****OFFICIAL 2008 Washington Redskins Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[buster c]

Smoot was on The Junkies this morning. I only caught the end of the interview.

You mean the Junks talked about sports? When I punched up 106.7 this morning, here was the exchange:Junk (I believe it was EB): so when you're out, what percentage of guys hit on you?Random girl: all of themJunks: (a collective of noises ranging from excitement to hyper-excitement)Buster: (shakes head at inane banter, changes channel)

 

[dgreen]

I'm only basing my opinion on watching the games, and it just seems that if you took out the number of times he didn't call a fair catch and got hit immedilately his average would be much higher.

Based on my opinion watching the games, his return average would be higher if he caught the ball and immediately headed upfield instead of dancing and juking left and right before actually advancing up the field. He needs to learn that lesson from Rock Cartwright.

An old roomate of mine was a Steelers fan so I watched a lot of Steelers games when ARE was there, the juking defiinitly served him well then.....here in Washington not so much.....

Your theory (more FC = lower AVG) certainly makes sense to me, but the data doesn't seem to support it. Looking at 68 individual player seasons with more than 20 combined returns and FCs in 2006 and 2007 show no correlation between FC and AVG or FC% and AVG. Now, anecdotally, maybe one could watch ARE and say his lack of FC led to his low AVG. But, on average across the league, it doesn't seem to hold true.Like fatness, my personal observation of ARE was that he danced too much. However, as you say, it's certainly possible he did the same thing in 2006 with Washington and previously with Pittsburgh and his AVG was much better. One big difference in 2007 was ARE didn't break as many long returns to boost his AVG. His long was only 27 yards. Having a career low in number of returns may have slightly limited his chances to break an extra long return or two, which could have helped his AVG. He had 80+ yard TD returns in 2003, 2005, and 2006. He only had 3 20+ yard returns in 2007. His 3 20+ yard returns in 34 tries roughly matches the % of 20+ yard returns he had in 2005 when he averaged 10.2 yards per return; the big difference being 2 TDs, one of which was 81 yards.ARE did have less FC in 2007 than other years. His lowest FC% before 2007 was 21.1%. In 2007, he called a FC 17.1% of the time. But, the fact remains that he didn't do much when he had the ball in his hands on a punt in 2007. It may have been his willingness to field a punt with several defenders around. It may have been unwillingness to run north-south. It may have simply been poor blocking. Whatever the cause, I'd like to see someone else challenge him for that spot.

 

[valhallan]

Smoot was on The Junkies this morning. I only caught the end of the interview.

You mean the Junks talked about sports? When I punched up 106.7 this morning, here was the exchange:Junk (I believe it was EB): so when you're out, what percentage of guys hit on you?Random girl: all of themJunks: (a collective of noises ranging from excitement to hyper-excitement)Buster: (shakes head at inane banter, changes channel)

Much like anything else, a snippet doesn't give you the full story. That segment had a lot of inside humor that becomes more obvious as you listen to them longer. Jumping in cold certainly won't give you the same entertainment that I got from it.Yes, they do talk sports. However, if you simply don't enjoy listening to guys who are having fun and prefer bland radio hosts who like to speak in stern voices and pontificate on the media-driven fiasco of the day, then certainly the Junks aren't for you.

 

[dgreen]

Smoot was on The Junkies this morning. I only caught the end of the interview.

You mean the Junks talked about sports?

I, too, enjoyed it more when they talked more sports. But, the fact is that an all sports format simply isn't great for ratings. To become what they've become, have the ratings they have, and get paid what they get paid, they had to expand their show. There's still a much larger focus on sports than any other radio show than those on an all sports station. It's rare that I don't hear at least one segment about sports during my hour commute.

 

[Sidewinder16]

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsins...carted_off.html

Devin Thomas, the wide receiver who was the Redskins' first overall pick in the April draft, has suffered what appears to be an injury to his right hamstring and was taken from the field on a cart. He ran down the right sideline for a deep pass from Jason Campbell and fell to the ground as he went for the catch, Jason Reid reports. He was helped up, then the cart was brought onto the field. Thomas, a 6-2, 218-pounder from Michigan State, was a second-round pick.

Created a thread for it, but thought it should be put here too. Looks like camp is more than challenging for us this season. Let's hope it's a hammy and he doesn't miss much time!

Cerrato on Thomas (near the bottom):

Vinny Cerrato was on Redskins Nation on Thursday and said the team expects Devin Thomas to be sidelined for "a couple weeks" due to the hamstring injury.

Thomas could miss the Redskins' Hall of Fame Game against the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 3.

He could be ready by mid-August and available to play on Aug. 9 against Buffalo.

"That's where having the extra preseason game and coming in early helps," Cerrato said. "If he can get back, he should be able to play in four preseason games.

 

[fatness]

Smoot was on The Junkies this morning. I only caught the end of the interview.

You mean the Junks talked about sports? When I punched up 106.7 this morning, here was the exchange:Junk (I believe it was EB): so when you're out, what percentage of guys hit on you?Random girl: all of them

That show's beginning to get a bit creepy as the Junkies have aged. 40-something-year-old guys talking several hours every day about 21-year-old women, after which they climb in their BMW's and drive home to their families in the suburbs........

 

[buster c]

Smoot was on The Junkies this morning. I only caught the end of the interview.

