1. What will they do with Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth?
Here’s the problem: Who will trade for either player?
One NFL source said the Redskins won’t cut McNabb. But multiple sources have said it will be tough get much value, if any, for him in a trade.
“There’s a short time frame. He has to learn a different offense,” one AFC executive said. “I don’t know if that’s realistic.”
But McNabb is due a $10 million bonus if he’s on a roster the day after the season begins. There’s no way the Redskins would keep him to that point. Minnesota, a rumored stop, appears to be an unlikely destination, one Vikings insider said.
As for Haynesworth, here’s the recap: He won’t speak to the head coach, his defensive coordinator ripped him in a radio show last month and he still doesn’t want to play in a 3-4. Welcome back. But as the NFL source said of any potential trade for him: “There’s limited market value.”
2. Is John Beck really going to start this season?
Yes. This is another overwritten and overanalyzed story. But it’s still an important one for a big reason: Nobody knows whether he can play. Of course, the bigger question is will he still be the starter at the midway point? Or at season’s end? He has served as an offensive leader during player-run workouts, but leadership is earned during the season. His doubters question his poise in the pocket, and if the blocking up front doesn’t improve, anticipate teams blitzing him like crazy. There is no doubt Beck will be prepared, though; he’s worked hard to reach this point.
3. How much will the lockout impact the Redskins’ season?
Obviously every team was affected by the lockout, but the Redskins are among the teams hurt the most, eclipsed only by teams that hired new coaches after last season. The Redskins play in a division with other teams that have a lot of stability and solid veteran starters. They needed to turn over their roster, but doing that and then having only one month to incorporate all the new players will be tough. Also, a number of young players — and the 12 rookies — needed the offseason to improve their knowledge and work on mistakes or to learn the system.
4. Can they fix the offensive line?
This unit needs a lot of work. Second-year player Trent Williams is the most talented, but he’s coming off a spotty rookie year. However, the problems existed across the line. It was a new system; some players were out of position, others were coming off an injury. They need to add a guard and mobile right tackle and then groom either Kory Lichtensteiger or Will Montgomery to replace Casey Rabach, probably after this season. Playing together another year will help, but there are physical limitations that will stunt this group’s growth.
5. How should they approach free agency?
With uncertainty at quarterback, the Redskins need to focus on improving their running game and defense. Washington’s defense will not improve without better play at nose tackle. And with so many questions at quarterback, should they invest even more in the passing game (after drafting three wideouts)? Defensive improvement will occur, too, if rookie Ryan Kerrigan adjusts to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4. In a normal year, it takes time to learn a new position (he’s switching from end). Kerrigan will need to learn how to rush from a two-point stance, having to stay much lower than he even did in the player-run workouts.
