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2014 Washington Redskins Odds | Season Preview | NFL Predictions

2014 Redskins NFL Handicapping

RGIII, Redskins Look To Bounce Back In First Year Under Gruden

When the Washington Redskins won 10 games and earned a playoff spot out of the NFC East in 2012 the experts seemed unanimous in that the trade to acquire Robert Griffin III was a turning point for a franchise headed in the right direction.

2014 Washington Redskins Team Preview/Predictions

  • 2013 Record: 3-13
  • ATS Record: 5-11

2014 Redskins Futures

  • Super Bowl Odds: +5000
  • Conference Odds: +2800
  • NFC East Odds: +400
  • 2014 NFL Regular Season Wins: 7

After posting a 3-13 record in 2013 those same experts seemed more concerned about the way that Griffin had been used, while the Redskins seemed to echo that sentiment and parted ways with head coach Mike Shanahan.

Jay Gruden was brought in as a first-time NFL head coach during another busy offseason.

Gruden has earned a reputation as an innovative, intelligent offensive mind and the hope in Washington is that he can connect with RGIII and help him become one of the league’s premier passers as the Redskins attempt to turn things around and contend for a playoff spot in 2014.

The priority will be keeping Griffin healthy and developing his ability as a classic drop-back passer. RGIII is coming off a full offseason program in which he was able to develop his strength and learn Gruden’s playbook.

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He also has a couple of new weapons after Washington landed Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson from the rival Philadelphia Eagles and signed wide receiver Andre Roberts. Jackson and Roberts will push Pierre Garcon at the top of the depth chart with Santana Moss becoming the fourth option for a deep receiving core.

Second-year tight end Jordan Reed is a sleeper pick to have a big year in a system that emphasizes the position after his rookie season was cut short by a concussion.

Running back Alfred Morris might not reach his potential in terms of overall production in Gruden’s offense but he will be more efficient with Roy Helu Jr. and rookie sixth-round pick Lache Seastrunk being worked in to the mix.

The Redskins upgraded their depth on the offensive line when they drafted Virginia tackle Morgan Moses in the second round and then took Nebraska guard Spencer Long in the third round. Neither player will start right away but both are capable of stepping in if injuries become an issue.

A lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a major weakness for the 30th-ranked scoring defense a year ago. Part of the problem was Shanahan overruling decisions made by defensive coordinator Jim Haslett – something that Gruden won’t do.

Haslett will dial up pressure schemes to maximize the abilities of outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan while rookie second-round pick Trent Murphy also figures to be in the mix as a pass-rush specialist.

Darryl Sharpton and Akeem Jordan were brought in to compete for the starting inside linebacker spot next to Perry Riley. Defensive end Jason Hatcher was signed after he posted a career-high 11 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys last season and he will team with Jarvis Jenkins, Chris Baker, Barry Cofield, and Kedric Golston in the defensive line rotation.
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The Redskins also signed cornerback Tracy Porter to help push for a starting job opposite DeAngelo Hall, who was re-signed in the offseason. Porter will battle David Amerson and rookie fourth-round pick Bashaud Breeland to be the team’s No. 2 corner.

Washington also brought back strong safety Brandon Meriweather and signed veteran free safety Ryan Clark as a sign that youngsters Bacarri Rambo and Phillip Thomas aren’t ready for full-time roles.

The Redskins went from NFC East champions to bust a year ago and while they should be able to bounce back after a strong offseason it’s unrealistic to expect them to beat out the Eagles for the top spot in the division in 2014.

Gruden is tasked with helping RGIII become an elite quarterback and he has plenty of weapons around him to accelerate that process, while the defense should be better with improved personnel and Haslett calling all of the shots.

Washington might not make the playoffs but an 8-8 record is a very realistic expectation for a team that should be better on both sides of the ball.

2014 Redskins Predictions

  • Place they’ll finish in NFC East: 2nd
  • Place they’ll finish in NFC Conference: 9th
  • Over/Under Wins Prediction: OVER

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Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"