***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[fatness]

I think it's funny that Shanahan isn't upset about this but other people are. But what does he know, he's just a coach.

 

[fatness]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

 

[fatness]

More notes from John Keim.

For those wondering, I haven’t seen rookie TE/FB Dennis Morris do much of anything in the full-team drills.

What is clear is that the right side of the Redskins’ line has a little ways to go before becoming a solid tandem. Both RG Artis Hicks and RT Jammal Brown have been inconsistent.

The Redskins were using a two-man line today with five linebackers. In this situation they can rush four guys yet still apply pressure simply because the offense has no idea which of the two linebackers are coming. Pretty good stuff. It can backfire at times, but it’ll also be fun to watch.

There's lots more.

 

[thayman]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

I'm very stoked about the Carriker news. I was a fan of the gamble with him since he should never have been in a 4-3 in the first place. I'd love to see him redeem his high draft status here in DC.

 

[thayman]

I think it's funny that Shanahan isn't upset about this but other people are. But what does he know, he's just a coach.

I think Buster said it best a few posts back. And I think you are right with Shanahan not seeming to be upset, as long as he isn't mad I'm content.

 

[dgreen]

I think it's funny that Shanahan isn't upset about this but other people are. But what does he know, he's just a coach.

I think Buster said it best a few posts back. And I think you are right with Shanahan not seeming to be upset, as long as he isn't mad I'm content.

I really don't know Shanahan's history well enough to know whether he seems upset or not in press conferences. I'm not sure we can sum up Shanahan's feelings about this based on 10 minute media sessions every day.I can't think of one good scenario here that has some chance of being true.

 

[southeastjerome]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

I'm very stoked about the Carriker news. I was a fan of the gamble with him since he should never have been in a 4-3 in the first place. I'd love to see him redeem his high draft status here in DC.

It was probably my favorite move of the offseason. The thing is, its not even really a gamble. They swapped picks in the 5th, moving down and swapped in the 7th, moving up.

 

[dgreen]

Took my two boys to training camp yesterday morning. I don't have any great football analysis to pass on, though. Crowd was fairly light compared to other days I've attended in past years. The steady morning rain is probably a big reason for that. Still, in order for us to find a good spot where two young boys (5 and 3) could actually see the players, we walked around to the end and hung out behind an endzone. There were only a few other spectators down there. A line of players waiting their turn in 11-on-11 blocked a lot of our view on one end of the field. When they switched to the other side, we could see, but they were 80 yards away. We did get a good view or RB pass protection drills (other than Portis and Sellers...OOF) and some specials teams activities (Danny Smith is really intense).

We did end up with one really nice advantage, though, being in the endzone. Near the end of practice, Bruce Allen walked over and said Hi. I shook his hand, he introduced himself, and I introduced myself. He talked to my sons, but they were too shy to talk back. He then talked to the two other guys hanging out in the endzone for a minute then headed back towards practice. As he walked away, he turned around and said bye to my 5 year old.

 

[Sabertooth]

Took my two boys to training camp yesterday morning. I don't have any great football analysis to pass on, though. Crowd was fairly light compared to other days I've attended in past years. The steady morning rain is probably a big reason for that. Still, in order for us to find a good spot where two young boys (5 and 3) could actually see the players, we walked around to the end and hung out behind an endzone. There were only a few other spectators down there. A line of players waiting their turn in 11-on-11 blocked a lot of our view on one end of the field. When they switched to the other side, we could see, but they were 80 yards away. We did get a good view or RB pass protection drills (other than Portis and Sellers...OOF) and some specials teams activities (Danny Smith is really intense).We did end up with one really nice advantage, though, being in the endzone. Near the end of practice, Bruce Allen walked over and said Hi. I shook his hand, he introduced himself, and I introduced myself. He talked to my sons, but they were too shy to talk back. He then talked to the two other guys hanging out in the endzone for a minute then headed back towards practice. As he walked away, he turned around and said bye to my 5 year old.

Nice memory for you there. Good for you.

 

[Chewbanks]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

I'm very stoked about the Carriker news. I was a fan of the gamble with him since he should never have been in a 4-3 in the first place. I'd love to see him redeem his high draft status here in DC.

It was probably my favorite move of the offseason. The thing is, its not even really a gamble. They swapped picks in the 5th, moving down and swapped in the 7th, moving up.

