Washington Redskins Should Have Optimism For 2013

The 2012 NFL season ended on a sour note for the Washington Redskins. They lost their NFC Wild Card game to the Seattle Seahawks 24-14. Superstar quarterback Robert Griffin III re-injured his right knee in the loss. Having your star quarterback walk gingerly off the field with your season still in the balance is not the way any team wants to end their season.

Despite the Redskins’ bitter end to the season, there’s room for optimism in 2013. Griffin III’s recovery time from his recent knee surgery is estimated to be between six and eight months. That’ll be just in time for training camp. If Griffin III’s recovery takes longer than expected, it’s good to know that Washington has quarterback Kirk Cousins to fill in.

The Redskins’ defense had its ups and downs in 2012, but played well during Washington’s seven game winning streak that earned them a playoff berth. That unit should be much improved in 2013 with the return of linebacker Brian Orakpo, defensive end Adam Carriker, as well as safeties Brandon Meriweather and Tanard Jackson. Each missed most of the 2012 season due to injuries except for Jackson. He was suspended for the entire 2012 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Washington’s offense was spectacular in 2012, thanks mostly to the efforts of Griffin III. It was the Redskins’ fifth-ranked offense that led the team to a 10-6 record.  If Griffin III, Orakpo, Carriker, Meriweather, and Jackson can return to the field and play at even half the level they’re accustomed to, it’s conceivable that the Redskins could finish with an even better record in 2013.