footballnation.com: 2012 Washington Redskins: Best and Worst Case Scenarios

[Califan007]

http://www.footballnation.com/conten...enarios/15772/

DRINKING THE KOOL-AID: BEST CASE SCENARIO

If you "drank the Kool-Aid," it means you bought in to something 100%, although you may not know exactly what you're be getting. That's been the theme for Washington for the passed ten years, and of course, District Kool-aid junkies are calling for the Super Bowl trophy or bust this year. Can't say I disagree with them, the obvious best-case scenario for any team is a Super Bowl. But, with their offensive and defensive makeup, a trip to the playoffs could, in some reality, be attainable.


What needs to happen: Offense - Protection, protection, protection. Did I mention protection? Robert Griffin won a Heisman in college for his freak athleticism, extending plays and scrambling to the open spot of the field to throw a bomb for a touchdown. The NFL is not so kind, and the Redskins offensive line must step up to protect this valuable asset.

With good offensive line play and a leap for third year LT Trent Williams, the running game will open up for second-year standout Roy Helu and returning starter Tim Hightower. Kyle Shanahan's offensive strategy of rolling-out RG3 will allow the QB to find WR Pierre Garcon and Santana Moss for quick slashing routes. Chris Cooley will act as a mentor for embattled TE Fred Davis and each will have All-Pro impacts in the run and pass game.

The Skin's stalls in the red zone will be squashed by the brilliance of RG3, who will put up Cam Newton-type stats on his way to solidifying himself as a blooming NFL star.


What needs to happen: Defense- The Skins front seven will match their productivity of last season, which was highlighted by youngster DE's Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. London Fletcher will continue to to act as the team's emotional leader, and fire up a Redskin's secondary that now has many new faces. Jim Haslett's third year system, teamed up with former head coach, Raheem Morris, as the secondary coach, will motivate a talented Skin's D that will impress with improved pressure and maturity.


Outlook: 9-7 record, barely getting into the playoffs. It will be Mike Shanahan's best season by far and will validate all the future picks that were traded for the future franchise QB, Robert Griffin III. Veteran leadership will prove to be the X-factor for the Redskins and they will represent the NFC as a wild card team in the playoffs.

[Koolblue13]

Weren't the Giants 9-7 last year?

[SpacePenguin]

Thanks for not posting the worst case scenario part. I think we've all seen that unfold in reality far too often in recent years to find the subject matter interesting..

Onward and upwards!

[Alcoholic Zebra]

I feel like football nation is the new bleacher report. The last thing I read from there had us going 2-14 with the worst record in the league.

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Interesting read. 9-7 through 4-12.

The reality probably lies somewhere in between. Given, among other things, a rookie QB; a far from stellar O-line losing pieces it can ill-afford to; a horrid secondary; and a tough as all heck schedule that has 2 or 3 horrid blocks of games; I'd air more on a 5/6 win season. 7 wins tops.

Steady progression, with another invaluable year of learning and growing together for the young guys.

All gearing toward 2013/ 2014 and hopefully explosion with yet more missing pieces added.

Hail.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

Who the **** is calling for a Super Bowl trophy this year?

[daveakl]

Who the **** is calling for a Super Bowl trophy this year?

Me. I want one every year.

[deejaydana]

I think almost anyone besides the most hopeless Homer would take a 9-7 finish this coming season. I know I would.

[Riggo#44]

Am I the only person that is really sick of hearing about protection issues? I think 98% of all "analysts" look at the Buffalo game and think that it applies across the board. The last 6 weeks, despite playing 2 UFDA street free agents and a 7th round rookie, the Skins gave up 1.8 sacks per game and rushed for an average of 129 ypg. Over a full season -- that would put them in the top 10 of sacks given up and rushing offense.

Not to mention the Eagles "standout offensive line" gave up 19 more pressures than the Redskins did -- AND Jason Peters' career is likely over. So who is more likely to have protection issues?

[MariusVT]

I think almost anyone besides the most hopeless Homer would take a 9-7 finish this coming season. I know I would.

Hell I'd even be happy with an 8-8, it shows progress and that the team is really moving towards being competitive and a real chance at winning the division.

[pjfootballer]

Who the **** is calling for a Super Bowl trophy this year?

That was my first question. Then after seeing the 9-7 prediction, I was thinking that is about the ceiling most fans have put on this team.

[Jumbo]

It seems every devout Teen Wolf/Jersey Shores fan who's bored with Facebook but still totally twitter-pated is writing for a football blog.

[MattFancy]

Anything between 7-9 wins this year would be successful IMO.

[redskinss]

I feel like football nation is the new bleacher report. The last thing I read from there had us going 2-14 with the worst record in the league.

The only thing worse than having that happen would be watching the rams make the first overall pick next year. Or trading it for another kings ransom cause they already have a quarterback.

[RVAbrendan]

There are obvious differences, but does anybody else foresee a 2005-esq season on the horizon? (Great defense, serviceable offense, IN every game)

I mean, we had Mark "Scott" Brunell at the helm, and seemingly way less talent at receiver. Obviously, Brunell was the vet, and RGIII is the rook, but looking at it in comparison, 9-7 isn't out of the question...