The Washington Redskins enter 2018 with an improved defense and a new quarterback? Can they get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015?
The Washington Redskins enter the 2018 season with modest expectations behind new quarterback Alex Smith. After three years of Kirk Cousins as starting quarterback, the organization felt he wasn’t worth the investment that the Minnesota Vikings ultimately made in him and sent young cornerback Kendall Fuller and a third-round pick to Kansas City for Smith.
The quarterback change was the theme of the offseason as well as beefing up the defensive line. Washington accomplished that with the selection of Alabama defensive tackle Daron Payne in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Payne joins Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis and fellow draft pick, Tim Settle, on the Redskins’ talented and young defensive line.
Head coach Jay Gruden is entering a critical fifth season in charge of Washington. After a disastrous debut season that featured questionable talent on both sides of the ball, Gruden bounced back to win the division in 2015 and posted another winning season in 2016.
Last season was a disastrous one for the Redskins. Despite some huge wins, including a memorable upset win at Seattle where the Redskins were ravaged by injuries, the team finished 7-9. The injuries were a major reason for Washington’s struggles last season, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. The Redskins were also without key playmakers Chris Thompson and Jordan Reed for extended periods of time.
What should we expect from the Redskins in 2018?