2012 NFL Preview: Washington Redskins

Another day, and another team previewed for the 2012 NFL season. Our tour around the league stops this time in our nation’s capital with the Washington Redskins. The ‘Skins are a team that will get a lot of attention this year no matter what their record. And that will be entirely because of their new quarterback, Robert Griffin III.

The heavy lifting for this one was done by Kevin Mawyer of Riggosrag.com

"Biggest Team Need Heading Into Offseason: The Redskins need to solidify problem positions such as Safety and Linebacker. The Redskins also need to figure out what they’re going to do with players like Brandon Banks that aren’t true WR threats, but bring something unique to the table.Key Free Agents Retained: London FletcherKey Player Additions: Pierre Garçon, Josh Morgan, Brandon Merriweather, Robert Griffin III.Key Players Leaving:LaRon LandryQuick Thoughts on Draft: Robert Griffin III will be the face of this Redskins team whether they sink or swim. The draft has brought a lot of optimism to the DC Metro area and all Redskins fans are excited to see which of these picks turn-out and how quickly they can impact the bottom line (wins and losses).Quick Thoughts on 2012 schedule: No “gimme” games in this schedule. The AFC North and NFC South combine for a very tough road for Washington to make the playoffs. You also have to remember the six games versus the NFC. Redskins fans are going to find out what RGIII is made of in a hurry.Most Interesting Roster Battle: Wide Receiver. Garçon looks to be the clear-cut #1, but positions 2-6 are completely up in the air.Biggest Strength Heading Into 2012: The front seven. Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo are the core of this front seven that is a part of a playoff-caliber defense. If the offense can put up 21+ per game, watch out.Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2012: Quarterback/Safety. Quarterback is TBD and safety has been an issue for years. As long as people can stay healthy, the Skins secondary should be serviceable.Biggest Question Still To Be Answered: Can Robert Griffin III make the transition to the pro game and live up to the hype?2012 Prediction: As of right now, the Redskins appear to be a .500 team just from roster upgrades. My official prediction is 8-8."

The Redskins went “all-in” to get RG3, giving up 3 first round picks and a 2nd round pick. The problem is that they don’t have a lot of talent around him. Their receiving core is far from special. Roy Helu was a serendipitous find, and while he’s good, he’s probably the weakest RB in the division.

The defense is similar. Kerrigan and Orakpo are genuinely special special players, but that lack of decent secondary players behind them will limit their impact.

What this team needs is 3-4 more high draft pick to round out the roster and get them ready to really compete. Too bad the ‘Skins traded those picks to the Rams in order to get RG3.