***Official*** 2009 Washington Redskins Thread (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

I'm sure my 10 minutes of prep work will lead to big .

No fair starting early like that. FOUL!

 

[fatness]

thayman & biz:I appreciate the respectful observations and strive myself to limit my bile to the FO/players (the subjects of the thread) and not to my fellow posters - not all of whom observe the same limitations. but mostly this is a good crew.

I'll go a step further and say this is a great group to talk Redskins with. The offseason sucks, we all do other stuff, but once the draft and especially training camp start everyone shows up again and we pick up where we left off. I enjoy it immensely.

 

[buster c]

thayman & biz:

I appreciate the respectful observations and strive myself to limit my bile to the FO/players (the subjects of the thread) and not to my fellow posters - not all of whom observe the same limitations. but mostly this is a good crew.

I'll go a step further and say this is a great group to talk Redskins with. The offseason sucks, we all do other stuff, but once the draft and especially training camp start everyone shows up again and we pick up where we left off. I enjoy it immensely.

ears burning, fats?

 

[CapnJB]

Just heard on the radio that DJ Hackett is now a Redskin and at practice.

 

[TankRizzo]

Does anyone know if there's a blackberry app to stream 980?

 

[buster c]

Just heard on the radio that DJ Hackett is now a Redskin and at practice.

heard that on the Junkies and the reporter theorized it was because of the injury to Roydell Williams

 

[Sidewinder16]

Aug 5 2009 | 8:59:39 am

The Redskins are working on FG kicking as a full unit. The battle between Ks Shaun Suisham and Dave Rayner resulted in a draw as both kickers missed several attempts.

Fabulous. Good thing they brought in some competition.

Aug 5 2009 | 10:15:29 am

Redskins OL coach Joe Bugel appears to be getting tired of seeing DT Albert Haynesworth beat his linemen. Bugel just shouted at OL Derrick Dockery as Haynesworth shot past him in a one-on-one blocking drill.

GB Buges.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Just heard on the radio that DJ Hackett is now a Redskin and at practice.

heard that on the Junkies and the reporter theorized it was because of the injury to Roydell Williams

Pretty sure Roydell has been released. Looking for a link on both transactions now.

 

[Ripleys]

Hanesworth will be worth every single penny the Skins paid for him. I just hope it isn't at the cost of Campbell's confidence. Sounds like he doesn't have any time to throw during practice!

 

[TankRizzo]

thayman & biz:I appreciate the respectful observations and strive myself to limit my bile to the FO/players (the subjects of the thread) and not to my fellow posters - not all of whom observe the same limitations. but mostly this is a good crew.

I'll go a step further and say this is a great group to talk Redskins with. The offseason sucks, we all do other stuff, but once the draft and especially training camp start everyone shows up again and we pick up where we left off. I enjoy it immensely.

Yeah...had some time off but I'm starting to get excited again

 

[Sidewinder16]

Just heard on the radio that DJ Hackett is now a Redskin and at practice.

heard that on the Junkies and the reporter theorized it was because of the injury to Roydell Williams

Pretty sure Roydell has been released. Looking for a link on both transactions now.

Can't find it on the web yet. 980 just reported it, though. Injury settlement for Williams.

 

[fatness]

The Washington Redskins signed free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett on Wednesday and waived injured wideout Roydell Williams.

Hackett was released by Carolina in February after catching 13 passes for 181 yards last season with the Panthers. He was originally a fifth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2004 and spent his first four years with the Seattle organization.

For his career, Hackett has 118 receptions for 1,575 yards and nine touchdowns.

Williams fractured a pinky finger during practice on Sunday.

The Redskins also signed defensive lineman Michael Marquardt.

Link

 

[Bizkiteer]

Since the posting has slowed down a bit here in the thread, I thought I'd strike up a topic again...my $.02 (post same @ ES)

I think the 'Skins should surely bring M. Vick into the fold if:

1. The HC and FO truly think Colt Brennan will not be eventually be a starter or a legit #2 (true back up).

2. The HC and FO truly think Chase Daniels will not be a legit back up QB.

3. Todd Collins is not the out-right #2 QB this year.

4. Todd Collins is projected to be with the team only this year. Do they plan on keeping him beyond this immediate year?

5. Lastly and probably the most important one, if the FO has already decided that this is JC's last year...no matter his performance during the season.

If Vick were to be brought in, he's coming in with the understanding that he is the #2 and it's not an open competition for the #1. This then settles the questions surrounding JC and his job security for the year, while stocking the depth chart in case of injury or for the following years. Add that Vick can be brought in for certain formations, such as a Wild Cat type that will open things up.

