Tweet
While this franchise has gone through a solid turnaround, and even captured a title, they have fallen shy of the playoffs two years running now. 9-7 will be viewed as a failed season, especially if it means another December closing time.
OFFENSE
The good news is the Bombers are returning 10 starters... the bad news is the one change will be at QB. Or maybe it's good news. J.T. Eisenbart has played just well enough to miss the playoffs, with his inexplicable streaks of throwing 2-3-4 INTs in a season. Last season alone, he had 4 games with 3 INTs - a 1-3 record. He also took a steep drop in TC, all but cementing his role as (capable) backup and mentor.
So who starts? The team seems committed to giving Hardy Campana every chance to take the spot. Some see more to him than the surface, so here's hoping where there's smoke, there's fire. Austin Austin, the big dumb Texan, will be lucky to see a snap beyond pre-season.
A.J. McGee looks strong as ever, and is behind a very cohesive and talented O-Line. He was hindered by injuries for the start of the season, and is looking to dominate from the start this year.
As long as Campana (or whomever) can stay upright, they have a good bunch to throw to. Wooden-Webb-Corbett will stretch it long, with Rogers and McGee cleaning up underneath. There's not a bad target to be had.
DEFENSE
There's an experiment going on in the preseason, as Washington will take a strong look at the 3-4 this season. Draftees J.T. Bromell and Wesley 'Daywalker' Blades are making this possible as SLB and WILB, respectively. Most interestingly, All-World LB Brandon Sponable will be unleashed as a rush-backer. Should be fun. Unless you're the QB.
Junior Bullock is showing his age a little, but still key - especially in the 3-4. He and Gary Grabulis will have more responsibility, but they both look more than up for it. RDE will be mostly Pete Lundgren, with rookie Randy Staiger coming in for even more pass-rush.
Nate Graham had an outstanding season last year - right up to the last month. No idea why. Maybe small sample size, maybe there's a 'wall' to hit. In any event, he's not exactly a concern. He and Stone are back for their 4th season together, along with Pittard and Cote. The safeties don't strike fear in anyone, but it should be a very cohesive unit overall.
SCHEDULE
This season can go either way in a hurry this year. Right off the bat, the Bombers take on the thorn in their side, Portland. That's followed by a 4-game home stand with a bye in the middle. Washington must get off to a fast start, because conversely, five of their last six are on the road. As mentioned, anything less than 10-6 and a playoff spot will be viewed as a failure. The talent is there, apart from the huge glowing question mark at QB.
OFFENSE
The good news is the Bombers are returning 10 starters... the bad news is the one change will be at QB. Or maybe it's good news. J.T. Eisenbart has played just well enough to miss the playoffs, with his inexplicable streaks of throwing 2-3-4 INTs in a season. Last season alone, he had 4 games with 3 INTs - a 1-3 record. He also took a steep drop in TC, all but cementing his role as (capable) backup and mentor.
So who starts? The team seems committed to giving Hardy Campana every chance to take the spot. Some see more to him than the surface, so here's hoping where there's smoke, there's fire. Austin Austin, the big dumb Texan, will be lucky to see a snap beyond pre-season.
A.J. McGee looks strong as ever, and is behind a very cohesive and talented O-Line. He was hindered by injuries for the start of the season, and is looking to dominate from the start this year.
As long as Campana (or whomever) can stay upright, they have a good bunch to throw to. Wooden-Webb-Corbett will stretch it long, with Rogers and McGee cleaning up underneath. There's not a bad target to be had.
DEFENSE
There's an experiment going on in the preseason, as Washington will take a strong look at the 3-4 this season. Draftees J.T. Bromell and Wesley 'Daywalker' Blades are making this possible as SLB and WILB, respectively. Most interestingly, All-World LB Brandon Sponable will be unleashed as a rush-backer. Should be fun. Unless you're the QB.
Junior Bullock is showing his age a little, but still key - especially in the 3-4. He and Gary Grabulis will have more responsibility, but they both look more than up for it. RDE will be mostly Pete Lundgren, with rookie Randy Staiger coming in for even more pass-rush.
Nate Graham had an outstanding season last year - right up to the last month. No idea why. Maybe small sample size, maybe there's a 'wall' to hit. In any event, he's not exactly a concern. He and Stone are back for their 4th season together, along with Pittard and Cote. The safeties don't strike fear in anyone, but it should be a very cohesive unit overall.
SCHEDULE
This season can go either way in a hurry this year. Right off the bat, the Bombers take on the thorn in their side, Portland. That's followed by a 4-game home stand with a bye in the middle. Washington must get off to a fast start, because conversely, five of their last six are on the road. As mentioned, anything less than 10-6 and a playoff spot will be viewed as a failure. The talent is there, apart from the huge glowing question mark at QB.
Comment