NFL 2006: Washington Redskins

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Washington Redskins.)

It took Joe Gibbs only two seasons to put the Washington Redskins back on the winning track and into the playoffs. So much for the game passing him by. The Redskins went 10-6 in 2005 and earned a trip to the playoffs, eventually falling to Seattle 20-10 in the divisional playoffs.

Not one to rest on his laurels, or his checkbook, owner Daniel Snyder went on a spending spree in the offseason, bringing in a bevy of well-known talent in the hope of putting the 'Skins over the hump and into the Super Bowl.

Snyder also put together the most expensive coaching staff in the history of the league, re-signing defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to a huge payday, while adding offensive coordinator Al Saunders and secondary coach Jerry Gray.

Offense: Mark Brunell bounced back from his subpar year in 2004 to lead the Redskins to the playoffs last season. His 3,050 yards and 23 touchdowns sent Patrick Ramsey packing and gives Brunell unquestioned control of the team. Jason Campbell is the heir apparent and Todd Collins is a veteran backup.

Gibbs loves to run the football and he couldn't be more happy having Clinton Portis getting the brunt of those carries. The former Miami U. star rushed for 1,516 yards and scored 11 touchdowns and earned another trip to the Pro Bowl. Ladell Betts (338 yards) and Rock Cartwright are quality reserves.

The biggest change in Redskins camp is at the wide receiver position. Santana Moss (84-1,483-9) is back after having a sensational year and now he has some help. Antwaan Randle-El (35-558) was signed away from Pittsburgh and Brandon Lloyd (48-733-5) didn't leave his heart in San Francisco. They will join incumbent David Patten, who's back after missing most of last season. Randle-El is penciled in as the other starter with Moss. James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs make this group potentially an outstanding one.

Chris Cooley had a break-out year in his H-Back, tight end role. His 71 grabs for 774 yards and seven touchdowns went largely unnoticed, but that shouldn't be a problem this season. Look for another big year from Cooley. Robert Royal is gone, but Christian Fauria was brought in from New England and will start in Gibbs' two tight end offense.

The offense line returns intact with Casey Rabach at center, Derrick Dockery and Randy Thomas at guard and Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels at tackle. Jim Molinaro and Tyson Walter provide depth.

Defense: This was a top ten unit in 2005 that only got better this year with the free agent signings of Adam Archuleta, Andre Carter and Kenny Wright. Williams loves an attacking, blitzing defense and the athleticism and speed is in place for another solid year from the Washington D.

Carter (4.5 sacks) will team up with incumbent Philip Daniels (48 tackles, eight sacks) at defensive end to make an impressive pass rushing combo. Renaldo Wynn, last years starter, will move into a reserve role with Demetric Evans (three sacks). Cornelius Griffin (35 tackles, four sacks) and Joe Salave'a will hold down the interior of the line with Ryan Boschetti and Cedric Killings providing backup.

Lemar Marshall (98 tackles, four interceptions) returns at middle linebacker and Marcus Washington (93 tackles, 7.5 sacks) is back after an impressive 2005 campaign. Levar Arrington played his way into Gibbs' doghouse and eventually right out of town. Warrick Holdman will take over his outside spot and needs to have a big year to make people forget the athleticism of Arrington. Robert McCune and rookies Roger McIntosh and Spencer Havner will also see some action.

Former Rams strong safety Archuleta (70 tackles, 3.5 sacks) and Sean Taylor (70 tackles, two interceptions) form a deadly combo at safety. Both are hard-hitting and have a nose for the football. Archuleta is a liability in pass coverage, but against the run he's phenomenal. He'll be like an extra linebacker for Williams. Pierson Prioleau and rookie Reed Doughty are backups. Carlos Rogers (46 tackles, two picks) and Shawn Springs (50 tackles) are solid corners, while Wright, signed away from Jacksonville, will handle nickel duties.

Special Teams: John Hall (63 points, 12-14 field goals, 27-27 extra points) has played in only 18 games the past two seasons and needs to have a healthy 2006. The Redskins used three different kickers in Hall's absence last season. He's got a big leg with lots of range and if healthy, can be that x-factor late in ballgames. Derrick Frost (40.4) returns as punter. Betts (25.9) returns kicks and Randle-El (10.2) should take over punt return duties.

Outlook: On paper the offense looks a lot better with the additional help at wide receiver. Portis is a big-time back and the offensive line is solid, especially at tackle with Jansen and Samuels. Williams is one of the best defensive coaches in the business and with more toys to play with, look for Washington to be among the elite on the defensive side of the ball. The question marks are at quarterback and a lack of depth on the defense. Brunell had a bounce back year in 2005, but he'll be 36 at the start of the season and the question remains: can he repeat his performance from last year? If not it could be bad news for 'Skins fans. Campbell is not ready yet and Collins is a career journeyman. The defense will be tough, but needs to stay healthy. There's not much depth and it could be problems if some starters go down.

Prediction: On paper the Redskins have a better team than last season. Whether that translates into more wins or not remains to be seen. The division is a monster. The Giants and Cowboys are better than last year too and the Eagles have all their guys back from injury. If Brunell can keep it together for another year, Washington is a legitimate playoff threat. The Redskins will challenge for the division and go 10-6.

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