With the NFL finally releasing the 256-game regular season slate for 2020, it’s time to look ahead and predict how teams will fare. Here is this year’s schedule analysis for the Washington Redskins.

Last Year’s Record: 3-13

Through Week 13 of last season, the Washington Redskins were still alive in the playoff race with a 3-9 record. They lost four straight games, finishing in the cellar of the worst division in football. With a new coach and a more-experienced Dwayne Haskins, can Washington flip their fortunes?

Schedule

Week 1

vs. Philadelphia (9/13, 1:00pm)

Week 2

@ Arizona (9/20, 4:05pm)

Week 3

@ Cleveland (9/27, 1:00pm)

Week 4

vs. Baltimore (10/4, 1:00pm)

Week 5

vs. LA Rams (10/11, 1:00pm)

Week 6

@ NY Giants (10/18, 1:00pm)

Week 7

vs. Dallas (10/25, 1:00pm)

Week 8

BYE Week

Week 9

vs. Giants (11/08, 1:00pm)

Week 10

@ Detroit (11/15. 1:00pm)

Week 11

vs. Cincinnati (11/22, 1:00pm)

Week 12

@ Dallas (11/26, 4:30pm)

Week 13

@ Pittsburgh (12/6, 1:00pm)

Week 14

@ San Francisco (12/13, 4:25pm)

Week 15

vs. Seattle (12/20, 1:00pm)

Week 16

vs. Carolina (12/27, 1:00pm)

Week 17

@ Philadelphia (1/3, 1:00pm) 

Most Intriguing Game: Week 11 vs. Cincinnati

The Bengals had the #1 overall pick in the draft this year and took Joe Burrow, the LSU QB that took the NCAA by storm en route to a championship. Before Burrow went to LSU and began torching the nation weekly, he was beat out at Ohio State by Dwayne Haskins, the man starting for Washington. Haskins, the third QB selected last year, started seven games for Washington last year, finishing with a 2-2 record and an ugly 76.1 passer rating. With a new coach in tow and the dangerous Terry McLaurin in his arsenal, can Haskins see a sophomore-year jump akin to Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Carson Wentz? Meanwhile, can Joe Burrow, with A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon by his side, be a star from the outset? The former teammates will test their talents against each other in what should be an exciting game.

Most Important Game: Week 1 vs. Philadelphia

In a loaded NFC, the Redskins don’t project to make much noise this year. The perception of their team can quickly change with a strong performance in Week 1 against the division rival Eagles. As a team that has made the playoffs three consecutive times, the Eagles could be the Redskins biggest competition for a division title. After two consecutive strong drafts and a second-year passer hopefully ready to make the leap, there are no excuses for 2x Coach of the Year Ron Rivera and his Redskins to flop. Their season likely follows the tone set here. 

Most Important Stretch: Weeks 6-11

If Washington wants to stay afloat in the NFC playoff race, they must take advantage of the most forgiving part of their schedule. Included in this span are the Giants twice, the Cowboys, the Lions, and the Bengals. Anything less than a 4-1 record here could mean the end for Washington’s postseason hopes. After this stretch, they get thrown to the wolves in four consecutive games against Dallas, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Seattle. This stretch could easily go 0-4. It’s a tough slate for a team trying to reach the postseason for the first time since 2015, so it’s imperative that they gain an edge in the parts that allow them to.

Prediction:

I believe in Ron Rivera, I believe in Terry McLaurin, and I believe in the sinister defensive line that the Redskins are constructing. What I don’t believe in, however, is the schedule. Washington may give the Eagles a run for their money, but they’ll ultimately fall short in both games. The same goes for the games against Dallas, but I could see them sweeping the Giants, whose offensive line will be overwhelmed. They’ll split between Cleveland/Arizona, fall to Baltimore, conquer LA, split between Detroit/Cincy, and then go 0-3 against Pittsburgh, San Fran, and Seattle. Ron Rivera will emerge victorious against his former team in Carolina, bringing Washington to 6-10, and their focus will be on next season.

Scheduling information comes from the Redskins’ official website, and statistics are according to Pro Football Reference.

-By: Micah Jimoh

Writer

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

1. Linebackers

2. Secondary

3. Offensive line

4. Tight end

5. Receivers

Wants

1. Improved linebacker play

2. Stability along the offensive line

3. Continued growth from Dwayne Haskin

4. Culture and schematic change from Ron Riveria 

5. 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

Draft History: Redskins picks include key pieces in five Super Bowl appearances

The NFL Draft began in 1936, and many early picks chose not to play in the NFL, instead of going to other leagues or even other professions. Washington saw many of its early-round picks in the 1930s and ’40s follow this route and never play for the team, thus clouding the waters of potential “worst picks.” In addition, the Redskins had long stretches without a first-round pick (1969-79 and 1984-90). Here is a look at the best and worst draft picks in Washington history. 

