10 Reasons Why the Redskins Will Have the NFL’s Best Receivers in 2008
July 18, 2008
Some people like to root for the Redskins to fail. Maybe it’s their horribly racist team nickname, maybe it’s their douchebag owner, or maybe you just don’t like Chief Zee.
But you can’t root against the job the organization has done to build the team for success. When healthy, their offensive line is boss. They’ve had a stout defense for the past few seasons, and are solid at quarterback.
But their most powerful offensive weapon won’t be the running game, as Skins’ fans are used to seeing every year. In 2008, the Washington Redskins will have the most versatile and explosive receiving corp in the NFL.
Here’s ten reasons why.
10. Youth - The oldest receiver on the Redskins’ roster is James Thrash at 35. He’s no slouch, and neither are the likes of veterans Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle-El, and rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.
9. Experience - Each of the four previously named receivers has appeared in big games through their careers. The vets have been in playoffs, Super Bowls and tight divisional contests, while the rookies have seen their fare share of big rivalry games and bowls.
8 . Speed - Led by Satana Moss, you probably won’t find a collective receiving unit as fast as what the Redskins hope to field on Sundays.
7. System - Head coach Jim Zorn is bringing the West Coast offense, which means short routes turning into big gains mixed in with deep passes.
6. Timing - With the exception of the Dallas Cowboys, no other defensive secondary in the NFC East will be able to hang with the Skins in three or four-wide receiver sets.
5. Patience - Washington fans have long awaited the renaissance of an explosive offense. By Week 9, they shall have it.
4. Risk - If the defense maintains as well as it did through the 2007 regular season, the offense will be looking for big plays to stay ahead in ball games.
3. Insurance - A healthy Clinton Portis means defenses keying in on stopping the run.
2. Cohesion - From all accounts, the Randle-El and Moss are good teammates who will welcome the new guys in and bring them along.
1. Cooley - With a talented receiving tight end like Chris Cooley, you have to pay attention to interior routes. And that means sideline specials for the rest of the crew.
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4 Responses to “10 Reasons Why the Redskins Will Have the NFL’s Best Receivers in 2008”
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Also…Brandon Lloyd is a goner.
Brandon Lloyd might have been dynamic in this new offense. Maybe the Ravens will give him a shot.
Certainly the potential is there. Speed alone does not translate into success, however. If Thomas or Kelly prove they can be productive and consistent, that will take a load off of Moss and, a lesser extent, off of REL. But Kelly or Thomas must adapt quickly to play in the NFL. Further, the Redskins have a couple of other young receivers who might prove worthy of a starting job while Thomas or Kelly learn - Anthony Mix and Mullins. Now, add Fred Davis. If he can learn the playbook and adapt to NFL speed of plays, he will help make the WC style of offense work. For the sake of argument, lets assume Kelly or Thomas starts (and is productive) and Davis adapts to 2nd TE role, which means the Redskins would have the following players who can catch and run with the ball on any given play: 1 Santana Moss 2) Thomas or Kelly 3) Randle-El 4) Chris Cooley 5) Portis or Betts . Then, on some formations you ADD to this Davis. On paper, this sounds like a nightmare to opposing defenses. Also, the potential is for the Redskins to have more offensive weapons than New England at the skill positions.
Yes, Dallas’ D may be up to covering; but, then, it becomes a game of chess and who calls the best play and which team does a better job of executing.
After the hiring of the coaches and this draft, it became obvious to me that the whole Redskins organization believes in the following:
1) The Redskins offense was too anemic (both in game plans and in receiving)
2) Campbell is the starting QB now and into the future
3) The defense will be solid - including the line’s ability to press
Three critical things must occur for the Redskins to be successful and in the playoff fight, however:
1) Zorn is effective as HC
2) The O-line starters must stay healthy
3) Campbell must produce
[...] Its very possible that Thomas and Kelly relaxed a little in the days following the draft, and are now paying for in the Washington humidity and newly discovered speed of NFL training camp. They will recover and be standout players, but their slowed progress might slow the progress of a team that is supposed to have the best receivers in the game this year. [...]