***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[Marvelous]

Cooley and Moss looked good. They should both rack up a lot of catches and yards with McNabb throwing to them.

Receivers were getting wide open. Not something I'm used to seeing. I love how they are getting Moss open coming across the field underneath. And I love the shots they are taking down the field.I know Keim mentioned the 11 completions for 206 yards in just 1 half of work, but the 42% completion percentage needs work. Hopefully it's just McNabb still getting used to new receivers.

There were a few drops. Off the top of my head, I remember one by Moss, one by Thomas, and one by Davis in the endzone.McNabb forced a couple downfield, one being intercepted, but I thought he was pretty good for the most part. He avoided a lot of pressure and made some plays out of the pocket. It's so refreshing watching McNabb after years of Campbell.

There were a lot of positives for the passing game. Receivers were open and the plays were there to be made. McNabb extended a lot of plays. There was one where McNabb had his arm back to pass and got hit on the arm. He held on to the ball. That was an automatic fumble last year.

 

[Chewbanks]

L. Johnson looked brutal. Slow, no hands, poor blocking. In limited action, Portis showed why he will be the starter.

I'm very sorry Mile Sellers got hurt, but he looked bad before leaving. Whiffed on several blocks.

Cooley and Moss looked good. They should both rack up a lot of catches and yards with McNabb throwing to them.

Armstrong looked good. At least he should make the team as Moss' backup.

Didn't see much pressure out of the first team D.

For the Ravens, I hardly saw Boldin targeted. Mason got a lot more looks, although a lot of them were off-target. Heap got more targets than Boldin too.

I think Armstrong was in early as the 3rd wide receiver. I would think there is a good chance he can hold on to that position.

Shanny's known for playing games identical to this to "send a message to" or "motivate" guys who are in fact ahead on the depth chart. I won't believe any of this regarding Armstrong until I see this replicated during the regular season.

 

[Sidewinder16]

There were a few drops. Off the top of my head, I remember one by Moss, one by Thomas, and one by Davis in the endzone.

I'm generally a "if you can touch it, you should catch it" kind of guy, and I certainly don't want to excuse the WRs for their part, but many of the drops that occurred this past game came on passes that could have been thrown much better. Armstrong's long catch should have been a TD, but was underthrown, significantly.I think a lot of it is still McNabb and the receivers getting used to each other. I certainly don't expect a 42% completion percentage to be the norm throughout the season.

 

[dgreen]

There were a few drops. Off the top of my head, I remember one by Moss, one by Thomas, and one by Davis in the endzone.

I'm generally a "if you can touch it, you should catch it" kind of guy, and I certainly don't want to excuse the WRs for their part, but many of the drops that occurred this past game came on passes that could have been thrown much better. Armstrong's long catch should have been a TD, but was underthrown, significantly.I think a lot of it is still McNabb and the receivers getting used to each other. I certainly don't expect a 42% completion percentage to be the norm throughout the season.

The three examples I mentioned were drops under any definition. I've heard there were 6-7 drops in the game, but I don't remember that many being clear drops like those three. Two others I now remember are Larry Lohnson's volleyball effort and a swing pass to Portis. Of course, both Thomas and Armstrong make a couple nice catches on poorly thrown balls.Yes, the Armstrong catch was underthrown, but the ball still traveled 56 yards in the air. I'm guessing under perfect conditions (no rush) McNabb can hit 60 yards in the air, which would have been a TD, but he did have a couple defenders headed his way. Ideally he would have stepped into more as if there was no rush and taken a bigger hit. But, I can live with that play in the preseason. He's proven to be very, very good on deep balls and I think he'll hit plenty of those this season. I was more disappointed with McNabb overthrowing Armstrong on an out-and-up in the second quarter than underthrowing that bomb. That play reminded me of Campbell.

 

[dgreen]

L. Johnson looked brutal. Slow, no hands, poor blocking. In limited action, Portis showed why he will be the starter.

I'm very sorry Mile Sellers got hurt, but he looked bad before leaving. Whiffed on several blocks.

Cooley and Moss looked good. They should both rack up a lot of catches and yards with McNabb throwing to them.

Armstrong looked good. At least he should make the team as Moss' backup.

Didn't see much pressure out of the first team D.

For the Ravens, I hardly saw Boldin targeted. Mason got a lot more looks, although a lot of them were off-target. Heap got more targets than Boldin too.