BEST

10. Roland “Champ” Bailey, CB (Round 1, Pick 7 in 1999) - The future Hall of Famer spent the first five of his 15 seasons in Washington, totaling 18 interceptions and 332 tackles. The four-time Pro Bowler started all 80 games and had a pick in a Redskins victory over the Lions in the 1999 Wild Card round. 

9. Ryan Kerrigan, DE/LB (Round 1, Pick 16 in 2011) - The 2011 NFL Draft was loaded with what are now called edge rushers (Von Miller was drafted 2nd, followed by Aldon Smith at 7, J. J. Watt at 11 and Robert Quinn at 14). Kerrigan is a four-time Pro Bowler who started 128 straight games until a concussion and a calf injury cost him four games in 2019. His 90 sacks rank second in team history and include four seasons with 10 or more. 

8. Dexter Manley, DE (Round 5, Pick 119 in 1981) - The only player ahead of Kerrigan on Washington’s sack list is Manley, who also had four double-digit seasons and totaled 91 overall in nine seasons playing in the Nation’s Capital. Manley was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 1986, when he had a career-high 18½ sacks. He played in three Super Bowls with the Redskins, winning twice (XVII over the Dolphins and XXII against the Broncos). 

7. Jerry Smith, TE (Round 9, Pick 118 in 1965) - The two-time Pro Bowler and 1969 All-Pro holds the franchise record among tight ends with 5,496 yards and 60 touchdowns. His best season was 1967, when he set career bests with 67 receptions, 849 yards, and 12 scores. Smith had one catch in Super Bowl VII, which the Redskins lost to cement the Dolphins’ perfect season. 

6. Charley Taylor, WR (Round 1, Pick 3 in 1964 NFL Draft; Round 2, Pick 9 by the Oilers in the 1964 AFL Draft) - After choosing to sign with Washington, the Hall of Famer starred for 14 seasons. Taylor tops the all-time franchise list with 79 touchdowns and ranks second with 649 receptions and 9,110 yards. The eight-time Pro Bowler had career-highs with 1,119 yards, 12 scores and a league-leading 72 catches in 1966. 

5. Russ Grimm, G (Round 3, Pick 69 in 1981) - Another Hall of Famer, Grimm was the fourth guard taken in 1981, and only his teammate Mark May (20th overall) had any sustained NFL success. He was a leading member of Washington’s “Hogs” offensive line, and was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and a three-time champion. 

4. Art Monk, WR (Round 1, Pick 18 in 1980) - Joining Grimm in the Hall of Fame and on those three Redskins title teams is Monk, who leads the franchise with 888 catches and 12,026 yards and ranks second with 65 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 1984 when he set career-highs with 1,372 yards and an NFL-leading 106 receptions. Monk had seven catches for 113 yards in a Super Bowl XXVII win over the Bills. 

3. Sammy Baugh, QB/P (Round 1, Pick 6 in 1937) - “Slinging Sammy” was a triple threat during his 16-year career. As a quarterback, Baugh led the Redskins to a pair of titles and led the league in yards four times and touchdowns twice. The Hall of Famer (one of only two from that draft) spent six seasons as a defensive back, amassing 31 interceptions, including a league-leading 11 in 1943. Finally, the six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro also starred as a punter, leading the league in average five times. 

2. Chris Hanburger, LB (Round 18, Pick 245 in 1965) - He was a Hall of Famer who was also a nine-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro and a participant in Super Bowl VII. Hanburger totaled 19 interceptions and 17 fumbles recovered in 14 seasons in Washington. Not bad for someone who saw 26 linebackers taken ahead of him (only Dick Butkus made the Hall of Fame, and Marty Schottenheimer and Al Atkinson also had noteworthy NFL careers). 

1. Darrell Green, CB (Round 1, Pick 28 in 1983) - Green spent 20 seasons with the Redskins, earning the nickname of “Ageless Wonder” for his sustained success. The Hall of Famer tops the franchise list with 1,202 tackles and 54 interceptions, with six returned for touchdowns. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a 1991 All-Pro, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1996 NFL Man of the Year Award winner. 

WORST

10. Ernie Davis, RB (Round 1, Pick 1 in 1962) - Two days after the Bills picked Davis fourth overall in the AFL Draft, the Redskins made the 1961 Heisman Trophy winner the top pick on the NFL side. His spot on this particular list has nothing to do with him as a player, but with Washington’s admittedly racist owner, George Preston Marshall, who refused to sign a black player until threatened by the government to have the D. C. Stadium lease revoked. Marshall let general manager and head coach Bill McPeak make the selection, then traded Davis to the Browns for wide receiver Bobby Mitchell and fellow first-round pick, running back Leroy Jackson. Davis never played in the NFL. While getting ready to play in a College All-Star Game against the Packers that summer, Davis awoke with a swollen neck that was first thought to be mumps or mononucleosis, but turned out to be leukemia. He died on May 18, 1963. 