For the longest time, we've had one of the most predictable offenses in the NFL. We've struggled mightly at creating the BIG play. Michael Vick could eventually help to makes us counter our current trend of Offensive play by just being on the field in some capacity.

 

[TankRizzo]

If the 'skins bring in Vick, I'll be more disappointed than when they brought in Deion. He's not a QB, he's a novelty act.

I do agree with you on the rest of the QB roundup as far as the coaches are concerned. They're not sold on Colt, Collins is past the expiration date and I don't even think Daniels factors in. I think Colt is going to have to do a LOT to get the #2 slot because they're fully aware it'll put that much more pressure on Campbell. If he throws a pick, underthrows Moss deep or 3 and outs the boos are-a-comin' accompanied by the chant for Colt.

 

[fatness]

Druing a rain delay at training camp, the team was mesmerized by Coach Jim Zorn's shadow puppet wizardry.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Druing a rain delay at training camp, the team was mesmerized by Coach Jim Zorn's shadow puppet wizardry.

Mesmerized by that or the constant nagging injuries of our WR's, especially the young guys.

 

[fatness]

As for Bugel's take on the offensive line, well, he's pleased overall with the group's performance. Yeah, sure, Bugel acknowledged the defensive line has been ahead in camp, but "if we could ever block our defensive line, we'll be okay in the NFL," he said. "Our defensive line [are] warriors. It may take five guys to block Albert [Haynesworth]. They have a salty bunch over there.

"They've got great speed. You practice against that every day, you're going to get better or you're going to get worse. We get a little bit better each day. Sometimes they don't touch 'em, sometimes we do touch 'em. But it's a great experience to have that kind of defense to go against on a daily basis."

LinkTranslation: "They're killing us."

 

[fatness]

My opinion only, but I think it's possible Randy Thomas's career is over. He had knee and vertebrae surgery in the offseason, and can't seem to stay on the field at training camp.

Randy Thomas has not been wearing pads and has not been able to participate in team drills the past couple of days because of a sore knee. Earlier in the day, offensive line coach Joe Bugel said he was concerned about his 11th-year guard.

"His knee's aching right now," Bugel said. "We want to be sure that he feels very, very good before we put him in the lineup.

After watching yet another practice from the side Wednesday afternoon, Thomas said he hopes to return to the field soon, though he's not sure when that might be.

Link

 

[Brunell4MVP]

As bad as our OL is going to be, especially if 2-3 of them end up injured, M Vick would be a solid move. He'd be a backup for at least a year unless there was an injury to Campbell. But, with a cost of only $600k and Campbell in the last year of a contract, I don't see how it hurts.

Campbell, Collins, Brennan, Daniels....that's not a lot of foot speed to overcome a very bad and aging OL that the FO did nothing to fix.

On the good side, I bet this D can carry the team to the playoffs ! I like all the signings...Haynesworth, Hall, Orakpo....very good moves. I think the biggest winner in this will be Landry, who should be Pro Bowl bound this year.

 

[Marvelous]

If the 'skins bring in Vick, I'll be more disappointed than when they brought in Deion. He's not a QB, he's a novelty act. I do agree with you on the rest of the QB roundup as far as the coaches are concerned. They're not sold on Colt, Collins is past the expiration date and I don't even think Daniels factors in. I think Colt is going to have to do a LOT to get the #2 slot because they're fully aware it'll put that much more pressure on Campbell. If he throws a pick, underthrows Moss deep or 3 and outs the boos are-a-comin' accompanied by the chant for Colt.

I really don't understand all the talk that Vick is not a QB. He went the Pro Bowl as a QB. He has won playoff games as a QB. He may not have the best touch for a QB, but he does play the position and he makes plays.I can understand if he isn't in football shape. He has been out of the game for 2 years and could be rusty, like Mike Williams. I think if the Redskins sign Vick, it shoudl definately be as a #2 with a chance to sit, learn, and get back into football shape. It also give the team a chance to see that he is a good teammate, like D'Angelo Hall did last year.

 

[jurb26]

If the 'skins bring in Vick, I'll be more disappointed than when they brought in Deion. He's not a QB, he's a novelty act. I do agree with you on the rest of the QB roundup as far as the coaches are concerned. They're not sold on Colt, Collins is past the expiration date and I don't even think Daniels factors in. I think Colt is going to have to do a LOT to get the #2 slot because they're fully aware it'll put that much more pressure on Campbell. If he throws a pick, underthrows Moss deep or 3 and outs the boos are-a-comin' accompanied by the chant for Colt.

