State of the Washington Redskins Address

April 09, 2008

Kevin Fuller

State of the Washington Redskins Address

Another football season is upon us, and it is that time again to address the “state of the Washington Redskins.” I know some of you are probably saying, “Who is this guy” and, “What qualifies him to address the Redskins?” I will tell you who I am, plain and simple. I am a “Die Hard Redskin” fan. I live and breathe Redskins. For the past two years, I have been on the money with my predictions about the Washington Redskins. In 2006, I said the Redskins would be lucky to go 5-11. They finished 5-11. Last year I predicted the Redskins would finish 7-9. They finished 9-7. If not for Todd Collins coming on strong late for us, they probably would have finished 7-9. I just call it like I see it. I am not one of those Redskins fans who think every year we are going to the Super Bowl. First, let’s start with the coach. Am I the only one who thinks the entire selection process was insane? First, you hire Jim Zorn as your Offensive Coordinator. How can you hire staff before you hire a head coach? Then you promote him to Head Coach. He has no previous experience as an Offensive Coordinator, and you promote the guy to Head Coach. Insane, I say. My only hope here is that Zorn turns out to be the next Andy Reid. Reid was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles with very similar credentials. Next, I have to address the quarterback position. I am a fan of Jason Campbell, but he has to make huge strides this year for the Redskins to be successful. My problem with Campbell is that he takes too long to make decisions with the ball. He has to get the ball out quicker. He struggled with this last year in Al Saunders’ offense. I am scared to death to think how he will do in Jim Zorn’s West Coast offense that requires you to make quick decisions. As for Wide Receiver, it would be nice if our receivers could stay healthy. Santana Moss misses significant time each year. I love Antwaan Randle El, but he is not a number one receiver. The Redskins need a big receiver - a 6’3” to 6’5” receiver that can go up and get the ball or use that big body to shield cornerbacks from the ball. I want a receiver in the mold of Plaxico Burress of the New York Giants. Snyder, throw some money at this guy if he becomes available. “Oh where, oh where, has our defensive line gone? Oh where, oh where, could they be?” I have to say, the defensive line is the weakest link of the defense. We need a pass rusher (or two). Look at the Giants. Their front four was so awesome that you did not notice how mediocre their secondary was last year (by the way, I predicted the Giants would beat New England in the Super Bowl because of their front four). Yes I am a little envious of the Giants right now. Lastly, let’s talk ownership. To be honest, I have not been a fan of Daniel Snyder at all. He needs to hire a General Manager. I will say that he has surprised me this past office season by not making the big splash in Free Agency like in previous years. I am from the school that you build championships through the draft and by making wise decisions in Free Agency. Trust me people, you cannot buy a championship. Hit me back and let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear them. Your Die Hard Redskin Fan,Kevin

Keywords: Antwaan Randle El, Daniel Snyder, football, Jason Campbell, Jim Zorn, NY Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Plaxico Buress, Santana Moss, Washington Redskins