I think Armstrong was in early as the 3rd wide receiver. I would think there is a good chance he can hold on to that position.

Shanny's known for playing games identical to this to "send a message to" or "motivate" guys who are in fact ahead on the depth chart. I won't believe any of this regarding Armstrong until I see this replicated during the regular season.

Right now, you can't argue with Armstrong's production and his hands. And he's done that against first team defenses.

 

[fatness]

team sources say the defensive lineman was sidelined last week with a mild case of rhabdomyolysis, a condition marked by the breakdown of skeletal muscle and the release of myoglobin in the bloodstream.

Haynesworth accused Shanahan of mischaracterizing his ailment as a mere headache, and three sources said Sunday that the team believes Haynesworth's symptoms were brought about by rhabdomyolysis, which caused Haynesworth to miss nearly three full days of practice last week.

Haynesworth's symptoms, which included swelling of the hands and feet, nausea, headaches and vomiting, were not at the extreme end of the spectrum, and he recovered in time to take part in Saturday's preseason game with the Ravens

According to the National Center for Health, there are approximately 26,000 reported cases of rhabdomyolysis a year, but it's not clear how many athletes suffer from the condition. Another Redskins player is believed to have suffered from it last season, according to one team source

Rick Maese and Jason Reid

 

[fatness]

Detailed game reviews by John Keim. Keim is just a good reporter.

Offense

Defense

There's way too much to quote, but both articles are good.

 

[Chewbanks]

L. Johnson looked brutal. Slow, no hands, poor blocking. In limited action, Portis showed why he will be the starter.

I'm very sorry Mile Sellers got hurt, but he looked bad before leaving. Whiffed on several blocks.

Cooley and Moss looked good. They should both rack up a lot of catches and yards with McNabb throwing to them.

Armstrong looked good. At least he should make the team as Moss' backup.

Didn't see much pressure out of the first team D.

For the Ravens, I hardly saw Boldin targeted. Mason got a lot more looks, although a lot of them were off-target. Heap got more targets than Boldin too.

I think Armstrong was in early as the 3rd wide receiver. I would think there is a good chance he can hold on to that position.

Shanny's known for playing games identical to this to "send a message to" or "motivate" guys who are in fact ahead on the depth chart. I won't believe any of this regarding Armstrong until I see this replicated during the regular season.

Right now, you can't argue with Armstrong's production and his hands. And he's done that against first team defenses.

Amazing how the same lesson needs to be relearned every August-September . . .

 

[fatness]

Rich Campbell's review of the game. More good reporting.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Just a heads up, Armstrong is on MFL now.

 

[buster c]

Cooley and Moss looked good. They should both rack up a lot of catches and yards with McNabb throwing to them.

Receivers were getting wide open. Not something I'm used to seeing. I love how they are getting Moss open coming across the field underneath. And I love the shots they are taking down the field.I know Keim mentioned the 11 completions for 206 yards in just 1 half of work, but the 42% completion percentage needs work. Hopefully it's just McNabb still getting used to new receivers.

It's so refreshing watching McNabb after years of Campbell.

 

[buster c]

Classic Dan Snyder

So Fat Albert gets too much air time after the game and the Little Danny Snder we all know resurfaces. I can tell you that Shanny called Zack into his office after getting canned, apologized and told him that 'this is not how I do things.'

Peter King, Sports Illustrated: Don't know what Zack Bolno did to deserve whacking in Wash, though I can guess. But he's one of the best PR men I've ever dealt with. Sad.

(King also mentioned Zack in his column, pointing out that the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants haven't changed PR directors since 2000, while the Redskins have had seven people in the job since that time.)

Pablo Torre, Sports Illustrated: Seconded.

Chris Mortensen, ESPN: Let me also chime in on sudden departure of Zack Bolno from Redskins PR staff: VERY DISAPPOINTING.

Ross Tucker, SI.com: I second this.

Steve Wyche, NFL.com: My two cents worth too: Zack Bolno = Total class. Great, great guy. Hate to see him gone. Rt there with you Mort. Very disappointing.

Seth Wickersham, ESPN The Magazine: Sad about Zach Bolno being fired in Washington. One of the best PR guys I've ever worked with.

David Elfin, AOL FanHouse: Zack Bolno's firing by the #Redskins is a travesty, especially this close to the start of the season when all NFL jobs are filled ...