You mean the Junks talked about sports? When I punched up 106.7 this morning, here was the exchange:

Junk (I believe it was EB): so when you're out, what percentage of guys hit on you?

Random girl: all of them

Junks: (a collective of noises ranging from excitement to hyper-excitement)

Buster: (shakes head at inane banter, changes channel)

Much like anything else, a snippet doesn't give you the full story. That segment had a lot of inside humor that becomes more obvious as you listen to them longer. Jumping in cold certainly won't give you the same entertainment that I got from it.Yes, they do talk sports.

However, if you simply don't enjoy listening to guys who are having fun and prefer bland radio hosts who like to speak in stern voices and pontificate on the media-driven fiasco of the day, then certainly the Junks aren't for you.

if that's how you classify the First Team on Fox with the Czabe, then yes, I prefer that.FYI: I listened to the Junks' evening show 10 years ago and the focus was on guys having fun talking sports. not sexually repressed middle aged men making a show of themselves, acting like donkeys!

 

[fatness]

I think Malcolm Kelly will make some noise this season.

"The first couple of practices, Malcolm [Kelly] made some plays," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "Devin is still coming along."......

...........Kelly (6-4, 219), who is playing the X receiver, or split end position, does not possess the speed of Thomas, who has started out at the Z receiver, or flanker. He has, however, made a good impression in camp because of his receiving and blocking skills. Kelly has made several acrobatic catches on deep balls thrown by Campbell and has been physical on running plays in 11-on-11 drills.

"We're all impressed with what he's doing because he's been very mellow, if you will," Zorn said. "Not a big voice, but he makes a statement when he's on the field."

Kelly has impressed Campbell by "running good routes and being smart," Campbell said. "He's get smooth hands, and he's a smart guy. He's big, he's got a big frame, and he can help us out. "He really watches Santana and Randle El, watches how they run routes and improve. He's falling right into their footsteps and learning from them. He's really excited about the opportunity, and I'm excited about his progress."

Post article

 

[Sebowski]

I think Malcolm Kelly will make some noise this season.

"The first couple of practices, Malcolm [Kelly] made some plays," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "Devin is still coming along."......

...........Kelly (6-4, 219), who is playing the X receiver, or split end position, does not possess the speed of Thomas, who has started out at the Z receiver, or flanker. He has, however, made a good impression in camp because of his receiving and blocking skills. Kelly has made several acrobatic catches on deep balls thrown by Campbell and has been physical on running plays in 11-on-11 drills.

"We're all impressed with what he's doing because he's been very mellow, if you will," Zorn said. "Not a big voice, but he makes a statement when he's on the field."

Kelly has impressed Campbell by "running good routes and being smart," Campbell said. "He's get smooth hands, and he's a smart guy. He's big, he's got a big frame, and he can help us out. "He really watches Santana and Randle El, watches how they run routes and improve. He's falling right into their footsteps and learning from them. He's really excited about the opportunity, and I'm excited about his progress."

Post article

Also at the bottom of that article:

Redskins Notes: Shawn Springs worked at free safety and cornerback with LaRon Landry out of morning drills after tweaking his left hamstring.

It would be great If the other CBs step up and we can let Springs play FS and put Landry back at Strong.

 

[DCThunder]

I think Malcolm Kelly will make some noise this season.

"The first couple of practices, Malcolm [Kelly] made some plays," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "Devin is still coming along."......

...........Kelly (6-4, 219), who is playing the X receiver, or split end position, does not possess the speed of Thomas, who has started out at the Z receiver, or flanker. He has, however, made a good impression in camp because of his receiving and blocking skills. Kelly has made several acrobatic catches on deep balls thrown by Campbell and has been physical on running plays in 11-on-11 drills.

"We're all impressed with what he's doing because he's been very mellow, if you will," Zorn said. "Not a big voice, but he makes a statement when he's on the field."

Kelly has impressed Campbell by "running good routes and being smart," Campbell said. "He's get smooth hands, and he's a smart guy. He's big, he's got a big frame, and he can help us out. "He really watches Santana and Randle El, watches how they run routes and improve. He's falling right into their footsteps and learning from them. He's really excited about the opportunity, and I'm excited about his progress."

Post article

But is he "super smart" and will he "play his guts out"?

 

[dgreen]

Heard Zorn on a radio interview on my way home yesterday. He said Davis is the furthest along of all the rookies. He expects him to make an immediate impact on special teams, then move into a role where he gives Cooley and occasional break, then move into a role where he and Cooley are on the field at the same time. He said Kelly makes some amazing catches and has great hands. He talked about a great catch Moss made and the excitement he showed after making the play. Zorn liked the excitement but said he didn't really like how long the excitement lasted. He wants his players to move on to the next play and get over what they had just done.

Then my wife called and I turned down the radio for a minute. When I got off the phone, the interview was over.

 

[Ripleys]

good stuff guys, thanks!

 

[valhallan]

Then my wife called and I turned down the radio for a minute. When I got off the phone, the interview was over.

Brutal. Thanks for the recap, though. I caught Kelly on the Junkies and he certainly seems to have the right attitude for early success at the receiver position. Can't wait to see if he can get involved this year.

 

[fatness]

But is he "super smart" and will he "play his guts out"?

