Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.
Offseason Additions: Albert Haynesworth (DT); Derrick Dockery (G); Jeremy Bridges (G).
Offseason Losses: Jason Taylor (DE); Pete Kendall (G); Demetric Evans (DE); Ethan Albright (C).
Player to Watch: Albert Haynesworth, DT.
The Redskins paid a hefty price ($100 million over seven years, including $41 million in guarantees to be exact) for Haynesworth, who was the biggest catch on the free agent market this offseason. Haynesworth is a massive (figuratively and literally) upgrade over Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery, who split time last year next to Cornelius Griffin. Haynesworth is a ferocious pass-rusher who constantly demands double-teams and who is a beast against the run. He’ll free up fellow Griffin and Andre Carter to make plays because they’ll see a significant amount of one-on-one matchups. The former Titan might take the Skins’ defense to another level this season.
Team Strength: Washington’s secondary stands to be a strength in 2009. While the team overpaid for his services, corner DeAngelo Hall is solid when he’s not in man-to-man. He’s at his best when he plays in space and can react to the ball, which is what Washington will allow him to do. As long as he stays motivated, the Redskins will cash in on Hall’s terrific athleticism. On the other side, Carlos Rogers continues to battle a calf injury and was benched after the team rushed him back from ACL surgery last season, but he’s an instinctive player when healthy. At safety, Landry is a flat out playmaker and while he still is learning how to read offenses, he’s always going at full tilt and is a missile against the run and in coverage. While some expected Horton to be pushed by Reed Doughty, head coach Jim Zorn anointed Horton the starter at strong safety back in OTAs. He might not be the most athletic player on the field, but he’s incredibly smart and always gets the most out of his abilities.
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