20-Nov-2009 17:20pm
 
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Washington Redskins
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

Once again, the Redskins threw around a lot of money in free agency. They landed the top defensive free agent, though, signing defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a long-term deal. Haynesworth is a huge get for the Redskins, giving them a game changer on the defensive side of the ball. The Redskins also added defensive end Renaldo Wynn, who is likely to start, and drafted Brian Orakpo, who should play linebacker and defensive end for the Redskins. The Redskins really improved their pass rush with their offseason acquisitions.

As for the losses, the two most notable are cornerback Shawn Springs and defensive end Jason Taylor. Neither were great for the Redskins this past season, though, which is one reason they were let go.

STRENGTHS

The Redskins boast a strong rushing attack. Clinton Portis kind of flies under the radar at times, but he is an elite back. He keeps churning out tons of yards every season and this year should be no different. And their backup is Ladell Betts, who has excelled when given a chance in the past. He is a more than adequate backup, giving the Redskins a great one-two punch at running back.

Washington's rush defense should be among the best in the league with the addition of Haynesworth. He is an immediate difference maker against the rush. And the Redskins were already strong against the rush before Haynesworth, ranking eighth overall. They will be very difficult to run against this season. London Fletcher makes plays all over the field at linebacker and LaRon Landry does a great job of supporting the run at the safety spot.

WEAKNESSES

We still aren't sold on the Redskins receivers. Santana Moss is a solid No. 1, but he disappears at times and will have some off weeks. Antwaan Randle El and second-year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly round out the depth chart. The Redskins hope that one of the second-year guys takes a step forward, but nothing is certain with either after disappointing rookie seasons. The Redskins have some options at receiver, but none are very exciting outside of Moss.

OUTLOOK

The Redskins could surprise. They have a very strong running game and the defense will be among the best in the game. This is a good combo for success. A lot will depend on the development of Jason Campbell, who hasn't exactly seized the quarterback position since becoming the starter. If Campbell finally gets it, the Redskins have the talent to make the playoffs and maybe even the Super Bowl.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 20, 02:53 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He has been ruled out for Week 11.
Nov 20, 02:53 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 and will be a game-time decision.
Nov 20, 02:43 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He had been ruled out of Week 11 earlier in the week.
Nov 20, 01:03 PM Rick Maese, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) is scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh to meet with a specialist regarding his concussion.

Fantasy Impact: This is never a great sign. Portis could be out a few more games.
Nov 19, 04:23 PM Updating previous reports, Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. He will be a game-time decision for Week 11.
Nov 19, 04:13 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley (ankle) did not participate in practice in Thursday, Nov. 19. His ankle is still in a cast, and he is still using crutches. He will not play in Week 11 but will be evaluated Monday, Nov. 23.
Nov 19, 04:13 PM Updating previous reports, Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.He has been ruled out for Week 11.
Nov 19, 03:43 PM Rick Maese, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn said RB Clinton Portis (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 11.

Fantasy Impact: Ladell Betts gets another start for the Redskins.
Nov 19, 02:23 PM Rick Maese, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) is not participating in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.

Fantasy Impact: Portis seems likely to miss another game this week.
Nov 19, 02:23 PM Rick Maese, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is not participating in practice Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 11:53 AM Rick Maese and Jason Reid, of The Washington Post, report Washington Redskins CB Carlos Rogers may start in Week 11 after being benched in Week 10. Rogers split time with several other cornerbacks with the first-team defense during practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 06:23 PM Dan Steinberg, of The Washington Post, reports Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis (concussion) said he does not need to rush back to the lineup as long as RB Ladell Betts is playing well while is out. Portis said he would not mind splitting carries with Betts when he is able to return fully healthy. Portis said he will do what he can during practice while he still is experiencing symptoms from the concussion.
Nov 18, 05:23 PM Todd Archer, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Washington Redskins RB Ladell Betts (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Fantasy Impact: Betts is likely to get another start this week.
Nov 18, 04:03 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins CB Carlos Rogers took snaps with the first-team defense in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18, after being benched in Week 10. All indications are that Rogers will start in Week 11.
Nov 18, 04:03 PM Ryan O'Halloran, of The Washington Times, reports Washington Redskins DL Albert Haynesworth (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 18. Head coach Jim Zorn said it will probably come down to a weekend decision with Haynesworth.

Fantasy Impact: Haynesworth is a huge loss for the Redskins defense if he can't go this week.
Nov 18, 03:33 PM Redskins.com reports Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn said RB Clinton Portis (concussion) is considered doubtful for Week 11 because he still is having symptoms from the concussion.

Fantasy Impact: Look for Ladell Betts to get another start.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Jeremy Bridges, G; Hunter Smith, P; Robert Thomas, LB; Renaldo Wynn, DE; Dirk Johnson, P; Derrick Dockery, G; Albert Haynesworth, DT. 

Losses:
Justin Geisinger, G; Shawn Springs, CB; Demetric Evans, DE; Jason Taylor, DE; Marcus Washington, LB. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  13 Brian OrakpoDL
 # 3  -64 Jeremy JarmonDL
 # 3  16 Kevin BarnesDB
 # 6  13 Robert HensonLB
 # 7  12 Eddie WilliamsTE
 # 7  34 Marko MitchellWR

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 4:15PM      at New York Giants
2     Sep 20 1:00PM      St Louis
3     Sep 27 1:00PM      at Detroit
4     Oct 4 1:00PM      Tampa Bay
5     Oct 11 1:00PM      at Carolina
6     Oct 18 1:00PM      Kansas City
7     Oct 26 8:30PM      Philadelphia
-- Week 8 Bye --
9     Nov 8 1:00PM      at Atlanta
10     Nov 15 1:00PM      Denver
11     Nov 22 1:00PM      at Dallas
12     Nov 29 1:00PM      at Philadelphia
13     Dec 6 1:00PM      New Orleans
14     Dec 13 4:05PM      at Oakland
15     Dec 21 8:30PM      New York Giants
16     Dec 27 8:20PM      Dallas
17     Jan 3 4:15PM      at San Diego