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          NFL Nation

          Cross your fingers on Redskins' revamped secondary

          Jun 7, 2015
          • John KeimESPN Staff Writer
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            • Covered the Redskins for the Washington Examiner and other media outlets since 1994
            • Authored or co-authored three books on the Redskins and one on the Cleveland Browns
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          We're back to quarterback play in Part 2 of the Redskins mailbag, as in: Can the Redskins contend with average quarterback play? And we're back to Morgan Moses -- still possibly the answer at right tackle? Some reporting rules and is there finally legitimate hope in the secondary. Enjoy.

          John Keim: If the defense improves like it should and the run game is solid, then average quarterback play could put them in contention for a wild-card spot. But the other factors must be strong. The average quarterback numbers last season were this: 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 90.4 passer rating. Of last year's 12 playoff teams, four had quarterbacks who posted below-average numbers (Detroit, Arizona, Carolina, Cincinnati). But each one had a fantastic defense. So, yes, it's possible but more difficult.

          Keim: They see Brandon Scherff as a tackle so for now that's where he'll play. There's no way you move him until he proves he can't play the position. It's a more impactful one than guard -- if they draft a tackle at No. 5 and move him to guard right away? Bad move. Maybe a year or two from now it'll evolve that way -- Scherff would have to fail at tackle for that to happen -- but not now. Moses was viewed as a project by the coaches last summer, which typically means it'll take a couple of years. Give him time to grow and if nothing else they'll have a solid swing tackle.

          Keim: I'm like you in that I've heard it quite a few times before. I like Chris Culliver; he's an upgrade without a doubt. As long as no issues pop up off the field he'll be good. But I don't know what Dashon Goldson has left -- I know they feel he adds some swag and a physical style to the position. He's 30 so he should have something left, but how much? I also know Tampa Bay didn't want him anymore so we'll see. I like the potential of Jeron Johnson; he's a tough and disciplined player. But he's started one game. Another factor: whether the pass rush improves. There's reason to buy the optimism, but I can paint a gloomy portrait as well. I do know they feel good about the personnel changes. I'm not sold that Perry Fewell will have some big impact or that he's better than Raheem Morris. But time will tell on that, too.

          Keim: Every little bit helps. They got bigger and stronger at both right guard and right tackle by a combined 19 pounds. The goal for them was to get bigger linemen who could also move. Regardless, Spencer Long outweighs Chris Chester by eight pounds (Arie Kouandjio is seven pounds heavier than Chester). Brandon Scherff is 10 pounds heavier than Tom Compton (as is Morgan Moses -- the quest for bigger linemen began last offseason). Over the course of a season, those extra pounds can help.

          Keim: Doesn't change any opinions on offensive coordinator Sean McVay. Callahan coaches the offensive line and will have input in the run game, much like Chris Foerster a year ago. Callahan will not be calling plays or serving as a coordinator. Matt Cavanaugh will just coach the quarterbacks. This enables McVay to focus solely on coordinating duties throughout the week. Doing that and coaching quarterbacks last year became too much for him. McVay's standing hasn't changed.

          Keim: My rule is to get it right. Sometimes that means getting it from several sources; sometimes it could mean one. For example, if a coach tells me he's re-signing or if the general manager tells me someone has been cut. I don't like throwing out rumors. I like throwing out information I know is accurate. If there's a rumor I'll probably contact a few people to see if it's right or accurate. I won't report a rumor unless someone in authority tells me it's accurate. Teams deny things all the time, even when accurate, so you really have to talk to a few people. Really, you have to know who it is you're talking to and how much you can trust them and are they the one's making a decision on the matter. If not, make sure you talk to a few people. Thank goodness for texting and email and cellphones.

          Keim: I don't either. The best way to get that feeling is to draft and develop your own players. Too often when I talk to newcomers, they feel a stronger connection to teams they played on in the past. You want players brought up in your system to grow together. That's how you form the best bonds. But, yes, I found it noteworthy what the players had said. If it develops then it always helps.