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

[fatness]

Brandon Banks looks like the friggin road runner.

Loses 8 yards on a fumbled punt, recovery, and sideways/backwards run. Then goes 257,000 miles for a TD on the next return.

 

[fatness]

Was Moss even on the field tonight?

Didn't see him.Redskins QB's had completed passes to 7 players by halftime.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Was Moss even on the field tonight?

Didn't see him.Redskins QB's had completed passes to 7 players by halftime.

I didn't see it, but the play-by-play has him running an end around on the 2nd play and there is an incomplete pass to him a few plays later. I imagine, with the WR depth chart being so up in the air after Moss, that he probably only played the first series to give other WRs PT.

 

[dehaven123]

Great start for our boys!

 

[Meast21]

Was Moss even on the field tonight?

Didn't see him.Redskins QB's had completed passes to 7 players by halftime.

I didn't see it, but the play-by-play has him running an end around on the 2nd play and there is an incomplete pass to him a few plays later. I imagine, with the WR depth chart being so up in the air after Moss, that he probably only played the first series to give other WRs PT.

You are correct, he only played the first series. I really enjoyed watching our 1st string...parts of 2nd string...3rd, not so much. Regardless it has made me more confident playing Dallas (just got tickets!). The thing I want to know is where were LJ and WP? Torain and Williams got the bulk of the carries and produced. I don't think this means Larry is the 4th string but I'm positive Willie is gone. I really liked what I saw out of both of them and would be pleasantly surprised if our backfield ended up carrying the both of them.

 

[fatness]

I thought Torain looked quite good, and made something out of nothing several times. He also made a heads-up play on an incomplete pass to him that was close to being a lateral --- he picked it right up and ran with it.

 

[Original]

I thought Torain looked quite good, and made something out of nothing several times. He also made a heads-up play on an incomplete pass to him that was close to being a lateral --- he picked it right up and ran with it.

Torain looked pretty good and the game didn,t harm Rex,s game time practice.

 

[Sidewinder16]

The thing I want to know is where were LJ and WP? Torain and Williams got the bulk of the carries and produced. I don't think this means Larry is the 4th string but I'm positive Willie is gone. I really liked what I saw out of both of them and would be pleasantly surprised if our backfield ended up carrying the both of them.

A WaPo article today said LJ and Parker sat out by design, and that they'll play in later games.

 

[Sidewinder16]

The thing I want to know is where were LJ and WP? Torain and Williams got the bulk of the carries and produced. I don't think this means Larry is the 4th string but I'm positive Willie is gone. I really liked what I saw out of both of them and would be pleasantly surprised if our backfield ended up carrying the both of them.

A WaPo article today said LJ and Parker sat out by design, and that they'll play in later games.

More on that from Barry Svrluga:

The result: veterans Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, both signed as free agents, didn't play against Buffalo. That was, Shanahan said, by design. Johnson will get the bulk of the carries in next Saturday's game against Baltimore at FedEx Field, and Parker will get the most work on Aug. 26 at the New York Jets.

"It's kind of the only way you can evaluate running backs," Shanahan said. "You just can't put them in for three or four plays and take them out."

 

[Multiple Scores]

Just got done watching the whole game. I have torain and keiland both stashed in both dynastys and am very upbeat after watching shanahans offensive line shine. This running game has some serious value and I was impressed with the redskins in all phases of the game.

 

[Prinefan]

Redskins homer here who bleeds burgandy and gold but.... Bear in mind it was the Bills. Not a good gauge of where we are yet.

 

[fatness]

Redskins homer here who bleeds burgandy and gold but.... Bear in mind it was the Bills. Not a good gauge of where we are yet.

I agree, the Bills are pretty bad. What I think we need to watch in future preseason games is the Redskin defense. To me they did not look good last night, especially the first string who looked out of position a lot and ineffective at generating all the pressure we've heard they're supposed to generate with the 3-4. That being said, the team as a whole looked far more prepared, more organized, quicker, and more confident than we've seen them in previous years.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Redskins homer here who bleeds burgandy and gold but.... Bear in mind it was the Bills. Not a good gauge of where we are yet.

