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2006 Washington Redskins Predictions
The Washington Redskins had a lot of momentum heading into this season
after finishing 10-6 last year and making the playoffs. Then starting running
back Clinton Portis separated his shoulder in the first preseason game, and
everything changed. The Redskins have been outscored 87-17 in three preseason
losses, including a 41-0 shellacking against the New England Patriots last
weekend. Preseason games don't mean much, but the 'Skins have to be concerned
with their lackluster performance thus far.
Washington traded for RB T.J. Duckett to try to help carry the load if Portis is
out for a while. They also have capable backup Ladell Betts, but something is
missing from the offense. QB Mark Brunell hasn't led a scoring drive in any of
his 11-preseason possessions. The Redskins will need the explosive Portis to be
healthy if they want to put points on the board.
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Key Additions: WRs Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd, DE Andre Carter, RB
Duckett, DB Adam Archuleta, TE Christian Fauria, LB Rocky McIntosh (rookie).
Key Subtractions: QB Patrick Ramsey, LB LaVar Arrington, DBs Matt Bowen, Ryan
Clark and Omar Stoutmire.
Sportsbook Odds: The Redskins should be a playoff contender again, but they play
in the tough NFC East and have one of the more difficult schedules in the NFL.
WagerWeb.com has Washington as +$275 to win the NFC East, +$975 to win the NFC
championship and +$1800 to win Super Bowl XLI.
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Watch: Brunell found the Fountain of Youth last season, throwing for 3,050 yards
and a career-high 23 TDs with just 10 INTs. He'll turn 36 in September, however,
and it's doubtful that he'll be able to duplicate those numbers, especially if
Portis is out for an extended period. Washington added Randle El and Lloyd in
the offseason to go with No. 1 WR Santana Moss. Emerging star TE Chris Cooley is
also an excellent option for Brunell. Brunell's health will be the key to
Washington's success.
Outlook: The Redskins upgraded an already good defense with the additions of
Archuleta and Carter and filled the hole left by Arrington's departure with
rookie McIntosh. Coach Joe Gibbs loves to pound the ball, which might explain
the addition of bruising runner Duckett. If Portis is ready for Week 1, as
expected, the 'Skins will be fine. If they can't get the running game on track,
the preseason struggles could be just the beginning of a long year in D.C. "If
we don't take care of the little things, this thing is going to snowball,"
defensive tackle Joe Salave'a said.
By Mike Brody of
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