Redskins skinny

Coach: Jim Zorn, 2nd year (8-8)

2008: 8-8, last in the NFC East, failed to make the playoffs

Offense: Everything revolves around the maturity of quarterback Jason Campbell. The running game is solid with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. The receiving corps should be improved with Malcolm Kelly complimenting Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El. Chris Cooley is one of the league's most effective tight ends. The offensive line will be OK if Randy Thomas and Chris Samuels stay healthy and if Stephon Heyer becomes a solid right tackle.

Defense: Redskins owner Dan Snyder spared no expense upgrading this unit. Albert Haynesworth is a force at defensive tackle. The Redskins hope he can make it through the entire season. Brian Orakpo, the team's first-round draft choice, is a high-motor defensive end who also is learning to be a strong side linebacker. DeAngelo Hall has the ability to be an elite cover cornerback and LaRon Landry is a hard-hitting, ball-hawking free safety.

Special teams: Upgrades are needed on just about every unit. Shaun Suisham's consistency and performance under pressure have put his job in jeopardy. Randle El needs to be more productive on punt returns or someone else needs to try the job. Hunter Smith was brought in to punt and bring that portion of the special teams to a respectable level. Smith also is an excellent holder.

Quotable: Defensive end Andre Carter on the Redskins defense -- "We have a lot of talent but with talent comes hard work and everybody knows that. We are never content on being dominant. We want to be great and excel on a high level."

Outlook: Campbell had a tough off-season, dealing with rumors of the Redskins attempts to acquire Jay Cutler from Denver and their thoughts of moving up to draft Mark Sanchez. He has no room for self-doubt when others in the organization obviously have their doubts about him. Campbell has to give a solid performance, move the chains and hit big plays. He's in the last year of his contract and has to produce to remain in Washington. The defense has the chance to be dominant, and might need to be if the offense is no better than last year.

Bottom line: 6-10 and fourth in the NFC East