That being said, the team as a whole looked far more prepared, more organized, quicker, and more confident than we've seen them in previous years.

Fatty That is how I felt as well. I know it was only a preseaon game, but this team looks much better. And I really hope Banks makes this team.

 

[fatness]

"It's different, but I like it," Haynesworth said of the Redskins' defense, per TBD.com. "It's something I've got to get used to. But other than that, it's a good defense. They're lining me up to pass rush, and that's something really important to me."

When Jim Haslett was hired as the Redskins' defensive coordinator, Haynesworth was unhappy with what he thought his role in Haslett's defense would be. But he now says his unhappiness was the result mostly of a miscommunication. "What I was told earlier is totally different from what we're doing now," Haynesworth said. "Getting with Jim Haslett the last few weeks has really cleared up a lot of stuff, and I really enjoy it. It's been great having him on my side, and really helped me get the defense."

Haynesworth also said the injured knee that prevented him from attempting head coach Mike Shanahan's conditioning test several times now feels fine, and he generally sounded like a happy camper.

But when asked about the conditioning test he simply said, "Ah, next question." And when asked about his relationship with Shanahan, Haynesworth said, "Uh, he's the head coach and I'm a player. It is what it is."

Full transcript here

On how long it will take for him to return to the starting lineup:

"I don’t know, I think I have the talent to play it, and I’ve picked up the defense pretty fast, so it’s up to management. Whatever they want me to do, man. I know I’m a good enough player, and eventually I’ll be with the first team."

Hats off to Haslett and Haynesworth for working this out before training camp, and making a problem smaller.

 

[fatness]

John Keim's writeup of the Bills game

The 5-foot-7, 155-pound Banks runs the 40-yard dash in 4.24 seconds and it showed on the return. His exceptional footwork has been evident in practice, too. Banks earlier had a 24-yard punt return, but muffed a second punt before losing two yards.

“I can’t say that it surprised me at all with the way he has played,” Shanahan said. “He consistently makes plays, he has great speed, cutting ability and an excellent set of hands. It is nice to see him go out there and make a play or a couple of plays.”

"I have to go out there and turn heads," said Banks, an undrafted rookie free agent from Kansas State.

 

[fatness]

Keim's quick thoughts on the Bills game

2. Albert Haynesworth will be a dangerous nose tackle, especially in passing situations. I like him better than Maake Kemoeatu on run downs, too, for that matter. Kemoeatu got shoved way back on a couple runs, more than five yards a couple times. Those came on double teams, but that’s the life of a nose guard and you can’t get drilled that far back. Haynesworth is so dangerous because teams must pay attention to him and then the Redskins can blitz behind him. That’s how Perry Riley got a sack.

4. The second team offensive line was a major disappointment. Chad Rinehart consistently got knocked deep into the backfield. His man wouldn’t necessarily make the play, but he most definitely would alter it and cause a bad throw if nothing else. Will Robinson had issues with footwork. Have to watch the game again, but sometimes it seemed as if he crossed up his feet and got off-balance. Edwin Williams allowed pressure at guard, but I don’t think that’s the best spot for him. And RT Clint Oldenburg is just not very good. That won’t change.

5. The No. 1 defense was OK, but they weren’t exactly facing a great offense. I didn’t like some of the sloppy play; some bad tackling and bad angles. That could be a function of not tackling in training camp. I did like seeing Brian Orakpo and Andre Carter lining up on the same side before one snap. And Orakpo had one nice series, making one tackle in which he shed the blocker well. It took him a while to do that last year with any sort of consistency.

 

[fatness]

Keep No. 5 Healthy, Please by Mike Wise. It's a good article on McNabb and the Redskins hopes depending on him staying healthy.

 

[southeastjerome]

Redskins homer here who bleeds burgandy and gold but.... Bear in mind it was the Bills. Not a good gauge of where we are yet.

That being said, the team as a whole looked far more prepared, more organized, quicker, and more confident than we've seen them in previous years.

Fatty That is how I felt as well. I know it was only a preseaon game, but this team looks much better. And I really hope Banks makes this team.

