With Redskins Training Camp set to begin July 26th, JP Finlay takes a look at 10 of the most pressing questions for the Burgundy and Gold before the team heads to Richmond.

No. 10: Major questions at linebacker on Redskins depth chart

No. 9: What is Kevin O’Connell's new role in Redskins offense?

No. 8: More investments on D-Line, but who goes where?

No. 7: Do the Redskins have a 1,000-yard WR?

No. 6: Is Shawn Lauvao the concern, or is the issue bigger on the O-Line?

No. 5: What can the Redskins expect from Derrius Guice?

No. 4: After Josh Norman, what's the plan at cornerback?

No. 3: After Kerrigan and Preston, do the Redskins have enough pass rush?

Alex Smith played the best football of his life in 2017, throwing for more than 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He led the NFL in passer rating and averaged 8 yards-per-attempt, his best number in five years.

In 11 seasons prior, however, Smith never got close to 4,000 passing yards. His previous best came in 2016, when Smith threw for 3,502 yards. Prior to last season, Smith developed a reputation as a QB reluctant to go downfield and take deep shots. In 2017 he took those chances, and converted, but he just wasn't that quarterback prior to last year. The YPA numbers back it up, as in 2016 that number came in at 7.2.

So which quarterback are the Redskins getting?

Well, the Washington brass believes they're getting the 2017 version. Bruce Allen, Doug Williams and Jay Gruden have all heaped lavish praise on Smith.

It makes sense too.

After an awkward three-year relationship with now Minnesota Viking Kirk Cousins, the Redskins were smart to go all in on Smith. He's a mature, veteran QB coming off his best-ever season, and that hasn't been the case in Washington for almost ten years.

Smith is wicked smart, and should have zero problems picking up Gruden's offense. The team has weapons too.

In Kansas City last season, Smith had the luxury of the leading running back in the NFL. That was rookie Kareem Hunt.

In Washington this season, Smith will play with rookie RB Derrius Guice. He might not lead the NFL in rushing, but Guice has elite talent.

In Kansas City, Smith could lean on star tight end Travis Kelce. In Washington, Smith can lean on star tight end Jordan Reed. If Reed can stay healthy, but that's a big question mark.

There are similarities elsewhere, but at some point it's tedious to compare wideouts and offensive lines.

The Washington offense has plenty of questions, but plenty of talent too. Smith should be able to make it work with the same level of success he had last season in Kansas City.

For three straight years, Cousins threw for more than 4,000 yards. With Guice in the fold, the 'Skins offense should be more balanced than it has been in the last three years. Still, Smith should be able to continue Gruden's aerial attack and pile up more than 4,000 passing yards again.

For Smith and the Redskins, the hope is history repeats itself. Recent history.

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