I really don't understand all the talk that Vick is not a QB. He went the Pro Bowl as a QB. He has won playoff games as a QB. He may not have the best touch for a QB, but he does play the position and he makes plays.I can understand if he isn't in football shape. He has been out of the game for 2 years and could be rusty, like Mike Williams. I think if the Redskins sign Vick, it shoudl definately be as a #2 with a chance to sit, learn, and get back into football shape. It also give the team a chance to see that he is a good teammate, like D'Angelo Hall did last year.

Vick's style is about as far from a fit to Zorn's scheme as you can get. If Vick signs with Wash it will not/should not be to play QB primarily. Some others teams, sure. I just don't see it with Wash.

 

[Bizkiteer]

If the 'skins bring in Vick, I'll be more disappointed than when they brought in Deion. He's not a QB, he's a novelty act. I do agree with you on the rest of the QB roundup as far as the coaches are concerned. They're not sold on Colt, Collins is past the expiration date and I don't even think Daniels factors in. I think Colt is going to have to do a LOT to get the #2 slot because they're fully aware it'll put that much more pressure on Campbell. If he throws a pick, underthrows Moss deep or 3 and outs the boos are-a-comin' accompanied by the chant for Colt.

I really don't understand all the talk that Vick is not a QB. He went the Pro Bowl as a QB. He has won playoff games as a QB. He may not have the best touch for a QB, but he does play the position and he makes plays.I can understand if he isn't in football shape. He has been out of the game for 2 years and could be rusty, like Mike Williams. I think if the Redskins sign Vick, it shoudl definately be as a #2 with a chance to sit, learn, and get back into football shape. It also give the team a chance to see that he is a good teammate, like D'Angelo Hall did last year.

Vick's style is about as far from a fit to Zorn's scheme as you can get. If Vick signs with Wash it will not/should not be to play QB primarily. Some others teams, sure. I just don't see it with Wash.

As mentioned in many other topics, Zorn is not a lock for next year either. I really would not be surprised if Skeletor is running the sidelines next year, but that is another topic within itself.Even if Zorn stays, you play with the cards that are dealt to you. M. Vick also played in WCO before, for what it's worth.

 

[Marvelous]

If the 'skins bring in Vick, I'll be more disappointed than when they brought in Deion. He's not a QB, he's a novelty act. I do agree with you on the rest of the QB roundup as far as the coaches are concerned. They're not sold on Colt, Collins is past the expiration date and I don't even think Daniels factors in. I think Colt is going to have to do a LOT to get the #2 slot because they're fully aware it'll put that much more pressure on Campbell. If he throws a pick, underthrows Moss deep or 3 and outs the boos are-a-comin' accompanied by the chant for Colt.

I really don't understand all the talk that Vick is not a QB. He went the Pro Bowl as a QB. He has won playoff games as a QB. He may not have the best touch for a QB, but he does play the position and he makes plays.I can understand if he isn't in football shape. He has been out of the game for 2 years and could be rusty, like Mike Williams. I think if the Redskins sign Vick, it shoudl definately be as a #2 with a chance to sit, learn, and get back into football shape. It also give the team a chance to see that he is a good teammate, like D'Angelo Hall did last year.

Vick's style is about as far from a fit to Zorn's scheme as you can get. If Vick signs with Wash it will not/should not be to play QB primarily. Some others teams, sure. I just don't see it with Wash.

As mentioned in many other topics, Zorn is not a lock for next year either. I really would not be surprised if Skeletor is running the sidelines next year, but that is another topic within itself.Even if Zorn stays, you play with the cards that are dealt to you. M. Vick also played in WCO before, for what it's worth.

If Zorn is still around, he would need to modify his offense to work with Vick's strengths. And he can work with Vick to improve him.Of course, all this is probably moot. I think the Redskins don't want Vick. They may have concluded he is not ready to play after the layoff or he will be too big of a distraction and upset team chemistry. Both could be significant here.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Does anyone know if there's a blackberry app to stream 980?

not an Apphttp://audionow.com/espn980.html

 

[Dexter Manley]

The best FA acquistion the Skins made that nobody has talked about: P Hunter Smith.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9080603543.html

An excerpt:

With Smith aboard, coaches are confident they will be able to control field position more and turn it into their favor at critical moments.

Smith's ability to pin teams would force opponents to drive the length of the field on a top-five defense that added potentially game-changing players in Haynesworth and first-round pick Brian Orakpo.