Agreed. I'm trying to curb my enthusiasm, but they really did look unpredictable. It wasn't a perfect game, it was preseason and against a bad team, but there were definitely things to like, chief among those was the play of Trent Williams. I thought he looked, really, really good. It is amazing how he can recover so quickly. Can't wait to see him go against a better pass rushing team in the Ravens. And I do think Banks will make the team. Did you see Shanny go out of his way to congratulate him with a huge smile on his face? I think they'll have a tough time letting that guy go.

 

[fatness]

I saw Shanahan congratualating Banks too, and one of the other coaches, and several of the players. Banks looked terribly excited, but not overly confident, kind of like "I'm still not sure if I'll make the team."

And I agree with you about Trent Williams. The guy looked very good, like he's been in the NFL awhile.

 

[Original]

I am pleased Devin Thomas showed up and hope he starts to push for an opening spot.

 

[Marvelous]

Redskins homer here who bleeds burgandy and gold but.... Bear in mind it was the Bills. Not a good gauge of where we are yet.

I agree, the Bills are pretty bad. What I think we need to watch in future preseason games is the Redskin defense. To me they did not look good last night, especially the first string who looked out of position a lot and ineffective at generating all the pressure we've heard they're supposed to generate with the 3-4. That being said, the team as a whole looked far more prepared, more organized, quicker, and more confident than we've seen them in previous years.

One thought: the 2nd string defense totally dominated the Buffalo offense. And from what I could tell, it was mostly the DL and Albert Haynewsworth, who was no match for the 2nd string OL for Buffalo. Perry Riley also appeared to be playing very well.

 

[fatness]

One thought: the 2nd string defense totally dominated the Buffalo offense. And from what I could tell, it was mostly the DL and Albert Haynewsworth, who was no match for the 2nd string OL for Buffalo. Perry Riley also appeared to be playing very well.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Did you see the play where Buffalo had 4th down and short yardage and lined up to run a play? The Redskins d-line was crowding the line, and Haynesworth and almost hopping up and down without leaving the 3-point stance, and then Buffalo called time out and kicked instead? I almost wish Buffalo would have run that play because I think they would have been stuffed.John Keim did say Haynesworth looks better at nose tackle than Kemoeatu so far. Perhaps that'll help the 1st string D-line in the future. And Riley did make some plays which is encouraging after a very quiet training camp so far for him.

 

[fatness]

Another long snapper signed. Not too surprising given Sundberg's problems in camp (although he did OK in the game).

 

[fatness]

Game Review --- Offense

Game Review --- Defense

These are pretty detailed, good sportswriting.

 

[Sebowski]

Another long snapper signed. Not too surprising given Sundberg's problems in camp (although he did OK in the game).

Disagree. They need to quit ####### around and resign The Red Snapper already. Are they just trying to save a few bucks since Albright's minimum is that much higher than anyone else's?

 

[DCThunder]

Anybody else disgusted with Joey T's color analysis? All these Redskins will have busts in Canton, if you listen to him. Dude, it's a preseason game...

 

[Chewbanks]

Anybody else disgusted with Joey T's color analysis? All these Redskins will have busts in Canton, if you listen to him. Dude, it's a preseason game...

I didn't listen, but apparently Sam Huff has gone from extremely confused and awkward to unlistenable. Joey's a homer, and it's gotten worse as the years have gone on. He used to be a good commentator.

 

[Meast21]

Game Review --- Offense

Game Review --- Defense

These are pretty detailed, good sportswriting.

Keim has really stepped his game up this year. By far my favorite beat reporter.

 

[fatness]

Another long snapper signed. Not too surprising given Sundberg's problems in camp (although he did OK in the game).

Disagree. They need to quit ####### around and resign The Red Snapper already. Are they just trying to save a few bucks since Albright's minimum is that much higher than anyone else's?

I agree they should just re-sign Albright. Was he a player rep for the union last year? It has to be either that, or a few bucks, that's the reason they don't re-sign him. The only other reason I can think of is wanting to find someone younger than Albright who's good and who can remain with the team more years than Albright can.But I'm not surprised they signed someone else, since Sundberg has struggled and since a botched long snap can cost them a game.

