Please welcome new DCist Redskins contributor Rob Birgfeld.

So what do we make of the preseason? When the team started 3-0, even the most subdued Redskins fans began to salivate at the potential that was 2008. The kid from Hawaii with the name that screams “star quarterback,” Colt Brennan, was shining. The veterans were cheering on the young ones from the sidelines and the new coach looked cool and collected. Even James Arthur Monk and Darrell Green were finally recognized by the Hall of Fame. 2008 was looking surprisingly promising for the Washington Redskins. Fast forward two weeks: The oft-mentioned “bandwagon” had lost its way and those same believers had quickly turned to naysayers. Outscored 71-6 in their last two “tuneup” games, the Skins looked remarkably inept, quickly moving from dark horse to the doghouse. So let’s look ahead and see if the most compelling news coming out of FedEx Field will be on the gridiron or in the parking lot.

Picked by most “experts” to finish fourth (out of four teams) in the NFC East, the Redskins hope to play like a team with nothing to lose. Or play with a chip on their shoulder. Or silence the doubters. Whichever BS battle cry they claim this year, the biggest question that will need to be answered is what will define this team—the new or the old?

From a player personnel perspective, we’ve got the old. The team that has notoriously suffered from gluttonous off-season spending was fairly quiet this summer. On offense, Jason Campbell is under center again after suffering some tough injuries in 2007. Clinton Portis is healthy and presumably preparing some “hilarious-for-Benny Hill-fans” costumes. The same three starting receivers (Moss, Randle-El and Thrash) look to generate a much needed spark in the end zone. And of course, everyone’s favorite spandex-wearing blogger tight end, Chris Cooley, looks to improve upon his pro-bowl year last year. The offensive line, while aging, remains similar to last year’s starting unit—which may not bode well for the safety of the immobile Jason Campbell.

Defensively, there is a very familiar look as well. Save for new addition and Dancing with the Stars wunderkind Jason Taylor (who will miss tonight’s game due to injury), the same defensive line and linebackers will take the field, and a finally healthy and always talkative secondary appear to be ready for the new season.

On the coaching side—there’s the new. The new head coach, Jim Zorn, looks to prove that he’s more than just a quarterbacks coach in what might be the most demanding environment in pro football. Handpicked by billionaire puppet master and roller coaster tycoon Daniel Snyder, Zorn should be given a fair amount of time to show his worth—but don’t be surprised if you hear Bill Cowher’s name by week eight. On top of that, both Greg Blache (defense) and Sherman Smith (offense) have been given their first opportunities to lead their respective units. Yeah—that’s an awful lot of “new.”

So while the Redskins took a surprisingly low-profile approach to finalizing their 2008 roster, the shake-up and dysfunction had to come from somewhere—and this year’s excuse appears to be “New Coach. New system.” Scallops.

Come tonight, we’ll have more answers when the Redskins visit the reigning Super Bowl Champion New York Giants and the other Manning. There’s probably no better litmus test than to play the team who ended last year as the best in football, so whether you love to hate the Redskins, or like me, you hate to love them, we will all to get to know them very soon. So re-memorize “Hail to the Redskins,” start printing those fake purple parking passes and get ready for your obstructed view seats at FedEx Field. 2008 is here…and it’s going to be ugly.