Nischelle Turner, Fox Sports: Just heard my friend/collegue Zach Bolno was fired frm the Redskins PR Dept. Bad move Skins. Professionally 1 of THE best. Personally: a gem

Bob Glauber, Newsday: This one hurts: My good buddy Zack Bolno has been pushed out the door in Washington. Excellent PR man caught up in Redskins' vortex. Sigh....Anyone needing a reference on Zack Bolno can contact me any time. Class act. Everything a PR person should be ... that is all.

Judy Battista, New York Times: Sorry to hear that Zack Bolno is out as the head of the Redskins PR dept. He was a real pro under often difficult circumstances there.

Albert Breer, Boston Globe: Zack Bolno, in my time at Sporting News and now w/Globe, was awesome to deal with. Saw the Redskins through a very tough time.

Rick Stroud, St. Petersburg Times: NO finer PR pro than Zack Bolno, who abruptly left Redskins.

Rick Maese, Washington Post: On personal note, Bolno was often a big help during a difficult stretch of team history. Good at his job and I'm sure he'll land on his feet

Paul Tenorio, Washington Post: Just heard about Zack Bolno leaving. He was always great to work with and great to deal with. Am sure he'll land on his feet somewhere soon.

Mike Jones, TBD: I'll miss Zack Bolno, no longer w Skins PR. complete class act. helped me learn pro sports coverage when i started out on the Wiz beat in 08

Samuel Chamberlain, TBD: Only knew Zack Bolno for a very short time, but he was always very good to me. He'll be missed by everyone who covers the Redskins.

Rich Campbell, Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star: Shoutout to Zack Bolno, who has left Redskins PR. He always tried to ensure small newspapers like mine got equal treatment. He'll be missed

Rick Snider, Washington Examiner: Redskins PR man Zack Bolno leaves. 1 of best I've worked with in 32 years.

John Keim, Washington Examiner: The Redskins lose PR types all the time; but Bolno worked awfully hard and was accommodating. didn't play favorites.

Kevin Ewoldt, Hogs Haven: Late to the game, but Zack Bolno gave me my 1st access & credential to Redskins camp last year. Forever grateful & wish him the best.

Chris Miller, Comcast SportsNet: Just heard about my good friend Zack Bolno. When one door closes another opens. Praying for u buddy.

Kelli Johnson, Comcast SportsNet: He deserves better; Skins throwing another good guy under the bus!

Gary Bender, Comcast SportsNet: Bolno was a good guy, definitely made my job a bit easier... he'll be missed out in Ashburn

Ivan Carter, Comcast SportsNet: Bummer about Skins PR man Zach Bolno. A really good dude.

Chick Hernandez, Comcast SportsNet: Damn shame!!!! Not his fault.

Britt McHenry, WJLA: Zack Bolno is a great person and press representative.

Bruce Rader, WAVY: Redskins fire their Media guy Zack Bolno. I liked Zack, and this is not surprising as this happens every 2 years.

Chris Russell, ESPN 980: Wow! Redskins organization just took a major hit with Zack Bolno leaving. We had some early battles, but I had a ton of respect for him....A very unpopular decision based on players I have spoken with.

Lauren Houlon, ESPN 980: GREAT PR Guy! Zack helped me get into this industry & has supported my work every since. Thank you Zack!

Sky Kerstein, 106.7 The Fan: Sorry to hear about Zack Bolno, one of the real good guys in the industry, really too bad.

Grant Paulsen, 106.7 The Fan: Redskins media members will miss Zack Bolno. Very good guy and easy to work with. Somebody's PR staff will be getting an upgrade real soon.

Todd Wright, Sporting News Radio: As a Cowboy fan, I'm supposed to hate the Redskins. But I REALLY hate that today they fired longtime friend & respected PR man, Zack Bolno.

Mike Ryan, Dan LeBatard Show: Why did Zack Bolno lose his job with the Redskins? That guy's phone should be blowing up with offers already. Solid PR person.

Mike Prada, SB Nation: Former Wizards PR director Zack Bolno just got abruptly fired by the Redskins. A complete shock. Feel terrible for him.

Lisa Pagano, formerly of Washington Nationals: Sorry to hear about Zach Bolno - had a chance to work with him a few times over the years, always a great help.

Michael Hogan, University of South Florida: It's a shame of what the Washington Redskins did to PR guru Zack Bolno. He is a class guy and a credit to the profession.

Diane Chesebrough, Football News Now: Zack Bolno is a great guy. Can't imagine Redskins Park without him.

