"A paradox floated around Redskins Park on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers and departed for the offseason. The Washington Redskins finished 5-11, one game worse than last year in coach Mike Shanahan's first season, but many insist progress is clear.

"It does feel different," defensive end Adam Carriker said. "We have one less win, but you can see the team getting better."

Shanahan believes that, too.

"I knew it wasn't going to happen overnight, but I know we're headed in the right direction," he said. "We've got a lot more depth. We've got some young guys. We've got some older vets, but we've got the people, I feel, that give you a chance to make up something special. That's where it starts.""