Following a 4-12 season, the Washington Redskins parted ways with head coach Jim Zorn and welcomed Mike Shanahan aboard. Shanahan did a lot of winning in Denver, and the Redskins are hoping he can bring that success East. He had his best seasons when a guy named John Elway was under center. Perhaps he can team with former Eagles great Donovan McNabb to put together a special run in D.C.
Offense: The offensive side of the football was the big problem last season. The Redskins ranked No. 26 in the league in scoring with a dismal 16.6 points per game average. Adding McNabb, and running backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, instantly upgrade the offense.
Many of the harsh Philly fans like to talk about what McNabb didn't do during his time in the City of Brotherly Love (win a Super Bowl) instead of what he did do. He took the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl while finishing as their all-time leader in wins, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.
McNabb should have no problem putting up solid numbers in Washington as he inherits a receiving corps that is better than many of the ones he had in Philly. Santana Moss, who caught 70 passes for 902 yards in 2009, anchors the unit. McNabb will also enjoy working with tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis.
Injuries derailed Washington's running attack a season ago, but the Skins are expecting a big bounce back year with the additions of Johnson and Parker and a healthy Clinton Portis.
The Skins will miss six-time Pro Bowler Chris Samuels, but they have added Trent Williams and Artis Hicks to help fill the void.
Defense: The Redskins boasted a solid defensive unit in 2009, one that held nine of its 16 opponents to 20 or less points. In fact, they ranked No. 10 in the NFL in total defense.
In most cases, defense is the key to success. The Redskins were the exception in 2009. Of the top 16 defensive teams in the NFL, the Skins were the only one that didn't finish with at least eight wins. That just goes to show you how poor the offense was. With the offense expected to be better this season, the defense should improve as well, as it won't have to spend as much time on the field.
Albert Haynesworth doesn't like the idea of moving to end in Washington's new 3-4, but he has no choice. He'll be good there, because he is a dominant force, but I personally like him on the nose.
The new scheme also means that Andre Carter and Brian Orakpo, who combined for 22 sacks last season, will move from their end posts to the outside linebacker positions. They'll be joined by middle linebacker London Fletcher, who has recorded 94 or more stops each of the last seven seasons.
The secondary is very strong with safety LaRon Landry and corner back DeAngelo Hall leading the unit.
With talent all over the field, Washington will turn in another solid defensive performance in 2010 as long as it is able to make a smooth transition to the 3-4.
Prediction: 4th NFC East - I have the Skins bringing up the rear in the tough NFC East, but they won't be the doormat they were last season. Washington has an excellent opportunity to double its 2009 win total, and that would be a huge step in the right direction. Find out which team I have winning the division in my 2010 NFL predictions.
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