9. (tie) Jim Smith, DB (Round 1, Pick 12 in 1968) and Ray McDonald, RB (Round 1, Pick 13 in 1967) - Smith played all 14 games and returned a fumble for a touchdown as a rookie before a severe neck injury ended his career. He successfully sued the NFL, not because of his injury, but because the draft rules at the time violated antitrust laws. The sides eventually settled in 1979 and the league restructured the rules. McDonald was taken after Hall of Famer Floyd Little and Pro Bowler Mel Farr, and he had 223 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Less than two years later, he was out of football. While injuries played a part, the real reason was his 1968 arrest for having sex with a man in public. He died due to complications of AIDS in 1993. 

8. Joe Hernandez, WR (Round 2, Pick 15 in 1962) - Washington didn’t have much success with their picks in 1962. While only eight players overall made a Pro Bowl that year, none of them were Redskins selections. Hernandez played one season in between stints with the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos, where he was a two-time All-Star. 

7. Charlie Gogolak, K (Round 1, Pick 6 in 1966) - He was the first kicker selected in the first round in NFL Draft history. Gogolak scored 105 points as a rookie, but only 165 more over his final five seasons with the Redskins and Patriots. Charlie and his brother, Pete, combined for 14 extra points (each also missed one) in a 72-41 Washington win over the Giants on November 27, 1966. 

6. Jack Scarbath, QB (Round 1, Pick 3 in 1953) - In another bad year for quarterbacks, Scarbath was the first one selected. Future Colts coach Ted Marchibroda was taken fifth and Bears, Rams and Packers passer Zeke Bratkowski went 17th. Of note, Rudy Bukich, who set the NFL record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns in 1966 (later tied by Peyton Manning in 2001 and passed by Jameis Winston in 2019). Scarbath had three uneventful NFL seasons with the Redskins and Steelers and a year with Ottawa in the CFL before retiring and running an abrasives company.

5. Bobby Wilson, DT (Round 1, Pick 17 in 1991) - He had 4½ sacks and was part of a Washington club that defeated the Bills in Super Bowl XXVI. Wilson played 42 games and had 11 sacks and 141 tackles in four seasons before leaving the NFL. Players still available at this spot included four-time Pro Bowler Ted Washington (25th by the 49ers) and two-time champion and two-time Pro Bowler Leon Lett (173rd by the Cowboys).

4. Patrick Ramsey, QB (Round 1, Pick 32 in 2002) - Taken with the last pick of the first round, Ramsey had a 10-14 record in four years with the Redskins, his only NFL starting experience. He totaled 5,649 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He was demoted to Mark Brunell’s backup and was traded to the Jets for a sixth-round pick in 2006. Pro Bowler David Garrard was drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round. 

3. Andre Johnson, T (Round 1, Pick 30 in 1996) - Johnson was drafted as a replacement at tackle for Jim Lachey, but never played for Washington. He was cut loose and signed with Detroit, played three games in 1998 and never appeared in the NFL again. 

2. Josh Doctson, WR (Round 1, Pick 22 in 2016) - One of the bigger draft busts in recent history, Doctson only played two games as a rookie due to an Achilles injury and totaled just 1,100 yards in three seasons. He signed with Minnesota as a free agent in 2019, but played only one game because of a hamstring injury before the Vikings released him in late November. NFL stars Michael Thomas (47th pick by the Saints) and Tyreek Hill (165th by the Chiefs), as well as solid starters Sterling Shepard (40th by the Giants) and Tyler Boyd (55th by the Bengals), were still available at this spot.  

1. Heath Shuler, QB (Round 1, Pick 3 in 1994) - He came into the NFL highly touted, having been named the 1993 SEC Player of the Year, the MVP of the Hall of Fame Bowl and the Heisman Trophy runner-up (behind Charlie Ward). Shuler began the 1994 season as Washington’s starter, but a 1-7 record, a five-interception game in a Week 4 loss to the Falcons, and waning popularity among fans led to his benching in favor of seventh-round pick, Gus Frerotte. Shuler was traded to the Saints, where he lasted just one season before a foot injury required two surgeries and ended his career. After his playing days, he was a real estate professional in Tennessee and served three terms in the United States House of Representatives from his home state of North Carolina. Frerotte made the Pro Bowl in 1996, but is best known for injuring his neck by butting a padded concrete wall after scoring a touchdown against the Giants. Also taken in this Draft was Trent Dilfer a 1997 Pro Bowler with the Buccaneers who game-managed the Ravens to a win over the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. 

Next week: Detroit Lions

-By: Kevin Rakas

Writer