:( Also, Carriker's talent has never been in question. He's been held back by injuries and, as others have noted, by scheme. He was a great pickup, and doubly so for the price.

 

[dgreen]

I both agree and disagree with Jason Reid:

For what it's worth, I believe Haynesworth will be the Redskins' starting right defensive end Sept. 12 in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field.

I agree.

The Redskins' best defensive lineup, however, includes Haynesworth, and that's not lost on Shanahan.

I agree.

Snyder has paid Haynesworth too much money for the Redskins to keep Haynesworth on the sideline if he is physically sound, wants to play and is not stirring controversy.

I disagree and I'm always baffled at most people's inability to understand sunk costs. That money is gone. Nothing they do can change that. Therefore, it should be irrelevant to any decision going forward.

If Haynesworth does everything that's asked of him and Shanahan does not play him, Shanahan would risk losing the team.

Only if they aren't winning. If Shanahan isn't playing Haynesworth and they're 4-1, nobody really cares all that much. If they're 1-4, he'll risk losing the team. Remember Lavar in 2005? It apparently was a mystery why he wasn't playing, yet Gibbs didn't lose the team. They started 3-0, then had a couple tough loses on the road (DEN and KC), and then Lavar played significant time against SF. Sure, some players were commenting that Lavar should be playing, but they were still winning so it wasn't that big of a deal. I don't think this is all that different.

The union is in an untenable position because it doesn't want to be perceived as endorsing Haynesworth's offseason actions - including requesting a trade - but they must support Haynesworth if things become messy with the Redskins. I don't envision that happening.

Shanahan will continue to push Haynesworth, who the Redskins say dropped 35 pounds in the offseason, to achieve the physical condition he believes Haynesworth needs to be effective and complete the full schedule (Haynesworth played 16 games only in his rookie season). And Haynesworth will continue to toe the company line and follow Shanahan's direction.

Eventually, regardless of whether he passes the test, Haynesworth will return to practice on a full-time basis. But it's going to happen on Shanahan's timetable.

Haynesworth's knee is about as bad as it was last season, a team source said, and he needs to get it right before moving forward with the conditioning test and practice. There's still a lot of time before the season opener and a lot to play out.

I think there's just a lot going on right now. His apparently legit knee pain may just be really poor timing, making him look worse than he already did. Then again, maybe it's the result of him not doing the right things in the off season. Either way, I think this all plays out by opening day and ends up being little more than training camp drama...unless he does something stupid...again...which is possible.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

I'm very stoked about the Carriker news. I was a fan of the gamble with him since he should never have been in a 4-3 in the first place. I'd love to see him redeem his high draft status here in DC.

It was probably my favorite move of the offseason. The thing is, its not even really a gamble. They swapped picks in the 5th, moving down and swapped in the 7th, moving up.

Also, Carriker's talent has never been in question. He's been held back by injuries and, as others have noted, by scheme. He was a great pickup, and doubly so for the price.

Add me to the list of people who loved the move. Carriker is a very talented prototypical 3-4 DE. I always thought the rams were crazy for the way they misused him. IMO, his injuries in his career thus far have been mostly due to the way the rams misused him in their scheme, tried to have him put on extra weight, etc. I watched his whole career at Nebraska where he played LDE in the 4-3 and he didn't have any of these injury issues that he's had in the nfl.

 

[buster c]

I like the trade for Beck, a former 2nd round pick they got for basically nothing. They traded a practice squad DB to the Ravens for him; great timing, since the Ravens are really hurting due to injuries in the secondary. Brennan was never going to be an NFL QB, and his injuries finally made them give up on him. I'd love to see Beck (or Bartel, or someone) beat out Grossman for QB@ but I don't think that'll happen this year.

Devin Thomas sounds like he's having a good camp so far, not only getting open but run-blocking well. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the good reports about Carriker.

I'm very stoked about the Carriker news. I was a fan of the gamble with him since he should never have been in a 4-3 in the first place. I'd love to see him redeem his high draft status here in DC.

It was probably my favorite move of the offseason. The thing is, its not even really a gamble. They swapped picks in the 5th, moving down and swapped in the 7th, moving up.

Also, Carriker's talent has never been in question. He's been held back by injuries and, as others have noted, by scheme. He was a great pickup, and doubly so for the price.

