Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Washington Redskins

AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA

Washington Redskins

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Jay Gruden
Offensive Coordinator: Sean McVay
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Barry

Key Additions

• CB Josh Norman
• WR Josh Doctson (1st round)
• S Su'a Cravens (2nd round)
• TE Vernon Davis
• CB Kendall Fuller (3rd round)
• S David Bruton

Key Departures

• QB Robert Griffin III
• RB Alfred Morris
• LB Pery RIley Jr.
• DT Stephen Paea
• LB Keenan Robinson
• DT Terrance Knighton
• WR Andre Roberts
• TE Logan Paulsen

Preseason Power Ranking - #15

Despite winning the division in 2015, it's hard for anyone to trust the Redskins. It just doesn't feel right to say, "Kirk Cousins, franchise quarterback." Until Cousins proves last season wasn't a fluke, Washington will remain an underdog. More ...

Projected Starting Lineup

*first-round receiver Josh Doctson (Achilles) is questionable to play Week 1

Questions to Answer

• Is Kirk Cousins a franchise quarterback or a stop-gap starter?
• Does Matt Jones have what it takes to be a featured back after an uninspiring rookie season?
• Which outside linebacker will step up behind Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith?
• Will Josh Norman continue to perform as a superstar outside of Carolina?

Best-case Scenario

Cousins builds upon his breakout 2015 campaign, putting together a complete season and earning the keys to the franchise. But he isn't the centerpiece of the offense. The running game improves and they capture their second straight NFC East crown. The pass-rush is competent enough to make it through the regular season, but a playoff run may be unrealistic unless several playmakers step up.

Worst-case Scenario

The pass defense was the Achilles heel of the Redskins last season, and Norman's arrival does little to fix the weakness. Cousins slips back into his old ways, struggling with turnovers. No lead back emerges for the Redskins, and the entire team struggles with the same inconsistencies that plagued them early on in 2015. Washington returns to the bottom of the division with a 5-11 record.