And if teams are unable to move the ball on the defense, the Redskins' offense would have a shorter field when it gets the ball back.

Smith's ability to punt directionally with accuracy and consistency is one of the major upgrades over last year, when coaches said they stopped calling for directional punts because they couldn't be sure the kicks would be executed.

"Hunter is a punter, and it's been a long time since we had one of those," special teams coach Danny Smith said last week. "He's a punter, he's a pro, he's good. And wherever we say a ball is going to be there's a pretty good chance it's going to be there this year."

Danny Smith also praised the stability his new punter brings to another area of special teams: holding.

The kicking game struggled last year, and Danny Smith said the change in holders played a role.

With Hunter Smith in place, Danny Smith said he hoped that problem also would be solved.

Joking with the media after a special teams practice last week, Danny Smith claimed Hunter Smith could go down as the best holder in league history because he held for the NFL's most accurate kicker ever, Mike Vanderjagt, as well as its most clutch kicker, Adam Vinatieri.

"That's not my opinion," Hunter Smith said, chuckling. "I think statistically speaking you could make an argument for that."

But while his holding prowess remains up for debate, the impact he could have on the Redskins is not.

"We have a good defense, we're going to have a really solid offense, and if we can give our defense a position on the field where they can make stops and back people down in their own territory, then we're going to be able to get our offense on the field and get points," Hunter Smith said. "And if you do that you win games. So I'm not saying that I'd be a reason for winning games, but I certainly hope I would be an important factor."

 

[Sebowski]

The best FA acquistion the Skins made that nobody has talked about: P Hunter Smith.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9080603543.html

An excerpt:

"We have a good defense, we're going to have a really solid offense, and if we can give our defense a position on the field where they can make stops and back people down in their own territory, then we're going to be able to get our offense on the field and get points," Hunter Smith said. "And if you do that you win games. So I'm not saying that I'd be a reason for winning games, but I certainly hope I would be an important factor."

Love it. I 'll be taking the Skins D in all my leagues (again, but this time with even more confidence ).

 

[DCThunder]

The best FA acquistion the Skins made that nobody has talked about: P Hunter Smith.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9080603543.html

An excerpt:

"We have a good defense, we're going to have a really solid offense, and if we can give our defense a position on the field where they can make stops and back people down in their own territory, then we're going to be able to get our offense on the field and get points," Hunter Smith said. "And if you do that you win games. So I'm not saying that I'd be a reason for winning games, but I certainly hope I would be an important factor."

Love it. I 'll be taking the Skins D in all my leagues (again, but this time with even more confidence ).

There is no quesiton that the starters are top notch, especially Haynesworth, Carter, Daniels (if healthy), Hall, Landry and Fletcher, but Carlos Rogers and Freddie Smoot still scare me at CB and there isn't much depth at LB. A few injuries and it'll be katie bar the door in the secondary.

 

[pablito]

The best FA acquistion the Skins made that nobody has talked about: P Hunter Smith.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9080603543.html

Agree that it was an excellent move. Now if they would only bring in Matt Stover and can both Rayner and Swishy.

 

[fatness]

I listened to an interview with Brian Orakpo on the Sports Reporters yesterday. He sounds young, smart, and very engaging --- a likable guy with a decent amount of confidence. They asked him about rookie hazing, and he said he's tried to avoid it. When they told him stories of rookies being duct taped to goal posts he was amazed, it was really funny. "They actually do that??!!!" He said after practices when he sees veteran O-linemen approaching he leaves, so they don't try messing with him.

He's lived all his life in Texas, and when asked what is different living here he said "Trees. Man you all got a lot of trees. And grass. And deers."

 

[fatness]

Tackle Mike Williams is among the group of players who will sit out today's scrimmage at Redskins Park. The five-year veteran has been slowed by an abdominal strain in camp as he continues his comeback attempt, and Coach Jim Zorn decided not to test him today.

Williams, who has not played in a regular-season game since 2005, has struggled in pass protection while working on his footwork and technique.

The Skins said Williams would be in contention for the starting right tackle spot if he could get his weight under control, and his determination has been impressive. Williams seems to be well liked around the complex and many in the organization are rooting for him, but players have told me Williams is not ready to challenge starter Stephon Heyer or backup Jeremy Bridges for their jobs.

One person in the organization recently told me he still believes Williams could be a significant contributor this season, and, obviously, time will tell. For me, however, I have to evaluate Williams in the context of what I was told about his possible role with the Skins. When the Skins signed Williams, several people with the team made it clear they thought he could help this season.

