The Redskins are never dull, and they're working on yet another offseason with plenty of headlines. Let's delve into Washington's world on NESN.com's 13th stop on a 32-day voyage through the NFL.
2009 Record: 4-12 (missed playoffs)
2010 Schedule Difficulty: Their opponents went a combined 134-122 (.523 winning percentage) in 2009, which makes for the eighth most difficult schedule in the NFL.
Key Additions: Quarterback Donovan McNabb, tackle Trent Williams (draft), tackle Jammal Brown, running back Larry Johnson, running back Willie Parker, defensive lineman Adam Carriker, cornerback Philip Buchanon
Key Losses: Quarterback Jason Campbell, tackle Chris Samuels, running back Ladell Betts, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El
Burning Question: Can Albert Haynesworth salvage his reputation? To answer the question with a question, when is the last time anyone has ever rooted for Daniel Snyder in a financial battle? Snyder, the Redskins owner, seems poised to recoup a chunk of Haynesworth's guaranteed money after the defensive tackle skipped mandatory minicamp and demanded to be traded because of a change in defensive philosophy. Haynesworth, who signed a $100 million, seven-year contract in 2009, could earn the tag as the greediest man in sports. It's hard to imagine a logical scenario in which Haynesworth salvages his reputation, and if he and the Redskins somehow part ways, the only contract he'll ever sign again will be heavily laden with incentives.
2010 Outlook: Despite amassing just four victories in 2009, the Redskins didn’t seem like a team that was miles and miles away from contending for a playoff berth. Then, with the additions of head coach Mike Shanahan and quarterback Donovan McNabb, the Redskins instantly transformed into a team that is more than capable of winning eight games. They've got a sturdy defense (10th in total yards last season) and an offense that is destined for better things.
Washington's gain with McNabb is also Philadelphia's loss, and the Giants aren’t a team without flaws, either. The Redskins probably don’t have enough to leapfrog the Cowboys in the NFC East, but if they maximize their potential — and McNabb plays like he's out to prove the Eagles made a mistake — they might find themselves in the playoffs.
