Playmakers

Offense > Defense in Standouts

- Chris Russell

The Washington Redskins have plenty of playmakers on the offense and very few on the defense.

It’s what happens when you hire nothing but offensive-minded head coaches. Scot McCloughan has tried to balance out the roster over his year-plus, but the scales are still heavily towards the offense.

They absolutely need more dynamic individual talent on the defensive side of the ball, but some unforeseen circumstances have somewhat prevented that.

For perspective, according to OvertheCap.com, the Redskins have invested $81.7 million of their 2016 salary cap on offense and just $41.9 million on defense.

Quite simply, this is the side of the ball that has to and should carry the Redskins to nine-plus wins and a playoff spot.

Without a doubt, the Redskins’ top two playmakers on offense are DeSean Jackson and Jordan Reed. The list probably ends there, but Kirk Cousins could also be considered in this category as a distant third.

This is a problem! Notice what is missing? That’s right - a running back. The Redskins have no difference maker at that position and it’s hurting them.

Jackson can hurt you over the top as a dynamic longball threat as he has a handful of times in his two years with the Redskins. Think about last year’s home wins against the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.