The wait is almost over for the NFL’s most avid fans because the 2014 regular season is creeping closer and closer to kickoff. Here we take a look at the offseason moves of the Washington Redskins as they attempt to comeback from a disappointing 2013 season. For a more complete view of NFC East, take a look at our Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles previews.
Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins had a very significant sophomore slump last year. Changes were made in the offseason, but will those moves be enough for RG3 to lift the Redskins to the same heights they reached during his outstanding rookie campaign?
[sc:”Football Articles” ]Washington Redskins Team Preview for the 2014/2015 NFL Season
Overview
2013 Regular Season Record: 3-13 SU/5-11 ATS
The Washington Redskins had a horrible 3-13 SU record in the regular season last year, a steep decline from their 10-6 SU showing in 2012. It was the team’s worst record since finishing the 1994 season with 4-12 SU slate. The dreary result led to the firing of head coach Mike Shanahan and most of the coaching staff.
After a stellar debut season, Robert Griffin III had a much more challenging experience the second time around. RG3’s completion percentage (60%), rushing yards (489 yards) and touchdowns (16) all went down – albeit with two fewer games played – from his rookie year, but his interceptions more than doubled from five to 12.
Coming into this season, the ‘Skins will be under almost entirely new management and with some key player returnees and additions.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Washington will have a tough challenge ahead of them in NFC East with Philadelphia, Dallas and the New York Giants. All three teams dominated Washington, leaving the team winless in the division. If Washington plans to do better this year, they will need their star quarterback to quickly click with the new acquisitions.
Currently, the ‘Skins are +5,000 to win the Super Bowl despite posting one of the worst regular season records last year.
Offseason Highlights
With the Shanahans – head coach Mike and offensive coordinator Kyle – axed, Washington will now be under the guidance of new head coach Jay Gruden. Gruden has experience as an offensive coordinator in Cincinnati, helping the team reach the playoffs twice in his first two years in the team, while his new OC, 28-year old Sean McVay, will get his first taste of the job this season.
Gruden and McVay will have some new additions to their receiving corps, none bigger than DeSean Jackson. Fresh off a career-high 1,332 yards with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Jackson will be expected to be Griffin’s no. 1 target and a perpetual deep threat for the upcoming season.
The Redskins also added Andre Roberts, an athletic wide receiver who went under the radar with a modest 471 yards last year for the Arizona Cardinals. Jackson and Roberts should allow the Redskins to diversify a passing offense which relied heavily on Pierre Garcon (113 catches, 1,346 yards) last season.
Last season, linebacker was a position that required some filling-up after falling apart as Keenan Robinson battled an injury, London Fletcher slowed down due to age and Perry Riley struggled for consistency. So, while Gruden addresses the offensive plans of Washington, the defense shaped itself with some important additions in linebacker Akeem Jordan and defensive end Jason Hatcher.
Jordan, who made 67 tackles last season, should give the Redskins some much-needed depth in their linebacker corps. Meanwhile Hatcher, who’s currently recovering from knee surgery, could give the team another impactful pass-rusher alongside Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo. He is also coming off career-high 34 total tackles and 11.0 sacks in the 2013 season.
Key Betting Matchups
Washington had a very disappointing season last year, especially within NFC East, which is why games against the other three teams in the division will be significant this season. The Redskins are priced at +450 to win the division this season, with these two games potentially crucial to those chances.
September 25 – vs. New York Giants
The ‘Skins will have to win against the New York Giants if they hope to improve on their 3-13 SU record from last season. A win will also be a big step forward as they will improve on their 0-6 SU division record from last year. This small step can be enough to give the team a boost in morale to play better for the rest of the season.
October 27 – at Dallas Cowboys
Washington came close to stealing a win against NFC East’s number two team last season. They trailed 14-6 heading into the second half, but exploded in the third getting 14 points while disallowing the Cowboys from scoring any. Nevertheless, they were only good for one quarter, and the Cowboys came back to steal the game 24-23. The first match between these two NFC East teams will likely tell how much improvement Washington has done over the past year. A win here can even land them a better spot in the division.
Prediction
Washington fail to make the playoffs with a 6-10 SU record.
The NFL 2014 Regular Season is inching closer and closer. Create a betting account now to get into the NFL fever as early as now.
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