Gibbs' Return = High Hopes for Redskins
| Published 09/17/04

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Welcome back, everyone! It's shaping out to be a great season in sports, both nationally and locally. The National Football League has begun its 2004-2005 season just last weekend and fans are already beginning to question what teams will be hot, and what teams will not. You're the judge on this one, but for you Washington Redskins fans, here's the lowdown.

Joe Gibbs returns to coach the Washington Redskins after a 12-year absence. His presence will add great leadership to a team that has been struggling in previous years. In his 12 year tenure, Gibbs has taken the Skins to the Super Bowl four times while winning three titles. The key players for the Redskins this season include quarterback Mark Brunell, who joins the team from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner return to bring great hands to the team. LaVar Arrington will be a major factor on defense. Finally, Clinton Portis comes from the Denver Broncos to play running back. Many other talented players have joined the Skins for this upcoming season, as well.

The Skins came out of preseason with a record of 3-2, with wins over the Dolphins, Falcons and the Broncos. This is a good sign considering both the Dolphins and Broncos finished last season with a record over .500.  They lost to both the Rams and the Panthers, which could potentially be problem because both these teams are in the NFC. However, these teams aren't on the Redskins official schedule.

Now, the one question remains: Will Joe Gibbs be able to transform this team into Super Bowl contenders? That will be the biggest question of all. The Redskins have gone through many coaches since Gibbs and have failed to change the players into champions. The Redskins have a strong running back in Clinton Portis. Laveranues Coles, James Thrash and Rod Gardner make up an outstanding wide receiver core. Not too mention, the Redskins defense is good enough to make any opposing offense scared. Powered by Joe Gibbs and a crew of talent, look out because the Washington Redskins will be very exciting to watch this season!