 

[fatness]

Heard Zorn on a radio interview on my way home yesterday. He said Davis is the furthest along of all the rookies. He expects him to make an immediate impact on special teams, then move into a role where he gives Cooley and occasional break, then move into a role where he and Cooley are on the field at the same time. He said Kelly makes some amazing catches and has great hands. He talked about a great catch Moss made and the excitement he showed after making the play. Zorn liked the excitement but said he didn't really like how long the excitement lasted. He wants his players to move on to the next play and get over what they had just done.Then my wife called and I turned down the radio for a minute. When I got off the phone, the interview was over.

I heard that interview also. It was with Andy Polian and Steve Czaban at Redskin Park. I'm pretty sure the person Zorn was talking about who was so excited about the long pass reception was Jason Campbell. He continued talking about Campbell after that for awhile. Basically he has good things to say about Campbell, but since Zorn sees his job as "molding quarterbacks" I'd say he'll be nitpicking the same way about things Campbell does 5 years from now. Wouldn't that be nice, if they were both still here 5 years from now? Czaban and Polian really enjoyed the interview after all the years of Gibbs saying nothing but cliches. And that was very good news about Fred Davis.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I think Malcolm Kelly will make some noise this season.

"The first couple of practices, Malcolm [Kelly] made some plays," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said. "Devin is still coming along."......

...........Kelly (6-4, 219), who is playing the X receiver, or split end position, does not possess the speed of Thomas, who has started out at the Z receiver, or flanker. He has, however, made a good impression in camp because of his receiving and blocking skills. Kelly has made several acrobatic catches on deep balls thrown by Campbell and has been physical on running plays in 11-on-11 drills.

"We're all impressed with what he's doing because he's been very mellow, if you will," Zorn said. "Not a big voice, but he makes a statement when he's on the field."

Kelly has impressed Campbell by "running good routes and being smart," Campbell said. "He's get smooth hands, and he's a smart guy. He's big, he's got a big frame, and he can help us out. "He really watches Santana and Randle El, watches how they run routes and improve. He's falling right into their footsteps and learning from them. He's really excited about the opportunity, and I'm excited about his progress."

Post article

But is he "super smart" and will he "play his guts out"?

LOL, nice one!!!

 

[dgreen]

Heard Zorn on a radio interview on my way home yesterday. He said Davis is the furthest along of all the rookies. He expects him to make an immediate impact on special teams, then move into a role where he gives Cooley and occasional break, then move into a role where he and Cooley are on the field at the same time. He said Kelly makes some amazing catches and has great hands. He talked about a great catch Moss made and the excitement he showed after making the play. Zorn liked the excitement but said he didn't really like how long the excitement lasted. He wants his players to move on to the next play and get over what they had just done.Then my wife called and I turned down the radio for a minute. When I got off the phone, the interview was over.

I heard that interview also. It was with Andy Polian and Steve Czaban at Redskin Park. I'm pretty sure the person Zorn was talking about who was so excited about the long pass reception was Jason Campbell. He continued talking about Campbell after that for awhile. Basically he has good things to say about Campbell, but since Zorn sees his job as "molding quarterbacks" I'd say he'll be nitpicking the same way about things Campbell does 5 years from now. Wouldn't that be nice, if they were both still here 5 years from now?

Thanks, I must have misheard that.

Czaban and Polian really enjoyed the interview after all the years of Gibbs saying nothing but cliches.

Yeah, Zorn's interviews are certain better for the fans than Gibbs'. But, is that necessarily a good thing? Czabe and Andy used to complain that Gibbs would be concerned about things he shouldn't be (i.e., when he too time in a PC to apologize to fans who showed up at Redskins Park because he didn't get out of the bus and talk to them), but then on the flip side they complain that Gibbs wouldn't go into enough detail about certain topics in a PC or interview. IOW, it would be ok for Gibbs to talk to them about things they wanted to know, but it wasn't ok for him to take 30 seconds to talk to someone else about something.It will be interesting to see how their show changes now that they are owned by Snyder. I can already tell that Andy's been more complimentary than he has been the last several years.

 

[buster c]

Then my wife called and I turned down the radio for a minute. When I got off the phone, the interview was over.

hope you scolded her for ringing you at such an inopportune time I get the feeling Kelly is going to be a legit WR for many years. Devin Thomas scares me. Why do I keep comparing him to Bear bust - and big 10 WR - David Terrell? both are "DT's"Springs at FS? This may be a contingency for when Doughty & Schwaggert prove to be Adam Archuletta clones, which I fully expect. it's too bad because Landry was playing FS in a manner that reminded us of Sean Taylor.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Also at the bottom of that article:

Redskins Notes: Shawn Springs worked at free safety and cornerback with LaRon Landry out of morning drills after tweaking his left hamstring.

It would be great If the other CBs step up and we can let Springs play FS and put Landry back at Strong.

Gary Fitzgerald reported this today:

During Thursday's practice, Shawn Springs played some safety because LaRon Landry has a sore hamstring and Kareem Moore remains sidelined with a knee injury.

J.T. Tryon also joined Springs at safety in the shorthanded secondary.

At one point during practice, the lineup included Torrence and Smoot at corner and Springs and Tryon at safety.

Moving Springs to safety is something that the team may consider down the line. But his presence there on Thursday was strictly to cover for injuries.

I think the last sentence there is dead on. I don't think there is much to make of this right now. They just needed some extra bodies at S so they don't wear out the remaining healthy guys. If anything, this should give the 2nd/3rd string CBs a few extra reps, which can only help down the road.Personally, I'd much rather see Landry stay at FS. Especially if JLCs report on the D the other day is correct (that the improvement Taylor brings to the pass rush means we'll be seeing a lot more press 1-on-1 coverage).

