Washington Redskins Tickets

The Washington Redskins rallied in memory of slain safety Sean Taylor last year to make the playoffs despite starting veteran backup quarterback Todd Collins for the final month of the season.

Unfortunately for the Redskins, the adversity didn't end with the tragic loss of Taylor. Head coach Joe Gibbs announced his retirement following the season, leaving Washington with the top position vacant yet again.

The Redskins went after some big names but failed on many, eventually settling for Seattle Seahawks quarterback coach Jim Zorn, who was said to have wowed owner Daniel Snyder in his interviews.

The new head coach brings with him an entirely new offensive system in the form of the West Coast offense, which will force healed quarterback Jason Campbell to once again be starting from scratch. Being a young quarterback in the NFL is hard enough, but trying to learn several different offenses under ever-changing head coaches and offensive coordinators makes it nearly impossible to become a solid player.

How Campbell is able to return from his dislocated kneecap as well as how quickly he is able to pick up and adjust to a new offensive scheme may determine just how far the Redskins can go in 2008.

Another key will be the health of Clinton Portis, who might be a top five running back when he can avoid injuries. Fortunately for the Redskins, they have a capable backup in Ladell Betts who can ease the burden on Portis.

The team has solid wide receivers in Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El, but both players are very small and are also quite injury prone. The Redskins used two early draft picks to select two wide receivers that they hope can help them now and in the future.

Their biggest selection was that of tight end Fred Davis, who could be used in duel tight end sets with Chris Cooley. They could create some serious matchup problems using that type of formation, although it would most likely be a special package considering two tight ends are not common in the West Coast offense.

On defense, the team has some serious issues, particularly in the secondary. With the death of Taylor, the Redskins have a huge gap at safety opposite of LeRon Landry. Cornerback Shawn Springs is also beginning to show his age and seems injured way too frequently, while Carlos Rogers has not developed in the player many hoped he would become.

Because of the tough division and a completely different offensive scheme, the Redskins will be very hard pressed to earn a postseason berth in 2008.