2012 Washington Redskins Preview

2012 Washington Redskins

There is new life in our nation’s capital. For a long time, the Washington Redskins have not had a quality quarterback that had a legitimate chance to lead the team to a Super Bowl. Now, they think they have found their man, as they traded up in the draft to invest the number two overall pick to Robert Griffin the Third, or RGIII. The Heisman Trophy winner out of Baylor carries with him a deadly combination of speed and a powerful arm, and has been compared to Michael Vick and Cam Newton, with a better arm. The sky is the limit for RGIII, and this city is itching for a winner to root for once again. 2011 was a circus for the Redskins; they started out 3-1 before losing 10 of their final 12 games to finish at 5-11. However, there is plenty of talent on this team, and now they have the quarterback to complete the puzzle. The faster RGIII adjusts to the pro game, the faster the Washington Redskins can get back in the playoffs and compete for a championship.

Offense

Obviously, this offense now belongs to RGIII. He is a dynamic playmaker, and though there will undoubtedly be some 

growing pains, Griffin will be good sooner rather than later. The running game in a Mike Shanahan offense is virtually a riddle. He uses any number of backs and there really is no true number one guy on the depth chart. It’s a toss-up, and that’s no exaggeration. But no matter who is taken handoffs, for this team, the production should be right on track, because Washington has multiple satisfactory backs. The receiving crew isn’t terrifying, but they have solid individuals. The Redskins brought in Pierre Garcon from the Colts to be their number one guy on the outside, and he could be in for a huge season. Santana Moss is still there, but the guy I really like is my boy from the U, Leonard Hankerson. Fred Davis is a growing tight end and with the departure of Chris Cooley, he is now the unquestioned starter. This will lead to increased production from him as well, and could catch up to 70 or 80 passes.

Defense

The defensive squad for the Redskins is an overlooked group that can potentially be a top ten bunch. They have a big defensive line, and a couple of stud pass rushers in Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, who has a great name. The man in the middle of the linebacking crew is the veteran who can still get it done, London Fletcher. Fletcher is arguably the most underrated player in the league, and has been over his entire career. He plays every Sunday and is incredibly consistent, but no one ever puts him in the same category as Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher. He might not be as good as those guys, but Fletcher is almost at that level. The secondary isn’t tremendous but DeAngelo Hall has speed and talent, even though he can be up and down. The improvement of the offense will help this defense, and I think the excitement of a new beginning will rejuvenate this unit as well, and they could be in for a solid year.

Schedule

Last year, the Washington Redskins were dreadful after their Week 5 bye, going 2-10 the rest of the way and effectively making them one of the worst teams in the league. While this team will be better, they probably won’t make too big of a stride, and while they will be competitive in this division, a playoff spot is unlikely. However, I have Dallas going 6-10, so can this team make it to third in the East?

Week 1: L at NO

Week 2: L at STL

Week 3: W vs CIN (home opener!)

Week 4: L at TB

Week 5: W vs ATL

Week 6: W vs MIN

Week 7: L at NYG

Week 8: L at PIT

Week 9: L vs CAR

Week 10: Bye

Week 11: W vs PHI

Week 12: L at DAL

Week 13: W vs NYG

Week 14: W vs BAL

Week 15: L at CLE (CLE record will be adjusted)

Week 16: L at PHI

Week 17: W at DAL

I think that the 2012 Washington Redskins will finish the season with a 7-9 record. Absolutely an improvement over last year, and a sign of things to come. No playoff spot this year, but one could be coming soon. I think RGIII will have a good year, relatively, of course, as a rookie. But to almost go .500 as a rookie against a tough schedule is a feat that cannot be overlooked. After my bold prediction and an NFC recap, I’ll get started on the NFC North preview, looking first at the Chicago Bears. Lots of compliments will be given.

Bold Prediction: RGIII’s stats: 3,200 yards, 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 450 yards rushing, 5 rushing touchdowns, but lose the ROY to Andrew Luck

NFC East recap:

NYG: 10-6

PHI: 9-7

WAS: 7-9

DAL: 6-10

• Boom! Dallas will get blown up
• Giants will win the division, try to defend their title in January
• Eagles’ season relies on Vick’s health
• RGIII will have a quality season, and lead the Redskins to 7-9