 

[fatness]

From local radio yesterday: "Ladell Betts got destroyed by a hit, but not hurt."

Various stuff from JLC's blog:



"Ladell Betts was kicked in the thigh. Although he limped to the sidelines and was hunched over for a bit, he walked it off and is fine. Cornelius Griffin says he has some general soreness. He rested for a portion of practice and said he will be back soon."

"Watching Golston and Montgomery field punts never gets old."

"Malcolm Kelly -- strained right hamstring and right knee

Cornelius Griffin -- left knee soreness

Anthony Mix -- strained right hamstring (he's on the field, but not doing much)

J.T.Mapu -- strained left medial collateral cruciate ligament*

Devin Thomas is on the field, walking gingerly and with a limp."

 

[Swing 51]

LaCanfora:

Posted at 3:29 PM ET, 07/26/2008

Montgomery Breaks Bone in His Hand

Defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery broke a small bone in his right hand making a tackle in today's intrasquad scrimmage. After the swelling subsides and he gets some rest, the team will have an idea of a timetable for his return. "It depends on how his body heals," Coach Jim Zorn said. Montgomery was one of three defensive starters (Reed Doughty and Marcus Washington were the other two) who participated in the scrimmage.

Offensive lineman Kerry Brown (shoulder) was excused from the scrimmage; he was the only player absent.

Posted by Cindy Boren

Posted at 3:06 PM ET, 07/26/2008

Looking for Clues in Scrimmage

It's intrasquad scrimmage day at Redskins Park and, not surprisingly, the joint is packed and jumping.

The first-team offense, going against the second-team defense, opened up with a three wide-receiver set of Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El and James Thrash. Chris Samuels and Clinton Portis are sitting out the scrimmage, with Stephon Heyer in for Samuels and Rock Cartwright in for Portis. The offense drove for a touchdown on a drive on which Campbell hit Moss with a nice pass; Campbell scored on a three-yard run around left end. On another drive, he led the offense down the field and hit Todd Yoder with a 10-yard touchdown pass.

The plan was for the first-team offense to work for 25-30 reps against the second-team defense and for the second-team offense to work against the first-team defense, but it isn't quite working that way. While only Samuels and Portis were missing from the first-team offense, on defense only starters Marcus Washington, Reed Doughty and Anthony Montgomery were taking part. Newly acquired Jason Taylor obviously did not play.

Anthony Montgomery was icing his hand after the scrimmage. He had X-rays and was awaiting word on how serious the injury is, although he said it didn't believe it was too serious. He said he hurt it making a tackle. ... JReid reports that Zorn was sending plays in via a CB transmitter. (Redskins Insider would give Jim Zorn $50 if he'd say, "Breaker, breaker, good buddy...") ... In other news, a wide-open Fred Davis dropped a pass from Colt Brennan. ...A 43-yard touchdown pass from Todd Collins to Billy McMullen was wiped out by a false-start penalty. ... The scrimmage ended shortly before 3 p.m., lasting just under an hour and bedlam followed as fans swarmed around players.

The team made a move earlier in the day, releasing J.T. Mapu (he'd hurt his knee and is headed for surgery) and signing what we believe is a defensive lineman. We'll update you when we have that.

It's a really hot day (Hello! Virginia in July!) and two fans were taken away by ambulance. They appear to have suffered heat exhaustion, according to a Redskins official. About midway through the practice, a third fan was treated for what appeared to be heat-related problems.

Traffic was really snarled, both Jasons report. "Jasno" La Canfora said that, while he was stuck in traffic, he was being harrassed by another driver. He looked over and it was Capitals poohbah George McPhee. Jasno reports that people were being told to park on the grass, that some were doing U-turns and bagging it. Quoth Jasno: "It looks like Woodstock out here."

The Redskins announced that the crowd is a record 28,000, surpassing the 25,000 they drew in 2004. After today, only two more practices -- at 8:30 a.m. Sunday and Monday -- are open to the public.

Posted by Cindy Boren

 

[Swing 51]

Posted at 6:34 PM ET, 07/26/2008Montgomery, Wallace to Have SurgeryTurns out two players suffered broken bones in the Redskins' scrimmage Saturday and will have surgery Monday.Defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery, who broke a small bone in his right hand making a tackle, will have surgery Monday and will miss at least 10 days. Montgomery, who started 15 games last season and made 47 tackles. was one of only three defensive starters who played in the scrimmage (Reed Doughty and Marcus Washington were the others).Linebacker Rian Wallace also broke a bone in his right hand and will miss at least 10 days.In addition, offensive lineman Kerry Brown strained his left shoulder and will be out one to two weeks.Posted by Cindy Boren

 

[fatness]

When do we start talking about whether camp started too early and there was too much hitting too soon?

 

[Sidewinder16]

When do we start talking about whether camp started too early and there was too much hitting too soon?

Didn't camp start early because Zorn chose not to use his full allotment of OTAs? It's not that their getting more work than other teams. They're just getting more now because they didn't get as much earlier.I think today and yesterday were the first all-out hitting practices, and the worst injuries (Daniels and Buzbee) came in non-contact drills. I'm not ready to torch Zorn for his practice regimen just yet. At the moment, I'm even liking it.

