Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE
@craigballard77
The Washington Redskins had a phenomenal run to end their regular season and enter the 2013 NFL Playoffs as the NFC East champs, but that run has now ended. The Philadelphia Eagles from 2000 through 2004 are the only NFC East teams to repeat as division champs in the 2000′s, but the Redskins are poised to repeat.
The Redskins were the top ranked rushing team in the NFL this season. They are led by the dynamic rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, and also by rookie Alfred Morris. In the past we have seen Mike Shanahan do big things through his running attack, and these guys give the veteran coach a ton of talent to work with going forward.
In 2013 RG III will play on the road against some big-time quarterbacks which should be very interesting. In 2013 we will see RG III at Peyton Manning…RG III at Aaron Rodgers…RG III at Matt Ryan…even RG III at Carson Palmer. The majority of Washington’s receiving core will remain, but they do have decisions regarding their tight ends as Fred Davis and Logan Paulsen are free agents (Paulsen is a restricted free-agent).
The offensive line has a pair of decisions to make as Kory Lichtensteiger and Tyler Polumbus are free-agents.
On defense we can expect the Redskins to look to improve their pass defense. This is a defense that is very good vs the run, but miserable vs the pass (#5 overall vs the run, but #30 overall vs the pass). The Redskins will face Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, and Michael Crabtree in 2013 so the secondary will surely be addressed.
Rob Jackson and Madieu Williams are also free-agent defenders who certainly contribute to Jim Haslett and his defense.
The Redskins are dealing with Salary Cap penalty issues so they are interesting to watch to see how they will proceed building around RG III and Morris. This is an organization that is likely looking to restructure multiple contracts in the coming weeks.
Washington is 21-28 under Shanahan (including 0-1 in playoffs) and his last playoff win was back in 2005.
This Redskins off-season is going to be very interesting.
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