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Washington Redskins2009 record: 4-12 (Last in NFC East)
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Bucky Brooks
The Redskins improve significantly under Mike Shanahan, but can't crack .500 due to an inability to win close games down the stretch.
Prediction: 7-9, last in NFC East
Vic Carucci
Donovan McNabb's arrival turns the Redskins into a serious contender. Mike Shanahan and his staff provide a huge upgrade.
Prediction: 9-7, second in NFC East
Pat Kirwan
Donovan McNabb changed face of the Redskins overnight. Defense is installing 3-4, which could add to the 40 sacks it had last year.
Prediction: 8-8, third in NFC East
Jason La Canfora
Switching to the 3-4 is going to take time. I don't like assortment of weapons for McNabb outside of backs, but should improve from '09.
Prediction: 7-9, last in NFC East
Michael Lombardi
Will be improved, but their lack of overall talent on the O-line will make them inconsistent. Depth is a concern, especially late in the year.
Prediction: 9-7, second in NFC East
Steve Wyche
Donovan McNabb is an upgrade but a lack of depth and playmakers hurts. Switch to 3-4 to be harder than incorporating Albert Haynesworth.
Prediction: 6-10, last in NFC East
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Wins the Redskins had last season. With the arrival of Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb, the hope is that number at least doubles. The playoffs are not out of the equation, either.
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Albert Haynesworth
Haynesworth has created quite an uproar by voicing his displeasure with the move to the 3-4. That means the pressure is on Haynesworth to live up to the hype that accompanied his signing a year ago. Although his failed conditioning test didn't endear him to Mike Shanahan, Haynesworth's exceptional ability could push the Redskins' defense into the ranks of the elite. Fred Davis
Davis had a coming out party a season ago after stepping in for an injured Chris Cooley. Davis, who had 40 catches and 436 receiving yards in his 10 starts last year, showed that he possessed the speed and athleticism to effectively get down the seam. With Mike Shanahan poised to use more double tight end sets to maximize the team's exceptional talent at the position, Davis should be a major factor for the Redskins this season.
Not much changes with McNabb
Donovan McNabb did lose value when he was traded to the Redskins, but that doesn't mean he can't be a viable fantasy starter. In fact, McNabb has one of the most favorable schedules among quarterbacks. He'll be a popular matchup-based fantasy option throughout the 2010 season.
Three pivotal games
Sept. 12 vs. Cowboys
The Mike Shanahan era opens with a nationally-televised Sunday night game against the rival Cowboys. The Redskins are chasing after their first win within the division since 2008, and what better way to get a victory than in Shanahan's first game against Dallas. This is also a big game for Donovan McNabb to make a good impression on the D.C. fans.
Oct. 17 vs. Indianapolis
Washington has faced Eli Manning twice a year since 2004. This season, the Redskins get a crack at his older brother, Peyton, who will visit the nation's capital for the first time since 2002, when Washington beat Indianapolis 26-21. This matchup is the second of three primetime contests for the Redskins in 2010. Which brings us to...
Nov. 15 vs. Philadelphia
You think McNabb, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Philadelphia, will be ready to go? It will be his second appearance against the Eagles (first is in Week 4), but this one is under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. McNabb will either be trying to make up for the first matchup, or hoping to sweep the organization that gave up on him. |
