Since late-July, TGS has offered up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, we conclude the series with the Washington Redskins.
2014 in a nutshell: Robert Griffin III struggles to do everything franchise quarterbacks are supposed to do, the offensive line makes life extra hard and the defense gives up the third-highest point total in football as the Redskins win fewer than five games for the second straight season, going 4-12.
Why 2015 could be different: The defense was pounded by injuries, and they’re ready to stop relying on Brian Orakpo (who left as a free agent). Ryan Kerrigan is becoming a star, and they’ve revamped the much-maligned secondary. They also have a new general manager (Scot McCloughan) and defensive coordinator (Joe Barry).
Major additions: Defensive newbies Chris Culliver, Dashon Goldson, Duke Ihenachoe, Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea, all of whom should start. As should top pick Brandon Scherff at guard.
Major losses: Orakpo, Stephen Bowen, Leonard Hankerson, Santana Moss, Brandon Meriweather, E.J. Bigger, Ryan Clark, Jarvis Jenkins and Tyler Polumbus. But in most of those cased, good riddance.
Breakout watch: On offense, they’ll look for a solid full season from 2014 third-round pick Morgan Moses at right tackle. On defense, the same will be expected of 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy at outside linebacker.
Position to watch: The defensive backfield had a ton of turnover, but the interior offensive line is the key this season. That unit collapsed time and again in 2014 and has added Scherff as well as rookie mid-round pick Arie Kouandjio to the fray.
Prediction: It’s a shame that RG3 appears to be in the process of becoming a bust, because he’s got so much support with that receiving corps as well as left tackle Trent Williams. The defense also has some potential, but even with McCloughan this team is at least a year away from competing.
