Are 2008 NFL playoffs in Washington Redskins' future
NFL betting odds: Are the 'Skins playoff bound?
- What will Sean Taylor's impact be on the team this season?
- Will Jason Campbell's development continue?
- What does Jason Taylor mean for Washington?
After sneaking into the playoffs a year ago, online sportsbook odds say the Washington Redskins will be a “bubble team” in 2008. Washington won nine games last season before facing the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Playoffs. The underdog 'Skins were promptly eliminated. If you're betting sports, should you back them?
Last season should be considered a success. Few squads would have coped as well as Washington did with the sudden and shocking death of Sean Taylor. The young safety was in the midst of a breakout campaign when he was murdered during a robbery. His teammates soldiered on and played in his honor.
The online betting community has to question how Taylor's death affected Washington and whether similar results can be expected this season. Is this team good enough to qualify for the postseason again, or was it riding the adrenaline instigated by the loss of a teammate?
The hectic season was followed by even more action this spring. Joe Gibbs stepped down as head coach and has been replaced by Jim Zorn. Zorn, who has an offensive background, will be counted on to continue Jason Campbell's development.
The third-year passer made strides last season, improving his completion percentage by seven percent, but he'll need to be even better in the tough NFC East. Washington is far from a favorite to take the division. In fact, NFL betting odds have the Redskins as the least likely team to win the division (at +825 odds).
That makes Campbell's ability to put points on the board even more crucial. Washington was 18th in scoring last season, though he'll have some new weapons in 2008. The team's diminutive receiving crew has been the butt of jokes for years, but draft picks Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly bring some much-needed size to the passing game.
It's unlikely a pair of rookie receivers can take this offense to another level, but their addition will help Washington spread the field more. Odds are, Campbell will be improved thanks to their presence, even if it's not by leaps and bounds.
Defensive end Jason Taylor is a late ingredient to the mix. Washington lost Phillip Daniel and Alex Buzbee in a matter of hours, killing their depth at end. It wasn't long before the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year was in the fold.
Taylor will certainly add a nice dynamic to the pass rush though, as mentioned, depth will be an issue. He has double-digit sacks in three straight seasons and is among the NFL's elite at getting to the quarterback. The Redskins tied for 16th in sacks last season with 33. If they don't suffer anymore injuries and their bodies don't wear down, that number will improve.
Where does that leave Washington? Very much in the same place as last season. This squad will have to fight and claw for a playoff spot. It is, however, well within its means. The biggest factors will be Campbell's progression and a healthy defense. If those pieces fall into place, it's a safe bet that nine wins will get them into the “second season” in the weak NFC.
Visit the betonline.com Sportsbook for all your props, lines and NFL betting odds. Be sure to visit the Bettor's Edge daily for the best tips and info on your Washington Redskins futures.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions?
