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| | Sunday, August 6 Redskins: Super offseason | |||||||||||||||
| By Tom Oates Special to ESPN.com No, they haven't awarded the Vince Lombardi trophy to the Washington Redskins yet, but many think they should after Washington had one of the more impressive offseasons in NFL history. Free-spending owner Daniel Snyder led an aggressive push that netted defensive end Bruce Smith, cornerback Deion Sanders, safety Mark Carrier, quarterback Jeff George and running back Adrian Murrell in free agency plus linebacker LaVar Arrington and offensive tackle Chris Samuels with two of the top three picks in the draft. That influx of talent to a 10-6 division champion has created a Super-Bowl-or-bust mentality in the organization.
Coach Norv Turner, who almost wilted in the heat after the impatient Snyder purchased the team last year, will be under intense pressure to win it all now that he's been given more talent than most coaches see in a lifetime. However, there is age at key positions, the schedule is more difficult and there is potential for a quarterback controversy involving George and incumbent Brad Johnson, so Turner's mettle will be tested. This will be the year we find out whether he's more than an offensive coordinator in head coach's clothing. Key position battle Who starts at the cornerback spot opposite future star Champ Bailey? Sanders, a mercenary who is widely regarded as the best cover corner in NFL history? Or Darrell Green, who has been playing the position with distinction for 17 years? The potential for disruption is great if Sanders, as expected, turns Green into a nickel cornerback, but it will probably be minimized by Green's class. Biggest adjustment The defense ranked 30th in 1999, which is about where it's been for the last five years. Ray Rhodes, a two-time bust as a head coach but a marvelous defensive coordinator, was brought in to straighten out the unit. The additions of Smith and Sanders, two future Hall of Famers, and a potential playmaker like Arrington will change the face of the defense. If Smith elevates the play of tackles Dana Stubblefield and Dan Wilkinson, all the better. With the high-scoring Redskins offense, the defense doesn't have to be great. Just good. Rookie report After taking Arrington with the second pick in the draft and Samuels with the third, the Redskins were out of needs. The most intriguing late pick was sixth-rounder Todd Husak, a quarterback who could develop into a starter in time.
| ALSO SEE Cardinals: Plummer has to fix leaks Cowboys: Time is ticking away Giants: Dayne carries a big load Eagles: Lofty expectations AUDIO/VIDEO   Bruce Smith comments on LaVar Arrington's skills.wav: 168 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Norv Turner believes Arrington has a lot of work to do.wav: 132 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Norv Turner is looking forward to facing Tampa Bay in Week 5.wav: 135 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Lavar Arrington doesn't want to compare contracts.wav: 78 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Lavar Arrington is excited to join his Washington teammates at camp.wav: 73 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Norv Turner expects holdout Stephen Davis to show up at camp.wav: 68 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Chris Mortensen talks about the Redskins' "creative capology."wav: 997 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