Add me to the list of people who loved the move. Carriker is a very talented prototypical 3-4 DE. I always thought the rams were crazy for the way they misused him. IMO, his injuries in his career thus far have been mostly due to the way the rams misused him in their scheme, tried to have him put on extra weight, etc. I watched his whole career at Nebraska where he played LDE in the 4-3 and he didn't have any of these injury issues that he's had in the nfl.

I don't know a daggone thing about Alan Character. I'm more of a Vonny Holiday guy myself.

 

[buster c]

anyone concerned that Haynesworth's 35 lb weight loss will diminish his effectiveness? nobody's talking about it, but would that not make it easier for the opponent to push him around?

different position, but when Fatdale White became LeanDale White, he lost his effectiveness at what he did best - moving the pile in short-yardage situations. I worry (of course) that this may happen to Albert Slimsworth

 

[Sidewinder16]

I think it's funny that Shanahan isn't upset about this but other people are. But what does he know, he's just a coach.

I think Buster said it best a few posts back. And I think you are right with Shanahan not seeming to be upset, as long as he isn't mad I'm content.

I really don't know Shanahan's history well enough to know whether he seems upset or not in press conferences. I'm not sure we can sum up Shanahan's feelings about this based on 10 minute media sessions every day.I can't think of one good scenario here that has some chance of being true.

I'm not sure what people are expecting from Shanahan here. Does he really need to go on a tirade in front of the media for anyone to believe this bothers him to any degree? Unless you think that Shanahan believes this is the best of all situations, you have to believe he's unhappy/not content/"upset" to some extent.

 

[Sidewinder16]

There are a lot of linemen on that team who are in football shape who would not pass the test right now. It's a test you have to train for, according to Philip Daniels.

Not passing that test doesn't mean someone is or is not in football shape.

Since you want to change the subject, according to Phillip Daniels, Haynesworth should have been with the team this off season.

"From what I'm told, he can play the end spot," Daniels said. "I've called him and told him that. The thing is, we have 100 percent participation if he is here. It's now 99. He's got to be here."

...

"It says this is voluntary, but for us, what we went through last season after a 4-12 season, it's mandatory," Daniels said. "He should definitely be here. And it's a shame he's not."

So when is it ok to listen to Daniels, and when is it not?

Both times? Who around here is cherry-picking Daniels quotes?

Maybe I'm "mis-remembering", but I believe fatness is in the "there's no problem with Haynesworth avoiding the team/doing his own thing" camp, as well as in the "Haynesworth's inability to complete the conditioning test is not a big deal" camp. I was just curious as to why fatness knows better than Daniels on the former, but is in complete agreement on the latter.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Matt Bowen says there is no excuse to fail one of these tests.

But, the real point here is that you know they are coming. Therefore, there is no excuse to fail one of these tests. It is more about accountability than anything else. If you have been in the offseason program and used the month of July to stay in top shape and take care of your body, you should have no problem finishing this test. Take care of it, and show the coaching staff that you are ready to practice. It is part of your job as a player in the NFL.

Whether Haynesworth, can't complete it, won't complete or injured his knee trying it, it's inexcusable not to be ready to play football on the first day of training camp.

 

[fatness]

It was probably my favorite move of the offseason. The thing is, its not even really a gamble. They swapped picks in the 5th, moving down and swapped in the 7th, moving up.

Yeah, even if he doesn't work out they've given up next to nothing. And if he does end up being a starter all year, man, they made one heck of a deal. I like the way the front office works now when it comes to acquiring players. Vinnie would've offered a 3rd rounder for Carriker.

 

[fatness]

anyone concerned that Haynesworth's 35 lb weight loss will diminish his effectiveness? nobody's talking about it, but would that not make it easier for the opponent to push him around?

I'm not worried about it for several. He's always been known as one of the strongest players in the league, he is currently still at 332 pounds which ain't light, and he probably isn't going to play nose tackle that much. I am worried though about what happens if his knee injury continues to keep him out. I don't see how you can keep the rest of your body where it needs to be condition-wise without really using your knees. Maybe that's not a valid concern, I don't know what their conditioning program is like. dgreen --- I agree with just about everything you wrote in your long post.

 

[fatness]

I'm not sure what people are expecting from Shanahan here. Does he really need to go on a tirade in front of the media for anyone to believe this bothers him to any degree?

