2010 NFL Preview: Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins have been experiencing all types of futility, and with many changes at head coach and quarterback, it provided a very long strain of inconsistency and the end result: only THREE playoff appearances since 1991 (their last Super Bowl victory).
That looks as if it's about to change.
In probably the best move that owner Dan Snyder has made since buying the team, he hired Mike Shanahan as head coach, and then acquired Donovan McNabb from the rival Philadelphia Eagles. Why are 'Skins fans optimistic? Because Shanahan took over a Denver Broncos team with a quarterback that was great, but just could not get to the promised land in John Elway. What happened with Elway? Nothing much, just a couple of Super Bowls and him retiring on top. If this works out, McNabb will be retiring on top as well (possibly).
Can the Skins build a winner and return to prominence? How will McNabb fare in his first season in Washington? Today, Technorati will continue it's trek down I-95 and close out the NFC East previews with a look at the Washington Redskins.
Recap:
- 2009 Record: (4-12, 4th NFC East, missed playoffs)
- Key Additions: QB Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), QB Rex Grossman (Houston Texans), RB Larry Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals), RB Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers), WR Mike Furrey (Cleveland Browns), OT Jammal Brown (New Orleans Saints), OT Artis Hicks (Minnesota Vikings), DE/DT Adam Carriker (St. Louis Rams), NT Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Carolina Panthers), NT Howard Green (New York Jets), CB Phillip Buchanon (Detroit Lions), P Josh Bidwell (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
- Key Departures: QB Jason Campbell (Oakland Raiders), QB Todd Collins (Chicago Bears), RB Quinton Ganther (Seattle Seahawks), RB Rock Cartwright (Oakland Raiders), WR Antwaan Randle El (Pittsburgh Steelers), OT Chris Samuels (retirement), G Randy Thomas (Miami Dolphins), NT Anthony Montgomery (UFL), CB Fred Smoot (free agency), P Hunter Smith (free agency).
Overview:
Offense: Well, for the first time since Mark Rypien won Super Bowl MVP, the Redskins have a legitimate quarterback. Donovan McNabb gives this team an identity. An identity that is well received and well embraced by Redskins fans, despite being hated for the past 11 years with the Philadelphia Eagles. McNabb, even though at the age of 33 and coming off two knee surgeries, still has plenty of football left in him, and as stated before, he teams up with Shanahan late in his career just like Elway did in Denver. The issue is though that Elway had a much better supporting cast where McNabb does not have that luxury. The plus about McNabb is that he can make things work with what he has. For years he got to the NFC Championship games with less-than-big-name receivers, and the year he had a big name (Terrell Owens), he led them to the Super Bowl. However, McNabb has been currently in a boot as of late due to a sprained ankle. He should be ready to go by opening night. Rex Grossman has not looked too bad, but that is against second string offenses.
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