Saunders may prove to be Redskins’ best addition

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, June 28, 2006  |  Comments( 11 )

Washington Redskins
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Throughout the lengthy offseason in the National Football League, many noticeable losses and gains come about for different teams. Some of the league's key players such as Terrell Owens, LaVar Arrington, and others changed uniforms, while there's a new coach in Washington hoping to put the Redskins' offense among the elite.

Before the Redskins acquired talented players like receivers Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd, they made their best move of the offseason, when head coach Joe Gibbs brought offensive coordinator Al Saunders aboard. During his legendary 14-year tenure in Washington, the offensive-minded Gibbs has always been known for calling the plays.

However, in another tremendous move in a long line by the 65-year-old, he handed the reins to Saunders, arguably the best offensive mind in today's league. Of course, football fans know Saunders from his most recent gig as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive leader, which lasted for five seasons.

While in Kansas City, Saunders consistently guided offenses that were, without question, good enough to win Super Bowls. Unfortunately, it was always the Chiefs' porous defensive units that stopped the team from achieving its ultimate dream. Saunders' offenses, meanwhile, never finished an individual season worse than fifth in the league in yardage under his tutelage. In points, their worst was 16th overall, which occurred in 2001 (Saunders' first season with the team).

Between 2002-2003, Saunders' unit, which was led by running back Priest Holmes, finished tops in the NFL in points, while ending fifth and first, respectively, in yards gained. Following those two terrific seasons, Saunders' group led the league in yards from scrimmage for 2004 and 2005. They also finished second and sixth in points scored.

Saunders would have likely stayed in Kansas City, but new head coach Herm Edwards wanted to bring in his own influence, who turned out to be coordinator Mike Solari. Not to knock Solari, but he's not quite on Saunders' level.

Many are quick to favor the Dallas Cowboys as the NFC East division's best team for 2006, but those same people are discounting the impact that Saunders will have on the entire league. With star running back Clinton Portis, and proficient receivers like Randle El, Lloyd and Santana Moss utilizing their elite speed and pass catching skills, it would be hard to imagine the Redskins' offense not improving upon its totals from last year, when the group finished 13th in points and 11th in yards gained.

One key knock on the Washington Redskins entering the season is that their 35-year-old quarterback, Mark Brunell, may not have anything left in his tank. In fairness, many were skeptical of Chiefs QB Trent Green, and Saunders managed to mold him into a two-time Pro Bowler. While nobody expects Brunell to be among the conference's three passers in Honolulu next February, don't scoff at him being a solid starter, much like last season.

Indeed, plenty of big-time names changed homes during this wild offseason; but when the sun sets on the upcoming season, everyone may look back at a 59-year-old coach's shift from Missouri to Landover, Maryland as the most important of the league's six-month hiatus. If the Washington Redskins' faithful have it their way, that will be the case.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on Al Saunders at Realfootball365.com
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