Warpath Confidential: Best wishes to departing #Redskins PR Zack Bolno, who deserves better. Great PR guy. Leonsis - are you paying attention? Hire Zack.

SB Nation DC: Want to wish Zack Bolno luck. The Redskins PR team and the franchise as a whole will miss him.

SkinsCast: Zack Bolno was a stand-up guy. By far the best PR guy we've worked with Redskins. Too bad they turn over so quickly in this business.

Real Redskins: Zack Bolno deserves kudos for going through the Jerry Gray interviewing for Jim Zorn's job fiasco, among many other issues.

Craig Mish, former co-worker: If there is an NFL, MLB or NBA team out there that wants the best...you go get Zach Bolno. End of story.

Phillip Daniels, Redskins: Dang I'm going to miss Zack Bolno. One of my all time favorite people. Thanks for all you have done for my family.

 

[fatness]

Why was he fired, buster, do you know? I'm guessing it has something to do with the increasing amount of bad press the front office is getting over Haynesworth, or they figured out (or guessed) that Bolno was leaking stuff to the media.

 

[fatness]

Donovan McNabb is in a walking boot. Trent Williams says his bruised arm will be fine, and he wants to see the film of his game against Suggs. Mike Sellers has an injured leg. Shanahan said he doesn't know if McNabb or Sellers will play against the Jets.

The Redskins signed Carey Davis, FB and Tyrone Carter, S, to fill spots for Sellers and Kareem Moore.

Shanahan and Haynesworth talked today. Neither has talked about what was said. Haynesworth played DE with the first team today.

 

[fatness]

Kareem Moore had surgery today on his knee today. Malcolm Kelly did not practice again. And John Keim talks about Haynesworth.

1. I have to imagine this Albert Haynesworth drama is starting to kill Jim Haslett. For starters, he’s a tough Western Pennsylvania guy; they believe in working a certain way. And he’s a former linebacker who survived on that toughness. Now he’s having to deal with this saga? He’s not going to say anything because Mike Shanahan controls this team and nothing gets out without his approval. But Haslett did say enough’s enough.

2. Here’s the other thing; his defense works when Haynesworth is in the game. A lot of what they want to do with the linebackers is predicated on having a stud like Haynesworth up front. Vonnie Holliday is a good backup, but he’s a backup at this stage. He was crunched by a double team the other night while working with the starters in the nickel package. And some of the pressure Brian Orakpo is applying gets lost because there hasn’t always been someone else to clean up if he forces the QB up in the pocket. Or there’s no one to force a QB into Orakpo. Haynesworth can do this; Haslett knows it.

3. But it’s also clear that after the other night Shanahan has not made the progress with Haynesworth that he thought. Haynesworth is what he is; he might do as he’s told, but he’s not going to fall completely in line. Never has; never will. But he is motivated by certain things: scholarships, draft, contracts. And every time he’s motivated he dominates. Consider this: if Haynesworth gets cut after the season, do you think he’d get big money coming off two subpar years with questions about his behavior and work ethic? He knows that too. If he really wants out, he’ll play well, get cut (or traded) and then get a bigger deal. Of course, if he plays that well, why would the Redskins get rid of him?

 

[netnalp]

Think the way the Redskins handle Haynesworth will impact McNabb's decision to re-sign? After the season, the Vikings, Cards, Jags, Browns, Bills, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Panthers are other teams that might have interest in McNabb next season.

 

[Lowen1]

I know this isn't really Skins related, but I'm really digging Julie Donaldson on CSN Washington. Especially with the sound off. If you look the photos, there are some very nice shots of her sitting on the Redsox dugout. And with the Miami Heat cheerleaders. Here are more pics from Miami.

Ok, back to regular programming.

 

[thayman]

Think the way the Redskins handle Haynesworth will impact McNabb's decision to re-sign? After the season, the Vikings, Cards, Jags, Browns, Bills, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Panthers are other teams that might have interest in McNabb next season.

I would doubt it. I haven't read anything about McNabb's contract for awhile but he did buy a house in the area and last thing I heard was that he did want to resign but needed to wait until the CBA negotiations were over.

 

[thayman]

Where has Redman been? changed names again and I haven't picked up on it?

 

[Chewbanks]

Where has Redman been? changed names again and I haven't picked up on it?

 

[thayman]

Where has Redman been? changed names again and I haven't picked up on it?

