Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
Friday, September 8, 2006, Washington Post

Redskins: Causes for Concern?

I'm worried about the Redskins.

I know that the team added wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El as well as offensive coach Al Saunders during the off-season. So Washington should score more points this year. I know that the Skins won 10 games last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. And Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs and the super defense led by linebacker Marcus Washington and hard-hitting safety Sean Taylor are still around.

Everybody seems to think the Skins are a cinch to make the playoffs and maybe the Super Bowl.

So why am I worried? Let me tell you.

Quarterback: Mark Brunell is the man on the spot for the Redskins. He had a solid season in 2005, throwing 23 touchdown passes and only 10 interceptions. But Brunell turns 36 this month. That might not be old for a mom or dad, but it is for a National Football League quarterback. Chances are Brunell will not be as good as last season, and that might be trouble.

But the Skins are really in trouble if Brunell gets hurt. The backup quarterbacks are shaky. Todd Collins is in his 12th NFL season, but he has thrown only 27 passes over the past eight seasons. But even that's better than Jason Campbell, a second-year player from Auburn who has never been in a regular-season NFL game.

So the Skins' offensive line better protect Brunell and keep him on the field.

The NFC East: The Redskins are in a rough-and-tough division. They play two games each against the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Giants won 11 games last season and have Eli Manning (Peyton's little brother) at quarterback. Manning might make New York even better this time around. The Cowboys will be more explosive because they added big-time receiver Terrell Owens. The Eagles still have quarterback Donovan McNabb and Coach Andy Reid.

Every one of those six division clashes should be a hard-fought game.

Injuries: Fans thought the Skins had a bad preseason because they played poorly and lost four straight. I thought the preseason stunk because star running back Clinton Portis and cornerback Shawn Springs got hurt. Portis, who rushed for 1,516 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, injured his shoulder and might miss the first few games. Springs, who usually covers the opponent's best receiver, had surgery on his stomach. He's doubtful for Monday night's opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Skins need a healthy Portis and Springs if they're going to make the playoffs.

And let's hope that no one on the offensive line gets hurt. The Skins' starters are solid, but can you name their backups? Jim Molinaro, Todd Wade, Mike Pucillo and Tyson Walter.

Now are you worried?