Redskins’ offensive hopes are in QB’s hands

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, September 03, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Washington Redskins
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Key additions: WR Antwaan Randle El (free agency); WR Brandon Lloyd (trade with 49ers); TE Christian Fauria (free agency); QB Todd Collins (free agency).

Key losses: TE Robert Royal (signed with Bills).

Biggest strength: The wide receivers. None of the Redskins' front four wideouts are above 6-foot, but all possess explosive ability that can torch opposing defensive secondaries.

Though Washington probably overpaid for Randle El (seven years, $31 million), he brings numerous dimensions to the Redskins' offense, including the ability to catch, run and even throw.

The acquisition of Lloyd was a terrific move by the team's brain trust, since he, despite dealing with awful QB play, regularly stood out in San Francisco.

Clearly, the best of the bunch is No. 1 man Santana Moss, who is coming off a career year (84 receptions, 1,483 yards, 17.7 YPC, nine touchdowns). The 27-year-old will have to divvy up more catches with Washington's other targets in the passing game, but the 5-10, 190-pounder is elite nonetheless.

Of course, it doesn't hurt the group that the Skins' new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders, has a brilliant mind when it comes to utilizing receivers properly.

The unit's best player: Clinton Portis. The preseason shoulder injury to Portis has drawn a substantial amount of fear in the minds of Redskins fans, but the 212-pounder should be fine in time for the team's regular-season opener, a Sept. 11 matchup with Minnesota.

When healthy, there are few backs better than the 25-year-old Portis, who may be headed toward Canton, Ohio's Pro Football Hall of Fame down the line. In his first four seasons in the NFL, the former second-round pick of the Denver Broncos has gained at least 1,500 ground yards and 11 touchdowns in three years.

Where the main concern lies: The quarterback position. Following a below-average preseason from all three of their quarterbacks, the Redskins may be in fear of poor play under center this year.

Rickety 35-year-old Mark Brunell (36 this month) is the starter for now, but can he maintain his 23-touchdown level of last year? Nobody's really sure. If he can't, questionable veteran Todd Collins will likely have to step in. And if Collins performs poorly, the team's offensive hopes will rest with 2005 first-round pick Jason Campbell, who's never taken a regular-season snap.

Ultimately, Brunell will only have to manage games because the team's defense and running game are both stellar. As long as the 14th-year man limits mistakes, the offense will be all right.

Breakout player: Chris Cooley. Often buried under the league's bigger names at the tight end position, the crazy-haired Cooley may be on the way to joining them. As a pro sophomore last season, the former third-rounder from Utah State played the H-back role, but he'll move to TE with the departure of Robert Royal.

The '05 season saw Cooley (his nickname is "Captain Chaos") jump from 37 to 71 receptions and 314 to 774 yards; he's added 13 TDs in his young career, too. Having seen those stats, it's clear the 6-3, 250-pounder is likely to better himself once again this year. Considering coordinator Al Saunders' success in Kansas City with Tony Gonzalez, the chances of Cooley succeeding bode well.

Final outlook: The Redskins' coordinator, skill position players and offensive line are more than good enough to get the job done, so it all rests with Brunell or whomever is playing QB. If the signal caller can have an at least decent 2006 campaign, Washington will probably be the top team in the NFC East.

--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions on a daily basis: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

RealFootball365.com brings you more unique analysis on the Washington Redskins multiple times per week.
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