Who will win the NFC East? The Redskins.

By Mike Berry
Collegian Reporter
September 13, 2006

After last year’s 20-10 divisional playoff lost to the eventual NFC champion Seattle Seahawks, the Washington Redskins began to reload and get stronger for the 2006 season.

Additions to a veteran coaching staff, a slim receiving corps, and an already impenetrable defense make the ’Skins my selection to win the NFC East division this year.

You may be thinking, “You must be joking, right?” Well, after some considerable research…no! Head Coach Joe Gibbs’ team was the last East squad remaining at the end of the 2005 season. Add on to that fact that they return almost all starters from last year (often injured head-case LaVar Arrington and Patrick Ramsey both left) and have gained the services of Brandon Lloyd and multi-talented Antwaan Randle El at receiver and returner.

T.J. Duckett comes in as a short yardage tailback, and Andre Carter joins the team at defensive end. Hard-hitting Adam Archuleta climbs aboard at strong safety.

Convinced yet? Didn’t think so. Well, maybe you have forgotten about possibly the biggest acquisition during the off season, Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders. Saunders brings instant credibility to a ’Skins attack that hindered their postseason push, despite being ranked 11th in the NFL last year.

The mastermind of the Kansas City Chiefs’ and (read this) Super Bowl winner St. Louis Rams’ offenses of years past has all of the parts in place. Yes, I know, the quarterback is Mark Brunell. With the new additions and return of main targets Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, Brunell must produce.

Star RB Clinton Portis, who looked promising coming off an injury during the preseason, and Ladell Betts will be running downhill behind five returning starters on the offensive line, including the best offensive lineman in the division, Chris Samuels.

Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams produced the top-ranked defense in the division last year, a defense that only allowed 120 yards in their playoff win.

A vaunted front seven including tackle Cornelius Griffin and linebackers Marcus Washington and Lemar Marshall will shut down any run attempt. The lockdown secondary will continue to dominate games. When together, this is a very lethal group.

Almost the whole division is at 0-1 after the first week (hey, everyone can’t play Houston), and it’s anyone’s ballgame. Come playoff time, however, the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles will all be “hailing to the Redskins.”

berrym1@lasalle.edu