2007 Washington Redskins

The Redskins fell off the horse in 2006 and never got back on. The result was a lowly five win season. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders and head coach Joe Gibbs could not agree on an offensive system to fit this team. Saunders, of course, leans toward a wide open attack, and Gibbs is your traditional run between the tackles guy. The current personnel favors Gibbs’ style without a doubt, but he is willing to compromise as he knows this team needs to put more points on the board. This team seems best suited to use the run game to set up their passing attack. But we really shouldn’t waste our time over analyzing this offense because I’m not sure any scheme will make up for the lack of talent these guys bring to the field. These guys get behind early in nearly every game which leaves them no choice but to try to air it out to get back in the game. If the defense doesn’t give the Skins a chance, they will be at the bottom of the barrel once again.

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The defense did take its fair share of hits in the injury department, but that was not the only cause of its pathetic showing in 2006. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ scheme should take as much heat as anything. After directing back-to-back top-10 defensive units, he became complacent last season and predictable. Offenses started reading him like a book. He consistently blitzed on third down and he fell into the trap of never mixing up his looks, playing a base cover-two system even in run situations instead of stacking the front. Whether arrogance or extreme trust in his guys was the culprit, his butt is definitely on the hot seat in 2007. His defense fell to the 31st ranked unit in the National Football League. This second to last ranked squad also had the fewest forced turnovers during the regular season. Teams lacking offensive fire power depend on the defense to provide some fire works. The additions of middle linebacker London Fletcher and cornerback Fred Smoot don’t get me to excited. I think the success of this defense really boils down to scheme. If they wanted to make some moves, they should have done it up front to bolster a weak defensive line. Andre Carter must emerge as a prevalent pass rusher to justify playing him until he can get better against the run. Otherwise, he can’t be an every down player despite his potential.

The 2007 Washington Redskins are a team filled with question marks that trickle down to every level of this franchise. Just a few seasons ago it appeared that the puzzle was nearing completion, but with four of the last five seasons being losing ones, it is obvious that this team needs to make some drastic changes.

By Jeff Alexander – 7/18/2007

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2007 Washington Redskins

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