State of the Franchise: Washington Redskins

The Monsters of March are no more. New coach Mike Shannahan and a new GM, Bruce Allen have for the time being changed the way the Redskins operate. There is actually a ray of hope coming from Redskins Park this year instead of the continual fear that I have felt knowing the management was doing all it could to sink the ship further. For the past 10 years the Skins have opted to set the free agent market instead of sitting back and building through the draft. While this strategy has produced headlines and off-season excitement, it has brought nothing but embarrassment and pain for Skins fans, as we have watched our once proud franchise morph into a running joke.

The team made an unexpected move cutting 10 aging veterans last week. The uncapped year has been a godsend in that we have been able to get rid of the financially restricting contracts of past their prime players that the old regime somehow saw fit to reward with big deals. Hopefully, the Front Office's meticulous approach to free agency continues. On the other hand, this team does have a lot of holes that need to be filled soon in order to prevent another disaster in 2010. The offensive line has to be the number 1 priority this year. We ignored it last year, and went into the season with 5 backups who had never started an NFL game before. Three injuries to starters later, and you have the most pathetic excuse for an NFL line in the history of the game.

The team took a step in that direction yesterday, announcing the signing of G/T Artis Hicks yesterday. Hicks, an 8 year NFL vet, who recently played for the Vikings, can play 4 positions on the line, and will serve as a stopgap until the lineman we have to draft this year are ready. While this isn't some magic fix, it does reveal an actual plan, something that we never saw from past regimes. In going after versatile vets, and signing them to short contracts, it seems to me that the Skins will draft lineman with high picks this year. Having vets on the team with experience allows these kids to come in without pressure and learn before being thrown in the mix. In my opinion we have to spend at least 3 picks this year on offensive lineman, including the 4th overall pick if Russell Okung is available. Shannahan has a rep for finding lineman in the middle rounds who fit his zone blocking scheme. He needs to prove that this year. Anyone who thinks the QB is the real problem is a moron. Peyton Manning couldn't win behind the clowns we trot out there every week. JC may not be the end all answer, but I'm convinced he could win behind a solid line. In the coming weeks, look for the team to bring in veteran lineman who have experience at multiple spots on the line.

So far the team seems focused on improving its weaknesses. This can only be good. Also look for them to address the RB,DT, LB, and hopefully FS positions this off-season. Willie Parker has scheduled a visit in Ashburn on Monday, and don't forget about LT and Brian Westbrook out there as well. Larry Foote is on their radar screen as a MLB to team with Pro Bowler London Fletcher in the new 3-4 defense. They also need a DT with 3-4 experience because Fat Al is going to bitch all year if he is stuck eating blockers. Big Off-season for the Skins in many ways, lets see what they can do.