I think you're really reaching. Shanahan's been giving updates on Haynesworth every day, and has said several things that point to the guy not loafing, the guy making a good effort, the guy actually having an injured knee. etc. Haynesworth is always there, is uncomplaining, and is doing all they'll let him do. Sure it's frustrating when players are hurt but jeez, it happens every year to every coach on every team, and they're all used to it. The thing Shanahan knows and you keep ignoring is that Haynesworth's knee is injured now. Not yet bad enough for an MRI according to Shanahan today, but still injured. Other players injure their knees and we don't generally ignore that and denounce them.

 

[fatness]

From somewhere on Twitter

Pacing back and forth as he decides retirement, Brett Favre accidentally completes Redskins conditioning test.

 

[buster c]

cigars? cigarettes?

“They know they can’t have any parts of the bar operating,” Heck told me at the time.

The Redskins tried getting the state law changed. Last year, House Bill 1483 called for an exemption to be added to the Clean Indoor Air Act specifically for “an establishment commonly known as a cigar bar that...is located in a professional sports venue.”

H.B. 1483 would have allowed exactly one establishment in the whole state—one operated by the Redskins—to both sell booze and let customers smoke. But that bill died before ever getting out of committee.

Yet the Redskins nevertheless reopened the cigar bar as a drinking bar. Team spokesman Tony Wyllie says they only made the move after Prince George’s County regulators gave the go-ahead. “We abide by whatever the county health department tells us to do,” says Wyllie. “The health department dictates, and we comply to their wishes.”

I hear this is where dgreen hangs on gameday

 

[nittanylion]

I'm not sure what people are expecting from Shanahan here. Does he really need to go on a tirade in front of the media for anyone to believe this bothers him to any degree?

I think you're really reaching. Shanahan's been giving updates on Haynesworth every day, and has said several things that point to the guy not loafing, the guy making a good effort, the guy actually having an injured knee. etc. Haynesworth is always there, is uncomplaining, and is doing all they'll let him do. Sure it's frustrating when players are hurt but jeez, it happens every year to every coach on every team, and they're all used to it. The thing Shanahan knows and you keep ignoring is that Haynesworth's knee is injured now. Not yet bad enough for an MRI according to Shanahan today, but still injured. Other players injure their knees and we don't generally ignore that and denounce them.

Many folks here aren't used to having an honest to goodness REAL Head Coach in charge of things, much less an honest to goodness real GM backing him up, and working together on the same page. Zorn, nope. Gibbs Version 2, not really, Spurrier, definitely not...you'd have to go all the way back to Schottenheimer, and he was only here for a year, and plenty of folks villified him for his methods in the moment, only to realize down the road what a positive effect he had on the Team and the Organization. Turner, nope, so you'd have to go back to Cooke/Gibbs/Beathard-Casserly...so, unless folks are somewhere around their mid-30's, it's going to be tough having actual indelible memories of what it's like for this Organization to be properly run from top to bottom on both sides of the Organization (Front Office/Locker Room)...it's no surprise that folks are speculative, but if you're a fan of the NFL, and not just the Redskins, it has to be nothing short of refreshing to watch what's going on. The Haynesworth situation is being handled exactly like any upper level professional football organization would handle it, and in my opinion, we should all be rejoicing and thankful about that, because it shows a MASSIVE step in the right direction, towards getting this Organization out of the ridiculous state of affairs it's been in for largely a decade or so...Of course Shanahan doesn't have to go on a tirade...and he won't. Why? Because he (and Allen) are completely in charge, and have complete control over what's going on, plain and simple. They are doing it their way, they have license to do it their way, and there's a track record of the way they are doing things working, so it's a moot point.The Redskins Defense will be a solid unit with or without Albert Haynesworth. There's no denying they'll be BETTER with a happy and healthy A.H. playing Defensive Line, but outside of some questions at Free Safety - (who right now Kareem Moore appears to be answering) - this Defense is shaping up just fine to generate stops and make plays, given that the Offense looks like it can handle it's 1/2 of the time of possession battle, which is the most under-rated factor that causes a Defense to underperform. This version of the Redskins Offense, if it does only one thing effectively, is going to be able to run the ball and control the clock, and not put the Defense in a bad place. I'm not in any way saying the 'skins won't be better if a happy, healthy A.H. is contributing, but I think folks ought to realize that thanks to the dynamics and personnel on both sides of the football, the Defense is shaping up just fine with the guys that are out there getting reps right now....and make no mistake about it - Albert's CONDITION is what caused the knee inflammation, NOT Shanahan, or the conditioning test itself...everything that's happening with him right now goes back to his own personal accountability and responsibility to himself and his Teammates and the Organization that pays him, and his own choice to neglect those things. To spin it any other way is just that: spin.Taking the check aside, voluntary activities or not, when Albert chose not to attend conditioning activities that every single other Player on the Team attended at least 50% of, and via letter, knew that doing so would result in a Test...AND chose not to attend mandatory minicamps...AND publicly stated through himself, his agent, and his trainer that he was training on his own, etc...he owed it to the rest of the Team to come into training camp in the same kind of shape he would have been if he had attended all the offseason activities, just like every other one of his Team mates...pass the test that he knew he was going to have to take, and the respected Coaches have stated is no different than anything they would have administered (JefF Fisher)...and be ready to do what was asked of him by the coaching staff, which is what Players do in properly run organizations. This whole business is the final symptom of the cancerous condition this franchise has been in for over 10 years, and when it ultimately meets its resolution, there's going to be a lot for Redskins Fans to be absolutely thrilled about.