 

[fatness]

Keim has really stepped his game up this year. By far my favorite beat reporter.

I agree. He's the best beat reporter now. More detailed posts, more good insight, just more good information than coming from any of the other beat reporters.

 

[fatness]

DeAngelo Hall says they used a "very vanilla" defense in the Bills game.

On Buffalo's second possession, defensive end Adam Carriker burst into the backfield and chased after Edwards, who had to rush a pass to the right sideline. Hall stepped in front of receiver Lee Evans, picking off the pass and returning it 33 yards to the Bills' 12-yard line. Three plays later, Rex Grossman and the Redskins scored Washington's second touchdown of the night. "Hopefully, as the year goes along, we'll continue to do that and give our offense more possessions," Daniels said.

Among the starters, London Fletcher looked comfortable in his new possession and fellow linebacker Brian Orakpo is surely happy to be again rushing the quarterback with regularity. Both safeties were active, though Kareem Moore drew a costly penalty early in the game.

And among the reserves, linebacker Perry Riley looked good, raising a ruckus in the backfield, cornerback Justin Tryon was credited wtih a pair of pass defenses and safety Lendy Holmes played a role in a team-high six tackle and came up with an interception in the game's waning moments.

 

[fatness]

But knowledgeable football fans knew not to view this game or judge Shanahan’s coaching job like any other game, certainly not a regular season game. These fans knew that it didn’t matter how many touchdowns Donovan McNabb threw or how many yards Clinton Portis accumulated but rather: how well did the team seem to grasp what the coaches have tried to instill, schemes (although vanilla), team chemistry—the intangibles.

Bills game writeup

 

[fatness]

Notes from today's practice by Ryan O'Halloran

Shanahan hopes receiver Malcolm Kelly (hamstring) can return to practice on Tuesday. Kelly hasn’t practiced since July 29, the first day of training camp. Receiver Mike Furrey (concussion) continues to be sidelined – he hasn’t worked since Aug. 3. Safety Chris Horton (groin) and right tackle Jammal Brown (hip) returned to practice after missing the Buffalo game. Quarterback Richard Bartel (hamstring) did some light running.

 

[fatness]

Malcolm Kelly did a little more running on the sidelines today; wasn’t going full speed, but it was an improvement. Mike Shanahan said Kelly might return Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s hard to imagine Kelly making the roster if he doesn’t play this week; a guy with an injury history can’t afford to miss the first two preseason games.

John Keim yesterday

Kelly won't return tues. Shanahan says he's moving around 50-60 percent. Chances slim he plays saturday.

John Keim today

 

[DCThunder]

Malcolm Kelly did a little more running on the sidelines today; wasn’t going full speed, but it was an improvement. Mike Shanahan said Kelly might return Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s hard to imagine Kelly making the roster if he doesn’t play this week; a guy with an injury history can’t afford to miss the first two preseason games.

John Keim yesterday

Kelly won't return tues. Shanahan says he's moving around 50-60 percent. Chances slim he plays saturday.

John Keim today

Just cut Kelly and be done with him.

 

[Steed]

Lookin for my Keiland Willimas fix. TIA

 

[Chewbanks]

Malcolm Kelly did a little more running on the sidelines today; wasn’t going full speed, but it was an improvement. Mike Shanahan said Kelly might return Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s hard to imagine Kelly making the roster if he doesn’t play this week; a guy with an injury history can’t afford to miss the first two preseason games.

John Keim yesterday

Kelly won't return tues. Shanahan says he's moving around 50-60 percent. Chances slim he plays saturday.

John Keim today

Just cut Kelly and be done with him.

I think that will happen. It's unfortunate- I think Kelly could be very good if he could stay healthy.

 

[Gachi]

How did McNabb do?

 

[fatness]

I think the depth chart may be completely random.

Veteran running back Willie Parker, listed at the bottom of the first depth chart, moved to third string, ahead of young players Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams, who are tied at fourth string. Parker improved his standing for the game against the Baltimore Ravens despite sitting out the 42-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills because it was not his turn to work with the first-team offense.