 

[Sidewinder16]

JC gets high praise from Peter King:

Okay. Finally: tell us something you saw at camp today that’s not going to make it into your Postcard From Camp, but that Redskins fans would want to know.

I’ll tell you something that IS going to make it into my postcard: I thought Jason Campbell had one of the best camp practices I’ve ever seen a quarterback have.

Really!

I mean, if he had four balls hit the ground in two hours, I’ll be surprised. I mean, the touch on this passes, his accuracy downfield, I was highly, highly impressed.

Now, I’ve seen him a few times over the years, and I’ve thought he’s okay, but I never saw him like I saw him today.

Of course he then goes on to say he said something similar about Rex Grossman last preseason.

 

[southeastjerome]

JC gets high praise from Peter King:

Okay. Finally: tell us something you saw at camp today that's not going to make it into your Postcard From Camp, but that Redskins fans would want to know.

I'll tell you something that IS going to make it into my postcard: I thought Jason Campbell had one of the best camp practices I've ever seen a quarterback have.

Really!

I mean, if he had four balls hit the ground in two hours, I'll be surprised. I mean, the touch on this passes, his accuracy downfield, I was highly, highly impressed.

Now, I've seen him a few times over the years, and I've thought he's okay, but I never saw him like I saw him today.

Of course he then goes on to say he said something similar about Rex Grossman last preseason.

While that's great to hear, I'll take it with a grain of salt. After all, King is the same guy who said to draft Danny Weurffel in fantasy drafts in 2002 because he was going to throw for 3700 yards.

 

[Swing 51]

Crowds Cause DelaysRecord crowds descended upon Redskins Park for the scrimmage, jamming roads for miles in every direction and causing massive delays. The team announced 28,000 people attended the annual fan day, topping 2004's crowds when Joe Gibbs came back from retirement, and the lines began forming early in the morning.Cars lined up all along the Loudoun County Parkway, with backups topping 90 minutes just to move a few miles to the practice facility. Some people were driving across the grassy median area to turn back in the opposite direction, and by the time the scrimmage began at 2 p.m., spectators were parking their cars on any grassy space available off to the side of the road, with the scene looking like something out of Woodstock."When I came out here it was like we had a carnival going on or something," Moss said. Zorn called the turnout "unbelievable." . . .

 

[Ripleys]

While that's great to hear, I'll take it with a grain of salt. After all, King is the same guy who said to draft Danny Weurffel in fantasy drafts in 2002 because he was going to throw for 3700 yards.

I'll never forget that. But i do thank that statement was more about him buying into the Spurrier hype than anything Weurffel had shown on the field.

 

[fatness]

Article on Malcolm Kelly's trip to Liberia,

Kelly traveled to Monrovia, the capital, July 5-10 to raise awareness for Mercy Ships, a global charity that operates floating hospitals in developing countries. Two days were spent traveling, three days visiting a country that underwent almost continuous civil war for 14 years until 2004. The ship included a crew of 450 providing free medical care to those in need. Kelly traveled with his father, Moses, and his trainer, Chip Smith. Kelly and Smith worked with Liberian athletes and left what Smith estimated as $10,000 of training equipment for the Liberians.

Kelly's main role was to increase visibility for an organization he elected to sponsor upon learning about it from his college roommate, Manuel Johnson. Kelly said Johnson's godfather is involved in Mercy Ships.

Before Kelly was drafted by the Redskins or cashed his first paycheck, he supported Mercy Ships.

 

[dgreen]

According to JLC, Collins struggling and Rinehart impressing:

Todd Collins did not look crisp, and Jim Zorn seemed to be protecting him a bit in his comments to us. He went to great lengths to talk about the fact that Todd was working with the second team and facing the first-team defense, and Zorn even blamed himself for screwing up the call on a motion.

But still, Collins's body language alone conveyed frustration and, while it's still very early, it's also worth pointing out that he clearly is going through some learning pains in this offense after 10 years with Al Saunders. Collins has done things one way for a very long time, and Zorn is definitely an unorthodox guy who comes up with unique drills and takes on things; that dynamic is worth watching.

I continue to hear a strong buzz about rookie tackle/guard Chad Rinehart, and Zorn told me he sees and hears the same thing. Again, it's very early, but the kid seems pretty unflappable, is clearly tough - not uncommon for his blocker to end up on the ground - and relishes contact. Basically, he's a quintessential Joe Bugel guy. "He could be really good," Zorn said.

 

[fatness]

I continue to hear a strong buzz about rookie tackle/guard Chad Rinehart, and Zorn told me he sees and hears the same thing. Again, it's very early, but the kid seems pretty unflappable, is clearly tough - not uncommon for his blocker to end up on the ground - and relishes contact. Basically, he's a quintessential Joe Bugel guy. "He could be really good," Zorn said.

I just came here to post the same thing about Rinehart. The guy sounds good.

 

[Sebowski]

Now Blades has a left knee sprain

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

Blades, Shelton Injuries Being Evaluated

Linebacker H.B. Blades sprained his left knee in practice this morning and is being evaluated by the staff.

Running back Eric Shelton, who had a shoulder stinger, is being checked; it may be a neck injury.

--------Hopefully these are all minor injuries and we can have a relatively healthy year.

