Quarterback: Probably the key to the team's fortunes is Jason Campbell. He had his share of stops and starts last season but for the most part was progressing nicely until going down with a knee injury late in the season. This could be the year that determines whether he is the long-term answer. His backup is veteran Todd Collins, who played brilliantly after Campbell was hurt. Also, Colt Brennan from Hawaii is an intriguing rookie.
Running back: Same one-two punch: Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, although Portis did most of the punching last season. He was the NFC's third-leading rusher and has made a habit of playing through pain since arriving in Washington. Mike Sellers remains at fullback, and there's always Rock Cartwright in a pinch.
Wide receiver: This should be an interesting group to watch. There are holdovers Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and James Thrash. Moss needs to stay healthy for a change. The development of the two second-round draft picks, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, could be crucial offensively.
Tight end: Chris Cooley has come into his own as a receiver. He's coming off a Pro Bowl season and figures to be a frequent target in the West Coast offense. Highly touted rookie Fred Davis could provide an added dimension.
Offensive line: This crew lost its right side tackle Jon Jansen and guard Randy Thomas for most of last season, but both are back. Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels leaves no question marks, nor does center Casey Rabach. Left guard Pete Kendall is solid.
Defensive line: Left tackle Cornelius Griffin and left end Phillip Daniels are reliable but aging stalwarts. Andre Carter should remain a force at right end, and newcomer Erasmus James could provide a jolt off the edge if he finally manages to get healthy after multiple knee injuries.
Linebacker: London Fletcher, 33, is aging nicely after a strong season in 2007. Marcus Washington is good if not great when healthy, but that's been a problem. Rocky McIntosh is coming off a knee injury but is arguably this unit's best athlete when he's 100%.
Secondary: At the corners, for now, are Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot, with Carlos Rogers coming off knee surgery that ended his season early. LaRon Landry shifted to free safety after the death of Sean Taylor last season and played well. But coaches might want to return him to strong safety; the arrival of ex-Raider Stuart Schweigert should enable them to do just that.
Special teams: Shaun Suisham is a top-flight kicker. Punter Derrick Frost will receive a challenge from rookie Durant Brooks. Long snapper Ethan Albright made the Pro Bowl. Cartwright and Randle El are solid return men but will be pushed by the rookies, namely Thomas who sparkled in the role at Michigan State.
Coaching staff: Before arriving in Washington, head coach Jim Zorn was an assistant who developed quarterbacks with the Seattle Seahawks, most notably Matt Hasselbeck. Out is defensive guru Gregg Williams, replaced by semi-co-pilot Greg Blache. Out also is offensive architect Al Saunders, replaced, in essence, by Zorn, who will call the plays.
Outlook: In memory and tribute to the late Tim Russert, let's hold up a white writing board with the following scribbled on it: "NFC East! NFC East! NFC East!" The New York Giants are the defending Super Bowl champs. The Dallas Cowboys are among the league's elite. The Philadelphia Eagles are eyeing a resurgence. The Redskins? If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Heat.
This and more @....
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/redskins/2008-06-30-organization-report_N.htm
