Washington Redskins will head to their first training camp workout in Richmond

Washington Redskins After some changes at the top, the Washington Redskins will head to their first training camp workout in Richmond, Va. Washington Redskins on July 24 with plenty to prove. Last year's 3-13 nosedive after a 10-6 record in 2012 led to the dismissal of head coach Mike Shanahan and his son and offensive coordinator Kyle. Washington Redskins Taking their places are Jay Gruden as head coach and Sean McVay as offensive coordinator and they have no prior experience in those respective roles. Washington Redskins Their most conspicuous challenge will be to restore quarterback Robert Griffin III to star status. Heading into camp, Washington Redskins he certainly is the player with the most to prove. Two years ago, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner/second overall pick in the 2012 draft set rookie quarterback records for passer rating and rushing yards and electrified Washington fans while leading the Redskins to a 10-6 record and their first NFC East title in 13 years. Washington Redskins That season ended with a playoff loss to Seattle in which Griffin tore his right ACL and MCL. Griffin missed the entire offseason, but pushed to be on the field for training camp and to start the season opener after being held out of all four preseason games. He wore a brace to protect his knee for all of 2013 and was never the same dynamic performer that he had been in 2012 before being benched for the final three games by Mike Shanahan to supposedly prevent further hits in a lost season in which Washington would finish 3-13. With his knee healthy and the Shanahans gone, Griffin needs to show that he is more like the dazzling performer he was in 2012 than the lackluster player he was in 2013, or his future and that of the Redskins will be in jeopardy. Washington Redskins Here are other key issues Gruden must address in his first NFL training camp as a head coach: London Fletcher retired after starting every game the past seven seasons while making four Pro Bowls, calling the defensive signals and serving as a captain. Washington Redskins Washington signed free agents Akeem Jordan (98 games, 44 starts), Darryl Sharpton (42 games, 19 starts) and Adam Hayward (107 games, 13 starts), but the leading candidate appears to be Keenan Robinson, Washington Redskins a fourth-round pick out of Texas in 2012. Robinson's rookie year ended with a torn pec on Thanksgiving at Dallas and he missed all of 2013 with a similar injury suffered before preseason began. Washington Redskins However, Robinson spent more time working with the starters in minicamp than any of the newcomers. Washington Redskins The Redskins signed veteran Ryan Clark, which should help at free safety. Washington Redskins And Brandon Meriweather can still play, especially at strong safety, Washington Redskins when he's not costing his team 15 yards or getting suspended. But it's slim pickings after that. Bacarri Rambo struggled as a rookie and has a lot to prove. Washington Redskins Phillip Thomas sustained a Lisfranc injury to his left foot during training camp and that cost him a valuable development season. Washington Redskins The Redskins did not draft a safety, Washington Redskins but cornerback Bashaud Breeland, a fourth-round selection, is versatile enough to move to safety, Washington Redskins.

Perry Riley

Start Washington Redskins We will be featuring a different Washington Redskins player each day on this list, staying away from rookies or some second-year players still finding their way. Washington Redskins This will focus primarily on veterans at or near a career crossroads. Washington Redskins Today: linebacker Perry Riley. Why he has something to prove, The Redskins re-signed Riley after a sluggish season in which they weren’t pleased with the production from their inside linebackers. They weren’t big enough factors in either the run or pass game, Washington Redskins and the Redskins were content with letting Riley walk if the price was too high. But at this point last season Riley was coming off a solid year and some wondered if he could become a Pro Bowler. Washington Redskins That felt like a stretch then he’s not a playmaker though it wasn’t wrong to view him as a solid player. Riley still has lapses in coverage, Washington Redskins particularly in zone. He admitted last year that, because he played so much man coverage at LSU, Washington Redskins he took a while to feel comfortable playing zones. But he still has flaws in that area, from a recognition standpoint, that must be corrected. It leads to big enough gaps and that leads to plays. Washington Redskins The Redskins have insurance at inside linebacker, having signed two veteran starters in Darryl Sharpton and Akeem Jordan. But they gave Riley a bigger contract for a reason: He is the likely starter. However, it would not stun me to see someone bump Riley from the spot if he repeats his 2013 performance. He hasn’t been a playmaker at all, with only one forced fumble and one interception in his career. What he must do: Make some plays and be solid in the run game, which is the point of emphasis at this position. Riley does not miss a lot of tackles, so that is a good start. It’s nice that he has recorded 6.5 sacks the past two seasons combined, but if the Redskins do a better job in their four-man rushes, then Riley’s blitzing won’t be needed as much (though it’s a nice curve to throw). The Redskins did a good job in 2012 of moving him around, Washington Redskins letting him rush off the edge on occasion, in their nickel packages. Riley is fast enough to then cause some problems, especially when the offense is fooled. But he has to be more sound in the pass game and be strong against the run. With a possible first-year starter next to him in Keenan Robinson, Riley’s knowledge of the defense will be counted upon. He knows the calls, but Robinson’s position is the one that makes them in games. Riley can help with them however. Washington Redskins When you see the elite linebackers play, they move fast enough to the ball that offensive linemen can’t hold double-teams. Washington Redskins So either the defensive lineman gets a one-on-one or the linebacker gets to the ball. London Fletcher's ability to diagnose plays was vital and it’s why he lasted so long. Riley is not elite, Washington Redskins but he’s now entering his third full season as a starter. He can give the Redskins more consistency, Washington Redskins stemming from stronger recognition. It helps that he will now have Kirk Olivadotti coaching him; he focuses more on techniques and helping players improve than previous coaches. Washington Redskins That will help. Projection: Starter. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made a change at some point the defense ranked 31st in points allowed last season and hasn’t been a strong one for a while, so should anyone feel that safe? though it’s not as if a Pro Bowler is sitting behind Riley. Washington Redskins Or a young hotshot rookie for that matte. If Riley doesn’t get it done this season they can always move on in 2015 and save $2 million on the salary cap. Washington Redskins Riley can help them as he did in 2012, Washington Redskins.