Redskins Roster Review: Offense

In order for the Redskins to get back to the playoffs next year, the offense is going to have to make great strides.

A year ago, Jim Zorn was just getting started teaching his new team the West Coast offense. The offense started off hot but cooled off as the season came to a close.

This off season, Zorn will be able to pay closer attention to details since the players now know what he wants from them. Though progress will be made from the coaching standpoint, the personnel side still needs some work.

Upgrading the offensive line has been a goal this off season. Last season the offensive line deteriorated as the season went on, showing their age more and more each week. Though getting younger at this position is viewed as a priority, the only move made so far was the signing of left guard Derrick Dockery, 28.

There are still question marks at wide receiver, and it will be essential for second year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to make strides to learn the offense better so they can play prominent roles in the offense. Incumbent starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are going to be relying on the youngsters to step up and take some of the heat off them.

Quarterback Jason Campbell will have to show improvement in his second year in the West Coast offense. He played well last year, but needs to show more improvement in the red zone. This team needs to figure out how to score touchdowns, and he could make big contributions in that department.

Coach Zorn has to push these guys real hard this off season and improvements have to be made. A few more moves might have to be made, most likely through the draft, but they should have every opportunity to take those strides next season.

Redskins Roster Review: Defense

Even if you only saw one Redskins game last year, you would have left knowing the strong point of the team was it's defense.

The 'Skins finished the season ranked 4th overall on yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Greg Blatche has repeatedly defended his players and his scheme, but there is definitely room for improvement.

The defense ranked 29th in takeaways last season, only taking the ball from their opponents 18 times. They also posted only 24 sacks, placing them in the cellar of the NFC. Moves this off season should help to raise these numbers.

Vinny Cerrato is back to true form this off season, making huge splashes wit the signings of DeAngelo Hall and the $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. These two players should make a big difference in both categories.

Hall, who with the team for the second half of the season, had three interceptions in his short time with the team. An off season with the coaches and his teammates will only increase his production, but the big man in the middle will help him the most.

Haynesworth is a beast up front, taking on double and triple teams while still reaching the quarterback. This also frees up teammates to get the quarterback, and will also make quarterbacks throw errant passes which the defensive backs can jump on.

Even with these additions, there are gaps. An experienced starting outside linebacker is needed as well as another pass rusher, but overall the group is moving in the right direction.

Fast Start to Free Agency

The Redskins started free agency fast last week, signing three starters for next season in the first 24 hours.

The first player to sign with the Redskins was DeAngelo Hall, 24, who played with the team during the second half of last season. He inked a 6-year, $55 million deal with $23 million guaranteed. The two sides agreed to terms just before free agency started, but the Redskins were just getting started.

The Redskins negotiated with All Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth through the night, agreeing on a 7-year deal worth $100 million, the largest contract given to a defensive player ever. The deal includes $41 million in guarantees, and Haynesworth, 27, is set to get $32 million in the first 13 months. This was not the end of the signing spree.

The Redskins also brought back guard Derrick Dockery, 28, who left Washington two years ago in free agency to play for the Buffalo Bills. He was released by them for salary cap reasons, and was quickly pursued by the Redskins.

These were three shrewd signings, and the Redskins picked good players to give their money to. All three will undoubtedly start next season, barring any injuries, and should contribute for years to come.