I was suspicous, but it's tough to keep up with you sometimes.

 

[southeastjerome]

I know this isn't really Skins related, but I'm really digging Julie Donaldson on CSN Washington. Especially with the sound off. If you look the photos, there are some very nice shots of her sitting on the Redsox dugout. And with the Miami Heat cheerleaders. Here are more pics from Miami.

Ok, back to regular programming.

I was wondering where she went. I enjoyed watching her on Channel 7 news here in Boston doing sports. Then she left abruptly after some meathead scumbag she was dating continually beat her, the last time actually breaking bones in her face. What a doosh. Glad to see she is still in the game.

 

[fatness]

Think the way the Redskins handle Haynesworth will impact McNabb's decision to re-sign? After the season, the Vikings, Cards, Jags, Browns, Bills, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Panthers are other teams that might have interest in McNabb next season.

I think it will depend more on how the team does, and if the team doesn't do well, how the coach and GM deal with the adversity. If the trajectory seems upward and hopeful I think McNabb will want to stay. If it seems flat and patchwork, why would he want to? I don't think things with Haynesworth will have anything to do with it.

 

[dgreen]

Cerrato on Haynesworth! And some other gems out of Cerrato's mouth.

 

[Chewbanks]

Cerrato on Haynesworth! And some other gems out of Cerrato's mouth.

Orapko

 

[Snotbubbles]

There were a few drops. Off the top of my head, I remember one by Moss, one by Thomas, and one by Davis in the endzone.

I'm generally a "if you can touch it, you should catch it" kind of guy, and I certainly don't want to excuse the WRs for their part, but many of the drops that occurred this past game came on passes that could have been thrown much better. Armstrong's long catch should have been a TD, but was underthrown, significantly.I think a lot of it is still McNabb and the receivers getting used to each other. I certainly don't expect a 42% completion percentage to be the norm throughout the season.

The three examples I mentioned were drops under any definition. I've heard there were 6-7 drops in the game, but I don't remember that many being clear drops like those three. Two others I now remember are Larry Lohnson's volleyball effort and a swing pass to Portis. Of course, both Thomas and Armstrong make a couple nice catches on poorly thrown balls.Yes, the Armstrong catch was underthrown, but the ball still traveled 56 yards in the air. I'm guessing under perfect conditions (no rush) McNabb can hit 60 yards in the air, which would have been a TD, but he did have a couple defenders headed his way. Ideally he would have stepped into more as if there was no rush and taken a bigger hit. But, I can live with that play in the preseason. He's proven to be very, very good on deep balls and I think he'll hit plenty of those this season. I was more disappointed with McNabb overthrowing Armstrong on an out-and-up in the second quarter than underthrowing that bomb. That play reminded me of Campbell.

McNabb usually throws a pretty good deep ball and has the arm strength to hit the sideline routes. Those are areas where he isn't worried about turnovers and just lets it loose. His major problem is the intermediate stuff over the middle where he throws it behind the reciever or bounces it to him because he looks like he's pulling the string on the passes.

 

[fatness]

Cerrato on Haynesworth! And some other gems out of Cerrato's mouth.

When you're that stupid you should just shut up. Vinnie should get up one morning, sew his lips shut, and enjoy his new-found intelligence.

 

[fatness]

Is there a list anywhere of all the players Shanahan and Allen have added since they started? I'd like to keep a list, and see which ones are with the team at the beginning of the year, the end of the year, and the beginning of next year.

 

[fatness]

Keiland Williams

Williams has inserted himself into the running back competition with one good game and another that was decent. But he could separate himself from other potential backups with his work on special teams. Williams posted average numbers, with three kickoffs for a 23.7-yard average vs. Baltimore. But at least one teammate is anxious to see more. “Some of the younger guys don’t trust the wedge as much,” said Lorenzo Alexander, who is part of the blocking wedge. “Once Williams figures it out, he’s going to be nice.”

John Keim

 

[fatness]

Sellers and McNabb are out for the Jets game.

Also:

1. Willie Parker gets his shot Friday, but should one game determine all for him? Here’s the thing: we already know who Parker is as a running back. He offers some speed, but he’s not a good pass protector and his hands are questionable. One game won’t change that; even if he picks up a couple blitzes. Could mean he just got lucky.

2. The same is true of Larry Johnson. If the Redskins want him to be a better pass protector, shame on them. He’s never been one; he won’t start being one now. Could he improve? Yes. But not to the point where they could trust him to save Donovan McNabb from a blitz. What troubled me about Johnson was his lack of burst and inability to make guys miss at the line.

