Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 33
Next
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Washington Redskins have been a mess – both in the headlines and on the field – since Dan Snyder rolled into town in 1999 and bought the team. In 2014, it seemed things finally bottomed out. Head coach Jay Gruden came in and had issues trying to install a playbook that Robert Griffin III could grasp, leading to consistently poor play and quips in press conferences.

After the season, Snyder made a change at general manager and hired Scot McCloughan. In free agency, Washington added corner Chris Culliver before drafting Brandon Scherff with the fifth-overall pick to man right tackle across from Trent Williams. Nose tackle Terrance Knighton was also signed to anchor the defense on a one-year contract.

Major Battle

Incredibly, the battle is at quarterback. Gruden has stated that the job is Griffin’s, but what if he plays horribly in the preseason games while Colt McCoy or Kirk Cousins lights it up? Griffin is entering his fourth year and after winning the NFC East in 2012, has been nothing but awful the last two seasons. Cousins could absolutely win this job with a strong summer.

Expectations

Let’s just be honest. The Redskins are a bad team, and they are almost certain to finish last in the NFC East. Still, if Gruden shows signs that he is a long-term head coach and Griffin can become the player everyone believed him to be coming out of Baylor in 2012, this is a great campaign. At this point, it is about building toward 2016 and finding answers.

Next: Green Bay Packers

Home/NFL