Since the Redskins appears to be loaded on both sides of the ball, their primary concern will be health. Already in the preseason, Dan Wilkinson and Cory Raymer are nicked with knee injuries. Daniel Snyder can acquire all the talent he wants. But a lot of talent he got is older talent, especially Bruce Smith (37), Deion Sanders (33) and Mark Carrier (32). Can they stay healthy? They must in order for the Redskins to fulfill the expectations people have for them this season.

They have talent: Washington has 15 former No. 1 picks on its roster. Five of them play on the defensive line. The Redskins also have four former first overall picks. How deep are the Redskins? Two of those former No. 1 picks aren't even starting (quarterback Jeff George and wide receiver Irving Fryar).

All totaled, Snyder shelled out approximately $50 million in bonuses this offseason. Once again, in Washington, the future is now.

For his money, Snyder got a pass-rushing end (Bruce Smith), the game's top cover corner (Deion Sanders), a solid safety (Mark Carrier) and two rookies who could be in the lineup for years (LaVar Arrington and Chris Samuels).

"We have backups that could start on any team," said Smith, who spent his first 15 years in Buffalo.

The Redskins also hired Ray Rhodes as their defensive coordinator. All he must do is revive a defense that finished 30th overall last year.

"When they brought Ray in, that caught a few guys' eyes," Carrier said. "I knew this team was trying to make a serious run at a championship, and I thought, ?Man, wouldn't I like to be part of that.' "

Don't expect Redskins head coach Norv Turner to buckle under the pressure. Forget CBS' little island show; this man is the ultimate survivor. He has entered the past two seasons as a lame-duck coach. He keeps returning.

"What I feel the pressure to do is to get them ready to play," Turner said.

Offense

	Jeff George gives the Reskins much-needed insurance at quarterback.

Quarterbacks: While George might have the best arm in the NFL, the Redskins insist Brad Johnson is the better quarterback, providing the necessary championship intangibles. So there's no quarterback controversy. Period. Johnson spreads the wealth in this offense, throwing for 4,005 yards, 24 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions in his 1999 Pro Bowl season. Johnson, who is smart and accurate, should be better this season because he's more comfortable in the offense. George is quite a backup, having thrown for 2,816 yards and 23 touchdowns in 10 starts for Minnesota last year. He has thrown 147 career touchdown passes. George might throw harder, but Johnson sets up quicker and delivers the ball earlier. The Redskins believe third-stringer Todd Husak, a sixth-round pick from Stanford, can develop into a solid quarterback.
Grade: A

Running backs: Pro Bowler Stephen Davis appears fully recovered from a high-ankle sprain suffered late last season. He's running hard, lowering his shoulder and wants to prove that last year's 1,405-yard season was no fluke. Pass-catching fullback Larry Centers remains a problem for defenses and a help to the wideouts. Adrian Murrell, a slashing back with three 1,000-yard seasons and 194 receptions on his résumé, has looked sharp as Davis' backup. Skip Hicks is running tougher and could be a threat out of the backfield as well. Fullback Mike Sellers is an improved blocker and can double as a tight end if necessary.
Grade: A

Receivers: Michael Westbrook and Albert Connell excelled at making big plays last season. They each averaged 18.3 yards per catch, one of the best figures in the league. They still need to eliminate the sloppy routes, but they are dangerous and at least one, probably Westbrook, should exceed 70 catches. Fryar is in much better shape than a year ago, when he figured he was retired. Fryar became a top third-down threat late in the season and should fill that role again. James Thrash looks good every summer, but will he get a chance? Washington doesn't always need a fourth receiver, not with Centers and tight end Stephen Alexander. The latter caught 29 passes in '99, a good sum considering the talent around him. Even if Alexander doesn't catch many passes, he remains a threat because of his ability to run a variety of routes.
Grade: B+

Offensive linemen: One year ago this group was in shambles. Then Jon Jansen played well at right tackle. And Keith Sims rediscovered himself at left guard. And Tré Johnson stayed healthy. And they drafted Samuels. Now the Redskins have the makings of a strong line for several years. Samuels and Sims provide finesse on the left side; Johnson and Jansen, in his second season, provide the power. Sims sprained his knee at presstime. Center Cory Raymer has been dependable in the past, starting 35 straight games, but he partially tore two ligaments in his right knee and will miss at least the first four regular-season games. Inexperienced Mark Fisher will get the nod at center. If Fisher isn't capable of handling the job, backup guard Jay Leeuwenburg will be shifted inside until Raymer can return. Samuels, the third overall pick this spring, received a good lesson this summer, facing Smith in practice. Samuels needs work as a run blocker but is a fundamentally sound pass-blocker. Tackle Andy Heck provides a veteran insurance policy.
Grade: B+

Defense
Defensive linemen: The linemen say Rhodes' schemes will allow them to attack rather than hold the line of scrimmage for the linebackers. Defensive tackles Dan Wilkinson and Dana Stubblefield, who reported in excellent shape, know they're out of excuses. But they are excited about having more freedom to line up at different angles. They'll also line up over center on occasion. Smith should draw attention away from the middle. Smith can line up wider in the Redskins' 4-3 front, making his counter inside moves even more effective. It's still uncertain how much he'll play. Marco Coleman has moved from right end to left, where he says he's more comfortable. He'll also rush from left tackle in some nickel packages. Speed rusher N.D. Kalu has added bulk. This is a big year for former first-round pick Kenard Lang. Though he's an end, his biggest contribution might come while rushing from the inside.
Grade: B+

Linebackers: This unit should benefit from a year's worth of growing pains. The Redskins also added a huge talent in Arrington, the second overall pick last April. When he grasps the defense and gets in shape, Washington has another defensive weapon. Weak-side linebacker Shawn Barber, in his second season as a starter, is a playmaker. He might be Washington's best linebacker this season. Middle linebacker Derek Smith, in his fourth season as a starter but only his second in the middle, is steady if unspectacular. He is quick, and he'll often play closer to the ball on run downs. Strong-side linebacker Greg Jones also is steady but will someday lose his job to Arrington, who received a $10.75 million signing bonus. Kevin Mitchell and Eddie Mason add depth.
Grade: B-

Defensive backs: They have speed, brains and talent. They even have a nickel back who could be headed to the Hall of Fame (Darrell Green). If Sanders remains healthy, Washington has the game's best cover corner. On the other side, second-year pro Champ Bailey is a playmaker. Green will play nickel, though Bailey will cover the slot receiver in those situations. The addition of Sanders has helped Green remain fresh. Carrier is a solid pass defender -- precisely what Washington needed at free safety -- and a leader. Strong safety Sam Shade excels against the run. Safety Matt Stevens was opportunistic with six interceptions last season. But he's often too eager, leading to big negative plays.
Grade: A

Special teams
Longtime returner Brian Mitchell is gone, but Sanders is one of the most dangerous punt returners in history. Thrash will handle the kick-return duties and might return an occasional punt. Brett Conway, who made 22-of-32 field-goal attempts (3-of-9 from 50 yards and beyond) in '99, will be the placekicker. Tommy Barnhardt was expected to be the punter. The kick coverage must improve. Long-snapper Joe Zelenka has struggled this summer.
Grade: C

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