3. After that game, you had to add running back depth to wide receiver depth as two main issues for this offense.

link

 

[fatness]

Cerrato on Haynesworth! And some other gems out of Cerrato's mouth.

From another source:

Vinny Cerrato blamed Sherman Smith in part for Albert Haynesworth coming to Washington. Said on 106.7 The Fan that Smith vouched for Haynesworth having spent time with him in Tennessee. However, it wasn’t hard to find anyone around the league who would have said the same thing: Be careful. There’s no way the Redskins didn’t know this; it took me one call to hear someone rip into his character. One call. The Redskins owner wanted Haynesworth; he gets what he wants.

 

[fatness]

This has nothing to do with the Redskins but you guys will probably like it.

Resolving problems by using a 3-point stance.

 

[Marvelous]

Jason Reid covers the possibility that Johnson and Parker could both be cut:

At this point, many in the organization privately acknowledge that Portis, barring unforeseen circumstances, will line up with the first-team offense Sept. 12 against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Who will be his primary backup?

Johnson or Parker still could make the opening 53-man roster, but it also wouldn't be shocking if both were released. The Redskins are high on young backs Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams, and there are two preseason games remaining.

When Shanahan was with the Denver Broncos, he sometimes made surprising roster moves in choosing younger players over established veterans. It's still unknown which path Shanahan will take with the backup spots, but at least Portis's role seems clear.

 

[dgreen]

Is there a list anywhere of all the players Shanahan and Allen have added since they started? I'd like to keep a list, and see which ones are with the team at the beginning of the year, the end of the year, and the beginning of next year.

Transactions

 

[fatness]

Thanks.

 

[Chewbanks]

Kelly still has a shot at wide receiver for RedskinsAugust 24, 2010 - 03:35 PMBy Mike Jones (Twitter @MikeJonesTBD) Coach Mike Shanahan said today that although Malcolm Kelly on Friday will miss a third preseason game, he still has a chance to make the team. (Photo: Associated Press). Third-year wide receiver Malcolm Kelly missed yet another day of practice because of his badly strained hamstring, and already has been ruled out of Friday's preseason game at the New York Jets.But coach Mike Shanahan maintained that Kelly isn't yet in danger of missing the cut to make the 53-man regular season roster."Let's not count anybody out," Shanahan said today. "Let's just take it day by day. I saw him run some routes today almost full-speed, straight ahead. I haven't talked to him yet. But hopefully he can go next week."The 6-foot-4, 226-pound Kelly -- drafted 51st overall out of Oklahoma in 2008 -- is the Redskins' biggest receiver, and Shanahan praised his abilities during the spring OTAs (organized team activities). But his career to this point has been a disappointment. A knee injury limited to Kelly to just five games as a rookie. Then last season, despite playing in all 16 games -- starting 10 of them -- he managed only 25 catches for 347 yards and had no touchdowns.Poor route running had been one of the main criticisms against Kelly, so he spent the offseason working on that aspect of his game. Problem is, he hasn't been able to display his improvement.Kelly strained the hamstring while training with quarterback Donovan McNabb in Phoenix the week before training camp. He tried to rush back and practice on the first day of camp, July29, but has been sidelined ever since.Each week, Kelly has had his return pushed back. Shanahan said last week that the receiver was only at about 50 to 60 percent healed. Kelly said yesterday, however, that he has improved significantly, but still not quite enough."It feels night and day like it did yesterday," Kelly said. "I went out there early, trying to do this and that. But I've got to be smarter out there."Kelly is a member of a crowded receiving corps that features nine other receivers. Santana Moss remains the top wideout, and Joey Galloway has spent all of training camp at the No. 2 receiver spot. Second-year player Anthony Amrstrong in two preseason games has made nine catches for 93 yards. Another young receiver, Brandon Banks, has stood out on special teams, returning a punt 77 yards for a touchdown. Fellow third-year receiver Devin Thomas had a 40-yard touchdown reception against Bufalo two weeks ago, but has been inconsistent this preseason.With the Redskins likely to carry only five or six receivers, Kelly needs to have something to show for in the preseason, but he s said Shanahan and his assistants have stressed to him that he not rush back before he is healthy."They told me to be patient. They'd rather me come back all the way healthy than to hurry back and then hurt myself worse."

