Washington Redskins football: A Look Ahead

It looks like Redskins fans finally have something to cheer about. They've collectively been holding their breath for the better part of 20 years waiting on a winner...not sure if this is their year, but at least they can start to exhale. Maybe this is truly the light at the end of a long, Jason Campbell-filled tunnel. Maybe these off-season acquisitions will take the "dog scratching it's ass on a sidewalk" look off the face of Redskin Nation. It's coming, Washington - a winning season, and Skins fans can taste it! Not sure how it happened...if it's Shanahan, or Bruce Allen, but it's hard to argue against Washington's recent string of off-season moves. For God's sake, they picked up half of the 2006 pro bowl!

For starters: lets take a look at the Redskins running back situation:
Which would you prefer:
A: Willie Parker, Larry Johnson
B: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright

If you answered B, clearly you're stoned and should revisit this question later. The correct answer is A! With Clinton Portis to round out this group, you get a Celtics "big 3" feel at running back. All 3 are slightly aged, but very experienced and proven producers. The Skins run game just jumped to number 2 in the East behind Dallas. Think about this: the Redskins only had 8 rushing touchdowns last year...so give Shanahan credit for addressing one of their biggest needs right off the bat. I know injuries are an issue with these guys, but isn't that the case with every other running back in the league? It's the nature of the position...if you're a running back in the NFL, you're going to get hurt. Just ask Willis McGahee's knee. Lately, it's been spotted hanging out with Frank Gore's ACL and Ladanian Tomlinson's ego.

If you're a Redskins fan, how can you possibly be upset with your upgraded quarterback situation? Granted, the majority of my Skins friends are excited about Donovan's arrival...but from those who aren't, I haven't heard this many 'bum' comments since the '06 Rex Grossman experiment in Chicago. Statistically, McNabb's coming off the best 2 years of his career since the '04 Super Bowl: 7500 yards, 45 touchdowns, and a 90 passer rating. Seriously Philadelphia, what are you thinking?? Last year he had a passer rating of 92.9, threw for 22 TD's, not to mention the fact he's only 33 years old! And he's the guy on the trading block?? Marty Schottenheimer offers his condolences. Do you realize that Donovan McNabb's worst season was his sophomore campaign in 2000 when he threw 13 interceptions? I think Delhomme threw 13 against the Cowboys last year. And Phili moved McNabb why? So they could voluntarily go into a rebuilding era? Honestly I thought I understood the game of football and I was just proven wrong. Either that or Andy Reid's been reading Al Davis' "How to ruin an organization" memo. Hope you use that 2nd round pick wisely guys...oh, and good call on keeping him in the division, too! The Skins quarterback position just got upgraded to a 1a, 1b, 1c tie in the East with Dallas and New York.

Defensively, Washington is fairly sound. They always are. 10th in total defense last year, 15th in points allowed. Not much needed there.

Coaching? I can sum up the '09 Redskins' coaching mentality in 1 play: week 15 against the Giants...Luckily, this issue has already been addressed and dealt with.

Clearly Danny Smith found some good reefer before the game. And I love Tirico's comment: "what in the wide world was that?!?" To quote Dave, this clip is an LOL factory!

So where does Washington go from here? This is the true genius of Mike Shanahan: now the Skins can focus on their one major need at the draft...offensive linemen. They don't have a lot of draft picks this season (having traded away 2nd and 3rd round picks) but don't be surprised to see them use all their picks on the O-line. If he's still available...100% guarantee they take Okung with the 4th overall pick.

Also, I look for a post-draft move on a WR. Call me crazy, but I can see Brandon Marshall rejoining Shanahan in the months to come. How sick would that be? I'm giving them 8-8, possibly 9-7 already, but if Brandon Marshall climbs onboard...championship!! And by championship I mean 10-6 possibly making the playoffs. Not to be mean, but that would feel like a championship to the Skins, right? Baby steps Washington, baby steps.