2015 NFL Preview: Can the Redskins find a winning solution?
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | STL | SF | SEA
Washington Redskins
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 4-12 | 4th in NFC East/15th in NFC |
Despite a coaching change, it was déjà vu all over again for Washington last season. Robert Griffin III's struggles continued, the offense averaged just 18.8 points per game, and the team finished the season at the bottom of the NFC East at 4-12.
The Redskins were able to play spoiler for their division rivals, though, as their 27-24 victory over the Eagles in Week 16 kept Philadelphia out of the playoffs.
Highlight of 2014
DeSean Jackson connects with quarterback Kirk Cousins on an 81-yard score in the third quarter of the Redskins' Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and proceeds to taunt his former team:
Preseason Power Ranking - #27
There continue to be whispers that Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III aren't on the same page despite the official word coming out of camp being the opposite. It's more likely both men will be with new teams in 2016 rather than either remaining with the Redskins. More...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Jay Gruden
Off. Coordinator: Sean McVay
Def. Coordinator: Joe Barry
The biggest question facing the Redskins this season, as it was last, is whether Griffin can return to his rookie form. The effectiveness of the offense line, which was revamped by the hiring of Bill Callahan and the first-round selection of Brandon Scherff, will have a lot to do with the quarterback's performance.
The Redskins parted ways with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett at the end of 2014, replacing him with Joe Barry, a longtime friend of head coach Jay Gruden. Barry's last stint as a defensive coordinator was with the Detroit Lions from 2007 to 2008, during which the team gave up the most points and yards allowed in the league.
Key Additions
- DT Terrance Knighton
- DT Stephen Paea
- DT Ricky Jean Francois
- S Dashon Goldson
- CB Chris Culliver
- OL Brandon Scherff (1st round)
- RB Matt Jones (3rd round)
Key Departures
- LB Brian Orakpo
- DT Barry Cofield
- DL Stephen Bowen
- S Ryan Clark
- RB Roy Helu
The additions of Terrance Knighton, Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean Francois, Dashon Goldson, and Chris Culliver give Washington five starting-caliber players on defense. Knighton may have been the biggest steal of free agency after signing a one-year, $4-million deal with the Redskins.
Third-round pick Matt Jones has generated a lot of praise from Gruden and general manager Scot McCloughan, with the latter comparing him to Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.
Bold Predictions
Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III will both be fired before November. After a disastrous start and knowing they need to completely reboot the team, the Redskins will fire head coach Gruden and release quarterback Griffin mid-way through the season. - David P. Woods
Matt Jones will win offensive rookie of the year. Rookie running back Matt Jones can challenge Alfred Morris for the starting job early in the year, if not prior to Week 1, and enough opportunities running behind a strong line will give him the opportunity to put together a highly productive debut season. - Dan Wilkins
Ryan Kerrigan will lead the league in sacks. Kerrigan enjoyed a career year in 2014, racking up 13.5 sacks and 64 tackles. Armed with a new five-year, $57.5-million extension, he'll be even better this season, joining the ranks of J.J. Watt and Justin Houston. - Caitlyn Holroyd