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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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Ross Crockrell #37 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass against Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Ross Crockrell #37 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass against Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Abbie Parr Getty Images) /

3. Will Josh Doctson step up?

Someone on this Redskins offense will need to step up and become Alex Smith’s favorite new target. Unless you’re a big believer in Jamison Crowder or Paul Robinson, Doctson is your best bet.

The former TCU star recovered from a lost rookie season to post a very respectable sophomore campaign. Racking up 35 catches for 502 yards doesn’t strike fear in the hearts of opposing defensive coordinators, but it did represent progress for Doctson. The question is whether he can build on that in 2018.

To do so, he’ll need to put in work with Smith early and often. Those two have to establish a great rapport as early as possible. Doctson’s ability to ascend to the number one wide receiver spot will go a long way towards determining just how good this offense can be.

One encouraging sign for Doctson is that he already knows how to find the end zone. Six of his 35 catches last season resulted in scores for the Washington offense. Obviously, he can’t keep that sort of ratio up if he becomes the team’s top receiver, but a double-digit touchdown season certainly isn’t out of the question.

If Doctson doesn’t become the team’s leading receiver this season, expect the team to find a legitimate lead guy next summer. It’s a big year for Doctson if he wants to become the guy in Washington.

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