The Washington Redskins entered the week 10 bye last season with a record of 3-6. Combined with season ending injuries to key starters Brian Orakpo, Adam Carriker, and Fred Davis, it seemed they had no shot at the playoffs as usual.  Despite all that, the Redskins rallied behind the play of star rookies Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris. Combining for the league lead in rushing per team at 169.3 (YPG), they went on to finish the year on a seven game win streak and won the NFC East for the first time since 1999. Unfortunately the 2012 season did not have a happy ending.

After a disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in which Griffin III tore his ACL after continuing to play when he clearly was bothered by a knee injury suffered earlier in the year, the Redskins were now faced with a long off season full of questions regarding the handling of Griffin III’s injury and rehab.  Along with the injury to Griffin III, the Redskins off season included the 2013 draft without a first round pick (traded to St. Louis) and the final year of a $36 million dollar salary cap penalty which left little room for free agent signings.

However, the Redskins have 21 starters returning from the 2012 season. Looking to improve in the secondary where the Redskins finished 30^th in the league at 281.9 (YPG), the Redskins spent 3 of their 7 total picks on defensive backs. Also, the team resigned DeAngelo Hall after initially releasing him and added free agent E.J. Biggers from Tampa Bay. Clearly, nobody expects a drastic improvement but any improvement at all should make a much needed difference.

The key for the Redskins, as with most teams, is health. Proving they were capable of being a playoff team last year while dealing with many key injuries is a reason to be optimistic for another strong season. RG3 (Robert Griffin III) is expected to be ready for week 1 of the regular season, but will not participate in any preseason games according to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Starting WR Pierre Garcon, who battled a foot injury last season, makes a huge difference for the Redskins. The team went an impressive 9-1 when both Garcon and Griffin III played together. Also tight end Fred Davis, who was the Redskins top receiver before he suffered a torn Achilles in week 7, will be back on a one year deal. The talented TE looks to prove he is worth a long term contract after battling off-the-field and injury issues.

Unlike player’s health, something that can be guaranteed is that the Redskins will be playing some tuff opponents in 2013 including Green Bay, Denver, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The Redskins will have to make sure to take care of business in the division if they want to have a shot at winning the NFC East for a second consecutive year.

Fortunately, no one in the division drastically improved, if at all. The Philadelphia Eagles look like recent Adam Sandler movies on defense and have a whole new offense to learn under former Oregon HC Chip Kelly. Plus the huge loss of star receiver Jeremy Maclin for the year due to an ACL combined with racist Riley Cooper inside the locker room is not a good recipe for success. Did I mention they don’t know who will be starting at Quarterback?

The New York Giants are coming off a down year and lost a few household names in Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora, and Chris Canty. Looking to go in much younger directions, the Giants will be counting on guys like Andre Brown, David Wilson, and Rueben Randle to contribute on offense and Prince Amukamara to take over the top CB spot on defense. Eli Manning will still be under center and throwing to stud receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. Newly acquired TE Brandon Myers from Oakland will also be a solid option for Manning to throw to. If the Redskins are unable to win the division, it will probably be due to a bounce back year from the Giants.

The Dallas Cowboys are getting hyped up again this year, so nothing new here but a lot of future disappointment. Tony Romo has a new huge contract to not live up to, Monte Kiffin at 73 years old is taking over the defense, and Jerry Jones is still the GM. The decision to remove play calling from Jason Garrett was also made, but that may actually be an improvement. Although the Cowboys have extremely talented players such as Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and DeMarcus Ware, I see to many holes up front on both sides of the ball that need to be filled.

The Redskins will look to build off of last season’s success and are taking many precautions with player’s health so far in the early part of 2013. The Redskins have a good foundation in young stars RG3, Alfred Morris, and Trent Williams on offense combined with pass rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan on defense. Veterans Santana Moss and London Fletcher are returning as well continuing to bring leadership and strong play. The Redskins organization seems to be on the right track after many years of pressing the restart button and should expect to compete for division championships, especially in the NFC East.

The thought of Super Bowls is realistically a couple of years away, but the Redskins should continue to be competitive for many years to come with the young talent on this team. Looking past the 2013 season, the Redskins will have the cap space to bring in free agents after the salary cap penalties are through. Making smart moves in free agency and continuing to draft well will be what determines if this team can take the next step.