thedean1

This has been a very BIG PROJECT for us.  Over the last several days we took a look at the outlook of all 32 NFL Teams. These outlooks are very thought out, informative for both the fan of football and also for you fantasy football buffs too.

Look for your team of choice (Teams are in reverse alphabetical order) and give us your feedback by leaving your comments. Thank you and have a great season...  We look forward to hearing from you all!!!



2008 Team Outlook: Washington

As per Ben Standig, The Joe Gibbs era, part two, ended shortly after the Redskins scrambled late to reach the playoffs before bowing out in the wildcard round. While the team made the post season twice in four years under Gibbs, there were more downs then ups -- from questionable personnel decisions to system changes to baffling in-game moves, with the Sean Taylor tragedy looming largest of all. On the field, the Redskins have enough top flight starting talent to make a serious run in the playoffs, but their lack of depth and consistent plan from the top has made it hard to overcome injuries and other in-season developments that effect all NFL teams.

First-time head coach Jim Zorn was elevated to the top spot in a roundabout way and he, along with the Redskins' front office, will be on the hot seat early on as they try and turn QB Jason Campbell into a West Coast Offense type passer. The strong armed Campbell showed promise last season, his first full year as a starter, but the fourth-year player will be asked to learn yet another system. Unfair as it may be to say, the Redskins' season will hinge on Campbell's development as a short passer and quick decision maker under the new regime.

RB Clinton Portis put in a full season in 2007 and delivered throughout for the Redskins. He is expected to have an even larger role this year with Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright (who was a force as a kick returner) backing him up. The Redskins' running game will also benefit from the expected return of G Randy Thomas and T Jon Jansen, both of whom missed much of last season with injuries. They rejoin a veteran but aging line, anchored by Pro Bowl T Chris Samuels. The Redskins' wide receivers were among the least productive in the NFL and the team drafted big targets Devin Thomas and Malcom Kelly in the second round to play along side the quick, but diminutive, duo of Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. Rookie TE Fred Davis out of USC was a surprise pick, but his presence will allow Chris Cooley to turn into the Redskins' version of Dallas Clark as they line the veteran TE in different formations. K Shaun Suisham was a revelation for the Redskins after years of poor kickers, hitting on 29-of-35 field goal attempts.

Solid but not spectacular, the Redskins' defense under then defensive coordinator Gregg Williams carried the the team for much of the season, but Williams has taken his blitz schemes to Jacksonville. How the Redskins adjust to new DC Greg Blache and deal with some late season injuries that could carryover into this campaign are the main questions heading into training camp.

DE Andre Carter stepped up with 11 sacks, but the Redskins have few other pass rushing options and need more push in the middle from DT Cornelius Griffin. MLB London Fletcher was a rare free agent signing that paid immediate dividends for the Redskins, providing them with a sure fire tackler and emotional leader. Second-year LB Rocky McIntosh made the leap last year from neophyte to playmaker before he was cut down with a knee injury in Week 15. He is expected to be ready for training camp, which is key because the Redskins have little depth behind him besides fellow outside backer Marcus Washington.

That is not the case with CB Carlos Rogers, who suffered a more severe knee injury last year that is likely to linger into the start of the season. The Redskins have solid starting options in the form of veteran CB's Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot (who was strong down the stretch last year) and S LaRon Landry (who was a heat-seeking missile throughout his rookie campaign). Reed Doughty (who took over for Taylor) was a surprise find last year and added another physical presence in the secondary. Lack of depth will show in nickel and dime coverages.

In what was a very, very quiet off-season for this normally free-spending franchise - not one significant free agent was added - they hope that a full draft class will help fill in those gaps, especially at receiver. Little was done to address needs along both sides of the line, but the Redskins hope to get continued growth from younger players like DT 's Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston (along with offensive linemen Stephon Heyer and third round pick Chad Rinehart).

Considering the Redskins claimed they liked the progress of the team under Gibbs, it seemed odd that they ultimately turned to someone outside the organization to be the head coach and Zorn will learn how to be the head man in the highly competitive NFC East. Add it all