By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com
As I wrote yesterday, my first step in pre-training camp prep for the upcoming season was to study the Las Vegas’ odds.
Step No. 2? Plunk down $50 at the local bookstore for a stack of preview magazines so you don’t have to, assuming, of course, you’re only interested in the CliffsNotes version.
Here’s a brief on the four previews I picked up:
Athlon Sports
Redskins’ predicted finish in NFC East: Last.
Money quote: “The Redskins return everyone in the defensive front seven, which was their biggest strength in 2011. …also upgraded a punchless receiving corps. Considering that they lost six games by only one possession last season, don’t be surprised if the Redskins compete for a playoff spot.”
Intriguing nugget: Robert Griffin III was tapped “best rookie QB” over Indy’s Andrew Luck and is predicted to be the NFC’s offensive rookie of the year. “Griffin will have more talent around him than him,” the magazine says, “Thus, Griffin should have more success this season than Luck.” But, it continues, “RG3 better bring his Superman socks to D.C.”
Lundy’s
Predicted finish: Last.
Money quote: “Thanks to tackling machine London Fletcher and new comers Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen and Ryan Kerrigan, the Redskins were much improved in 2011. Rookie running backs Roy Helu and Evan Royster showed promise. But after three straight-double digit losing seasons and four consecutive last-place finishes, hopes for a turnaround in Washington are in Griffin’s hands.”
Intriguing nugget: On Coach Mike Shanahan’s future: “Turning the offense over to Griffin should buy Shanahan the fourth year [on his contract]. However, the 60-year-old Shanahan knows this is the last season he’s playing with house money.”
Pro Football Weekly
Predicted finish: Last.
Money quote: “Robert Griffin III could be this year’s Cam Newton or Andy Dalton, and the Redskins’ weapons appear to be stronger. It could come down to the play of two key units – the offensive line and secondary – to determine whether this is a comeback season or another hear at the bottom of the still-loaded NFC East.”
Intriguing nugget: No position earned a grade higher than a B+, which went to the defensive line and linebackers. Running backs received the lowest grade, a C-.
Phil Steele’s Pro Football
Predicted finish: Last.
Money quote: “Factors pointing upward this year are that they were -14 in turnovers last year, had two net close losses, were only -3.1 yards per game (like an 8-8 team)… and had 65 starts lost to injury. On the negative side of the ledger us that the schedule gets a lot tougher this year (#18 to #3) and they play in the same division with a pair of Top 5 NFL teams (NYG & PHI)…”
Intriguing nugget: “In Shanahan’s 32 games as the WAS HC, his QBs ran the ball 61 times total! The team wants Griffin to improvise on third down but also stay in the pocket as much as possible.”
As you can see, there are two common themes in each of the four previews: the Skins are expected to be division basement dwellers once again, but there’s also optimism that RG3’s arrival could signal the start of a turnaround.
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