2015 Season Predictions: NFC East Preview

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle

(98) reacts to a play during the first quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins

Key Additions:  DT Stephen Paea, DT Terrance Knighton, CB Chris Culliver, OT Brandon Scherff 

After the season the Redskins had last year, one would think they might try to change their team drastically. They didn’t do much of that. Defensively they added two big men upfront and a defensive back. Paea is a good defensive end/ defensive tackle who will really help the Redskins defensive line, especially in combination with Knighton.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Is Beckham Jr. The NFL’s Best WR?

Knighton is one of the best run stuffers in the NFL and should help the poor run defense a lot. Culliver is a talented cornerback coming off a big year in San Francisco and hopes to have another one with his new team. First round pick Scherff will bolster the line and help to improve both the run and pass game.

Key Losses: RB Roy Helu, DE Jarvis Jenkins, OLB Brian Orakpo 

The Redskins didn’t really lose many key players either. Losing Helu will hurt their passing game a bit, as Helu was their third down back and was a major factor out of the backfield. Losing Jenkins shouldn’t hurt much as Paea is basically replacing him and Paea will be an upgrade of Jenkins. Orakpo is a different story. While they might not miss him that much, simply because he wasn’t on the field much, they will still miss the talent he brings to the team. He is a very talented pass rusher, as he was able to show when he was healthy and he will be missed in Washington.

Jun 16, 2015; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback

III (10) prepares to throw the ball during drills as part of day one of Redskins Minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

After last years dismal season and without any massive change of the roster, the Redskins are counting on key players to improve and have a better 2015 season. A lot of pressure is on RGIII who has a slew of solid targets in Garcon, Jackson, Roberts, Reed and Paul. The offensive line should be better this year giving him more time as well. I think Morris who seemed to struggle, especially early last year, will benefit most from the improved line and is in line for a good year. If the offense can stay healthy and RGIII can actually play good football, they might a chance to turn it around.

On defense the problems were just as big as they were on offense, or possibly even greater. They really strengthened the defensive line which should help the run defense a lot, which was a major issue last year. Trent Murphy rookie season wasn’t all to special, but the Redskins expect him to make a big jump and give them a solid pass rusher duo with him and Kerrigan. With Robinson and Perry they are solid at the ILB position giving them a decent linebacker corps.

Breeland is coming off a promising rookie campaign and could be a solid pairing with Culliver. Goldson  had a tough time in Tampa, so the secondary could be better. While there aren’t many glaring holes, the team isn’t really good at many position either.

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back

(46) rushes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 6-10

Worst Case Record: 2-14 

Prediction: 3-13

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Alfred Morris

Team’s Defensive MVP: DT Terrance Knighton

Rookie Standout: T Brandon Scherff 

In the end I think it will be another very disappointing season for the Redskins. I don’t believe Griffin III will be able to turn it around and the offense will struggle. Defensively, I like what they did on the line, but the rest of the defense isn’t that good and won’t have a very good season. Best case scenario is that RGIII actually plays somewhat close to his rookie season form and both Breeland and Culliver are able to replicate their good seasons and they go 6-10. Worst case is that they go 0-6 in division and can only scratch out two wins against the NFC South and Chicago.

Next: A surprising third?