With the first preseason game fast approaching, I decided it was finally time to give my thoughts on Washington for the upcoming season. But because this is a Redskins blog I have decided to breakdown my Skins preview into 2 parts, an offensive preview and defensive preview.
So for my offensive preview, here are three keys to a successful season on offense.
1. Keep Jason Campbell in a position to play effectively. I know Campbell got quite a bit of experience at the end of last season but he still has a lot to learn and if the Skins are going to win games this year, they need to make sure Campbell only has to manage games and not win them. When the Skins were ahead Campbell proved effective and did a good job of controlling the game. But when they needed Campbell's arm to win, he played like every other first time NFL QB, he forced throws and had a tough time making big plays. Campbell will eventually need to make plays on his own to prove his worth but for right now, he just needs to not lose.
2. Play Redskins football - run the ball. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts make a lethal 1-2 punch, especially with the way Betts performed as the No. 1 guy when Portis was injured last year. The problem though is Al Saunders' vaunted playbook didn't value the smash mouth football Washington has always played. Regardless of what personnel has been on the team or who has been the coach, Washington has only consistently won football games one way - by running it straight at their opponent. It will be no different this year, and if Saunders' system doesn't key in on this right away look for Joe Gibbs to take over playcalling duties again this season.
3. Will the No. 2 WR please stand up? Santana Moss and Chris Cooley have both proven to be capable receivers but Washington's quest for a solid No. 2 still has not produced a unanimous result. David Patten, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs all have tried to fill the post but none ever had a solid claim to the position. If Moss and Cooley are to remain effective options a second WR will have to step up this season. Lloyd, Randle El and Thrash are all still on the squad and battling for the spot again this year but if none of them are up to the task they could easily find themselves following Patten and Jacobs out of town. A solid No. 2 WR will also greatly assist in the development of Campbell.
Again, defensive keys will be tomorrow night and a preview of the first preseason game against Tennessee will be posted Saturday. Football season is here so let's enjoy it before it's gone again.
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