How to Fix the Washington Redskins

Well, they have really done it now. The Redskins have benched my boy Donovan. Not cool. It is not his fault the team is terrible. Far from it. Here is what I think went wrong with the Skins this year, and my solutions to the problems.

1. Coaching

What the hell is Mike Shanahan doing? I mean, this is the worst run team I have ever seen. The 0-16 Lions were coached better than this. He is terrible with the media, terrible with his players, and terrible with his decisions. The entire Haynesworth fiasco was his fault. Yes, Albert was out of shape and has very little drive. But embarrassing him like Mike did was the exact wrong way to deal with a crybaby. Also, we didn't trade him when we had the chance. The Titans offered us a 4th, and he would have been worth it. Shanahan hasn't been a good coach unless Elway was his QB. Let's rub some of the mystique off this guy's rings and realize that an all-time great QB won those, not coaching.

Solution

Fire him. I know, it is probably too soon. But this is insanity. We have won one more game than last year, but at the expense of the entire franchise being torn apart by the tan one we call coach. Fire him, and try to get either an up-and-coming guy who has been waiting for his shot, or (my pick the entire time) Brian Billick. He won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer as his QB.

2. The Assistants and their schemes

Nepotism is a terrible thing. Kyle Shanahan is the son of our head coach. He is also the O-Coordinator. We have run some of the most heinous plays at the worst times this season, which have cost us at least 2 wins (Houston and Minnesota, though not pounding Torain at the goal line against Tampa didn't help either). Some might argue that he did a great job in Houston. Well, look at their offense now. Still great, and he isn't there.

As for defense... ugh. I mean, seriously? We have been a top 5 defense the past 5 years, all while playing the 4-3. We are awesome at the 4-3. We have the linebackers, DTs, DEs and safeties to play the 4-3. And Jim Haslett has to come in and switch to a 3-4. The only person the 3-4 would help is Brian Orakpo, and that is only if he got to rush the passer every down. Guess what? He doesn't. The system is completely wrong for the players we have.

Solutions

Fire them both along with Mike. It isn't working out at all on offense, and it would take at least 4 years and a bunch of draft picks that we don't have to rebuild the defense into an effective 3-4. Find someone that can work with the personnel we have, and find a DC that can bring the 4-3 back.

2. Quarterback

Donovan McNabb is not the problem. The problem is the system, the weapons, the lack of a line, and a terrible defense. With this benching, we have guaranteed that McNabb will not be back in DC. Expect him to be cut or traded. I am calling it now- he is in the playoffs next year (if there is football), and we are picking in the Top 10.

Solution

Rexy, sexy though he may be, is not the answer. So, it seems we will have to spend our #1 pick on a QB. It is a shame when we have so many other holes to fill. Is it possible that we get luck-y and Andrew Luck falls to us? No, sorry. We also don't have the pieces to trade up, unless we start using 2012 picks (never put it past us). So that means we are looking at Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett and Jake Locker. None of those names make me very happy. Cam isn't a real QB. Ryan has an injury history, and Locker is still very raw. If I was a betting man, I would guess that we end up with Locker and watch him struggle to grow with a team that lacks the proper weapons. He'll be solid the 2nd team he is on, though.

3. Weapons

The RBs, WRs, and TEs. Ah yes. Well, we have found some nice youth with Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams. I guess I won't pick on them too much. Would still love a true #1 though. Portis, you are gone. You are only entertaining when we win. Now, about those WRs. Santana can't catch, Armstrong and Banks are rookie speedsters, Roydell Williams is... ROYDELL WILLIAMS! We need proven wideouts. The tight ends were supposed to be our strong point and, shockingly, haven't been used well. Cooley is great across the middle. Fred Davis is athletic enough that he could be Antonio Gates. But instead, they do nothing but block. Unbelievable.

Solution

The biggest spot where we need help is at WR. That is where free agency comes in. Vincent Jackson is a huge target with amazing hands and great speed. He makes Phillip Rivers look amazing instead of just great. His teammate, Legedu Naanee, is also a huge target. Not as explosive, but could be a solid possession receiver, which we don't have now. Steve Breaston is another possibility, or a late round hidden gem. As for the RBs, find a steal late in the draft, like a LeGarrett Blount in Tampa, or just see where the All-Torain-Vehicle takes you. Pass to the tight ends. Use Davis downfield.

4. The O-Line

Trent Williams hasn't been that bad. I was wrong about him. Just need him to stay healthy. Jamaal Brown's the same way. Everywhere else, however, we need upgrades. We need solid young linemen. I would spend every pick we have on them (which isn't much), after the QB of course.

Solution

Really scout the O-line draft class. Get whoever you can that isn't injury prone and knows how to pass protect. Our young QB will get killed without it. Oh... DO NOT RE-SIGN STEPHON HEYER! He is, in my opinion, the worst Redskin of all time.

5. The Defense

Like I said, this group isn't that bad if they are in the 4-3. We need to get a little younger up front though. Corner and safety are the biggest issues.

Solution

Find guys that are committed to the scheme, which should be the 4-3, and run it well. Somehow, find corners that can both cover and intercept the ball. Hall can intercept it but can't cover. Rogers can cover but has hands made of stone. Landry hits hard, but is an average cover safety. We have a revolving door at the other safety spot. Free agency is probably the best way to fix this, since all of our other draft picks should be going towards the line.

6. Special Teams

It's a kicker and a punter. Shouldn't be that hard.

Solution

Sign a kicker that can make field goals consistently. Sign a punter with a net average of 40 yards or more.

7. The Owner

Stuck with that one. Sorry.


Will this solve our problems instantly? No. We will get a lot younger, and will need time to rebuild. But I think it would (finally) put us on the right track. We should learn from the Steelers and Patriots, and run our teams like them. It shouldn't be that difficult. Or, we don't listen, send away all of our picks, and suck for another decade. If that happens, you all can enjoy your Skins. I'll be in Baltimore.