Here is what you need to know on this Friday, June 8, 48 days before the Washington Redskins start training camp.

Note: Congratulations to the Capitals for winning the Staley Cup. What a great moment for the team and the city. I was considering writing this post in ALL CAPS in celebration, but I figured I’d take it easy on your eyes.

Looking at the Redskins’ weak spots

We know who the key players on the roster so it’s not too early to take a first look where the Redskins are solid and where they are likely to struggle in 2018. Today we’ll look at the weak points; we looked at the areas of strength earlier this week.

Left guard—Most of what is discussed here is not very specific, focusing on units and not positions. But the offensive tackles are one of the areas of strength, right guard Brandon Scherff is developing into a perennial Pro Bowl participant, and Chase Roullier should become a solid center. That leaves left guard, where Shawn Lauvao is currently the starter. His health is a question mark and even when healthy his play is just OK at best. It’s not a high-impact position but we’ve all heard the thing about the weakest link.

Wide receiver—Yesterday I wrote that there is some strong competition at the bottom half of the depth chart at wide receiver but that doesn’t mean it’s a strong unit. The top three of Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and Paul Richardson all have their strengths but there isn’t a receiver on the roster with over 850 receiving yards in any season. An injury to any of the starters could prove a major problem. Again, there is potential there but for now, it looks like a so-so unit.

Special teams—This isn’t just me saying this. Some number crunchers at ESPN give the 2018 Redskins’ special teams rating of -0.4, 27th in the NFL. Sure, the injuries had a domino effect that hurt the special teams last year and maybe better health will help. But they still have Dustin Hopkins, a good kicker but not a great one, Tress Way, who was 28thin the league in net punting average, and Jamison Crowder, whose punt return average of 6.3 yards was 23rd among the 25 returners who qualified, in key positions.

Cornerback—This is similar to the situation at wide receiver except that they do have one proven performer in Josh Norman. Quinton Dunbar has been pretty good in various roles, but we have no idea what he could do as a 16-game starter. Everybody loves Fabian Moreau’s speed and athleticism, but he played just 59 snaps on defense as a rookie with just seven of them coming after Week 5. Orlando Scandrick is a decent veteran, but he has missed 25 games the last two years. It may turn out OK but there are still too many “buts” to have a lot of confidence right now.

Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page, Facebook.com/TandlerNBCSand follow him on Twitter @TandlerNBCSand on Instagram @RichTandler.

Tandler on Twitter

And thanks for getting it done tonight, #ALLCAPS Not sure I could have handled a Game 6. — Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) June 8, 2018

Timeline

Days until:



—Minicamp (6/12) 4

—Training camp starts (7/26) 48

—Preseason opener @ Patriots (8/9) 62

The Redskins last played a game 159 days ago. They will open the 2018 NFL season at the Cardinals in 93 days.

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