 

[fatness]

Many folks here aren't used to having an honest to goodness REAL Head Coach in charge of things, much less an honest to goodness real GM backing him up, and working together on the same page. Zorn, nope. Gibbs Version 2, not really, Spurrier, definitely not...you'd have to go all the way back to Schottenheimer, and he was only here for a year, and plenty of folks villified him for his methods in the moment, only to realize down the road what a positive effect he had on the Team and the Organization. Turner, nope, so you'd have to go back to Cooke/Gibbs/Beathard-Casserly...so, unless folks are somewhere around their mid-30's, it's going to be tough having actual indelible memories of what it's like for this Organization to be properly run from top to bottom on both sides of the Organization (Front Office/Locker Room)...it's no surprise that folks are speculative, but if you're a fan of the NFL, and not just the Redskins, it has to be nothing short of refreshing to watch what's going on. The Haynesworth situation is being handled exactly like any upper level professional football organization would handle it, and in my opinion, we should all be rejoicing and thankful about that, because it shows a MASSIVE step in the right direction, towards getting this Organization out of the ridiculous state of affairs it's been in for largely a decade or so...

I actually agree with you on most or all of that. It's absolutely great having a head coach and GM who know how they want things to run and aren't shy about doing what they need to do to run it that way. We're no longer laughinstocks.

...and make no mistake about it - Albert's CONDITION is what caused the knee inflammation, NOT Shanahan, or the conditioning test itself...everything that's happening with him right now goes back to his own personal accountability and responsibility to himself and his Teammates and the Organization that pays him, and his own choice to neglect those things. To spin it any other way is just that: spin.

I don't agree with that, I'd say it's your spin. Haynesworth had knee problems in Titans training camps too, so it's not new for him, and he had knee problems here last year. And I don't think you, or me, or anyone else in this thread, has any medical way to know which players in the league are to blame for their knee injuries and which ones are not. Is Malcolm Kelly to blame for missing time with a hamstring injury right now?

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm not sure what people are expecting from Shanahan here. Does he really need to go on a tirade in front of the media for anyone to believe this bothers him to any degree?

I think you're really reaching. Shanahan's been giving updates on Haynesworth every day, and has said several things that point to the guy not loafing, the guy making a good effort, the guy actually having an injured knee. etc. Haynesworth is always there, is uncomplaining, and is doing all they'll let him do. Sure it's frustrating when players are hurt but jeez, it happens every year to every coach on every team, and they're all used to it. The thing Shanahan knows and you keep ignoring is that Haynesworth's knee is injured now. Not yet bad enough for an MRI according to Shanahan today, but still injured. Other players injure their knees and we don't generally ignore that and denounce them.

What you keep ignoring is that Haynesworth injured his knee doing a conditioning test after spending the whole offseason getting ready for training camp (so we're told), which would include said conditioning test. I don't think I've ever heard of that happening, so I don't think there has ever been a chance for me to not ignore or not denounce anyone.I guess I'm lost as to what point you're trying to make anymore. All I'm trying to say is that this whole Haynesworth situation is far, far from ideal, and has a real potential of being bad for the team. If you think everything is all hunky-dory and all signs point to a great season with no issues re: Haynesworth, then I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Otherwise, we're probably closer on this than it actually appears (at least to me).

 

[Sidewinder16]

Is Malcolm Kelly to blame for missing time with a hamstring injury right now?