I will reassert my prediction that Kelly begins the year on the PUP.

 

[dgreen]

Chris Hanburger will be one of two Senior Committee nominations for the HOF in February.

 

[Chewbanks]

Chris Hanburger will be one of two Senior Committee nominations for the HOF in February.

About time.

 

[fatness]

Randy Thomas signed with the Dolphins a week ago. They just cut him.

McNabb unlikely to play in 4th preseason game.

 

[fatness]

link

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth will play both nose tackle and defensive end in Friday's preseason game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., but will not start with the first team.

Haynesworth played exclusively nose tackle during the third quarter of last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, then complained about being relegated to the second half. Shanahan later said the playing time was basically meant as a conditioning stint for the ninth-year veteran, who has missed most of training camp after failing to pass a running test and struggling with a kidney condition that, sources said caused him to sit out more than two practices last week.

Let's see if I've got it. You can't play if you haven't practiced, Haynesworth didn't practice last week, so they played him. You can't play if you're not in game shape, so they played him to get him in game shape. Got it.

 

[fatness]

The University of California alums and good friends, who formerly played different positions, have been working at outside linebacker throughout the preseason, and even with two preseason games remaining, it appears Carter will start opposite Brian Orakpo. Alexander is still actively involved on special teams and has numerous responsibilities in many defensive packages, so having Carter start makes sense from a workload standpoint.

linkCarter still needs to get considerably better on pass coverage, and on not getting suckered to the inside on plays that go wide.

 

[fatness]

However, Smith told CSNwashington.com that it’s “ridiculous” that Cerrato in part blamed him. “They wouldn’t give a guy a $100 million contract based only on what I said,” Smith said. “I told them exactly about our experience in Tennessee and said you guys make the decision.” Smith said his advice was boiled down to two words: buyer beware. “The people in that meeting know what I said — you won’t find one guy in that meeting who will come out and say what Vinny said,” Smith said. “Not one.”

link

 

[fatness]

Anthony Armstrong

8. For selfish reasons, let’s hope Anthony Armstrong makes the final roster. Not sure I’ve ever talked to a receiver before who drops a Robert Frost reference. Got a story running on him in Thursday’s print edition. Here’s a couple snippets:

About his unusual path to the NFL (veering through the Intense Football League, then the Arena Football League), he said:

“I took a detour. Robert Frost said there are two roads that [diverged] and I took the road less traveled. My road was the one to the side of the ones less traveled.”

9. And then: “I’ve come from the bottom of the barrel. It made me refocus and saying I’m not gonna get cut. I refuse to get cut from a team again.”

10. At 27 years old, this could be Armstrong’s last chance to make a roster. He’s with the right team; if the Redskins had any depth, Armstrong might not have gotten a strong look. But they don’t have any, so he did.

11. What I liked about his effort the other night is how quick he came out of his breaks. Did a great job selling the fakes, too, in each case. He’s not a big guy at 5-foot-11 (a stretch), 185 pounds. He can get inside on slant routes thanks to his footwork and that ability to sell fakes. And he doesn’t waste a lot of movement on his fakes, either. Just good footwork. Once he cuts, too, he’s able to accelerate quickly. He’s not a budding star, but he is someone who has earned a spot on this roster.

 

[fsufan]

Anthony Armstrong

8. For selfish reasons, let’s hope Anthony Armstrong makes the final roster. Not sure I’ve ever talked to a receiver before who drops a Robert Frost reference. Got a story running on him in Thursday’s print edition. Here’s a couple snippets:

About his unusual path to the NFL (veering through the Intense Football League, then the Arena Football League), he said:

“I took a detour. Robert Frost said there are two roads that [diverged] and I took the road less traveled. My road was the one to the side of the ones less traveled.”

9. And then: “I’ve come from the bottom of the barrel. It made me refocus and saying I’m not gonna get cut. I refuse to get cut from a team again.”

10. At 27 years old, this could be Armstrong’s last chance to make a roster. He’s with the right team; if the Redskins had any depth, Armstrong might not have gotten a strong look. But they don’t have any, so he did.

11. What I liked about his effort the other night is how quick he came out of his breaks. Did a great job selling the fakes, too, in each case. He’s not a big guy at 5-foot-11 (a stretch), 185 pounds. He can get inside on slant routes thanks to his footwork and that ability to sell fakes. And he doesn’t waste a lot of movement on his fakes, either. Just good footwork. Once he cuts, too, he’s able to accelerate quickly. He’s not a budding star, but he is someone who has earned a spot on this roster.

any dynasty sleeper value here?

