High Hopes for Redskins as Camp Opens
By Matthew Laux
As the Washington Redskins enter their 2013 training camp, many questions have yet to be answered. The Washington Redskins made their first post-season appearance since 2007 falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. The ‘skins, however, lost more than just a game that day as quarterback and offensive rookie of the year Robert Griffin III tore his ACL and LCL. Entering the 2013-2014 Campaign, Washington will look to improve upon their surprise finish. Many problems still must be solved in order for the Redskins to capture the vaunted NFC East title.
First and foremost will RG3 be healthy? The Baylor product had one of the finest rookie seasons compiled throwing for 3,200 yards and running for another 815. He showed poise and leadership as the team won seven in a row to capture the conference crown. Robert’s injury looked gruesome, however, reports from renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews have been positive throughout the recovery process. The Redskins will go as RG3 goes and much of their hopes rest on his shoulders.
As we move to the other side of the football, many wonder if the Washington secondary, which was one of the leagues worst, has improved? The team attempted to bolster the secondary by adding several unproven players to the mix. Top cornerbacks Deangelo Hall and Josh Wilson return after struggling mightily. The Redskins drafted several players who may crack the lineup, but still remain a question mark. Will this be enough to succumb opposing wide outs?
Finally, what is the state of Brian Orakpo? The star pass rusher missed most of the 2012-13 season due to a torn triceps and will add a much-needed boost in the pass rush. Orakpo has attended every mini camp and seems poised for a Pro Bowl season. The Redskins pass rush was very mediocre at times and getting Brian back from injury will be an improvement.
Hopes are high for the Redskins organization coming off of an NFC East title and even for Redskins fans these questions seem minute compared to their issues of the past. Washington Redskins training camp opens today at the Redskins’ newly built off-season facilities in Richmond, Virginia.
Brian Orakpo will return from injury to lead the Redskins defense