Redskins' quarterback Donovan McNabb will make a difference in 2010
Predictions for the 2010 season that use issues from 2009 to reach conclusions on how the Washington Redskins will do this season make me crazy. Some of these predictions are for a losing final record.
I maintain that the 2010 Redskins’ offense is so fundamentally different, that 2009 stats and issues should be brought into the equation only minimally… and certainly less than they have been. There are players from last season that remain on the squad but that is the only resemblance that the 2010 Redskins have to the 2009 team.
With new GM Bruce Allen and head coach Mike Shanahan, a new philosophy has emerged and this will make a big difference for the team and its record. Owner Dan Snyder has always wanted his team to win and he has been willing to do whatever necessary to this end. Notwithstanding other reasons, which I will explain, just the aforementioned combination could add at least one win to the Washington Redskins’ 2009 record.
So, let us say it does add a win… a 5-11 record is not a winning one. I’ll give you a few more reasons to let 2009 stay in the past and predict that the Washington Redskins will end up above .500 in 2010.
First of all, you can’t deny what a new quarterback – in this case, Donovan McNabb – can bring to a team… especially one like our new #5. Bringing in a guy that has been to a Super Bowl and five NFC championship games will instill confidence into every receiver on the roster – every player on the offense – and that can be a huge deal. McNabb has a knack for doing amazing things and he has the savvy to manage the game. Even at 33, I believe that his play alone could win a couple of games for the Redskins… 2010 record = 7-9.
This year’s offensive line should not be compared to last season’s. Yes, Casey Rabach and Derrick Dockery were on the team last year but that is where any similarity ends. An important difference is that – except for Jammal Brown who was signed very recently – this line has been practicing together for the majority of the off-season. The players are learning the scheme together and getting to know each other. Cohesiveness is a huge part of a successful front line. Players get hurt, but the depth on this line is much deeper and more talented than in 2009. The guys providing that depth have been with each other and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan since March, as well. Last season, Artis Hicks was not even on the team and Mike Williams was still getting back into football shape. None of that is an issue this season.
Trent Williams is showing every sign that he is going to be up to speed come opening day. Jammal Brown, a two-time Pro Bowler, has the experience to come into training camp and be effective at right tackle. If the rookie does get shell-shocked, Brown can take over at left tackle and one of the Redskins learned linemen – like Hicks or Mike Williams – will adequately fill in at right tackle.
New and better scheme, better preparation, better talent and better depth all separate this line from that of 2009. Add one win… 2010 record = 8–8.
The Redskins receivers are described by some as adequate and this is the one area that I have the least amount of confidence. But concerns should be qualified because a good quarterback and good offensive line can make a difference to any receiver. I have to think that this will be the case with the Redskins and that the difference will be on the plus side. Santana Moss has needed a better scheme and a better quarterback for years. This season, these things are in his favor. If offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan puts Moss where he can use his unique route running and double move ability, the wide out could have a breakout season.
The rest of the Redskin receivers; Mike Furrey, Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade and third year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, didn’t get to the NFL because they couldn’t catch. But there are some concerns, however minor. Joey Galloway, Bobby Wade and Mike Furrey bring experience to the team but aren’t young. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly could be on the hot seat due to last season’s lack of production and this is one area when 2009 is worth mentioning. When I asked Mike Shanahan how he thought these two “youngsters” were coming along (next to Moss, Galloway, Wade and Furrey, they seem like ‘youngsters’ to me), he chuckled and said that he considered them ‘old veterans.’ This indicates that they need to start making some plays or their positions could be in jeopardy.
Terrence Austin, drafted in the 7th round, could provide some punt or kick return help (as well as other players on the roster) and having young legs in that position is definitely a change from 2009.
These things being said, I maintain that McNabb and an improved offensive line can and will make enough of a difference for the Redskins’ receivers that 2009 stats aren’t applicable when making predictions for the coming season. And, these differences could add another win… 2010 record = 9–7.
The tight end position is a solid one for the Redskins and is the only other position where the 2009 season has some importance in terms of predictions.
When Cooley got hurt and second-year tight end Fred Davis filled in, coaches and fans alike were treated to a sign of what could come. Not only did Davis do an adequate job, he emerged as a real weapon for the team. He took the role as primary tight end seriously, coming in during the season’s bye week to work with then tight ends coach Scott Wachenheim. That, combined with his natural talent, paid off. According to redskins.com, after taking over for Cooley in late October, Davis registered 41 catches for 463 yards (11.3 avg.) and six touchdowns over a nine-game span. There is no reason to think that Davis won’t only get better and we already know what Pro Bowler Chris Cooley can do.
Logan Paulson, signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent in April, looked good during OTAs. He was rated as the No. 15 tight end nationally by scout.com and looks to have a lot of potential. As we know from 2009, depth is important. Continuing tight end improvement and youth at depth… 2010 record = 10–6.
The running back situation could not be more different now than it was last season. Clinton Portis has done everything he has been asked to do by Shanahan; participating in the off-season workout program and being at every team activity except for the last one. According to Kyle Shanahan, he has earned the starting running back position.
While “C.P.” has been known to not be real inclined to practice, he has serious competition this year in former Chiefs standout running back, Larry Johnson and former Steelers’ running back, Willie Parker. Johnson has looked especially fast during the team activities and Parker did not get the nickname “Fast Willie” because he can’t run. Portis is motivated and will be at his best this season.
With Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason and Quinton Ganther gone; and rookies Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams joining the veterans, Clinton Portis is the only running back on the roster from 2009.
Fullback Mike Sellers seemed to be getting a fair amount of reps during some of the team activities. Allen and Shanahan drafted a fullback, Dennis Morris in the 6th round this year so, at least until the 53-man roster cut down, there is some depth at that position. Like Portis, Sellers is still the only fullback from last season.
Running-back-by-committee with talent and motivation at the position… 2010 record = 11–5.
I have to ask, how will opposing defenses plan for this team? They will not be able to use much from 2009 to help them game plan other than the talent of the holdover players.
New coaches, new philosophy, new scheme, new quarterback, new offensive line, new players, motivation and enthusiasm in the 2009 players still on the roster… see any resemblance here to 2009?
THAT should be good for at least one win. Final 2010 record = 12–4.
Well… I’ll be darned. How ironic. And I haven’t even mentioned the defense.