Herd just like the Redskins?

Besides Marshall University, all the teams I root for reside in Washington D.C. Before Marshall hit the football field last week the Washington Redskins kicked off training camp July 30th. Obviously, being a big Redskin fan I have been following them as closely as the Herd. Since both teams have started to practice I realized that their areas of concern mirror each other.

For example, the biggest concern about Washington has been the offensive line. After releasing veteran tackle Jon Jansen and doing little to upgrade talent or depth the Redskins o-line has been a huge question mark. In Huntington an injury to John Bruhin has caused the entire offensive line to switch positions which makes this Herd fan nervous about keeping Brian Anderson upright. Speaking of quarterback the Herd’s QB situation was murky heading into August practice, much like the Redskins. Even though Anderson has appeared to take a strong grip on the starting spot questions still abound about his ability to win games. Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell enters this season with an expiring contract and serious doubts about his future in D.C. Lets not forget about wide receiver. The Herd enter camp with little proven talent while the Redskins need second year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to immerge and assist Jim Zorn’s passing attack.

Still not convinced? Lets take a look at the defensive side of the ball. The Redskins opened camp with questions about a starting linebacker spot. Starters London Fletcher and Rocky Micintosh return but fans are still wondering if college defensive end Brian Orakpo has the ability to play standing up. Marshall also returns two starters at linebacker, but has questions in the middle with Tyson Gale and Kellen Harris fighting for a starting role.

Still not convinced? Lets move on to special teams. Both teams have questions at kicker. In Redskins camp Shaun Suishman is competing with Dave Rayner to start while at Marshall incumbents Craig Ratanamorn and Tyler Warner battle for place kicking duties.

Heck even the teams strengths mirror each other. Both are very strong at defensive line, in the secondary, and at running back. Hopefully both of my football rooting interest have better seasons than last.