Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Washington Redskins

Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Washington Redskins

For my half of the Go For It On Fourth preview for the 2018 NFL season, I decided to ask fans of every team questions about how they think their team will do this season. Instead of asking just one fan per team, I decided to get as many fans as I could involved. For some teams, that was several. For some teams, that was just one fan. But we very much appreciate everyone who got involved in our Preview for the 2018 Season!

Representing the Washington Redskins:

Michael, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Henry, Lanark, Scotland, @teamh25

First off, sum up last season for us.

Michael: Stop start never really got out of the starting blocks, suffered a lot of injuries on the offense particularly losing Thompson and Reed and key players on the line.  Our receiving corps were generally poor and never replaced Jackson or Garson, Cousins yet again struggled in the red zone and on the D line our struggles against the run was killing us.  In the end I was pleased the season was over.

Henry: Last season was a typical Washington season. Started decent, looked ok and then  faltered. We'd improved some areas from the year  before but then a terrible run of injuries set in and scuppered us. The front office's inability to sort the QB problems before the start of last season didn't help.

How was your offseason?

Michael: The obvious was losing Guice for the season which hit us hard on the plus side it’s nice to see Reed back getting reps under his belt after surgery.  On the whole it has been quiet and relatively injury free so far (Fingers Crossed) and the hard work is being put in.

Henry: The off season has been pretty decent I guess , we appeared to have made some decent signing and drafted quite well I feel .We appear to have sorted the QB issue out as well so it seems positive.

Key additions from free agency and the Draft?

Michael: Adrian Peterson could possibly be the most unlikely addition that’s important as we don’t have a number one running back with fitness doubts about Chris Thompson and Rob Kelley not quite good enough in a competitive NFC East.  Hoping Paul Richardson can give us the deep threat we never replaced when Jackson left for the Bucs. Of the draftees Payne and Settle come in to join Jonathan Allen for to stuff the run game fills me with a bit hope and hopefully we might see a bit game time for Troy Apke.

Henry: Although he was a trade and not a free agent the acquisition of Smith at QB is huge for us but he's going to be under pressure right from the off. I though Paul Richardson was a good signing as he can stretch the field for us but then we signed Smith who tends to favour short to medium passes so I'm not so sure Richardson is as good a fit for us as I did at first.  From the Draft Payne and Guice were big picks and I was looking forward to seeing them. Unfortunately, injury has robbed us of Guice but reports out of camp are that we might have found some gems further down the Draft.

What's your hopes for this coming season?

Michael: As with every season a playoff push is the aim, we need to be more competitive in divisional games if this is to be achieved.

Henry: For the season I hope we can have a less terrible time with injuries as do most teams I think but if like to see us competing in all games. We're improving and if we can continue that and keep people fit we might do ok.

What's your thoughts on your starting quarterback?

Michael: I’ve always admired Alex Smith as a quarterback and genuinely believe he is an upgrade on Kirk Cousins, he protects the ball well, does not get intercepted a great deal, he reads defences well pre snap and has the athletic ability to scramble to gain extra yardage.

Henry: I like Smith, I don't think he's a flashy QB but I think he hangs in there and is durable and a competitor.  I think he can be good for us.

And your thoughts on your head coach?

Michael: I think this is a major year for Gruden in DC if he is to remain in the hot seat. His coaching qualities on the offensive side are undoubted but he still needs to get that little bit extra out of the running game and not make the pass so predictable. He is not quite a top coach yet but he certainly has the qualities to achieve this but he has to make changes to see improvements such as team to look better prepared, take less on and let other coaches do their job and better clock management anything less that this in the playoffs and this could be the end of his time at Washington.

Henry: Gruden, I'm just not sure about. He just can't seem to put together a compete team or coach a co plate game.  I want him to be the guy but he might not be.

A player that will be key for you this season?

Michael: Jordan Reed, if we can keep him fit he adds a different dimension to the offense and will offer a lot to Alex Smith in the RedZone, for me a massively underrated player.

Henry: Player who will be key. It's got to be Smith, if he can find form and lead the team will be the defining factor for us I think.

And who would you happily drive to their next club?

Michael: I do not hate anyone that is good enough to wear the burgundy and gold but at a push it would be Dustin Hopkins who I fell Jon Gruden has been too loyal to.

Henry: To be honest there isn't any one I'm that upset about on our roster that I'd really really want out if the club some I'd like to upgrade but no one that make my blood boil.

What made you choose to support your team?

Michael: Super Bowl XVII watching the game with my Dad, he chose the Dolphins so I chose the Redskins.

Henry: I picked Washington cause they were the first team I was on Tv way back on Channel 4 in the 80's. My dad was a fan of the sport but doesn't really have a team. Washington with Riggins and Thiesmann just did it or me.

For a first-time NFL fan, tell us some reasons why they should support your team?

Michael: A team with tradition and history unlike some of the plastic teams in the league and the opportunity to beat Dallas Cowboys twice per season.

Henry: If you’re a new fan and want all the excitement,  pick a winning franchise. If you want the full range of highs and lows follow the Redskins it's a never ending rollercoaster.

Compare your team to a European football club.

Michael: Newcastle United never won anything for years, still sell out despite having years of bad ownership and have the odd year where they flatter to deceive.

Henry: Washington are a lot like me local Scottish premier league club, Motherwell. The Burgundy and Gold swap easily with Motherwell’s Claret and Amber. Both are old old clubs and they both flatter to deceive at times. Just when you think they’re going to do something great they fall on their faces but ever now and again they do something magical. When that happens it's all worthwhile again.

What's the best-case scenario for you this season?

Michael: Winning the NFC East.

Henry: Beating Dallas twice and making the playoffs.

And what's the worst-case scenario?

Michael: Not making the play offs via a wild card.

Henry: Something like 4-12 and loading to Dallas twice, (laughs).

With hotly tipped rookie RB Derrice Guice lost for the season, Adrian Peterson's latest NFL arrival is in Washington. Can he be a success for you this season?

Michael: Absolutely if he can prove he still has enough gas in the tank and is not too beaten up.  With Guice being out for the season there is a number one running back slot up there for grabs only he knows if he still has the heart to do this.

Henry: Can Peterson be a success? Well he's a quality player but I guess the real question for us is he past his prime. The fact he was a free agent would suggest yes but he might have something left in the tank. If he stays healthy then he has a chance but backs in the NFL over 30 usually slow down so the odds are against him.  He was never a great pass catcher out of the backfield so I can see him helping the passing game. All in all I think the odds are very much against him in Washington, I'd love to see him have a career season but I just can't. Success has different measure though and he's only a stop gap till Guice is fit so I guess if he helps us to a winning season then he could be considered a success. 

Predict your record for this season, and how far (if at all) you will go in the postseason.

Michael: 10-6 Wild Card.

Henry: My heart says 19-0 all the way and the trophy back in Washington but that ain't happening.  Realistically I think we can hit 9-7 but can't see us deep in the playoffs at all.

Tell us who you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta on February 3rd next year?

Michael: LA Rams.

Henry: The Jags will win it.

Anything else you'd like to promote?

Henry: Bafra, the British American football Referees Association. I'm a member and referee games all over Britain. It's a great way to get involved if you can't play. Check them out at www.bafra.info.