What You Should and Shouldn't Worry About: Redskins

You sit at the bar with your buddies, most of them are just like you, they love the same shows you watch, the same hobbies, and of course, the same football franchise. It’s then when you realize, since you’re all on the same side of the argument, you can candidly speak about the things that you worry about for your team, and also the things that you know are rock solid. I’m going to help you with that conversation.

By the way, what I like to do here at the NFC Beast Blog is give you what I call Big Boy Fantalk I’m not from the era of “everybody’s a winner” or “everyone gets a trophy for just trying”. I give it to you like I see it, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’m not here to sugarcoat it in any way shape or form. Yes, one of these NFC East teams I’ve followed and cheered for my whole life, but as an adult, I am realistic and even know my team’s weaknesses and opportunities. You want sugarcoating? Go listen to your local radio show, I’m sure they’re going to be able to tell you exactly why you’re team will win the Super Bowl. Come to me when you want the truth.

I live here in the DC area where the fans are buzzing and gaining confidence as the day goes on, and understandably so. On paper, they made some intelligent moves this offseason. They’ve done everything from GMs, coaches, and probably the most important, quarterback changes. With training camp about a month away, I’m going to let you know what you should and shouldn’t worry about Redskin fan.

No Worries Here

Running Back by Committee

Unlike most people, I actually have faith in the trio of halfbacks that the Skins have assembled. Sure, on paper they just look like the Pro Bowl class of 2006, but combine that with the always successful Mike Shanahan running game, and you have a real threat in that backfield. Donavan McNabb is no John Elway, Coach Shanahan does not want him flinging the ball 40+ times a game. He’d rather get a comfortable lead (lets say 14 points) and then let his halfback trio run right down the seam for the rest of the game. Each of their three (and maybe four if they sign Brian Westbrook) backs have unique skills that differentiate them from each other, and Coach Shanahan knows how to use multiple backs. Just ask Mike Bell and Tatum Bell.

Emerging Young Talent

Due to their lack of wins, not many fans around the league got a chance to realize that the ‘Skins have some emerging talent on their roster. A lot of attention was rather drawn to the sudden emergence of another NFC East team, of course I’m speaking of Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys. Brian Orakpo’s 11 sacks (albeit, four of them were against the Raiders) can not be overlooked, and most fans know that name. But players like Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Rocky McIntosh give fans hope that this team has potential in the years to come.

Get the Panic Button Ready

Switching to a 3-4 Defense

Out of all the offseason decisions that made sense, there’s one still has me scratching my head. The Redskins’ defense in 2009 was the only thing steady in this team. I’m not saying they had jaw-dropping stats or numbers, but they were at least in the middle of the pack for most major defensive stats across the league, and that’s saying a lot when you’re in the same division with some of the best offenses in the NFL today. So to not build on that, but rather change up completely still confuses me. And the most essential part to a 3-4 defense is the nose tackle…the Skins don’t have one. They were hoping that Albert Haynesworth would fill that role, but he has declined to play a position that doesn’t constantly attack the quarterback. With an undersized middle linebacking core, you need a big body in front of them so that you’re 245lb linebacker is being blocked by an offensive guard that will outweigh him by 60+ pounds.

McNabb’s Durability

Donavan McNabb might arguably be the best quarterback in the division, if nothing else, a close second to Tony Romo. Both players actually play very similarly. They’re threats to run the ball, roll out of the pocket, and can drill the ball downfield with some pretty good accuracy. But McNabb rarely finishes an entire season without some sort of injury. Now he will be put behind one of the league’s worst performing offensive lines from 2009. Washington fans got really excited when they acquired McNabb, but quickly forgot that he is far from the NFL’s iron man, he has a big durability problem.