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Washington Redskins: 5 burning questions in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

LANDOVER MD - DECEMBER 17: Washington head Jay Gruden during the Washington Redskins defeat of the Arizona Cardinals 20 - 15 in Landover MD on December 17, 2017 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
LANDOVER MD - DECEMBER 17: Washington head Jay Gruden during the Washington Redskins defeat of the Arizona Cardinals 20 - 15 in Landover MD on December 17, 2017 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Redskins TE Jordan Reed (86) celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on October 23, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Redskins TE Jordan Reed (86) celebrates a touchdown in the second half during the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on October 23, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Can Jordan Reed stay healthy?

When he’s on the field and feeling good, Reed is one of the most dynamic tight ends in football. Unfortunately for the Redskins offense, that doesn’t happen nearly enough for them to make him a huge part of their game plans on a weekly basis.

Reed has only managed to play in 52 games during his five seasons as a professional. In other words, he typically misses somewhere around six games per season. That makes it really difficult for a new quarterback like Alex Smith to build meaningful chemistry with him.

If Reed can’t stay on the field, Vernon Davis is going to have to pick up the slack once again. Relying on a tight end who will be 34-years-old next season is a serious gamble. Davis used to be one of the most dangerous tight ends in the game, but that was at least five years ago.

The bottom line here is that a healthy Reed could really help open things up for Smith. Remember, there are serious questions about this group of wide receivers as well. It’s hard to imagine the Redskins offense being anything other than ordinary without significant contributions from the tight end position. Reed is the team’s best shot at getting above average production from that spot.

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