Roydell Williams, formerly listed as a co-starter at X receiver, or split end, with Joey Galloway, is now fourth-string. Williams, out of the NFL since the 2008 season while struggling with injuries, is playing on special teams for the first time in an attempt to revive his career.

Link

 

[fatness]

Studs & Duds 8/16/2010 has some interesting stuff.

Studs

DL Darrion Scott. To say he owned Selvish Capers is putting it mildly. Scott got into his pads and then slowed up so he wouldn’t kill the quarterback. On the next play, he got the edge vs. Capers and would have had a sack. Later, he showed Chad Rinehart back and followed that up by beating Capers again.

LB London Fetcher. Sometimes, it’s just fun to watch the guy. Not because he’s the best ever, but because he plays hard all the time and even in practice has a hunger to make a tackle. Saw that on a play in which he scraped along the line, but was stumbling a little because he’d been hit. Still, he kept going, never lost balance and lunged at Willie Parker. The hit caused a fumble.

LB H.B. Blades: His most active practice. Forced a Willie Parker fumble with one hit, stripped Fred Davis after a catch and then filled the hole nicely on a Larry Johnson run for a stop.

Duds

NG Maake Kemoeatu. Got moved around a bit too much today. For a big guy, he doesn’t always seem to play with as much power as some other linemen. But his job is more or less to eat space and he does that fine. Still, the O-line moved him out of some holes and it resulted in good runs.

RB Keiland Williams. His problem at LSU? Fumbles. What did he do this morning when hit by H.B. Blades? Fumble.

RG Chad Rinehart. Seeing too many guys muscle him back, whether it was Phillip Daniels or Jeremy Jarmon or, really anyone. Jarmon stunted once to his hole and moved him back far enough that Richard Bartel could not step up and to throw. It resulted in a weak pass that Robert Henson knocked down.

Sounds like Willie Parker had a bad day also with at least 2 fumbles.

 

[fatness]

John Keim's Notes

2. The Redskins still need some help on third downs. Clinton Portis can play it, especially the protection part. If Ryan Torain stays healthy, maybe he could help here at times. But Larry Johnson and Willie Parker are not known for their protection skills. And Keiland Williams whiffed on a pass block the other night.

7. Jammal Brown will play Saturday, barring any sort of setback. He said he noticed a difference being on the field the past two days after not having practiced since Aug. 3. Said he was only worried about his assignment and not the pain from his hip.

 

[fatness]

Rich Tandler's Defensive Depth Chart as of last Thursday

Tandler's Offensive Depth Chart as of last Thursday

 

[TankRizzo]

wonder what this is about?

@RickMaese

Practice ended. Haynesworth didn't seem to participate in team drills. Wouldn't explain why

@RickMaese

Haynesworth: "Ask the coach. I have no comment."

 

[TankRizzo]

nothing to see here folks, oxygen and bacon break.

@RickMaese

Told Haynesworth cut practice short because of heat exhaustion today

 

[diehardskinsfan]

nothing to see here folks, oxygen and bacon break.@RickMaese Told Haynesworth cut practice short because of heat exhaustion today

Haynesworth was a big waste of money if you ask me, but I love the addition of McNabb at QB. It makes me feel all warm and tingly inside.

 

[Sidewinder16]

nothing to see here folks, oxygen and bacon break.

@RickMaese

Told Haynesworth cut practice short because of heat exhaustion today

Maese reporting something different on RI now:

While teammates said heat seemed to get the better of Haynesworth, Coach Mike Shanahan said that wasn't the case. Haynesworth stopped practicing early in the morning session, before the heat at Redskins Park really began to pick up.

"Really don't know what it is," Shanahan said.

"I just think he wasn't feeling good. I'm not exactly sure what it was," the coach continued. "Doctors didn't feel like it was heat-related. He just was sick."

 

[fatness]

Studs & Duds 8/17/2010

John Keim has these done so quickly after practices that I wonder if he writes them the night before?

Studs

LB Rocky McIntosh. Very good job being in the right gaps. He showed excellent patience on some runs, reading the play and then filling the hole. He stuffed a Keiland Williams run and later stopped another.

