20 years and now has a third straight 10-loss season for the second time since its last Super Bowl victory.
That patience is running out. If Washington doesn’t get much better in 2012, the franchise seriously risks inflicting a final blow to its diminishing supporters, who no longer come close to filling the stadium. Visiting fans sometimes own FedEx Field.
The Redskins are better, but they’re not nearly good enough. That’s the bottom line. The offseason either nets a new quarterback, some offensive linemen and a few more playmakers or the once inexhaustible hope of the fans will be spent.
Meanwhile, San Francisco doubled its six wins from a year ago to win the NFC West. It just proves five-year plans are not always needed.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
