2014 Record: 4-12
2015 Non Division opponents: AFC East, NFC South, Tampa Bay, & Chicago
2014 in Review: Another year, another last place finish in the Nation’s Capital. The Redskins have finished last in the NFC East every year from 2008 until 2014, except for 2012. Jay Gruden was brought in to replace Mike Shanahan, and Gruden continued to attempt to make Robert Griffin III a pocket passer, with poor results. RGIII also got hurt and missed half the season, which led to a quarterback controversy that lasted for 7 quarters until Kirk Cousins imploded on a Thursday night against the New York Giants. Colt McCoy ended up being the best QB Washington had all season, but he also got hurt and the Redskins bumbled their way to another 4-12 season.
2015 Free Agency: Ndamukong Suh. 6 years/$114 million. Byron Maxwell. Six years/$63 million. Usually it’s the Redskins who sign players to ridiculous deals like this. Instead, Washington’s biggest splash was the hiring of Scot McCoughlan as their General Manager. Previously with Seattle and San Francisco, McCoughlan brings a true blueprint to build a consistent contender. He stuck to his plan, and focused on upgrading a terrible defense through free agency. Washington signed DL Stephen Paea from Chicago, CB Chris Culliver from San Francisco, and NT Terrance Knighton from Denver. All three were signed to smaller contracts, and all three will be starters this upcoming season.
2015 Draft: The Redskins added ten players in the draft, as McCoughlan traded down a couple of times to acquire more picks. First round pick Brandon Scherff isn’t sexy, but he’s a massive tackle that will contribute day one. The Redskins needed an offensive line upgrade so this was a pick of need. Second round pick Preston Smith will be developed as a pash rusher. Third round RB Matt Jones was drafted as the change of pace running back. While he doesn’t have much in the way of speed, he’s a great blocker with excellent hands. Two things that Alfred Morris doesn’t possess. Jones should see a large role as the third down back in DC.
Player on the hot seat: Robert Griffin III. He has experienced all the highs and all the lows in his three year career. The magical 2012 season is long gone from our memories, with the only lingering memory his torn ACL. It was obvious that he came back too soon in 2013, and then 2014’s season was also marred by injury. He is clearly the best option of the three QB’s in DC, but this is the prove it year. He will likely never develop into anything more than an average pocket passer, so the best bet for all involved it to take the reins off and let him do what he does best, which is create plays with his feet. Griffin knows it as well, because if he doesn’t produce this season, his Washington career (and maybe his NFL career) is over.
Players you want on your fantasy team: There is plenty of fantasy talent to go around in Washington. Pierre Garcon may not match is 113 reception season from 2013 again, but an 80 catch season is not out of the question as he has a great rapport with RG3. DeSean Jackson is a game changer, but he’s better for non PPR leagues, or leagues that reward bonuses for long touchdowns. He will be a perfect number #2 in any league, however. Alfred Morris has rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his first three seasons and the Redskins look to be pounding the rock again to take pressure off of RG3. I can’t endorse Griffin, but if you’re a gambler, he’s the epitome of a boom or bust player.
Season Prediction: A 4-12 season means the end of Griffin and the end of Jay Gruden. McCoughlan will pick his own coach and his own QB and the Redskins will start over. A 10-6 season and a playoff berth means the band can come back together next year and all is well. The absolute worst thing that can happen to the Redskins this season is mediocrity. So of course that is what is going to happen. The official SFTB prediction is 8-8.