Washington Redskins - Fighting For Respectability

Looks like it could be another rough year for RB Clinton Portis. Portis already has a pre-season injury (knee tendonitis) and has been sitting out practices. The injury bug held Portis to just 127 carries and 523 yards last year. Can he get and stay healthy? Portis will most likely split carries with Ladell Betts who led the team in rushing last year gaining 1154 yards and scoring 5 TD’s.

Washington Redskins 2006 – 5 Wins 11 Losses.
Expected 2007 Finish – 3rd NFC East

Coach Joe Gibbs so far has a disappointing 21-27 record in the 3 years back with the Skins. Gibbs will need to deal with the pressure to get his team back into contention. Last year’s 5-11 record did not bode well for him with the Washington fans.

QB Jason Campbell will have his 1st full starting season with Washington. Campbell started just 7 games last year and compiled only 1297 passing yards and threw 10 TD’s and 6 INT’s. Campbell’s biggest problem is his completion percentage (only 53.1%). Mark Brunell’s pass percentage was better but Gibbs thought that Campbell was the better choice to finish the season.

The Redskins’ offensive line has gone through many changes with several departures and acquisitions made during the off season. New faces include: OT Jason Fabini (DAL), OL Will Whitticker (MIA) and OL Ross Tucker (NEP). This years O-line has yet to prove itself and may take time to gel with Campbell.

The receiving core should do well this year. Santana Moss still has the potential to be a superstar for the team. Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El need to pick it up a bit after a disappointing 2006. TE Chris Cooley surprised the team last year by leading all receivers in catches with 57, eclipsing Moss. Look for him to continue this trend, but keep an eye on rookie TE Tyler Ecker as an up and coming target.

Washington opens the season on September 9th at home against the Miami Dolphins. Unless the Redskins can improve and stay healthy, they will probably fare no better then 3rd in the NFC East this year.

2007 Depth Chart – 8/03/07

QB – Jason Campbell, #17 , Mark Brunell, #8 , Todd Collins, #15 , Rnd #6 Jordan Palmer, #3 (UTEP)

RB – Clinton Portis, #26, Ladell Betts, #46, Rock Cartwright, #31

WR – Brandon Lloyd, #85 , Santana Moss, #89 ,James Thrash, #83 , Antwaan Randle El, #82

TE – Chris Cooley, #47 , Todd Yoder, #87 , Rnd #7 Tyler Ecker, #88 (Michigan)

K – Shaun Suisham, #6