The Washington Redskins had a promising start to the 2007 NFL season, but after going 5-3, the team lost four games in a row. But more importantly, they lost a teammate, friend, and human being in Sean Taylor who was murdered during a break in to his Florida last November.
That tragedy took a toll on the Redskins, and it appeared as if for a few games, they just weren’t very much into playing the game of football.
However, the team eventually rallied around their fallen teammate, and probably had one of the better pushes towards a playoff berth in years. After losing those four games in a row, and essentially being counted out of the playoff picture, the Redskins won their next four and obtained the second NFC wildcard. They would lose to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs, but it still was season to be proud of and to commemorate.
Head coach Joe Gibbs promptly retired after the Redskins lost their final game of the season. Team owner Daniel Snyder is still on the lookout for a legitimate replace at the head coaching position. He has already decided to clean house and he fired Al Saunders and Gregg Williams, the two highly paid Redskins assistants of which at least one was expected to be the successor to Joe Gibbs.
With the Redskins on the hunt for a new head coach that will ultimately determine their philosophy and what needs they have to access in terms of player personnel, there are still a few issues that can be addressed without knowing who the coach will be.
First of all, they have to replace Sean Taylor. He was Pro-bowl safety who could effectively play in the box and down the field, which is not something all safeties can say. Obviously, they can’t replace the character human being Taylor had become right away, nevermind the talent. So they mine as well use the draft to get a promising youngster to grow into role and to play alongside LaRon Landry.
The Redskins also need to address their offensive line. Clinton Portis only averaged 3.9 yards per carry, and quite frankly, it didn’t appear to me that it was his fault. The offensive line let several teams push them around, and it appears as if come of the older veterans on the line (i.e. Chris Samuels, Pete Kendall and Jason Fabini) are starting to show their age. The Redskins need to get younger and may even need to consider drafting a stud offensive lineman to accomplish that.
Lastly, I think to ensure the growth of young quarterback Jason Campbell, there needs to be some money spent on getting him a go to receiver. Yes, Chris Cooley is a great option to have at tight end; however, Jason needs an outside threat to depend on if he is truly going to be successful in this league. Santana Moss proved he is too up and own to be considered more than just a big play wide receiver, and another year with him as the #1 wideout will probably result in another up and down year for the Washington Redskins in 2008.