If the Skins had said they viewed Williams as a long-term project, well, that changes everything. Perhaps the person who told me that Williams could make an impact this season is correct. Stranger things have happened. I just have the feeling this process will be much longer than some around here initially envisioned.

Jason Reid

 

[Swing 51]

Wash Post:

Posted at 3:05 PM ET, 08/ 8/2009Quick Scrimmage Recap (Updated)Okay, I am going to take a mallet to the head of the guy who invented twitter.Here's a live commentary on the scrimmage, culled from tweets by J Reid, Rick Maese, Dan Steinberg and others:Malcolm Kelly, as you would expect, is in helmet and pads; Santana Moss and Devin Thomas are not. Clinton Portis turned heads by wearing a winter hat onto the field (wind chill might be 85). He has since removed it.Jason Campbell led the QBs onto the field and there was some heckling of Todd "Toddball" Collins.Steinberg reports that DeAngelo Hall's wife has a D Hall 23 tatoo on her back. Maese reports that in his remarks to fans, Jim Zorn talked told fans the goal was to go to the Super Bowl, mentioned some guy named Keith Barnes and said Colt Brennan would lead the second-team offense against the first-team defense. According to Maese, there was no mention of Collins seeing any action. Oh, and Zorn told fans to "stay calm, act medium."The scrimmage is underway shortly after 2 p.m. and, SportsBog reports that as Campbell throws errant pass, fan yells "We want Vick."Maese reports: Campbell leads first drive against 2nd-team D to 2-yd line, where settle for FG... Skins up 3-0... Also trailing 0-3.After that, 2nd team O comes on, is led by Colt. Smoot and Mitchell just exchanged heated words.Brennan fumbled and Campbell returned...and quickly threw an INT to Justin Tryon. But, as JReid put it: Uh-oh. Right tackle Jeremy Bridges hurt on the first play of the first-team offense's second series. He walked off the field without help.Now Collins is getting a series after all...a very quick one. And now ... Chase Daniel.JReid notes at 2:38: Really hard to evaluate the first-team offense with no Moss, Portis, the Thomas brothers (Randy and Devin) and Heyer. One QB threw an interception, the other fumbled. And there was nothing from Collins.Daniel came in flingin', though. Maese says: Chase is first QB to air it out downfield... Interference on Tryon...Here you go, Cultistsdcsportsbog Cult of Chase RT@jreidpost QB Chase Daniel just had a short TD run@RickMaese RT @JReidPost: Quarterback Chase Daniel just had a short touchdown run to the right side. The fans cheered.Let the Cult talk begin. Go ahead..Sure, it's not the Cult of Colt, it's the Cult of Chase...hmmm. Work on a name, willya?Followed quickly by a TD pass from Campbell to Trent Shelton, who, in an upset, has not yet tweeted about it.Maese offers a quick Bridges update: after leaving field on own, he's now seated on a water cooler. Prob encouraging that he didn't head to trainers' tent.Maese further observes: Orakpo might look better if Devin Clark would stop holding him ... and ...Collins getting very little work: 20-yd TD pass to Yoder on first play.Matt Terl at the Redskins' blog reports: Smoot just laid the lumber on Marko Mitchell, lost his helmet in the process.After about an hour, the scrimmage ends. We'll have more updates for you soon..By Cindy Boren | August 8, 2009; 3:05 PM ET

 

[fatness]

Skins up 3-0... Also trailing 0-3.

 

[DCThunder]

Bump.

 

[Ripleys]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup this year.

 

[DCThunder]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup starter this year.

Fixed.

 

[fatness]

The 10-year veteran participated fully in practice today and hopes to play in the Redskins' preseason opener Thursday against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. The team, however, has proceeded cautiously with Thomas, 33, and its approach is not expected to change for this week's game, Coach Jim Zorn said.

"Well, I don't know if I want to ... I'm not sure yet," Zorn said. "He's going to want to play, even if it's for a couple of series. I'm not 100 percent sure I want to put him out there yet, and just give him an opportunity to come back that next week [against the Steelers at FedEx Field]. As the season gears up, we need to have him fully ready. I don't want to have setbacks."

Line coach Joe Bugel has been surprisingly candid in repeatedly expressing his "concern" about Thomas's knee soreness. And many in the organization do not expect Thomas to play a full season. Scenarios on how to best manage Thomas have been considered in an effort to get the most out of him, including having second-year guard Chad Rinehart start on the right side and bringing Thomas off the bench while limiting his reps during games.

