Washington Redskins
Key additions: Barry Cofield, Santana Moss, Josh Wilson, Stephen Bowen, Chris Chester, Jammal Brown (re-signed), Jabar Gaffney, Tim Hightower, Donte' Stallworth, Kellen Clemens
Key losses: Albert Haynesworth, Donovan McNabb, Carlos Rogers, Casey Rabach, Maake Kemoeatu, Phillip Daniels, Jeremy Jarmon, Vonnie HollidayAnalysis: I wrote on Twitter that if I were in charge of rebuilding the Redskins, I would have attacked the defense and put a few bandages on the offense -- making that next year's project and allowing coach Mike Shanahan to see what he could get from below-average offensive personnel. That is exactly what Washington did. Rebuilding this team is a huge project, and it couldn't all be done in one offseason.
Defensively, a key for the Redskins with the Cofield signing is Anthony Bryant, the big body needed for early downs at nose tackle who was quite impressive to finish the 2010 season. If that progression continues, Cofield can be used in many effective ways. If not, I don't expect him to be able to handle the pounding on the nose, which really isn't what he is equipped for.
Bowen is young and was extremely impressive for the Cowboys in limited snaps. Wilson isn't a well-known corner, but he excelled in Baltimore last season. It also can't be overlooked that Washington signed O.J. Atogwe before the lockout began. Atogwe is a terrific complement to LaRon Landry and should allow the Redskins' strong safety to really roam and make even more plays going forward. This secondary is much-improved.
Although I commend what Washington did on defense, I still don't fully understand why it needed to add so many new running backs and wide receivers with hopes that just a few of them step up. Outside of bringing back Moss, the wideouts and running backs are a jumbled mess. That situation needs to be sorted out.
Grade: B
Matt Williamson, Scouts Inc, ESPN Insider
I thought it was an accurate assessment
adamvolo - August 5, 2011
RBs and WRs a "jumbled mess"?????
From reports so far, Hightower and Helu are impressing a lot of people, while Niles Paul is really stepping up to make the WR situation a tough choice for the final spot. I question the jumbled mess assessment.
MAJSkinsfan - August 5, 2011
Thirteen receivers in camp?
You think that doesn’t present problems? I don’t think the RB situation is bad but the receiving corp is a little overloaded. The only thing I can see is that during camp and preseason games you’re not going to be wearing them out.
DudleyDoright - August 6, 2011
Yea your safeties with Landry-OJ should be good.
I really dont know enough about Bowen to say whether or not he deserved that much money. We’ll see.
Josh Wilson was one of my favorite young CB’s. I actually was hoping wed get him, before we went and got Nnamdi/DRC.
Cofield signing hurts the Giants, helps you. Win-Win-Win(we win too!).
Kevin M. - August 6, 2011
Better than last year definitely, but the beast is never easy.
It sure helps that the Nfc East, gets to play the Nfc West this year though. Helps us(beast teams) at least. aha
Kevin M. - August 6, 2011
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