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Washington Redskins Gameday HQ

drives. Clark is happy to have the opportunity to do that, and Washington is delighted to have him back. Redskins Special Teams Sav Rocca averaged a mediocre 42.0 yards per punt last year, and Washington decided not to re-sign him. That makes sense. The trouble is that the team doesn’t have anybody on board it can consider a steady force punting the ball. The job looks like it belongs to journeyman Robert Malone, who has been with five organizations in the previous four years and never distinguished himself. Blake Clingan, who has never punted in an NFL game, will challenge him. Kicker Kai Forbath did not have an overwhelming 2013 season, making just 18-of-22 attempts and going a mediocre 5-of-8 from 40 yards and beyond. He attempted only two over 50 yards last year. The Washington return game, which features Josh Morgan, is not so sturdy, and the team’s coverage units gave up a three TDs on punt returns and one on a kickoff. Clearly, there is room for an upgrade. Prediction The hiring of Jay Gruden was a good idea, but this team needs help before it can be a division champion again. The most important starting point is RGIII. If he’s ready to go, Washington will improve. But the defense must be stingier, and the offensive line has to deliver. Week Day Time Opponent 1 September 7 1:00PM ET @ Houston Texans 2 September 14 1:00PM ET Jacksonville Jaguars 3 September 21 1:00PM ET @ Philadelphia Eagles 4 September 25 8:25PM ET New York Giants 5 October 6 8:30PM ET Seattle Seahawks 6 October 12 4:25PM ET @ Arizona Cardinals 7 October 19 1:00PM ET Tennessee Titans 8 October 27 8:30PM ET @ Dallas Cowboys 9 November 2 1:00PM ET @ Minnesota Vikings 10 Bye Week 11 November 16 1:00PM ET Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12 November 23 4:25PM ET @ San Francisco 49ers 13 November 30 1:00PM ET @ Indianapolis Colts 14 December 7 1:00PM ET St. Louis Rams 15 December 14 1:00PM ET @ New York Giants 16 December 20 4:30PM ET Philadelphia Eagles 17 December 28 1:00PM ET Dallas Cowboys had his moments while starting five games last year at end. Last year’s secondary allowed enemy passers to complete an obscene 65.6 percent of their throws last year and surrendered 29 TDs. That was a big reason Washington allowed 29.9 ppg, 30th in the league. Signing Ryan Clark away from Pittsburgh to handle the free safety spot was a good idea. He had 104 tackles and two picks last year and has Pro Bowl talent. Everybody knows that DeAngelo Hall is a fixture at one corner. He had four interceptions last year but isn’t at the same level he was five years ago. David Amerson had an up-and-down rookie season at the other corner. The 2013 second-round pick had two interceptions, including one he returned for a TD, but he also had moments where he struggled in coverage. Strong safety Brandon Meriweather is back on a one-year deal. He was suspended for two games last year for a helmet-tohelmet hit and made the infamous comment that “I guess I just got to take people’s knees out.” The seven-year vet can hit; there is no doubt about that. He has to stay on the field, though. Defensive Player to Watch There wasn’t a more apt free-agent pick-up during the offseason than Washington’s signing of Clark, who began his career in D.C. and returns to help solidify the team’s secondary and help it return to the top of the NFC East. Clark, who wore No. 25 before, switched to 21 as a tribute to former Washington safety—and Clark’s close friend—Sean Taylor, who was murdered in 2007. He has been open in his affection for the organization and its fans. Now, all he has to do is help the Washington defense start acting more like the Steelers’ outfits on which he played by cutting down on big plays by opponents and creating opportunities for easy scoring Three Questions 1. Will Robert Griffin III be healthy all year? This is the biggie for Washington. If Griffin III cannot return to his 2012 form, the offense doesn’t stand a chance, even if DeSean Jackson is ready for big action. Griffin III will not run the read option that much this year, which is good news, and he has the talent to be a highly productive pocket passer. 2. Can the defense tighten up? The additions of Ryan Clark and Jason Hatcher give the Washington D a pair of proven playmakers who can help cut down opponents’ opportunities for success, particularly in the passing game. Hatcher has to get healthy first, but he can provide pass-rush push, while Clark will help considerably on the back end. 3. Will DeSean Jackson behave? Jackson has a history of following up bad spells with strong performances, so Washington should figure on good things from him this year. If he acts up, the team can get rid of him, and he’ll have trouble getting another good contract. It’s a win-win, since good play by Jackson will help him and Washington. 2014 SCHEDULE WASHINGTON REDSKINS


Washington Redskins Gameday HQ
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