Washington Redskins Offseason "To Do" List
What did Mike Shanahan bring with him to Washington? His Super Bowl rings? The "anybody can break 1,000 yards in this scheme" system? That dreaded deep ball off the naked bootleg? So far, none of the above (unless you count the sporadic deep ball from Grossman). It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for the Redskins. The Jim Haslett led 3-4 defense, aided by rookie Ryan Kerrigan, was a stingy and sometimes shutdown defense.
Washington has two key free agents to re-sign. Tight End Fred Davis and Middle Linebacker London Fletcher are vital to the success of the team. Laron Landry could become a priority for the Skins. He is an uber-talented safety. The problem is he has never fully realized his potential and could command a salary that is not worth his play on the field. One free agent, that may not be brought back is Rex Grossman. Mike Shanahan could look to go another direction, instead of the up and down play of Grossman. Mike Flynn doesn't have the arm strength of a typical Shanahan QB, but has the mentality and mobility. Also, Washington could attempt to trade up for Robert Griffin III (he will be a very hot commodity as we get closer to draft day).
Running back is a situation that needs to be worked out. Shanahan has a long track record of finding late round, undrafted and even sometimes retread backs. He had success with any back he found. So much so that it seemed as if he would attempt to one-up himself by finding a more unknown player
each year to crack the 1,000 yard barrier.
The defensive front seven is stout. The secondary has been the issue. Letting go of cornerback Carlos Rogers in favor of DeAngelo Hall while Rogers enjoyed the best season of his career in San Francisco. Let's see what the Skins should look "to do" this offseason:
Select a Quarterback: If you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks. Mike Shanahan needs to stop playing musical chairs with his quarterbacks. If he's not sold on Grossman or John Beck. He needs to move on from both. He should bring in a veteran and also draft a quarterback this April. He could move up for a player like RG3 or draft and develop a QB like Darron Thomas of Oregon or Brock Osweiler of Arizona State in a later round.
Rebuild Secondary: With Laron Landry looking to be on the outs, Washington will need to look to fill voids at safety and cornerback.
Find a Premier Rusher: If you don't have a quality running back by now, it's your fault. The good news is they are a dime a dozen. Michael Bush could headline an average free agency class. He's a one-cut bulldozer. Finding a back in the draft is likely as well.
#1 Receiver Anybody?: I'd say this will be the toughest problem for them. You could argue that Santana Moss is their number one guy. And at first, it seems sound. When you look deeper, you'll realize he undersized, and on the down side of his career. He's also not durable. Washington will need to keep up with their talent-rich division. It's home to receivers like Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Desean Jackson, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks.
Final Thoughts
If Mike Shanahan wants credit for those two Super Bowl rings he won in Denver, he will need to build the Redskins into a contender. An offensive-minded coach whose defense is the strength of a non-playoff team isn't good for a legacy. No matter who the Redskins bring in at any other position, the reality is this: Without a good quarterback, Washington is going nowhere. With a good one, they will be of the best teams in the NFC.
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