2012 Washington Redskins Predictions
Odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 50-1

The Redskins have been searching for a starting quarterback since the eighties. They may have finally found one in Robert Griffin III, their top pick from Baylor. Washington traded their sixth overall pick and their first-round picks in 2013 and 2014 along with their 2012 second-rounder. That’s a lot to give up for one player so the franchise rests on RGIII’s shoulders. They gave him a decent weapon in WR Pierre Garcon, while the defense adds CB Cedric Griffin and S Brandon Merriweather.

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Offense:

Griffin (6-2, 223) will start right away and hope to improve an offense that finished 16th overall and 25th as a running team. Griffin is a tremendous athlete with a big arm and great speed. But he’ll attempt to stay in the pocket and throw it to Garcon, Santana Moss (46 for 584 yds), Leonard Hankerson and Josh Morgan. At tight end, Fred Davis (6-4, 258) caught 59 passes for 796 yards in just 12 games as he was suspended for the final four games due to a positive drug test. Chris Cooley (6-3, 235) dropped some weight but the team probably can’t count on him as a number one tight end due to injuries. At running back, Roy Helu caught 49 passes for 379 yards and ran for 640 yards (4.2ypc). He’s very fast with good size but has trouble staying healthy. The offensive line is the major issue on offense though they did improve in 2011 with the addition of LT Trent Williams (6-5, 314), who was also suspended for four games. They added James Lee (6-4, 305) from Tampa Bay as depth at guard and tackle, while rookie G Josh LeRibeus (6-2, 312) is also in the mix at guard along with Chris Chester (6-3, 315) and Kory Lichtensteiger (6-2, 295). Veteran Jamaal Brown (6-6, 313) returns at right tackle.

Defense:

The defense finished 13th overall (339.8ypg) and 18th against the run (4.3ypc). The defensive line improved from 2010 as they looked more comfortable in Jim Haslett’s 3-4 scheme. NT Barry Cofield (6-4, 306) adjusted well from defensive tackle to the nose and Adam Carriker (6-6, 296) is back after recording 4.5 sacks last year. At linebacker, London Fletcher (5-10, 245) will be 37 but will probably lead the team in tackles again (164 tackles). He’s that good and consistent. OLB Brian Orakpo (6-4, 260) added nine sacks, while Ryan Kerrigan (6-4, 267) added 8.5 sacks in his rookie year. The secondary loses S LeRon Landry, who was pretty much an underachiever. Raheem Morris is the new DB coach and he will have Brandon Meriweather (5-11, 200), another inconsistent player to coach. Madieu Williams, Tanard Jackson and Reed Doughty will look for playing time at safety. At corner, DeAngelo Hall (3 picks) and Josh Wilson (2 picks, 63 tackles) are undersized but fast.

Special Teams:

The Skins return Graham Gano (31 of 41 field goals, four blocked) who will have some competition in the form of veteran Neil Rackers. Punter Sav Rocca injured his ankle and faded down the stretch. The return game is led by Brandon Banks, who didn’t take a kickoff back more than 47 yards and finished 12th in the NFC with a 23-yard average on kick returns.

Outlook:

The Skins should be better as their defense continues to evolve and their offensive line adds more pieces. But they aren’t on the same planet as the top three unless RGIII is so good he can carry the team to the playoffs.

2012 Schedule:

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