Jason Reid

 

[fatness]

Has St. Louis center Jason Brown figured out the secret to stopping Albert Haynesworth? He seems to think so.

A friendly hat-tip to ESPN.com's Mike Sando for spotting this St. Louis radio appearance in which Brown said in pretty simple terms that Haynesworth, a two-time Pro Bowler, tires easily.

Brown played the last four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he squared off against Haynesworth and the Titans on four occasions, and Brown essentially said that in Week 2 the Rams would utilize a hurry-up offense to tire Haynesworth.

"I'm so glad we're playing Washington early in the year because it's going to be hot out there, we're going to be running hurry-up offense and he's going to get fatigued," Brown said. "And I'm not sure if you have watched film before, but when he gets fatigued, he taps out. He just falls down to the ground, and you're like, 'Oh my gosh, is he hurt? Is something wrong with him?' No, he's just giving the guy on the sidelines enough time to mosey on out there so he can get up, go to the sidelines, catch a breather, get something to drink and then he comes right back out.

"And then people are like, 'I thought he was hurt.' No, he got tired. But you know what, that's exactly what we're going to have to do when we play Washington. We're going to have to play hurry-up offense and make them tired."

Jason Reid also

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Has St. Louis center Jason Brown figured out the secret to stopping Albert Haynesworth? He seems to think so."And then people are like, 'I thought he was hurt.' No, he got tired. But you know what, that's exactly what we're going to have to do when we play Washington. We're going to have to play hurry-up offense and make them tired."

I don't know if running a hurry-up offense is the best strategy for St Louis. They might want to think about trying to keep their offense on the field as long as they can.

 

[sinatravolta]

To me it's not a bad strategy in the sense that I think the Redskins have not done well in handling a hurry-up offense by opponents in recent years. The 'skins are also bad in executing a hurry-up offense themselves - so this has not been a good combination late in close games.

However, I think this year will be different because we should definitely be able to get a pass rush from just our D-line which should help. And aside from the D-line additions we have more continuity this year than in many previous years, coach-wise for starters.

But it's definitely a bad strategy to make Haynesworth angry. Having read that stuff from Tennessee coaches who are like "the Redskins coaches are going to learn that it usually isn't worth even trying to talk to Albert during a game. He changes into a completely different person about 3 hours before gametime." makes it seem like this is one of the last people you want to further rile up.

Am now excited for the Rams game - especially given they beat us last year and killed a lot of our momentum from a great start.

 

[fatness]

9:46:04 am Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth and OL Chris Samuels went head-to-head and twice in a recent drill. Samuels held off Haynesworth both times.

10:29:13 am A very physical morning practice has ended. The offensive line showed some improvement today as the Redskins prepare for the Ravens on Thursday.

training camp updates

 

[Sebowski]

9:46:04 am Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth and OL Chris Samuels went head-to-head and twice in a recent drill. Samuels held off Haynesworth both times.

10:29:13 am A very physical morning practice has ended. The offensive line showed some improvement today as the Redskins prepare for the Ravens on Thursday.

training camp updates

...and Orakpo is getting by him!Cool article on Tryon:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...9081002781.html

With Green on His Side, Tryon Is Making Strides

By Paul Tenorio

Washington Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The e-mail from JoHanna Carlton had gone unanswered in Darrell Green's inbox for the entire 2008 season, a query for the Washington Redskins legend to mentor her son left waiting for a reply.

When Green remembered the note from Carlton this March, however, he quickly tracked her down to apologize for the delayed response and immediately got in touch with her son: Redskins cornerback Justin Tryon.

For the 2008 fourth-round draft pick who was coming off a disappointing rookie campaign, hearing a voice mail from the Hall of Fame cornerback demanded a quick reply.

But first, Tryon called his mom.

"She said, 'Just thank the Lord,' " Tryon recalled. "She said, 'I never told you this, but right after the Hall of Fame [preseason] game I e-mailed him.' And I was like, 'Mom, c'mon why you got to do that?' But it worked out for the best."



Tryon spent six weeks this offseason training with Green in Orlando and Virginia, working on everything from technique, to speed work, to the mental aspects of the game. And, he said, soaking in any advice he could get from Green.

Now, as Tryon enters his second year with the Redskins, the cornerback who got off to a subpar start with the organization has earned praise for the progress he has shown during the first few weeks of training camp -- something that comes as no surprise to the man who took the 25-year-old under his wing this offseason.



