The Washington Redskins are 15-33 in the three seasons since Jim Zorn led the team to an 8-8 record in 2008. So it’s been awhile since Washington has been a huge factor in the playoffs.

But there are reasons for hope. The defensive line has improved and the team has a stable of running backs who should be able to help move the offense forward for the next few years. With a few breaks the Redskins might even be a factor in 2012.

Kevin Ewoldt, managing editor of Hogs Haven, shared a few thoughts about what he thinks the team should do in order to make that turnaround happen this year.

Zoneblitz: What went wrong in 2011?

Kevin Ewoldt: A lot went wrong. It started with the lockout. A team that is rebuilding needs all those OTAs and summer months to instill the playbook and NFL coaching tecniques. The Redskins drafted 12 guys in 2010 and the only work they got in was from a handful of player-led workouts. In addition, key guys that needed the training staff (Chris Cooley and LaRon Landry) couldn’t get medical help except on their own. That came to bite them … bad.

Injuries were also devestating. Redskins lost early in the season: Cooley (starting tight end), Tim Hightower (starting running back), left guard Kory Lichtensteiger (best offensive lineman),  Santana Moss for 6 weeks, Jarvis Jenkins (torn ACL), Leonard Hankerson, and Phillip Buchanon. On and on.

Of course, every team has injuries, and the main problem was the quarterback position. Rex Grossman was unable to turn the corner and protect the ball like everyone hoped, being that he was in year three in Kyle Shanahan’s system (one year in Houston). John Beck was 0 percent of what they hoped he could be, so really, the season was doomed before it started.

Zoneblitz: How do you feel Mike Shanahan is doing as coach?

Ewoldt: People like to point out that after two seasons, Mike Shanahan has essentially the same record as Jim Zorn. While that may be true, the players do believe in this system, which has shown it can work. The Skins played a lot of good teams close, but were unable to finish due to bad mistakes. When the Redskins find their quarterback, things will change dramatically. This defense is poised to be in the top 10 next year and a quarterback that protects the ball will have us in the wild card race. You can actually see a plan unfolding with this roster. It’s tough to see teams like San Francisco turn it around in one year, but it is what it is.

Zoneblitz: For all the losses, the defense seemed to be getting back to competitiveness. What were the keys there?

Ewoldt: In 2009, the Redskins essentially had Mary Kate Olsen at Nose Tackle. A good 3-4 defense starts at the nose tackle since if he’s not getting double teamed, then that means the guards are free to pick up blitzers or edge rushers. Ma’ake Kemoeatu never got over his achilles and shoulder injuries and it showed as he got manhandled by centers alone all year. Why they never benched him I may never know. The Redskins remedied this by adding Barry Cofield this past off-season and he made a world of difference. Not only did he finish in the top of league for batted balls and the team’s sacks numbers went up. The 1st round pick, Ryan Kerrigan, played every single defensive snap this year with great success forcing fumbles and generating backfield pressure.

Zoneblitz: Is the 2012 Redskins quarterback currently on the roster? Or will Washington delve into free agency or the draft to take another crack at the position?

Ewoldt: Rex Grossman may still be on the roster, but I’d be shocked if the Redskins do not use the first pick to draft a quarterback or sign Matt Flynn. The fanbase will revolt if any of the current QBs are starting.

Zonebliz: Roy Helu and Evan Royster both looked good at the end of the season. Do the Redskins have their running back situation under control?

Ewoldt: I do. Neither of them are great in pass protection though, which opposing defenses are aware of. Tim Hightower was playing extremely well before his ACL injury and all signs point to a healthy recovery this summer. I still think the Redskins draft another running back in the mid-rounds, but it’s safe to say the position is no longer a major need.

Zoneblitz: What about the receivers and tight ends? Fred Davis looks great and Santana Moss is reasonably consistent. Who else currently on the roster could help in 2012?

Ewoldt: Fred Davis also looks good smoking j’s. For a guy in a contract year to get busted smoking week says a lot. Will the Redskins re-sign Fred? I think so, and he’ll come cheap since he now carries the risk of a 1-year suspension if he’s busted again. The wide receivers need major help. I’d argue Moss was not consistent. He finished top 15 in the league for most drops, two of which cost us the game. He is good across the middle, but his inability now to break tackles or show elite speed makes him a third wide receiver, at best. He’s still the Redskins purest route runner. Jabar Gaffney had a career year, and kudos to the Redskins for acquiring him in a trade for Jeremy Jarmon, who they planned to cut anyway. I think it’s feasible Redskins make a run for Vincent Jackson when free agency starts.

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

Ewoldt: This is a tough once since teams will likely trade up with the Rams at number two to get Robert Griffin III. I wouldn’t be opposed to the Redskins trading up to that spot and giving up a player and a 2nd round pick or a 2nd and a 4th. The Redskins shouldn’t give up too much since we’re talking about four spots here. If the Skins have to pick sixth, then Justin Blackmon will make me happy and perhaps sign Flynn or draft Ryan Tannehill. The key holes for Redskins are at quarterback, wide receiver, both safety spots and cornerback.

Zoneblitz: What’s the timetable before Washington is going to be a factor in the NFC East division?

Ewoldt: Next year they will be a factor simply because they already have so many draft picks this year (nine) and already have a stout defense.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ewoldt: It’s not easy being a Redskins fan. I don’t keep guns in my house for this very reason.

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