LB H.B. Blades. A second straight day in which Blades was very active. He’s a good practice player because of his energy.

RG Artis Hicks. The knock early was that he played too upright. That wasn’t the case today, at least not the majority of time.

RT Jammal Brown. He plays with power and a nasty streak. We haven’t seen he latter too much thus far, but you can see the power.

CB Kevin Barnes. Really didn’t make any standout plays, but he’s lining up against good receivers now and doing a decent job.

NG Maake Kemoeatu. Did a much better job of using his power today; doesn’t always seem to use that strength.

Duds

RT Stephon Heyer. It’s old home week for Studs and Duds apparently; it’s been a few days since Heyer was on the list. But Heyer at times was getting too high at the snap; Phillip Daniels pushed him back because of it. Lorenzo Alexander turned the corner on him early in practice and Daniels did the same a few plays later.

RB Larry Johnson. Once more, his weakness is pass protection. Maybe he won’t have to do it much this year, but if something happens to Clinton Portis then he will. Today, he couldn’t stop Chris Horton on a blitz. Now, Horton is an all right player, but he’s not considered the best blitzer among the safeties. Johnson had a couple nice runs, but he needs to improve in this area.

Backup OL. Let’s see, Will Montgomery failed to get off the ball once; Edwin Williams jumped early, Kory Lichtensteiger was late snapping the ball another time and Clint Oldenburg also had a false start. The Redskins were working on different snap counts and silent snap counts. It resulted in sloppy play.

 

[fatness]

Rich Campbell's training camp writeup for today.

Campbell is another reporter who's doing a very detailed job covering the Skins.

 

[fatness]

9:07—The offense still is not quite there. Donovan McNabb fires a couple of balls to nobody in particular and everyone looks somewhat puzzled as to who should have been where.

9:15—Trent Williams is quick. On a run play to the right, he is on the free safety in a flash. On a run to his side he is outside leading the way. His athletic ability will go a long way towards helping him get it done against the tough pass rushers he’s going to face this year.

9:18—Fred Davis isn’t supposed to be able to block but he is learning. On one run, he rode the defensive end out of the hole making good use of his arms to keep the defender out of his pads. Davis also moved his feet well and kept his balance. To be sure, he doesn’t do this every single time but it’s good to know that he can do it the right way.

9:37—Rex Grossman throws a nice dart to Terrence Austin. I have to say that I’m less nervous about the prospect of Grossman having to enter a game that counts today than I was when training camp started. That means that I’ve gone from extremely nervous to very nervous about the possibility but improvement is improvement.

9:43—K. Williams with a nice catch over Robert Henson. I’m not sure about Henson’s place on this team. He shows a lot of desire but he gets beaten a lot on pass patterns and his run defense is just OK. If he can blow up some guys on special teams, maybe he can stick around but as a linebacker, probably not.

9:57—Anderson Russell lets Roydell Williams get behind him and McNabb hits his receiver for a long TD. For a while it looked like Russell might be practice squad material but he may be falling below that threshold.

10:17—Good job by Thomas of adjusting and turning his body in while on the move to catch a Grossman pass thrown slightly behind him. A lot of receivers would have reached back with their hands, risking an interception if the ball were to bounce off of them. Thomas shows some very good instinctive moves as a receiver but he is inconsistent.

10:24—The pattern we have been seeing most of camp is holding as Cooley is running the shorter, more traditional tight end routes while Davis runs deeper sideline and seam routes.

Rich Tandler on today's practice. The Ravens beat the Redskins 23-0 in their first preseason game last year, didn't they?

 

[fatness]

A decade ago, Chris Samuels was the third overall pick and leaned on Andy Heck and Keith Sims to guide him through his first NFL season. Three years later, Derrick Dockery was a third-round pick and relied on Samuels, Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas for advice. And this year, although no longer teammates following Samuels’ retirement, he and Dockery are still joining forces at Redskins training camp.

Their project is fourth overall pick and starting left tackle Trent Williams. “To be honest with you, I don’t know what I would do without Dock,” Williams said after practice Tuesday. “Him and Chris and Casey [Rabach]– they’ve helped me make the transition pretty smooth.”

link