FanHouse NFL Season Preview: Washington Redskins - The Jim Zorn Show

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is right around the corner, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: The young Jason Campbell made some nice strides last year ... but had a huge problem holding onto the ball too long. His fumbles, unnecessary sacks and bad decisions led to some poor end-of-game situations. Now with Jim Zorn calling the shots, Campbell will be in his 7th different system in eight years (counting his time at Auburn). Now he will be learning the West Coast offense that takes QBs a while to learn. Backup Todd Collins was golden in his duties last year and it was a bit of a surprise that he re-upped in Washington again. Colt Brennan is a project as the No. 3. Heat Index: 5

Running Back: Heading into last year, many people figured that the Redskins would go to a dual-back system. Didn't happen. Clinton Portis (who is always nicked up) brought it all season long, taking his place near the top of the yardage and TD rankings. Ladell Betts wasn't bad or anything -- he just didn't get the opportunities to shine as he did in 2006. Still, Betts is a very serviceable backup who could get more touches if Zorn really does want to run the football. Heat Index: 8

Wide Receiver: On draft day, the Redskins paid a lot of attention to this area. They drafted Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly ... two big receivers who are ideal for the West Coast Offense (they also drafted TE Fred Davis). Santana Moss, when healthy, has the ability to stretch defenses and take advantage of Campbell's arm. Antwaan Randle El had one of his better years in '07 ... but it still isn't where the Redskins need him to be. The most dangerous receiver for Washington is TE Chris Cooley. Cooley had a Pro-Bowl season last year and has gained Campbell's trust. Head Index: 6

Offensive Line: This is a very, very good line ... albeit old and injury prone. LT Chris Samuels continued his Pro-Bowl pace and C Casey Rabach is an excellent leader of the line. RT Jon Jansen missed pretty much an entire 2007 season with a broken ankle and has been replaced by Stephen Heyer. RG Randy Thomas missed most of the season with a torn triceps. LG Pete Kendell did a nice job last year, but has bad knees. For the most part, they are all healthy and will be a force. If something happens, however, there isn't much waiting in the wings. Heat Index: 7

Defensive Line: Going into the offseason, this was the one area most fans felt needed improvement. Then nothing happened. On the first day of camp, DE Phillip Daniels blew out his knee and the Redskins quickly traded for Jason Taylor. Taylor, despite his age, is still an elite player. His knee injury against the Panthers in preseason puts some doubt on his effectiveness. Andre Carter had an outstanding '07 season and should build on it, provided Taylor can get healthy. The tackles (Cornelius Griffin, Anthony Montgomery, Kedric Golston) are solid, if not unspectacular. Heat Index: 6

Linebackers: The Redskins have a solid trio of starting linebackers. London Fletcher came in last year and did what he was paid to do: tackle guys and become the leader of the defense. With him out there, the defense soared back into the top ten. Rocky McIntosh was coming into his own before tearing his ACL late in the season. Marcus Washington is just ... just ... active. One of those motor guys who seems to be everywhere. There isn't a tremendous amount of depth (young H.B. Blades and special teams start Khary Campbell are okay), so trying to stay healthy will be key. Heat Index: 7

Secondary: You have to start this off by saying that Sean Taylor will be missed on and off the field. This team rallied to a playoff berth with his memory guiding them. Much of the secondary that he was part of last season will be back. Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers will start at cornerback with Fred Smoot as the nickel back. The fact that Rogers is back playing is amazing ... since he blew out his knee last season in what could have had him out for a while this season. LaRon Landry started to become a star during the second half of the season and should fill Taylor's shoes. Reed Doughty took Taylor's spot in the lineup and has performed superbly. Heat Index: 8

Special Teams: Returner Rock Cartwright had an outstanding season and was rewarded for it with a new contract. Shawn Suisham came out of nowhere to finally give Washington a reliable kicker. Derrick Frost was inconsistent last year and was pushed in camp (and replaced) by Durant Brooks. Long snapper Ethan Albright went to the Pro Bowl last year. Heat Index: 6

Coaching: It was an interestingly exhausting search that landed Jim Zorn. Zorn's highest previous ranking was QBs coach in Seattle (well, besides his weeks as the Skins offensive coordinator before he got the gig) and isn't the normal big name coach that Daniel Snyder desires. He has never called plays before, but will be doing that as well as his other head coaching duties. Aside from Campbell's development (which Zorn has a huge hand in), Zorn's transition to a head coach is the biggest question of the 2008 season. Heat Index: 2

Intangibles: Washington plays in the toughest division in the NFL and they just overhauled their coaching staff. They have more question marks than any team in the division. There doesn't seem to be pressure right now since they are going through a coaching transition. Heat Index: 3

Total Head Index: 58 The Redskins are, again, one of those teams that could bomb ... or make a playoff run. There are some nice weapons on offense, but do they all match in the new West Coast Offense? The defense stayed pretty much the same except for adding Jason Taylor. But will Gregg Williams' departure mean Washington won't blitz as much? Just like the last couple of seasons, the Redskins can make a run to a wildcard spot. I just don't think the tough NFC East will be kind to Zorn's learning curve.