 

[T Bell]

I continue to hear a strong buzz about rookie tackle/guard Chad Rinehart, and Zorn told me he sees and hears the same thing. Again, it's very early, but the kid seems pretty unflappable, is clearly tough - not uncommon for his blocker to end up on the ground - and relishes contact. Basically, he's a quintessential Joe Bugel guy. "He could be really good," Zorn said.

I just came here to post the same thing about Rinehart. The guy sounds good.

This team hasn't drafted a good o-lineman since Dockery, so this would be a huge development. I'm pretty excited about him. The best case scenario here would be for him to beat out Kendall for the LG spot. That would mean that the team would have Kendall and Fabini backing up the guard spots, Kendall and Jansen backing up the C spot, and Heyer, Wade and Fabini backing up the T spots, all while Kendall's gimpy knee is avoiding wear and tear. Hell, they might even be able to have a LG who is mobile enough to pull. That would be huge.

 

[Swing 51]

Now Blades has a left knee sprain

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

Blades, Shelton Injuries Being Evaluated

Linebacker H.B. Blades sprained his left knee in practice this morning and is being evaluated by the staff.

Running back Eric Shelton, who had a shoulder stinger, is being checked; it may be a neck injury.

--------Hopefully these are all minor injuries and we can have a relatively healthy year.

Blades to Have Knee Surgery

Linebacker H.B. Blades, who sprained his left knee in this morning's practice, will undergo arthroscopic surgery this week, according to a Redskins source with knowledge of the situation. The exact nature of the injury is not certain, but the source expects Blades to be out at least two-to-three weeks, returning toward the end of preseason.

The loss of Blades, however briefly, leaves the team thin at linebacker. Blades and Khary Campbell are competing to back up London Fletcher at middle linebacker, essentially the defense's quarterback. Blades is also a special-teams standout. With Washington's starting linebackers no longer performing much special teams duty, the Redskins are looking for capable backups who can also excel on special teams.

Blades will be the fifth Redskin to have surgery since camp began eight days ago. He joins Phillip Daniels, Alex Buzbee, Anthony Montgomery and Rian Wallace

The only other new injury was to running back Eric Shelton, who had been bothered by a shoulder stinger. He was being evaluated for what may be a neck injury.

By Cindy Boren | July 28, 2008; 7:17 PM ET

 

[T Bell]

Crap. It's amazing how the injuries always seem to find the areas that are thin. Fortunately this seems more like "routine maintenance" for a NFL LB rather than a big injury, but it's going to put pressure on the rest of the LB's during the preseason.

 

[fatness]

In a camp with barely a job to be won, Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache just revealed that 2007 starter Anthony Montgomery and 2006 starter Kedric Golston were in a serious battle for the job this season even before the former broke a bone in his right hand in the July 26 scrimmage that will sideline him for at least 10 days.

"That position, no one owns that," Blache said in his weekly meeting with the media. "That's a position that's definitely going to be won week to week, day to day. We look at those guys actually on the same basis. That's been a heated competition since the start of OTAs. They've both been told that. They both bring certain strengths to the table. It's just matter of who's got the hot hand at a given time. This is a 'What have you done for me lately' business and a guy that gets a little fat, thinks for a second, 'That's my job,' they're mistaken."

The towering 6-foot-6, 315-pound Montgomery started all last season next to veteran Cornelius Griffin, but Blache said that the stockier 6-4, 315-pound Golston played so well in the playoff loss at Seattle that if Washington had won and advanced to the divisional round, that the latter probably would have started.

David Elfin's blog

July 28 2008 10:42 AM BY David Elfin

Running back Clinton Portis just walked to a cart and was driven from the field to the facility. CP didn't seem to be injured. Maybe he'll come back dressed as one of his characters to lighten the grind of training camp on Day Nine.

Also Elfin's blog

 

[fatness]

The Five Most Indispensable Players on the Redskins

Honorable Mention: London Fletcher

#5: Anthony Montgomery

#4: Clinton Portis

#3: Jason Campbell

#2: LaRon Landry

#1: Chris Samuels

 

[fatness]

Long article on the D-line

A few years ago Philip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn lead a run-oriented line that struggled to put any pressure on the passer whatsoever. Now, the team seems overloaded with to many undersized pass rushers who seem likely to be liabilities against the run.

 

[T Bell]

First official depth chart released (I'll try to post it with good formatting):

OFFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringWR 	89 - Santana Moss	  83 - James Thrash	  12 - Malcolm Kelly LT 	60 - Chris Samuels	  74 - Stephon Heyer	  63 - Tavares Washington LG 	66 - Pete Kendall	  75 - Chad Rinehart	   C 	61 - Casey Rabach	  72 - Andrew Crummey	   RG 	77 - Randy Thomas	  69 - Jason Fabini	  78 - Fred Matua RT 	76 - Jon Jansen	  71 - Todd Wade	  68 - Justin Geisinger TE 	47 - Chris Cooley	  87 - Todd Yoder	  86 - Fred Davis WR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  11 - Devin Thomas	  19 - Anthony Mix QB 	17 - Jason Campbell	  15 - Todd Collins	  5 - Colt Brennan FB 	45 - Mike Sellers	  36 - Nehemiah Broughton	   RB 	26 - Clinton Portis	  46 - Ladell Betts	  31 - Rock Cartwright DEFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringLDE 	99 - Andre Carter	  95 - Chris Wilson	  78 - Erasmus James LDT 	96 - Cornelius Griffin	  79 - Lorenzo Alexander	  73 - Ryan Boschetti RDT 	94 - Anthony Montgomery	  64 - Kedric Golston	  91 - Matthias Askew RDE 	55 - Jason Taylor	  92 - Demetric Evans	  97 - Kevin Huntley SLB 	53 - Marcus Washington	  58 - Matt Sinclair	  57 - Rian Wallace MLB 	59 - London Fletcher	  54 - H.B. Blades	   WLB 	52 - Rocky McIntosh	  50 - Khary Campbell	  56 - Curtis Gatewood LCB 	24 - Shawn Springs	  29 - Leigh Torrence	  34 - Byron Westbrook RCB 	22 - Carlos Rogers	  27 - Fred Smoot	  20 - Justin Tryon SS 	37 - Reed Doughty	  39 - Vernon Fox	  41 - Kareem Moore FS 	30 - LaRon Landry	  36 - Stuart Schweigert	  48 - Chris Horton SPECIALISTS Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringPK 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 P 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   KO 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 H 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   PR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  83 - James Thrash	  89 - Santana Moss KOR 	31 - Rock Cartwright	  83 - James Thrash	  46 - Ladell Betts PC 	67 - Ethan Albright			 KC 	67 - Ethan Albright

 

[DCThunder]

Damn, I sure want Durant Brooks to beat out old Frostie at punter.

 

[Beaumont]

First official depth chart released (I'll try to post it with good formatting):

OFFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringWR 	89 - Santana Moss	  83 - James Thrash	  12 - Malcolm Kelly LT 	60 - Chris Samuels	  74 - Stephon Heyer	  63 - Tavares Washington LG 	66 - Pete Kendall	  75 - Chad Rinehart	   C 	61 - Casey Rabach	  72 - Andrew Crummey	   RG 	77 - Randy Thomas	  69 - Jason Fabini	  78 - Fred Matua RT 	76 - Jon Jansen	  71 - Todd Wade	  68 - Justin Geisinger TE 	47 - Chris Cooley	  87 - Todd Yoder	  86 - Fred Davis WR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  11 - Devin Thomas	  19 - Anthony Mix QB 	17 - Jason Campbell	  15 - Todd Collins	  5 - Colt Brennan FB 	45 - Mike Sellers	  36 - Nehemiah Broughton	   RB 	26 - Clinton Portis	  46 - Ladell Betts	  31 - Rock Cartwright DEFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringLDE 	99 - Andre Carter	  95 - Chris Wilson	  78 - Erasmus James LDT 	96 - Cornelius Griffin	  79 - Lorenzo Alexander	  73 - Ryan Boschetti RDT 	94 - Anthony Montgomery	  64 - Kedric Golston	  91 - Matthias Askew RDE 	55 - Jason Taylor	  92 - Demetric Evans	  97 - Kevin Huntley SLB 	53 - Marcus Washington	  58 - Matt Sinclair	  57 - Rian Wallace MLB 	59 - London Fletcher	  54 - H.B. Blades	   WLB 	52 - Rocky McIntosh	  50 - Khary Campbell	  56 - Curtis Gatewood LCB 	24 - Shawn Springs	  29 - Leigh Torrence	  34 - Byron Westbrook RCB 	22 - Carlos Rogers	  27 - Fred Smoot	  20 - Justin Tryon SS 	37 - Reed Doughty	  39 - Vernon Fox	  41 - Kareem Moore FS 	30 - LaRon Landry	  36 - Stuart Schweigert	  48 - Chris Horton SPECIALISTS Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringPK 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 P 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   KO 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 H 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   PR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  83 - James Thrash	  89 - Santana Moss KOR 	31 - Rock Cartwright	  83 - James Thrash	  46 - Ladell Betts PC 	67 - Ethan Albright			 KC 	67 - Ethan Albright

This is odd in that I thought Devin Thomas was locked in behind Moss and Kelly was competing with Randle-El for the other outside spot ...

 

[Bizkiteer]

First official depth chart released (I'll try to post it with good formatting):

OFFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringWR 	89 - Santana Moss	  83 - James Thrash	  12 - Malcolm Kelly LT 	60 - Chris Samuels	  74 - Stephon Heyer	  63 - Tavares Washington LG 	66 - Pete Kendall	  75 - Chad Rinehart	   C 	61 - Casey Rabach	  72 - Andrew Crummey	   RG 	77 - Randy Thomas	  69 - Jason Fabini	  78 - Fred Matua RT 	76 - Jon Jansen	  71 - Todd Wade	  68 - Justin Geisinger TE 	47 - Chris Cooley	  87 - Todd Yoder	  86 - Fred Davis WR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  11 - Devin Thomas	  19 - Anthony Mix QB 	17 - Jason Campbell	  15 - Todd Collins	  5 - Colt Brennan FB 	45 - Mike Sellers	  36 - Nehemiah Broughton	   RB 	26 - Clinton Portis	  46 - Ladell Betts	  31 - Rock Cartwright DEFENSE Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringLDE 	99 - Andre Carter	  95 - Chris Wilson	  78 - Erasmus James LDT 	96 - Cornelius Griffin	  79 - Lorenzo Alexander	  73 - Ryan Boschetti RDT 	94 - Anthony Montgomery	  64 - Kedric Golston	  91 - Matthias Askew RDE 	55 - Jason Taylor		 92 - Demetric Evans	  97 - Kevin Huntley SLB 	53 - Marcus Washington	  58 - Matt Sinclair	  57 - Rian Wallace MLB 	59 - London Fletcher	  54 - H.B. Blades	   WLB 	52 - Rocky McIntosh	  50 - Khary Campbell	  56 - Curtis Gatewood LCB 	24 - Shawn Springs	  29 - Leigh Torrence	  34 - Byron Westbrook RCB 	22 - Carlos Rogers	  27 - Fred Smoot	  20 - Justin Tryon SS 	37 - Reed Doughty	  39 - Vernon Fox	  41 - Kareem Moore FS 	30 - LaRon Landry	  36 - Stuart Schweigert	  48 - Chris Horton SPECIALISTS Depth ChartPosition 	1st String 	2nd String 	3rd StringPK 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 P 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   KO 	6 - Shaun Suisham			 H 	4 - Derrick Frost	  14 - Durant Brooks	   PR 	82 - Antwaan Randle El	  83 - James Thrash	  89 - Santana Moss KOR 	31 - Rock Cartwright	  83 - James Thrash	  46 - Ladell Betts PC 	67 - Ethan Albright			 KC 	67 - Ethan Albright

