What single factor is key for the Skins this year?

[skinsfan_nn]

To me this one is pretty simple if we can avoid a major case of the injury bug to our starters will be the key to success. I don't think we will see much change on defense with Blache. And I think JC and the rest of our team are plenty smart enough to understand and have the talent to execute the system Zorn will install.

I would be pleased with forward progress from where we left off last season and seeing this team living up to there potential.

[SBXVII]

All teams could say injuries. So I'll leave that out. That leaves...
Coach
QB
Offense
Defense.

I truely believe the Coach will turn out fine. He might have some set backs like Gibbs had his first yr but I think he will be fine.

Many people are making a big difference about JC and the WC offense. He played in that system in college and did well in it. I'm sure there will be a learning curve with the "Play Calling" but the system should be similar. He has played in the NFL for a few seasons also so getting up to "Speed" with the NFL is already there. Learning to read Defenses is already there. I think its all about knowing the plays called and finding the open WR which I think he has shown improvement each yr in already.

Then theres the Offense. Again if everyone stays healthy then the line will be fine. The running game can only improve with the new WR causing teams to have to sit back and wait to see where the ball is going instead of loading the box. I'm betting that Mix will shine with JC both being in the same system they had in college. Adding the other two tall WR's along with Moss and Randel El, Cooley, Davis(TE), and using the RB as a WR out of the back field is enough to confuse defenses.

So now my prediction. I think it is the Defense. Why? Well....it goes back to us not having any pass rush, a CB injured, will Doughty step up further, and the biggie is whether Blache can get as much out of the guys as GW did. Also I'm not sure Blache had a great time with the Bears. Didn't they fire him for another coach? Wasn't his defense mediorcre? Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he learned something from GW. Maybe making the defense simpler will keep help out a lot. but all my questions lean toward how Blache will do with the defense. I don't think GW was anything special other then to get more out of what he had.

[pstylee]

For me the keys will be...

1. Injuries, if we can upgrade our strength and conditioning coaches then the little injuries are more avoidable, if not then we will be in the same situation as earlier seasons.

2. Depth, while our WR's, RB, FB, TE's are all well and we have talented depth behind the starters, my concern is the DB's, and the OL. While guys like Heyer, and Fabini stepped in and played well above expectations, if a starter goes down then we may be on the shorter end of the Win Loss Column.

3. And finally, when the Offense will "Click". Now JC having played a similar system in college and the knowledge of Zorn, I believe once he works on the smaller aspects he'll be fine, my concern is the timing and route running of the WR's. We all know what they can do after the catch, but the real question will be how well they get open.

Overall, I will be patient with the offense, cause I truely believe that once it gets going it will be a very successful system. And we definately have the talent to do some damage. The Defense barring serious injury should be able to pick up where they left off last season, and hopefully bring in some vets to provide depth and knowledge.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Personally, I'd go with coaching because of the inexpirence that so much of the staff has.
I would hate to see us doing some of the same dumb things we've done in the past like burn a TO because the play clock is winding down and it's 4th and 10 from our own 35 and the punt team is still on the sideline.

[SmootSmack]

The running game (namely Clinton Portis). The Redskins are going to lean very heavily on the running game at least early on in the season (Zorn has said as much) so having a strong running game is going to be key if we hope to start strong out of the gate and have a successful season.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

The running game (namely Clinton Portis). The Redskins are going to lean very heavily on the running game at least early on in the season (Zorn has said as much) so having a strong running game is going to be key if we hope to start strong out of the gate and have a successful season.

I agree, especially given that 3 of our first 5 games are on the road vs divisional opponents. It's going to be very important to control the clock in those games and keep the D as fresh as possible.

I would say the health of the offensive line is a major factor, too. It also directly coincides with a strong rushing attack.

[bertoskins2]

we have seen glimpses of JC's playmaking last year. I think Health of OL will make him better. so its on the OL.

[Redskins_P]

Health of the o-line for sure!

[That Guy]

winning.

[Monksdown]

luck

[Defensewins]

Outscoring the other team.

[SkinsFanSince91]

Jason Campbell is the key to the Skins season. Period.

[JankySpanky80]

Jason Campbell is a huge piece to the puzzle, but just as many others have said, it all begins with health. No team in the NFL can win when their team is destroyed by injuries.

[SkinsFanSince91]

Originally Posted by JankySpanky80

Jason Campbell is a huge piece to the puzzle, but just as many others have said, it all begins with health. No team in the NFL can win when their team is destroyed by injuries.

That is so frickin obvious I left it alone. I was under the impression that we were talking about players, coaches, offensive schemes, etc.. But duh, if everyone gets hurt then we have no team.

Ultimately, if you Quarterback does not play well, and we need him to play well with all the new weapons we invested in during the draft, then your teams is screwed.

Therefore, JASON CAMPBELL's PLAY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS! PERIOD. AGAIN!

[JankySpanky80]

Originally Posted by SkinsFanSince91

That is so frickin obvious I left it alone. I was under the impression that we were talking about players, coaches, offensive schemes, etc.. But duh, if everyone gets hurt then we have no team.

Ultimately, if you Quarterback does not play well, and we need him to play well with all the new weapons we invested in during the draft, then your teams is screwed.

Therefore, JASON CAMPBELL's PLAY IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS! PERIOD. AGAIN!

I fully understand what your saying. Yes the QB play is important, but there are 10 other guys on the field at the same time as Campbell. When adjusting to new offensive schemes, Campbell is a master, but if someone like Cooley (who is Campbells favorite target so far) goes down no one knows if Fred Davis can fill his role right away. Football is a team game. Yes, when teams do well they even make QB's like Rex Grossman look good. So, alot is on Campbells shoulders but he will get sacked if he don't have production, and the passing game won't work if Portis doesn't produce. Team Concept!!!!