Washington Redskins Season Preview

The Redskins just missed the playoffs last year because of a week 17 loss to the Giants but they lost some offensive weapons which should keep them out of the playoffs again. Kirk Cousins is on the franchise tag again causing the biggest question for this team to be what happens to their franchise quarterback after the season. The defence is the weakness of the team as every unit on the defensive side of the ball needs some work.

Arrivals/Departures:

Arrivals: Terrelle Pryor, Zach Brown, DJ Swearinger, Terrell McClain, Stacy McGee, Brian Quick
Departures: DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Chris Baker



Offence:

Kirk Cousins remains the quarterback despite the rumors that swirled around him all offseason, Cousins is an average starter who will throw for lots of yards to make his stats look good but he struggles to win big games. The running back position is a big question mark once again as they have no proven starters with Rob Kelly, Chris Thompson, Matt Jones and Semaje Perine all competing to start. The Redskins lost a pair of 1000 yard receivers in Pierre Garcon and DeSean but the addition of quarterback turned wide receiver Terrelle Pryor softens the blow. They also have one of the best slot receivers in Jamison Crowder and last years first round pick Josh Doctson will get a chance after missing a majority of his rookie season with an injury as well as new addition Brian Quick. Jordan Reed dominates at the tight end position when healthy but he struggles to stay on the field, the Redskins have excellent depth at the position with Vernon Davis and Niles Paul. Trent Williams remains one of the best left tackles in the game as he teams up with Morgan Moses to protect the edges. The rest of the line is good too with Spencer Long, Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao.



Defence:

Jonathan Allen could be the steal of the draft as the Alabama product fell to the mid first round allowing the Redskins to pick him up. Allen will have a lot of pressure on him this year to be the Redskins best defensive lineman as Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain are below average starters. Ryan Kerrigan is the star of the linebackers with his ability to wreak havoc and get to the quarterback when the other members of the front seven can't. Zach Brown, Mason Foster and Preston Smith are all decent player but none of them are the game changers this defence needs to make a playoff push. Trent Murphy, Chris Carter and Will Compton will also get time at linebacker. Josh Norman is the best player on this team after coming over from the Panthers last season and shutting down number one receivers. Norman's attitude can sometimes get him into trouble but his loud mouth attitude is worth the play he gives you game in and game out. Bashaud Breeland starts opposite Norman after being lit up last season. The safety spots belong to Su'a Cravens and DJ Swearinger with DeAngelo Hall providing depth.



Special Teams:

Dustin Hopkins struggled kicking field goals last season but he returns with average punter Tress Way to keep the special teams duo intact. Slot receiver Jamison Crowder will be the punt returner while running back Chris Thompson returns kickoffs.

Starters:

Offence	Defence
Terrelle Pryor	Jonathan Allen
Josh Doctson	Stacy McGee
Jamison Crowder	Terrell McClain
Trent Williams	Ryan Kerrigan
Shawn Lauvao	Zach Brown
Spencer Long	Mason Foster
Brandon Scherff	Preston Smith
Morgan Moses	Bashaud Breeland
Jordan Reed	Su'a Cravens
Kirk Cousins	DJ Swearinger
Rob Kelly	Josh Norman

2017 Draft:

17. Jonathan Allen
49. Ryan Anderson
81. Fabian Moreau
114. Samaje Perine
123. Montae Nicholson
154. Jeremy Sprinkle
199. Chase Roullier
209. Robert Davis
230. Josh Harvey-Clemons
235. Joshua Holsey

Top 10 Players:

10. Preston Smith

9. Morgan Moses

8. Brandon Scherff

7. Jonathan Allen

6. Terrelle Pryor

5. Jordan Reed

4. Kirk Cousins

3. Ryan Kerrigan



2. Trent Williams

1. Josh Norman

Season Prediction: 5-11 (4th in NFC East)
Last Year: 8-7-1

Photo credit for Terrelle Pryor goes to http://clevelandbrowns.com/. Kirk Cousins goes to http://www.espn.com/. Josh Norman goes to http://www.redskins.com/. Ryan Kerrigan goes to http://www.thescore.com/.