Offseason Outlook: The Redskins Top 5 Needs/Wants
Offseason Outlook: The Redskins Top 5 Needs/Wants
Next on deck is the Washington Redskins. They were one of the worst teams this year due to quarterback play, injuries, and a weak supporting cast. Yet, they had a few bright spots on the year shown by their 3 wins. They used a strong running game and a solid defensive game plan to get their wins. Not only in their wins, but in some of their losses, they used strong running, a smart play-action game, and a strong defensive game plan to stay in a few games. Yet, with 13 losses, there is plenty to work on in terms of upgrades and changes needed.
Washington Redskins
Needs
Linebackers
Secondary
Offensive line
Tight end
Receivers
Wants
Improved linebacker play
Stability along the offensive line
Continued growth from Dwayne Haskin
Culture and schematic change from Ron Riveria
Improved play from the secondary
Linebackers
Linebacker play was a key weakness for this team. When you have a strong linebacker core the defense can mask a lot of mistakes. A strong core can cover tight ends and running back well, blitz and help apply pressure to the quarterback and they can contain and stop a good opponent’s running game. This year’s group hasn’t been able to do two of the three categories. They gave up too much in terms of stopping the run and cover well in space. They were able to get pressure on the quarterback due to the scheme they run where they ask the outside linebackers to be more passer than a standard linebacker. Now, they have to change a few things up because with Ron Riveria being the head coach, he hired Jack Del Rio as defensive coordinator. Del Rio is known for running a 4-3 scheme and that will require some major changes. First, they will need to trade or release their outside backers like Ryan Anderson and Ryan Kerrigan. They are more suited to play the 3-4 but can possibly play 4-3 if given time. Yet, this team would be better suited to going younger in terms of options or getting a reliable veteran that has already played well in a 4-3 system. A few good options to help this team is Joe Schobert and Danny Trevathan as veteran options. Both are very good mike linebackers and can guide some younger options. Some good draft prospects would be Isaiah Simmons, Patrick Queen, and Kenneth Murray. Two of them would be great in space in terms of coverage and stopping the run, while the other would be a good replacement at mike linebacker in a year or two.
Offensive Line
This offensive line had one too many problems. From the fiasco with Trent Williams and the numerous injuries to others on the line, this team needed some serious help. In the offseason, they have at least three key things that need work. First is letting Trent Williams go, they had burned that bridge and just need a fresh start when it comes to left tackle. Second, they need to get all the offensive line healthy and resign Brandon Scherff. Signing Schereff will help to keep one of the best guards in the league on the team to help protect young Dwayne Haskins. While getting the rest of the line health will help get the best options out there to play. Lastly, they need to find an upgrade for the left guard and left tackle. The obvious reasons for left tackle are made earlier by releasing Williams. Left guard is needed too because there was too much pressure that came straight up the middle. It may have been due to the loss of Scherff and the inexperience of Roullier, but left guard is needed to help both in the passing and running game. Young options like Jedrick Willis and Andrew Thomas would be great to fill both spots.
Continued Growth of Dwayne Haskins
If there was one bright spot on the team last year, it was the growth of first-round pick, Dwyane Haskins. Haskins at the beginning of the year looked scared and uncomfortable when he was asked to step in. He threw picks and didn’t progress through his reads that well. As well, he took too many stupid sacks. Luckily, the more he played, the more he played well. When the Redskins fired Gruden there seemed to be a more simplified plan for him and he started to look more comfortable. From weeks 15 on he threw at least one touchdown and over 150 yards passing. He also kept his team in the game during the final three games by limiting turnovers and making the smart plays. If next year he gets a healthy team and a healthy offensive line, we can expect big improvement. If they get some serious upgrades in skill positions and some help on defense this team can give Dwayne Haskins and the Redskins a chance to compete in the NFC East for a title.
-By: Darren Braxton
Writer/Interviewer