 

[fatness]

Possibly. In my opinion he's made the team already, and I don't think it is really decided who WR2, WR3, and WR4 are yet. The guy gets open quickly, has good hands, and doesn't drop much so far.

 

[dgreen]

However, Smith told CSNwashington.com that it’s “ridiculous” that Cerrato in part blamed him. “They wouldn’t give a guy a $100 million contract based only on what I said,” Smith said. “I told them exactly about our experience in Tennessee and said you guys make the decision.” Smith said his advice was boiled down to two words: buyer beware. “The people in that meeting know what I said — you won’t find one guy in that meeting who will come out and say what Vinny said,” Smith said. “Not one.”

link

I think Vinny might be a worse VP of Football Operations/Talk Show Host than Spurrier was an NFL head coach. Just absolutely 100% horrible. Thankfully, we can all laugh about it now.

 

[Chewbanks]

Anthony Armstrong

8. For selfish reasons, let’s hope Anthony Armstrong makes the final roster. Not sure I’ve ever talked to a receiver before who drops a Robert Frost reference. Got a story running on him in Thursday’s print edition. Here’s a couple snippets:

About his unusual path to the NFL (veering through the Intense Football League, then the Arena Football League), he said:

“I took a detour. Robert Frost said there are two roads that [diverged] and I took the road less traveled. My road was the one to the side of the ones less traveled.”

9. And then: “I’ve come from the bottom of the barrel. It made me refocus and saying I’m not gonna get cut. I refuse to get cut from a team again.”

10. At 27 years old, this could be Armstrong’s last chance to make a roster. He’s with the right team; if the Redskins had any depth, Armstrong might not have gotten a strong look. But they don’t have any, so he did.

11. What I liked about his effort the other night is how quick he came out of his breaks. Did a great job selling the fakes, too, in each case. He’s not a big guy at 5-foot-11 (a stretch), 185 pounds. He can get inside on slant routes thanks to his footwork and that ability to sell fakes. And he doesn’t waste a lot of movement on his fakes, either. Just good footwork. Once he cuts, too, he’s able to accelerate quickly. He’s not a budding star, but he is someone who has earned a spot on this roster.

any dynasty sleeper value here?

Possibly. It probably depends more upon how Thomas, Kelly, Austin and Banks shake out than anything Armstrong does, and none of us really know what the WR corps will look like in terms of snaps except that Moss figures to be on the field as much as anybody, and Thomas figures to get every opportunity to succeed. Also, this is a team that has two excellent receiving TE's and that will run a lot of 2-TE sets. If you're in a deep, start-3 WR league, then maybe he's worth stowing on your roster, but he's a total flier. It's not guaranteed he'll even make the roster.

Every year there's usually one player, typically a WR or QB, who Redskins fans and some team writers fall in love with who amounts to nothing. This could well be that guy.

 

[dgreen]

Every year there's usually one player, typically a WR or QB, who Redskins fans and some team writers fall in love with who amounts to nothing. This could well be that guy.

But those guys don't tend to play with the first team. Colt Brennan, Marko Mitchell, Marcus Mason, even back to Babe Laufenberg were all 4th quarter producers. Armstrong is not. I can't think of a productive training camp/preseason player who ran a lot with the first team who was cut.

 

[Chewbanks]

Every year there's usually one player, typically a WR or QB, who Redskins fans and some team writers fall in love with who amounts to nothing. This could well be that guy.

But those guys don't tend to play with the first team. Colt Brennan, Marko Mitchell, Marcus Mason, even back to Babe Laufenberg were all 4th quarter producers. Armstrong is not. I can't think of a productive training camp/preseason player who ran a lot with the first team who was cut.

None of those guys, with the exception of Mitchell, were competing against the low/unproven quality of players at their position that Armstrong is, and Mitchell has since gotten zero opportunity for the 'Skins and has been cut by them and two more teams. I'm just sayin'.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Where has Redman been? changed names again and I haven't picked up on it?

I was suspicous, but it's tough to keep up with you sometimes.

Same, on both accounts. When Chewbanks first appeared I figured it was redman, but then some of his post seemed "un-redman-like". Question for redman: I saw your redman account in the IDP forum a few weeks back (I believe). Is that one retired from posting by choice?