Washington Redskins 2009 Preview: Now Or Never for Campbell

Training camps have wrapped up, the NFL season is right around the corner, and it's still hot as sin outside. But instead of cooling you off with a warm island song, FanHouse break out ye old heat check for our 2009 NFL Season Previews. " We'll rate each club in 5 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Offense -- They stormed out of the gate last season, on the shoulders of Clinton Portis. In the second half of the season, though, the offensive line began to wear down and Jason Campbell wasn't productive enough downfield to take attention away from CP26. This season, there are reasons for optimism. The offensive line has been retooled. The growth of second-year wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will give Campbell more reliable options in the passing attack in addition to the solid Chris Cooley and Santana Moss.

Though Portis is the face of the offense, the focal point this season is the signal-caller. It's been well-documented Campbell hasn't run the same offense for two consecutive years since high school. He'll get to do so this year, and it just so happens he'll be a free agent at the conclusion. I believe he'll rise to the challenge -- meaning the offense as a whole is improved. Taking that into account and considering they were 19th in total offense last season ... Heat Index: 6

Defense -- Well, let's see ... The Redskins were seventh in run defense, seventh in pass defense and fourth in total defense last season. Only five teams allowed less points. The only flaw we could find is the lack of pressure on opposing passers -- the 'Skins tied for 28th in sacks and 28th in takeaways, a bi-product of not getting after the passer. Now, we do know that Greg Blache's defense was predicated on minimizing risk and just stopping the opposition, which they did. Still, it would be nice to get after Tony Romo, Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb from time to time. Enter Albert Haynesworth. The big man was a huge acquisition in the offseason. He's a defensive tackle, but he still mustered 8 1/2 sacks of his own last year, which is sick from that spot (and considering he only played first and second down). Not only does he bring his own talents, but the attention he draws will free up others. Also, the Redskins added freakishly athletic Brian Orakpo in the first round of the draft. He looks ticketed for a starting role at outside linebacker, and expect Blache to utilize his talents in blitz packages. If things go well, they could end up being the best defense in the NFL. Heat Index: 10

Special Teams -- The Redskins have been a very subpar unit on special teams for the last few years. Last season, they were below average in pretty much everything relating to special teams. Neither coverage unit was special. Shaun Suisham is a terrible kicker, and the fact that they brought in Dave Rayner to challenge him doesn't exactly better the situation. Antwaan Randle El and Rock Cartwright aren't fast enough returners to scare opposing coverage teams. The 'Skins were the worst in the NFL in net punting last season, though they do receive an upgrade in Hunter Smith -- formerly the Colts' punter. Smith was 12th in gross punting average last season, so he should give a boost there, plus, the coverage team should improve with more hang time. Heat Index: 3

Coaching -- Jim Zorn was likely the toast of town after beginning his head coaching career 6-2 in a stacked division. Of course, the Redskins sputtered down the stretch, evening out their record at 8-8. Though not quite as big a year as Campbell has in front of him, 2009 is quite a large year for Zorn. He needs to prove he's learned from any mistakes made down the stretch and aid in the development of Campbell. Remember, he was a quarterback and than quarterback coach. If Campbell fails and the team falls short of expectations, it reflects poorly on Zorn. We're not willing to bury him just yet, but he has something to prove this year. Blache is a solid defensive coordinator and Joe Bugel is a respected offensive line coach, so the presence of those two help. Heat Index: 5


Intangibles -- There's actually a lot to like here. Zorn and Campbell having their second year together will help, in addition to the extra motivation Campbell has after the whole Mark Sanchez fiasco on draft day. His growth in rapport with the receivers looks to be picking up -- after a 13-for-22, 209-yard performance in preseason Game 3. The defense was already really stout, but adding Haynesworth brings a swagger and mixing in Orakpo only helps intensify that. Call me crazy, but I think this team is going to come together. Heat Index: 8

Total Heat Index: 32/50
Using our scale, 27.5 would be exactly right in the middle of the scale, so I feel like this is an accurate rating. This is an above average team, but not a great one -- at least not yet. Campbell has potential, but we need to see it on a consistent basis, and he hasn't yet shown the ability to do so. I expect them to remain very competitive in arguably the toughest division in football and challenge for a playoff berth. A lot hinges on Campbell, thus, it's fitting it is his make-or-break year.