Everything wrong with Washington’s offense can be solved when: Jason Campbell returns; Chris Samuels returns; Clinton Portis returns; Pete Kendall gets settled in. And then the Redskins’ offense can chug the way they desire, with power runs, downfield throws and bushels of points.
The problem is, that’s a lot to expect.
What they have in their favor is a schedule that includes only one game in their first six against a team that had a top-10 defense a year ago: Miami. That gives the Redskins a chance to, perhaps, be a little sluggish early yet still compete.
But consider this: Three of the 11 players slated to start on offense have played in a combined one preseason game for the Redskins this summer. A fourth, Campbell, is uncertain if he’ll play in Thursday’s finale, which would be his second missed game after missing Saturday’s storm-shortened 13-7 win over Baltimore.
Among the issues:
» Clinton Portis. How ready can the running back be for the start of the season? It’s one thing not to play during the preseason, like LaDainian Tomlinson. It’s another to not even practice. Players always talk about being in football shape; the only way you get there is by, at the least, practicing. Portis’ health has improved, but one problem he had last summer was getting in sync with the offense after missing almost the entire preseason. And last summer he had practiced for the first two weeks.
» Timing. Left tackle Samuels and new left guard Kendall have never worked together and now they must become Campbell’s blindside protectors. How much will that hinder the early progression of the offense? They have talent; they need time to make it mesh. And Samuels will have missed four weeks because of his knee injury.
At least his return will help solve one hole this summer.
“It will get better when Chris gets back,” one veteran said.
» The passing game. The preseason was supposed to be about getting Campbell as much time as possible, helping him grow. After all, he’s only started seven games. Given time to throw, Campbell should be fine. However, there have been blocking issues all summer — not just with the line, either. The running backs, minus the effective Portis, have not done a consistent job in protection. Nor have the tight ends.
Some of that will change once the Redskins return to full health. They know these players will come back. What no one knows, is how long it will take for them to flourish.