What are the other choices? The training staff? Shanahan? Maybe Snyder, himself?*Ultimately, isn't Kelly responsible for his own body?*ETA: Actually, since it happened at "Hell Week" I guess we could blame McNabb.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Took my two boys to training camp yesterday morning. I don't have any great football analysis to pass on, though. Crowd was fairly light compared to other days I've attended in past years. The steady morning rain is probably a big reason for that. Still, in order for us to find a good spot where two young boys (5 and 3) could actually see the players, we walked around to the end and hung out behind an endzone. There were only a few other spectators down there. A line of players waiting their turn in 11-on-11 blocked a lot of our view on one end of the field. When they switched to the other side, we could see, but they were 80 yards away. We did get a good view or RB pass protection drills (other than Portis and Sellers...OOF) and some specials teams activities (Danny Smith is really intense).We did end up with one really nice advantage, though, being in the endzone. Near the end of practice, Bruce Allen walked over and said Hi. I shook his hand, he introduced himself, and I introduced myself. He talked to my sons, but they were too shy to talk back. He then talked to the two other guys hanging out in the endzone for a minute then headed back towards practice. As he walked away, he turned around and said bye to my 5 year old.

Cool deal. Don't let your boys forget that.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Brian Orakpo's new role: The "Buck"

There aren't many rules associated with the position, the Redskins say. The Buck linebacker must remember where to line up and blitz based on the packages defensive coordinator Jim Haslett calls, but in general, the Buck is afforded a great deal of freedom.

Orakpo may be the player I'm most excited about this season. Despite all the upgrades/changes with the offense, it's Orakpo I can't wait to see in a new system come game time.

 

[dgreen]

Brian Orakpo's new role: The "Buck"

There aren't many rules associated with the position, the Redskins say. The Buck linebacker must remember where to line up and blitz based on the packages defensive coordinator Jim Haslett calls, but in general, the Buck is afforded a great deal of freedom.

Orakpo may be the player I'm most excited about this season. Despite all the upgrades/changes with the offense, it's Orakpo I can't wait to see in a new system come game time.

He's a prototypical 3-4 pass rushing DE. He can be Terrell Suggs or DeMarcus Ware.

 

[Chewbanks]

Brian Orakpo's new role: The "Buck"

There aren't many rules associated with the position, the Redskins say. The Buck linebacker must remember where to line up and blitz based on the packages defensive coordinator Jim Haslett calls, but in general, the Buck is afforded a great deal of freedom.

Orakpo may be the player I'm most excited about this season. Despite all the upgrades/changes with the offense, it's Orakpo I can't wait to see in a new system come game time.

When you have an elite athlete and football player, you do something like this. The last time the 'Skins did this was with Lavar during Marty's 2001 season, when he set up the rest of the defense to strictly adhere to assignments and let Lavar roam freely, which played to Lavar's strengths. That was probably Lavar's best year of his career - he had 82 tackles, 17 assists and 3 INT's in 14 games.

 

[fatness]

Orakpo is going to be really, really something for the Skins. He's already good, and developing into a leader, and he's just starting to scratch his potential.

Brian Orakpo's new role: The "Buck"

There aren't many rules associated with the position, the Redskins say. The Buck linebacker must remember where to line up and blitz based on the packages defensive coordinator Jim Haslett calls, but in general, the Buck is afforded a great deal of freedom.

Orakpo may be the player I'm most excited about this season. Despite all the upgrades/changes with the offense, it's Orakpo I can't wait to see in a new system come game time.

That position is also the main OLB position for pass coverage, which is good because it means Carter and Alexander won't have to cover much (thankfully).

 

[fatness]

But today, still unable to re-take the conditioning test because of irritation in his knee (and therefore unable to practice), Haynesworth took the field alongside his position group, wearing a jersey and (occasionally) a helmet and carrying the script for the day's practice. The defensive tackle didn't just stand there, disinterested and cranky, and he didn't just watch; he actually seemed engaged in the drills, several times offering advice and physical demonstrations to the younger players.

"He was just talking to me about some technique things as far as hand placement and stance and stuff," Jarmon explained. "He's a guy that's played some good football, and I definitely look up to him. There's a lot of things that he does out there very well." Jarmon continued, "For the younger players like myself, if he sees something that doesn't look right, he's quick to come over and say 'hey, try this,' or to give a compliment coming back over off the field."

So I asked Jarmon the obvious question: had he tried to incorporate Haynesworth's tips? "Absolutely," he said.

