Are people sleeping on Washington in the NFC East after all the potential impact additions they made this offseason?
Projected Starters
Offense
QB: Alex Smith
RB: Derrius Guice
WR: Jamison Crowder
WR: Paul Richardson
WR: Josh Doctson
TE: Jordan Reed
LT: Trent Williams
LG: Shawn Lauvao
C: Chase Roullier
RG: Brandon Scherff
RT: Morgan Moses
Defense
DE: Jonathan Allen
DT: Da’Ron Payne
OLB: Ryan Kerrigan
ILB: Zach Brown
ILB: Mason Foster
OLB: Preston Smith
CB: Josh Norman
CB: Fabian Moreau
CB: Orlando Scandrick
S: D.J. Swearinger
S: Troy Apke
Roster Notes/Thoughts
Notable depth
QB Colts McCoy, RB Chris Thompson, RB Samaje Perine, RB Rob Kelley, WR Brian Quick, WR Trey Quinn, WR Simmie Cobbs, TE Vernon Davis, OT Geron Christian, OT T.J. Clemmings, OT TY Nsekhe, DL Stacy McGee, DL Matt Ioannidis, DL Ziggy Hood, DL Tim Settle, OLB Pernell McPhee, OLB Ryan Anderson, ILB Zach Vigil, CB Quinton Dunbar, S Deshazor Everett, S Montae Nicholson
Biggest strength: Quarterback
The Redskins were almost universally panned for their trade to acquire Alex Smith earlier this year, which unfortunately shows what an absolute joke most “analysts” are. Only Tom Brady (85) has more wins since 2011 than Smith (69), who owns a 132:43 touchdown-interception ratio and has won 69% of his games over that span. Simply put, Smith is a winner, and people are sleeping on Washington with the former No. 1 pick at the controls.
Biggest weakness: Left guard
Like the rest of the NFC East, the Redskins don’t necessarily have a glaring weakness at a position that’s considered a priority. However, they will want to run the ball with Derrius Guice and the other solid running backs on the roster, so someone emerging at left guard would be huge for an offensive line that is excellent otherwise.
Position battle to watch: Safety
The intimidating D.J. Swearinger is obviously locked in at one safety spot, but Deshazor Everett, Montae Nicholson, and fourth-round pick Troy Apke will all be competing for the other starting job. If Apke is quick to learn the playbook and brings that knowledge to the field, he has the athletic upside to be an immediate difference-maker, but training camp and the preseason will determine who lines up alongside Swearinger in September.
Early over/under: 5.5 wins (via Odds Shark)
Over. The win totals were tough for the rest of the division, but this is one of the easiest picks in the NFL for me. Jay Gruden’s squad won seven games last year and could have easily won more if a few balls bounced their way. And on paper, I think Washington got better everywhere heading into 2018.
Alex Smith is so disrespected.
He is! The Redskins will love him.
We upgraded at quarterback.
Wow I am shocked a few people feel this way.. I agree.
Me too. Smith is soo underrated.
Cousins is much better than Smith.
Those corners need to play well imo.
I am starting to think Cousins is better. It’ll be interesting to see how they both do this year.
NFL will be better if the Skins are good!
Cousins-Smith debate might be big now because they are both in the nfc.