Washington Redskins fans are not used to their team's offseasons being praised and lauded. Over the last decade-plus, the Redskins instead have been known to make lavish free agent signings and headlines grabbing trades that never translated into on-field success.
But this year may be different.
The Redskins have revamped their front office and made some changes to the coaching staff while adding talented young players at need positions. That's a far cry from signing the most expensive free agent on the market while empowering the wrong people throughout the organization. All told, Washington received one of the highest marks for offseason moves from ESPN.
"Only one team, the New York Jets, received a higher mark than the Redskins," ESPN's John Keim wrote. "The Jets received an A; Green Bay and the Redskins earned an A-minus. Have to say, I agree the Redskins have had an excellent offseason -- and it's not just because of the players they signed in free agency or drafted. They still need to make it work during the season, but it sure beats having a bad offseason. They had one because they hired a legitimate general manager for the first time. (That's a tactic they shockingly had not tried before. What they've needed for a long time is a governing philosophy for the franchise. It should have included this; but now they have one, so good for them.)
"And it's because they injected new energy on the coaching staff; I believed it was definitely needed on defense (and, yes, I know what you thought about that side of the ball, too). Adding Matt Cavanaugh as the quarterbacks coach and hiring Bill Callahan to coach the line were excellent moves as well."
No. 1 pick Brandon Scherff may have been a bit of a reach at No. 5 overall, especially with Leonard Williams still on the board, but he instantly improves a lackluster offensive line. The hope is that the improved play up front will enable quarterback Robert Griffin III to return to his rookie form.
Free agent additions Chris Culliver and Jeron Johnson are expected to improve arguably the worst secondary in the entire NFL last year. The front seven received a few boosts as well with second-round pick Preston Smith and free agent additions Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea. Unlike years past, these were value draft picks and quality free agent signings that didn't break the bank or cost future assets to get. That, ladies and gentlemen, is progress for this franchise.
Given the player, coach and front office additions, it's no surprise that the Redskins are finally receiving some praise for their offseason moves. The question now though is will it help them on gameday?
