QUARTERBACK-IN-CHIEF
by Eric Horowitz


The Redskins offense needs an improving Jason
Campbell to lead them out of the mess that was
2006

Like fellow D.C. resident George W. Bush, Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell can sometimes be overshadowed by the presence of his co-workers.  Still, despite the hubbub surrounding Sean Taylor’s affinity for Eastern Motors and Clinton Portis’ feelings about dogfighting, Campbell is the one running the show.  The Redskins playoff chances in 2007 will likely revolve around just how well he is able to perform that task.

Last year the Redskins offense was a mess.  Despite a breakout season from Ladell Betts and a solid second year from Campbell, the team’s offense never had the spark new offensive coordinator Al Saunders was supposed to provide.  Some blamed Saunders’ ultra-complicated 700-page playbook while others blamed the contradicting offensive philosophies of Saunders and head coach Joe Gibbs.  Whatever the problem was, the offense has the talent to overcome it in 2007.

In order to be successful in 2007 the team’s high priced offensive line must give Campbell time to get the ball downfield to Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El.  If the offense can establish a passing game 10-20 yards down the field (something they failed to do last year), it will keep opponents from stacking eight men in the box and will open up running lanes for Portis and Betts.  That should finally allow the Redskins to pound their opponents on the ground and grind them down in classic Joe Gibbs style.

Though the Redskins offense has the potential to single-handedly win football games, it’s the team’s much-maligned defense that will make or break the season.  Last year the defense fell from 9th to 31st in the league in yards per game, and it was haunted all season by the $25 million contract given to the ineffective Adam Archuleta.  In the off-season the team shipped Archuleta to the Bears and bolstered its secondary with the additions of Laron Landry, Fred Smoot, and David Macklin.  The Redskins other big move on the defensive side of the ball was signing linebacker London Fletcher to a 5-year, $25 million deal.  The deal may be a mistake two years from now, but this season he should be able to adequately solidify the middle of the defense.

The talent is certainly there for defensive coordinator Greg Williams to recreate the dominating defense he coached in 2005.  The team has five competent cornerbacks, the best young safety tandem in the league, and three quality linebackers.  Still, in order to be successful Williams must eliminate the chemistry problems and propensity to surrender big plays that plagued the team last year.  If he can do that the Redskins could ide a dominant defense into the playoffs.

BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
The 2007 Redskins are a team with a high ceiling. Campbell may develop into a dangerous downfield passer as Williams restores the defense to its 2005 form.  If that happens the Redskins should be a playoff team and they’ll have a chance to win the up-for-grabs NFC East. 

WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The 2007 Redskins are also a team with a very low floor. A repeat of last year would be painful to watch. An inconsistent defense that can’t get to the quarterback while giving up big plays and a predictable offense that struggles to move the ball down the field; this is not a recipe for success.  If those things happen, the Redskins will be looking at another top 6 pick in next April’s draft.