2014 NFL Season Predictions: Washington Redskins
We all know football as a sport of opportunities. Whether its opportunities during the game or off the field opportunities, such as drafting key pieces to the team, these opportunities need to be capitalized on. Going into the 2014 season, the Washington Redskins have an opportunity to become a playoff team again. But wait… don’t call me crazy just yet. Hear me out. Washington now has put together maybe enough pieces of the puzzle to pull off a NFC East Divisional Title. Let’s start with the offense.
Washington has finally given RG3 something to work with. With the addition of the explosive Desean Jackson and the emersion of TE Jordan Reed, RG3 is now happy to have some real targets. In addition to the already-Redskin Pierre Garcon and the eternal Santana Moss, this WR core shows much potential. Not to mention, a pick up I personally like. The pick up of Andre Roberts from Arizona. These WRs show no mercy. They are fast, quick, and all run routes that can stop you dead in your tracks. My prediction: These WRs will make RG3 look like a Tier 2 QB and make him a possible sleeper pick in fantasy. If this offense is going to take off though, Alfred Morris has to be a threat. If Morris establishes himself as a real threat, the combination of all these pieces could produce a very competitive offense.
But it’s still believed that defenses win championships, right? Or is my thinking just really that old school? Either way, if Washington wants that NFC East Divisional Title, they WILL require a defense. But what’s most impressive about Washington’s defense is their ability to get such good pressure in a 3-4 defense. With guys like Hatcher and Orakpo attacking QBs, it makes sense. But there’s an icing on the cake in that Washington pass rush. His name is Chris Baker. Stephen Bowen’s fill-in for the last 3 games of the season last year truly made his presence known with 28 tackles, 5 QB hits, and 1 sack in only three games. My prediction: Chris Baker will complete this pass rush and help the Washington Redskins lead the NFC East in sacks.
But the reason Washington has such a great opportunity is because lets face it, the NFC East sucks. The caliber of all 4 teams are pretty even. On any given Sunday (or Monday) Washington could beat Dallas, New York, or Philly. But just as much as they could win, they also could lose to any of these 3 teams. So Washington has to come out the gates hard and fast. My prediction: Washington will go 4-2 in Divisional games. (both loses to Philly lol)
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