No. 31 Jaguars | No. 1 Seahawks | NFC East | Full List
No. 32: WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Last Season: 4-12
Fourth place, NFC East
In the three years since Robert Griffin III arrived in Washington, the Redskins' offense has slipped dramatically -- dropping in 2014 to 26th in points scored (down from fourth in 2012). "Griffin's done," says an offensive coach. "The injury (torn ACL, LCL in wild card loss on Jan. 6, 2013) slowed his legs, and his ego will not allow him to grind his way back." That's why the Redskins did not hesitate to name Kirk Cousins their starter for Week 1. To compensate for its QB issues, the team will need an elite defense -- which it doesn't have. Last year the D ranked 31st in EPA and last in QBR allowed at 76.6, the worst mark in the nine-year history of the metric. Yes, the Redskins switched out D-coordinator Jim Haslett for Joe Barry and made moves designed to upgrade the blocking (welcome, Brandon Scherff), but this team had too many flaws to fix in one offseason. -- Mike Sando
Their run game becomes one of the NFL's best, behind a bigger line and with running backs Alfred Morris and Matt Jones. They could then use deep play-action with receiver DeSean Jackson for big plays. That, and an improved defense (they were better than 2014 even before Junior Galette was signed) will offset quarterback issues. The run defense should be improved and the interior pass rush should be as well. Also, they'll make it if quarterback Robert Griffin III struggles early and they don't wait long to see if anything changes.
Because they still have major questions at quarterback and injury issues and a head coach who must prove himself after a four-win debut. It's not even whether or not Griffin can return to his 2012 level, it's whether he can even be a mediocre passer. But don't be fooled: This isn't just about the quarterback. The Redskins still have holes elsewhere and early-season injuries have robbed them of at least one potential playmaker in Galette; questions in the secondary persist.
Redskins' percentage chance to win each game
Sept. 13 vs. Miami: 41.5
Sept. 20 vs. St. Louis: 46.8
Sept. 24 @ N.Y. Giants: 32.0
Oct. 4 vs. Philadelphia: 38.8
Oct. 11 @ Atlanta: 32.6
Oct. 18 @ N.Y. Jets: 32.8
Oct. 25 vs. Tampa Bay: 57.6
Nov. 8 @ New England: 21.0
Nov. 15 vs. New Orleans: 43.8
Nov. 22 @ Carolina: 31.6
Nov. 29 vs. N.Y. Giants: 42.2
Dec. 7 vs. Dallas: 36.0
Dec. 13 @ Chicago: 39.7
Dec. 20 vs. Buffalo: 43.6
Dec. 26 @ Philadelphia: 25.3
Jan. 3 @ Dallas: 25.8
John Keim's game-by-game predictions
The defensive staff, including coordinator Joe Barry, and half the starting personnel on that side of the ball. The Redskins added defensive linemen who can get upfield, such as end Stephen Paea, and a run-stopper in the middle in nose tackle Terrance Knighton. They pieced together a new secondary, with corner Chris Culliver and safety Dashon Goldson. All the changes led to a different, and welcome, energy. The Redskins know they must win with an improved defense and strong run game.
"I'm not going to put a number on it, but I know this, when you play the Redskins this year, you're going to know you played us. You're going to feel us from the standpoint of being physical. The next morning, you're going to be sore. We're not going to win every game, but I tell you what, we're going to compete no matter what. We're going to get after you and we'll not back down from anything. If we do, changes will be made, but we're not going to. We're going to get after it. You're going to know you played us. That's all I ask for right now," GM Scot McCloughan.
Who will be our next quarterback? It's hard to see this going well (or ending well) for Griffin or the Redskins, unless he dramatically improves his game so he can become a consistent passer. If he's struggling and they keep playing him, it'll lead to more of the chaos that engulfed the franchise the past two seasons - leading to stories about who really wants him on the field and more. If Griffin struggles and the Redskins do make a change, the other question will be whether or not Kirk Cousins will show, once and for all, if he's a worthy starter and should be re-signed.
No. 31 Jaguars | No. 1 Seahawks | NFC East | Full List
