Washington Redskins 2006 Preview

I know that the Washington Redskins are the “glamour” team in the NFL this year and that a lot of “experts” are picking them to either reach the Super Bowl or the NFC title game at the very least.
While I am admittedly, a huge Joe Gibbs fan, I am not prepared to give the Skins anything at this point, although I do think they are going to be a legitimate contender in the NFC in 2006. 

This will be year-three of Gibbs’ return and it appears that he is building the Redskins franchise back into the perennial powerhouse that it was when he led them to three Super Bowl titles during his first stint with the team over a decade ago.
Here’s my 2006 preview on the Washington Redskins. 

Quarterbacks
I’m amazed at how many people were surprised last season that 36-year-old veteran, Mark Brunell, could still play at such a high level. Personally, I’ve always liked the wily left-hander and thought that he still had plenty of gas left in the tank and just needed to be in the right situation.
Brunell couldn’t ask for a better situation than the one he’s currently in and should prosper even further under new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders’ innovative offense.
If Brunell should go down for any extended period of time, the Skins have a talented backup in 2005 first round draft pick, Jason Campbell. 

Running Backs
What initially appeared as if it could be a huge problem for the Skins has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When starting running back Clinton Portis slightly separated his left shoulder this preseason, the Skins wisely made a trade for Atlanta Falcons running back, T.J. Duckett, who will be thrown right into the mix along with backup Ladell Betts until Portis returns to full strength.