Very interesting that Andre is listed as the LDE and JT is listed as the RDE. Maybe a typo or a change of heart? All that Jason will play LDE talk seems like "just talk" now, huh?

 

[T Bell]

Very interesting that Andre is listed as the LDE and JT is listed as the RDE. Maybe a typo or a change of heart? All that Jason will play LDE talk seems like "just talk" now, huh?

I noticed the same thing. I think it's a typo as Blache, Zorn and Taylor have all been pretty clear that he's primarily going to line up at LDE. It's also odd that Smoot is listed behind Rogers.

 

[T Bell]

This is odd in that I thought Devin Thomas was locked in behind Moss and Kelly was competing with Randle-El for the other outside spot ...

Nope, Zorn has said that their plans for Thomas (at least this year) are for him to win the job at flanker opposite Moss, and that Kelly will mostly line up in the slot. The depth chart fits what Zorn has said to a "T". This plan makes more sense given their physical attributes, but what's odd about it is that Randle El is probably more of a classic slot WR than is Kelly, who IMHO would seem to make more sense lining up outside and catching fades.

 

[fatness]

It's also odd that Smoot is listed behind Rogers.

I don't think he's going through contact drill yet but Rogers has been practicing with the team.

 

[T Bell]

It's also odd that Smoot is listed behind Rogers.

I don't think he's going through contact drill yet but Rogers has been practicing with the team.

He may be farther along than I thought:

CB Carlos Rogers took part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time this training camp. Rogers is recovering from offseason knee surgery. ...

I'd sort of mentally put him in the same category as Erasmus James, and figured he'd start the season on PUP.

 

[fatness]

I had too, but each report on him has been surprisingly good so far.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I had too, but each report on him has been surprisingly good so far.

I get the feeling that the only thing holding him back is the training staff and coaches. I think he's felt he's ready to go since camp started (if not earlier).

 

[dgreen]

This is odd in that I thought Devin Thomas was locked in behind Moss and Kelly was competing with Randle-El for the other outside spot ...

Nope, Zorn has said that their plans for Thomas (at least this year) are for him to win the job at flanker opposite Moss, and that Kelly will mostly line up in the slot. The depth chart fits what Zorn has said to a "T". This plan makes more sense given their physical attributes, but what's odd about it is that Randle El is probably more of a classic slot WR than is Kelly, who IMHO would seem to make more sense lining up outside and catching fades.

I think there will be plenty of snaps for all of the them. Unless one of ARE, Thomas, or Kelly really stand out, I think they'll have a nice rotation where they each see the field a lot. They can leave Moss and Cooley on the field for pretty much every play and then rotate those three and Davis and keep their receivers fresh. Opposing DBs will then be facing a well-rested receiver on every play.

 

[fatness]

Carlos Rogers

The coverage skills are still there. The ability to backpedal at full speed, turn and run with receivers and make sharp cuts -- Washington Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers can do it all.

Rogers, who had reconstructive knee surgery in November, proved it to himself again the other day after practice at Redskins Park. He moved well while working with wide receiver Santana Moss as secondary coach Jerry Gray monitored the one-on-one session, and the best part, Rogers said, is his right knee cooperated.

"I don't even feel it. No pain at all," Rogers said. "I'm out here doing what I do just working and working each day and trying to get back. We got a good group [of cornerbacks], and I know they all [will] hold it down until I'm ready. That's where I'm trying to be."

After missing the second half of the 2007 season, Rogers is being brought back slowly. The Redskins have exercised caution with his rehabilitation program and are pleased with the results, though they have not given a timetable for his full participation.

Rogers plans to play when Washington kicks off the NFL's regular season schedule on Sept. 4 against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium, and he said he is confident about achieving his goal.

After reconstructive knee surgery, many athletes slowly regain their form -- speed, power and agility -- with some saying it takes a full season or more to feel completely sound again. Unsure about his physical tools, Rogers has "got to be smarter," he said. "Learning my break points [in coverage], learning everything like the angles of the receivers, that's what's important for me now.

"The whole rehab process, it's a process that they're taking me on slowly. They're slowly getting me into it, instead of doing everything and having my leg swell up on me. But I've got to use this time to help myself. I don't have [any] effects from what they're doing, so that's good."