"I'm gonna say that Justin Tryon, if he's given the chance, he's a starter in 2009, 2010 or whenever the opportunity comes," said Green, who said Tryon was like a son to him. "He is definitely qualified to be a starter in the National Football League. I'm putting my reputation on that after being with him for six weeks, seeing what I've seen from him. Hopefully he'll have his chance and be a Redskin for a long time."

Tryon's professional football career had not yet officially started when he made his first misstep: spouting off to reporters in a conference call after being drafted that he was going to unseat one of the Redskins' starting corners.

The declaration struck the wrong chord with the team's veterans, who felt the rookie had stepped out of line. But in the year-plus since that initial interview, Tryon said he's learned several lessons -- including the one about talking with your play on the field.

"I was caught up in the moment of just being drafted, you see your name across the screen, you're just ecstatic, but you learn a lot from that, you learn to step back," Tryon said. "What I learned from Darrell Green also was all that smack talking, all the jibber jabber, hey you prove yourself on the field."

After the Redskins' morning practice on Monday in Ashburn, Tryon showed no signs of being the overconfident rookie who made those foot-in-the-mouth comments.

Instead, he appeared humble and, after a rough rookie year, acknowledged the battle he faces to get onto the field in a secondary that features starters Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall, both first-round draft picks, as well as Fred Smoot and 2009 third-round pick Kevin Barnes.

Tryon said he knew he had to make an impact on special teams, where he said he enjoyed the "gutty" mentality needed to be a gunner or jammer. And he spoke mostly about the work he put in this offseason and his increased comfort with the professional game.

"I hit the film room right after the season, and I got all my film, and I reviewed over it so I could see what I was doing wrong or what I was doing right," Tryon said. "After that I got out on the field, and I just worked a lot with a few guys. So I got better like that."

After getting the call from Green in March, Tryon said he took the next flight to Orlando, where Green runs a program called Darrell Green's E-Class Strategic Training. The program, Green said, focuses on what he calls "TTA," or talent, technique and attitude -- an all-encompassing camp meant to enhance both on- and off-field attributes.

Tryon did three two-week sessions with Green, and did enough in that time to earn Green's stamp of approval. And through the first two weeks of training camp, Tryon also has earned the praise of teammates and coaches for his improved play.

His play has been a stark departure from last season, when Tryon, who is listed at 5 feet 9, 183 pounds, seemed simply overwhelmed in coverage. Tryon now appears more comfortable in the defensive scheme and in understanding the intricacies of NFL offenses.

"Tryon has done a tremendous job," cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray said. "Am I afraid to go play him? No. When a guy shows me he's going to work hard in the offseason, he's going to deserve chances to go out there and play."

But while he has shown drastic improvement in camp, Tryon shook off questions about how he's impressed coaches and said he has a constant reminder every day not to let down, no matter what people are saying.

"Each and every day I'm out here and I go in the locker room and I see that Hall of Fame picture [of Green] up there and I say, 'Hey, let's go another day. Hey man, let's get it,' " Tryon said. "He talked about mental toughness. And every time I see that Hall of Fame picture it's like I have to answer to him because we put in so much work this offseason. I'd love to see it pay off."

 

[T Bell]

LB/DE Brian Orakpo is working on a sled with the LBs. On his first day of practice he looked awkward attacking the sled, today he looks a seasoned vet.

I have a feeling this guy's going to be really good.

There does seem to be an electricity surrounding that we haven't felt for awhile. Not to say he was a bad, but Landry didn't have the positive reviews like RAK is getting...surely not as early either. Something just feels right about him and we might be luckier than we thought when he slipped to the #13 spot. It would be nice to have one of those players that people (of the 12 teams before) look back at and say "I wish we would drafted him instead" or "why didn't we draft him, he's a stud/beast?"Let's hope it's not just hype, but that it's the real thing. So far, he and everything about sure does look good though.

Word. Orakpo has me excited. Jarmon's also gotten some positive comments. I'd love for these guys to be our next Manley-Mann bookend combo for years to come.

 

[T Bell]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup starter this year.

Fixed.

If you care at all about this team, you'll root for Jason to succeed, because if he fails, both he and Zorn are gone and the team is going to start all over with a new coaching regime next year . . . one that isn't invested in Brennan, I might add. I really don't want to see that.

 

[Ripleys]

Orakpo has me excited. Jarmon's also gotten some positive comments. I'd love for these guys to be our next Manley-Mann bookend combo for years to come.

I think all of us Skins fan have been praying for that. This year we really might have the best pash rush we've had SINCE Manley and Mann.

 

[DCThunder]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup starter this year.

Fixed.