And had they worked, then? "No," he said flatly, "I got pancaked." Then he laughed. "I'm just kidding. His tips are definitely helpful."

Linkedit: Second link about Jarmon and the help he's getting from Haynesworth

 

[fatness]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

 

[Chewbanks]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

 

[fatness]

1-on-1 drills for O-linemen vs. D-linemen

Sounds like Trent Williams is holding his own with Brian Orakpo. If we're very lucky, those 2 will be holding each other even in practices and flattening opponents for the next 8-10 years.

Shanahan will also pit receivers versus defensive backs and blitzing linebackers against running backs.

I wonder who goes against Portis.

 

[fatness]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

 

[fatness]

Bits from Studs & Duds 8/3/2010

Not the first time Kareem Moore has been on the stud list.

Studs

FS Kareem Moore. Continues to make plays on the ball. Had a pick this morning (off Rex Grossman and covering Roydell Williams; not exactly Pro Bowlers, but stay with me here) because he didn’t fall for a double move. It helped that the ball was slightly underthrown, but Moore was in the right spot. He’s using his eyes much better, as he said after practice. In the past, he might have gotten caught looking too long in the backfield. That’s not happening as much – at least not yet.

SS LaRon Landry. Made an athletic and smart play. First, he read a screen pass to the defense’s left and then as the back fell to the ground, he leapt over to pick off the pass. Landry is playing smart thus far. He seems more prepared than in the past.

OG Chad Rinehart. The Rhino! Yes, he’s actually looked fairly solid the past two days.

CB Kevin Barnes. He’s showing a heck of a lot more than last season.

LT Will Robinson. I haven’t seen him mess up too often and today he was pretty solid. The kid just has good fundamentals; his base prevents him from getting off-balance.

RB Willie Parker. Showed some burst again. .

Duds

QB Donovan McNabb. Many of us have come to the conclusion that he just doesn’t look that great in practice most of the time. He hasn’t exactly been on-target with his throws. He was better in the red zone, but even in the 7 on 7s – with no rush, it’s easier to find open targets – he was off. Got picked by Carlos Rogers on one; would have been a touchdown.

RT Stephon Heyer. Chris Wilson wasn’t doing much against any of the other tackles in one-on-one situations. Except when paired against Heyer.

RT Clint Oldenburg. I just don’t like how often he gets beaten or stood up or overpowered.

C Casey Rabach. Not his best day, particularly in the one-on-one work. However, that doesn’t necessarily play to his strength, which is blocking down. But Maake Kemoeatu overpowered him a couple times. He also was beaten by Darrion Scott off the snap in the one-on-one’s.

RT Selvish Capers. Capers looks like a practice squad guy thus far.

RB Larry Johnson (pass protection).

RB Keiland Williams (pass protection).

FB Darrel Young (pass protection).

 

[Chewbanks]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

Honestly, I'm betting that Campbell continues to improve and makes us regret giving him up within a year or two, especially for the extremely modest price and given what I figure will be McNabb's limited future in the NFL.

 

[fatness]

Rich Campbell's (extensive) practice notes from today. I enjoy his reports.

Yeah, I think Campbell will keep improving since he's done so every year. I liked the guy a lot and miss him being on the team.

 

[CYP]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

OH NOES!!!!!

 

[Marvelous]

Bits from Studs & Duds 8/3/2010

Not the first time Kareem Moore has been on the stud list.

Studs

FS Kareem Moore. Continues to make plays on the ball. Had a pick this morning (off Rex Grossman and covering Roydell Williams; not exactly Pro Bowlers, but stay with me here) because he didn’t fall for a double move. It helped that the ball was slightly underthrown, but Moore was in the right spot. He’s using his eyes much better, as he said after practice. In the past, he might have gotten caught looking too long in the backfield. That’s not happening as much – at least not yet.

SS LaRon Landry. Made an athletic and smart play. First, he read a screen pass to the defense’s left and then as the back fell to the ground, he leapt over to pick off the pass. Landry is playing smart thus far. He seems more prepared than in the past.

OG Chad Rinehart. The Rhino! Yes, he’s actually looked fairly solid the past two days.

CB Kevin Barnes. He’s showing a heck of a lot more than last season.

LT Will Robinson. I haven’t seen him mess up too often and today he was pretty solid. The kid just has good fundamentals; his base prevents him from getting off-balance.

RB Willie Parker. Showed some burst again. .

