The lockout has ended. The Washington Redskins started strong but will not claim the title as the team that made the most ground-shaking moves; that goes to the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, although it seems the Eagles dug through the couch cushions to find the cash to support the signings of Nnamdi Asomugha, Ronnie Brown, Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins, just to name a few, the Redskins made a few good moves that can potentially help a lot this season.
Here are a few moves of which I want to highlight:
1) Trading away Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth were necessary to remove distractions from the team. Although these two stars are definitely talented on the field, they just didn't buy into Coach Mike Shannahan's schemes.
2) The Skins signed Barry Cofield to a six-year deal, in hopes of replacing the void left by Haynesworth. Cofield had 54 tackles last season for the New York Giants and will provide the beef we need in the middle of our defensive line. He already knows the teams in the NFC East, and hopefully will have some added incentive to beat the Giants now.
3) To potentially start across from DeAngelo Hall, the Skins signed ex-Raven CB Josh Wilson. Wilson needs to bring the defensive attitude he played with while on the Ravens' legendary defense. Wilson will not be asked to cover No.1 receivers but will hold his own as the second cornerback, as well as in nickel coverage. The UMD-product is a sure tackler with good hands (15 pass defenses last season) and the ability to take INTs to the house.
4) Resigning Reed Doughty and Rocky McIntosh. These two electric young defensive players have become household names over the past few seasons for their ability to stop a play dead. Doughty's 93 tackles last year were very solid for a safety and McIntosh's 110 would make his linebacker teammate London Fletcher (136 tackles) proud.
5) Signing all the draft picks. The importance of locking in your sought after draft picks is paramount. It shows that you took the time to scout, interview, and invest in young talent. When you end up not signing your draft picks, it shows a few things: a) You've changed your mind, and no longer want them: a wasted pick; b) You've ran out of cap space, which shows mismanagement of funds. Luckily, the 'Skins signed everyone, so let's enjoy watching these young players develop.
Now a move I don't really understand, but hope the front office can back up.
6) Signing Donte Stallworth AND Jabar Gaffney. Luckily the Redskins drafted two young wide receivers with great potential because these two free agent signings are riddled with under performance and off-the-field problems. Stallworth sat out the majority of last season with a broken foot, and Gaffney has not caught more than 65 balls (or 5 TDs) in his career.
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chat Sports Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)
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