By John Sarianides

The Washington Redskins made some changes on the offensive side of the ball this off-season. Gone are offensive coordinator Sean McVay and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon. Replacing will be Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh and free agent acquisition. Terrelle Pryor.

There were also changes on the defensive side of the ball as linebackers coach Greg Manusky takes over as defensive coordinator. Manusky will keep the 3-4 defense in place but you can expect more pressure.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins returns on the franchise tag once again. Cousins and the Redskins have talked about an extension but are not close on anything yet. 

This could very well be Cousins last season in the nation’s capital. The Redskins narrowly missed the playoffs last season but they need to make a playoff run this season or else this team could look drastically different in 2018.

Here are three keys for the Redskins in 2017.

1. Swapping Out Parts: With Jackson and Garcon gone, the Redskins will have to figure out a way to fill that void. Terrelle Pryor gives Cousins a big target to throw to and he can replace some of that production but the Skins will need Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson to step up this season.

2. The D Needs to Show Up: The Redskins defense needs to be more consistent. Washington has been on the cusp of contending for the past three years but mediocre play from the defense has held them back. 

3. The Law Firm of Kelley, Jones and Perine: The Redskins are truly using a committed approach when it comes to running the football but one of these three backs has to step it up and give the Redskins offense some much needed balance. 

In the End: The Redskins can make the playoffs but it will be tough in the super competitive NFC. Cousins will need to be great and the defense will need to be better in order for that to happen.