Duds

QB Donovan McNabb. Many of us have come to the conclusion that he just doesn’t look that great in practice most of the time. He hasn’t exactly been on-target with his throws. He was better in the red zone, but even in the 7 on 7s – with no rush, it’s easier to find open targets – he was off. Got picked by Carlos Rogers on one; would have been a touchdown.

RT Stephon Heyer. Chris Wilson wasn’t doing much against any of the other tackles in one-on-one situations. Except when paired against Heyer.

RT Clint Oldenburg. I just don’t like how often he gets beaten or stood up or overpowered.

C Casey Rabach. Not his best day, particularly in the one-on-one work. However, that doesn’t necessarily play to his strength, which is blocking down. But Maake Kemoeatu overpowered him a couple times. He also was beaten by Darrion Scott off the snap in the one-on-one’s.

RT Selvish Capers. Capers looks like a practice squad guy thus far.

RB Larry Johnson (pass protection).

RB Keiland Williams (pass protection).

FB Darrel Young (pass protection).

Heyer has been making the Duds list regularly. Same comment each time: an OLB can't get any rush until the face Heyer.

 

[Sebowski]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

That and not being a good game QB.

 

[dgreen]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

Can't remember who, but I heard a reporter the other day on the radio say that the Redskins media is learning that McNabb just isn't a good practice QB. I, personally, don't think it's anything to worry about and I'm certainly not sweating what we could have had in Campbell.

 

[dgreen]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

That and not being a good game QB.

Is this schtick?

 

[fatness]

Until knee improves, Haynesworth won't retestl

The Redskins medical and training staff has advised Haynesworth to continue to receive treatment on the knee in hopes of recovering well. The Pro Bowlers' knee became irritated, in part, because of his effort during multiple attempts at the test - two, timed 300-yard shuttle runs - early in training camp. And with the rain Wednesday, the Redskins do not want to risk Haynesworth, whom they have already paid $32 million, potentially further aggravating his knee while running on wet fields.

The Redskins did not schedule a test for Wednesday morning and have none currently scheduled, one of the team sources said. Apparently, the feeling among the medical/training staff is that it simply doesn't make sense to move forward until Haynesworth believes he is capable of going at full speed again.

It'll be interesting to see how the team handles the press part of this. The situation has pretty much become a national laugh. There's been no indication from the team or players that Haynesworth is dogging it in any way, and no indication from Haynesworth that he's fed up, being screwed over, etc. If we had all known things would be this calm between the parties during training camp we would have felt relieved. But there's this big conditioning test hubbub in the press accompanied by laughter that I'm sure they're all tired of.

 

[fatness]

Photos from Day 6 of camp

Days 1-5 are there as well. Some good shots.

 

[fatness]

Ladell Betts had a workout with the Broncos recently. Will Colt get picked up by anyone?

 

[DCThunder]

It'll be interesting to see how the team handles the press part of this. The situation has pretty much become a national laugh. There's been no indication from the team or players that Haynesworth is dogging it in any way, and no indication from Haynesworth that he's fed up, being screwed over, etc. If we had all known things would be this calm between the parties during training camp we would have felt relieved. But there's this big conditioning test hubbub in the press accompanied by laughter that I'm sure they're all tired of.

What's the "national laughter" over? The fact that Shanny is calling Fat Alberts bluff and Fat Al can't back it up? The fact that Danny hasn't swooped in and said "let Al play, he's really a great guy"? This is the last piece in Shanny and Allen's change of culture at Redskins Park and they're fully prepared to wait him out and eventually put Fat Al on the PUP list if he can't pass the test to seal that culture change.

 

[Chewbanks]

Chris Russell was on the Sports Reporters and said that all 4 QB's looked bad today, and that McNabb hasn't been good in practices.

Bye Jason, we hardly knew ye.

Is that McNabb's history --- not being a good practice QB? I'm not sure if it's something to worry about.

That and not being a good game QB.

Is this schtick?

It's well known that McNabb has games where his mechanics go to hell and/or his head's not in it, and he bounces passes. Hell, sometimes it happens in particular plays during an otherwise good game. You take the good with the bad with him.

 

[dgreen]

That and not being a good game QB.

Is this schtick?

It's well known that McNabb has games where his mechanics go to hell and/or his head's not in it, and he bounces passes. Hell, sometimes it happens in particular plays during an otherwise good game. You take the good with the bad with him.

Sure. I see that as different than saying, "He's not a good game QB."