In 2012, Robert Griffin III took the league by storm, leading Washington to the NFC East crown and giving fans hopein-depth that a long drought was over. But at the end of that season he shredded his knee and his performance has not yet recovered.

The Redskins are 7-25 in the last two seasons and there’s been little to cheer about in the nation’s Capitol.

So what will it take to turn things around? Mike Harar, editor of Hogs Haven, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: The team improved from 3-13 to 4-12 last year under Jay Gruden, but still showed a lot of question marks on both sides of the ball. What was your assessment of the 2014 season?

Harar: Improved is a funny word to use to describe the 2014 Redskins. Nothing about them felt improved and, if anything, many feel they took a step backwards. The team had no identity on offense, and gave up yards like they were going out of style on defense. The quarterback situation is anything but settled heading into 2015, with Gruden playing musical QB’s between Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy most of last year. Most of the defensive secondary is going to have to be completely overhauled for anything to improve there. In short, very little about this team is settled going into free agency and the draft.

Zoneblitz: Specific to Gruden, what are your thoughts on him as head coach after what you’ve seen so far?

Harar: The best answer there is “incomplete”. As I mentioned above, the offense really had no identity last season under his tutelage. As the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, Gruden showed a propensity to throw the ball about 60% of the time. In Washington, he took over a group that had really focused on the being a running team first with Alfred Morris and Griffin running the read option and then using that to set up the pass. It was apparent early on with Gruden’s tenure with the Redskins that Griffin was struggling to run the Gruden offense, which depends on quick hitting three-step and five-step drops. Gruden was openly critical of Griffin throughout last season and many were surprised that he named him the Redskins starter going into next year. Their relationship going forward will be key.

Zoneblitz: Jim Haslett has been replaced as defensive coordinator by Joe Barry. Was getting rid of Haslett the right move and what do you think of Barry?

Harar: It’s safe to say Haslett’s departure was something that had been brewing for a long time. Haslett had been given multiple opportunities under two different regimes in Washington and, in the end, the defense was never good enough to the make the team consistent contenders. Haslett has a good reputation around the league, but it was apparent that a new voice was needed. However, news of his replacement, Joe Barry, has been received with a tepid response at best. The main reason being the last defense that Barry helmed belonged the infamous 2008 0-16 Detroit Lions.

Zoneblitz: The defense has given up the two highest scoring seasons in Redskins history the last two years, though the 2014 version improved by 40 points allowed. Was it Haslett? Personnel? What has to happen to turn it around?

Harar: The failures of the last two seasons seemed to be a mix of both poor coaching and poor play. Any good defense starts upfront, and the Redskins consistently underperformed at getting to the opposing quarterback. Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has been a stud, but Brian Orakpo and others struggled to provide him with any assistance. Along with an inconsistent pass rush, the safety and cornerback play was often inept. Poor tackling, poor positioning and poor decision-making plagued that unit overall under Haslett. The team does have two physical young corners in Bashaud Breeland and David Amerson, and veteran DeAngelo Hall hopes to return from two Achilles injuries. Aside from needing better play from those three, they will need a complete upgrade at safety. Look for them to address that need early in free agency and the draft.

Zoneblitz: RGIII had a great rookie year, but has not been the same since he injured his knee. Is he the guy? Does Kirk Cousins have a shot to emerge? What’s the overall feeling on the QB position heading into 2015?

Harar: After the 2012 season, there was not a quarterback in the league for whom I would have traded RGIII. The success he had in his rookie season was based on him selling the idea that he could take off and run at any time. They ran a lot of read option and play action off of that threat, and defenses never seemed to know what was coming. Unfortunately, once Griffin was injured, he was unable to utilize what had been his greatest asset. In addition, by all accounts, Griffin decided he no longer wanted to run an offense that required his legs to be as heavily involved. This difference of opinion led to the departure of Mike Shanahan. RGIII wants to be a pocket passer, but thus far, he has not shown that he is capable of that. Cousins seemed to be a favorite of Jay Gruden, but fell out of grace due to his penchant for being a turnover machine. Colt McCoy would have ended 2014 as the starter if he had not been injured himself. With McCoy now a free agent who may return, many fans feel there should be an open competition between the three of them. Gruden surprised the fan base at the recent league combine when he announced Griffin was the starter going into 2015. How long that lasts is yet to be seen.

Zoneblitz: If the Redskins can figure out the QB position, there seems to be plenty of skill position talent, with Alfred Morris, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, etc. What has to happen to take this unit to the next level?

Harar: Overall, the offensive line play will have to improve. All too often, the line was allowing defenders into the backfield, making the rushing attack much less effective. They were also average at best in pass protection, but one of the issues Griffin experienced was holding on to the ball too long before deciding where to throw, and taking a sack where one should not have occurred. Trent Williams is a staple at left tackle, but the team will probably look to upgrade almost everywhere else. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan has been brought in from Dallas to help in this department and the team will be looking to play a more physical, power rushing brand of football.

Zoneblitz: What Redskins have a chance to break out in 2015?

Harar: As the roster currently stands, there are not many candidates you would expect to break out on this team. One would be cornerback Baushaud Breeland. The 2014 fourth round pick stepped in as a starter when Hall went down and played fairly well. He also had games where he looked like a rookie and his consistency was up and down. Getting more level play from him will go a long way. Another candidate who has all the talent in the world but can’t seem to stay healthy is tight end Jordan Reed. He is big (6’2”, 237lbs) and fast and can present major matchup problems for defenders. The problem is, he has not been able to stay healthy and thus has not been on the field. If that can ever change, the Redskins will have a big asset on their hands. One other player I like is wide receiver Ryan Grant. As a rookie, the coaches loved his work ethic and his effort on the field. He has terrific hands and runs excellent routes. He was buried behind DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts in 2014, but look for him to have more of an opportunity this season.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the team do in free agency and the draft?

Harar: The biggest needs of this team, as I stated above, are pass rushing, secondary and offensive line. New general manager Scot McCloughan has his work cut out for him and has stated he believes firmly in building mainly through the draft. Because there are so many holes to fill on the Redskins, I believe they will use free agency to sign some mid-level talent that can compete and not make any big splashes, as this team has been known to do before. Having said that, there are reports the team is interested in former 49ers guard Mike Iupati. Another guy I would keep on an eye would be safety Devin McCourty if the Patriots let him walk. In the draft, many mocks have them taking a pass rusher with the fifth pick in the first round. Candidates are Dante Fowler, Shane Ray, Randy Gregory and Vic Beasley. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they pull off a trade to move pick and collect more picks.

Zoneblitz: How far is this team from contending for a playoff spot?

Harar: It is way too early to say. I’m curious to see what magic Scot McCloughan can work to make this roster in his image. The beauty of the NFL is that any team can catch fire quickly and turn things around to be competitive in any season. Going into 2014, most experts were convinced the Cowboys were going to be in the basement of the NFC East, and they went on to win the division.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Harar: This offseason for the Redskins will be crucial, and hopefully the start of them building a team the right way. As of now, the only hope Redskins fans have is McCloughan. How fast he can upgrade the overall talent, as well as the competence of the quarterback play, will be the keys to 2015.

Follow Mike Harar on Twitter at: @MikeHarar
Follow Hogs Haven on Twitter at: @HogsHaven
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