2010 NFC East Outlook: A Redskin Preview

 Next on the list is the new Redskins...

"Woah, woah, woah....Lois this is not my batman cup" - Family Guy

Key Additions this Offseason:Donovan McNabb QB, Larry Johnson RB, Willie Parker RB, Maake Kemoeatu DT, Joey Galloway WR, Adam Carriker DT, Trent Williams OT

Key Losses this Offseason:Jason Campbell QB, Randy Thomas G, Chris Samules OT, Ladell Betts RB, Levi Jones OT, Antwaan Randel El WR

Analysis: Shanahan is retooling to Redskins completely on both sides of the ball. They add old but big name guys like Larry Johnson, Joey Galloway, Willie Parker, and some guy named Donovan McNabb. However they also cut dead weight like Randy Thomas, Randel El, Ladell Betts and Jason Campbell. Unfortunately Chris Samuels retired due to injury and I wish him the best. Their actions foil moves made by many teams that are rebuilding, by adding veterans rather than young and maturing players. This could signal that Shanahan has to find a way to win early, rather than developing his kind of schematical players.

Impact Players of the 2010 Redskins: Donovan McNabb QB, Clinton Portis RB, Santana Moss WR, Carlos Rodgers CB, Albert Haynesworth DT

Donovan McNabb was the heart of a Pennsylvania franchise for the past decade. He (McNabb) and Reid has one of the strongest duos this decade and maybe ever. But the frustration of every year caused the self life of the duo to end even before the 2008 benching. Now he comes to the nation's capital reliving the past in a sense. He has a coach that has to prove himself (at least a little) and has a offense with no offensive line and little toys to play with, the only differences are there will be a running game for him (whether or not its any good is debatable) and he is not the player of the early 2000's like the Redskins kind of need. We shall see if he can show the same success he has had in the past.

Running backs have a very short life span (as a NFL player) as most know. And the reunion with his former coach might not be the best thing for Portis. We know that in the prime of his career, Shanahan traded the rising star for standout CB Champ Bailey. Maybe he saw something in Portis he did not like all those years ago? Well, now he has other veterans behind him with equally big names, as well as Redskins interest in former Eagle Westbrook. The spotlight is on Portis early on in this season.

Santana Moss was recently on the news in connection with a doctor that is known for giving athletes HGH. With all the struggles last season, this is the last thing the WR and the Redskins need, as he is their best offensive threat (because Cooley is recovering from a ACL injury). McNabb needs Moss very badly.

While the Redskins defense is one of their brighter points, their starting CB Carlos Rogders was not so impressive. Although starting 15 games and playing in 16 games, Rogders was only able to rack up 39 tackles. Their best defensive back is now DeAngelo Hall? Rodgers needs to improve in order to not only save his roster spot, but to help the transition to a 3-4.

Probably one of the most notable stories this offseason is the holdout of DT Albert Haynesworth. His displeasure with the the new 3-4 defense and Mike Shanahan are the reasons behind the holdout. Haynesworth is in the wrong in my opinion; 1: they pay him very good money, 2: As a player, you don't get to decide the schemes or how your used 3: he shouldn't worry about production, because it won't be for a while till he signs a new deal. If he cares so much about sacks, he should loose a 100 pounds and play OLB. The Redskins however, need to have him to anchor the new scheme and the overall defense is much better with Haynesworth in the lineup.

Biggest Factor of the Season:The offensive line of the Redskins. Offensively they have a very poor front. Although their were different personnel, last year they gave up the second most sacks in the NFC with 46 and allowed a second most 97 quarterback hits. Their 2010-2011 offensive line will probably look like LT Trent Williams, LG Derrick Dockery, C Casey Rabach, RG Chad Rinehart, and RT Stephan Hyer. McNabb will need to deconvert from a pocket passer to a scrambler. It will be a very long season for McNabb.

What Can be Expected on Offense: A emphasis on the run with underneath completions to the running back or tight end by McNabb. Also lots of punting.

What Can be expected Defensively: Like the Packers a year ago, a very successful switch to the 3-4 and a top 5 defense.

Mike Shanahan is in the right direction, but it will take sometime before the Redskins are competing for the NFC East title.