LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: A Washington Redskins helmet is seen on the field before the game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Redskins hired Ron Rivera to bring order to their chaotic locker room. It’s unclear how many wins that will translate to in 2020.
Hiring Ron Rivera is not intended to be a one year fix for the problems that have plagued the Redskins in recent seasons. Instead, his mission in 2020 will be to establish a framework that can put Washington on the path towards playoff contention.
The first question he must answer is whether or not Dwayne Haskins deserves to be the franchise’s quarterback of the present and future. The front office certainly thought so when they spent a high pick to acquire him, but his results from the 2019 season were uneven at best. This could easily turn into a make or break year for the former Ohio State star.
Fortunately for Rivera, he doesn’t face quite as many questions on the defensive side of the ball. Matt Ioannidis, Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat give the Redskins a ferocious pass rush to build on. Landon Collins leads an underrated secondary. No one should be shocked if Rivera can fashion together a top 10 defense next season.
This still lines up to be one of the most difficult NFC teams to predict in 2020. Keep an eye on the following five bold predictions as a roadmap for the Redskins’ potential success or failure.
5. Trent Williams will get traded during the draft
Some people might not deem this to be a bold prediction. Williams has made it clear he’s never going to play for the franchise again. Not even a player’s coach of Rivera’s caliber has been able to made the offensive tackle soften that stance.
It’s time for the Redskins to face reality and deal Williams for a player or asset that can actually help the team moving forward. A second round pick should represent the high end of what Washington might be able to secure for his services.