If you care at all about this team, you'll root for Jason to succeed, because if he fails, both he and Zorn are gone and the team is going to start all over with a new coaching regime next year . . . one that isn't invested in Brennan, I might add. I really don't want to see that.

I'm very ambivilent on Campbell. Sure, I want to see him do well and the team have a great year. But I also want to see some exciting football and not a bunch of dink and dunk stuff. And that was all he seemed to be doing last year. Now I know all the "reasons" why he did that, but I don't want to watch a bunch of 16-13 games this season, won or lost on a last second field goal. I want to see some big plays and long passes and some excitement. Even if they lose, losing in an exciting way is better than what we've seen so far. But unfortunately, I also see an 8-8 season ahead, just like last year.

 

[T Bell]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup starter this year.

Fixed.

If you care at all about this team, you'll root for Jason to succeed, because if he fails, both he and Zorn are gone and the team is going to start all over with a new coaching regime next year . . . one that isn't invested in Brennan, I might add. I really don't want to see that.

I'm very ambivilent on Campbell. Sure, I want to see him do well and the team have a great year. But I also want to see some exciting football and not a bunch of dink and dunk stuff. And that was all he seemed to be doing last year. Now I know all the "reasons" why he did that, but I don't want to watch a bunch of 16-13 games this season, won or lost on a last second field goal. I want to see some big plays and long passes and some excitement. Even if they lose, losing in an exciting way is better than what we've seen so far. But unfortunately, I also see an 8-8 season ahead, just like last year.

Maybe you misunderstand how I define "succeed". I don't want to see that either. I'm not looking for another Gus Frerotte or Kyle Orton. I think Jason, however, is capable of more and can achieve that. He's never going to be a super star, but I think he's certainly a guy who has it in him to throw 25 TD's with half as many INT's or fewer, and for 3500+ yards. That's plenty of production for the team to win with, especially if the defense is making plays.

 

[DCThunder]

sounds like Zorn is very happy with Colt's progress from last year. Sounds like he has a real shot at being the backup starter this year.

Fixed.

If you care at all about this team, you'll root for Jason to succeed, because if he fails, both he and Zorn are gone and the team is going to start all over with a new coaching regime next year . . . one that isn't invested in Brennan, I might add. I really don't want to see that.

I'm very ambivilent on Campbell. Sure, I want to see him do well and the team have a great year. But I also want to see some exciting football and not a bunch of dink and dunk stuff. And that was all he seemed to be doing last year. Now I know all the "reasons" why he did that, but I don't want to watch a bunch of 16-13 games this season, won or lost on a last second field goal. I want to see some big plays and long passes and some excitement. Even if they lose, losing in an exciting way is better than what we've seen so far. But unfortunately, I also see an 8-8 season ahead, just like last year.

Maybe you misunderstand how I define "succeed". I don't want to see that either. I'm not looking for another Gus Frerotte or Kyle Orton. I think Jason, however, is capable of more and can achieve that. He's never going to be a super star, but I think he's certainly a guy who has it in him to throw 25 TD's with half as many INT's or fewer, and for 3500+ yards. That's plenty of production for the team to win with, especially if the defense is making plays.

If Campbell has 25 TDs and 14 INTs and throws for 3,500 yards, I'd be a VERY happy boy. But that would likely mean that Portis only had around 1,200 yards and CP wouldn't be happy with that. And keeping CP happy is Zorn's #1 job. Danny Boy has made that abundantly clear.However, the most important thing is that Campbell doesn't get killed by the Ravens #1 defense for the series or two that he plays on Thursday night.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Bumps, bruises, knicks and cuts all come with every team's training camp. That being said, I not overly concerned yet with how many of our starters seem to be hampered with these type ailments, but I will be very interested in seeing how many of them actually play vs. the Ravens. It will become very concerning if the starters keep missing reps and game time though as they are supposed to gel and get in synch by being on the field and playing along side each other.

 

[fatness]

However, the most important thing is that Campbell doesn't get killed by the Ravens #1 defense for the series or two that he plays on Thursday night.

That's going to be the concern for the entire season ---- that the O-line doesn't let Campbell get killed. The front office didn't address the O-line and has set the offense (and the team) up to fail.

 

[T Bell]

However, the most important thing is that Campbell doesn't get killed by the Ravens #1 defense for the series or two that he plays on Thursday night.

That's going to be the concern for the entire season ---- that the O-line doesn't let Campbell get killed. The front office didn't address the O-line and has set the offense (and the team) up to fail.

Think about it this way: 4/5 of the starters are past their prime, and the 5th guy is a UDFA.