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

[fatness]

With the large number of WRs the Redskins have signed, it appears Shanahan/Allen have identified this as a weakness on the team. So I am questioning whether Marko Mitchell and even Malcoolm Kelly and Devin Thomas are locks to make the team.

Thomas and Kelly are certain to make the team. Mitchell will have to earn a spot, but my guess is that he'll succeed. I think Wade may make the team as well.

 

[southeastjerome]

Galloway sucked in New England, didn't he?

Yes, and then in Pittsburgh too.

 

[southeastjerome]

I like all this WR competition. A ploy to motivate Thomas and Kelly?

 

[southeastjerome]

Keep hearin changes brewin in football ops and scouting in DC. Jim and Jeff Goodman could be on the way in.

JLC on Twitter

 

[fatness]

I read months ago they were keeping the current scouting staff until after the draft, and were going to make changes then. They didn't want new scouts to come in so close to the draft.

 

[fatness]

Love him or hate him or in between, this is the longest interview yet with Clinton Portis.

The 1st 17 minutes of a 55 minute interview with Chris Russell.

106.7 The FAN: Do you worry about the long-term effects and burying your head?

CP: “I don’t sit and think if I bury my head – what’s going to happen. I think that the shot I ended up taking, you couldn’t time that up again if you tried. If it happens again, it happens. We’ll deal with it at that point. For right now, I’m just looking forward to being on the field again.”

106.7 The FAN: Were you and Coach Jim Zorn on the page football wise and professionally? Can you clear up all the issues?

CP: “I don’t think it really needs to be clear up. As far as Coach Zorn, he’s got an opportunity to help out the Baltimore Ravens and I think he will be a great addition to that coaching staff. I think it was just timing. It was a lot of intangibles, a lot of stuff that people wouldn’t know. You can’t just blame and point a finger at Coach Zorn. It was a lot of stuff in between me and Coach Zorn. A lot of people thought I was going above, which I never did. It’s life. I wish him nothing but the best. I got an opportunity to know his son. He is a great guy. I don’t think the situation he ended up being here was meant for him. He is a praying man and I think God going to put him where he need to be.”

106.7 The FAN: Did you feel bad for Zorn when they stripped him of his play-calling?

CP: “There were so much going on. The outside world would never know. You just had to be there to know what was going on. It was just an unfortunate situation.”

CP: “I think everything opens up for each other and goes hand in hand. Speaking of the running backs, I think our backfield being loaded with proven talent; that’s a wonderful thing. Then you have a proven quarterback, you have receivers that are eager. You have proven tight-ends. You have a line that has been upgraded. You have a lot of guys that want to prove, that they still got it. Donovan want to prove he still got it. Me, myself, Larry and Willie — all of us want to prove we still got it.”

“Chris Cooley looking forward to coming back, you got Fred D. (Davis) who emerged as a new guy. Then you have Devin, Santana and Malcolm. You look at our offense, and it’s totally different.

“Whether people like it or not — knowing that I leave it on the field. Blood, sweat and tears. I’ve always been the focal point of this franchise. That’s what people fail to realize. It’s not like we line up and have Donovan McNabb at quarterback, Randy Moss at receiver and well – it’s like we stop Clinton Portis and we got a chance to win.”

“I’ve been in a lot of situations where I was just taken out of the game. I wasn’t given an opportunity, a track record will tell you – 20, 25 touches — I think our record is 27 – 3.”

106.7 The FAN: Has the new coaching staff asked you to slim down a bit and get back to what you used to be in Denver and at the University of Miami?

CP: “It’s not that they asked me. I came up with the decision, to get back down. I was playing tough man football. No matter how you cut it, with Coach Gibbs or Coach Zorn, we were playing tough man football. I think Coach Gibbs motto was just to be the toughest...........

.............“This whole organization went through a lot. All of the coaching changes. Being hit by the injury bug. I played behind the lines that got injured. Well we loss Chris Samuels, we lost Jon Jansen, we lost Randy Thomas. I was always part of those makeshift line. I still performed, I still got it done, I still gave everything I had. You look at the other top guys in the league, they solid. Their line, are there from week one — to wherever they end up in the playoffs. You look at me – we played with a makeshift line probably 6 out of the 7 years that we had the same linemen started off week one and finish that week 17.”

 

[jbz]

Bobby Wade is a legit NFL WR, albeit a reserve one. He could easily make the Team as WR5 if the Rookie indeed gets used as both KR/PR. SMoss, Thomas, Kelly, MMitchell, Wade...Between Keenan McCardell in a Coaching Role (Kelly), and Galloway (DThomas), you've got two guys who pretty much excelled at what I'd like to see out of the two young WR. I would imagine that's pretty much what Galloway is there for - being paid to mentor and push Devin Thomas to develop some of his raw skills......haven't posted in a while, been busy, but have plenty to share.As I'm a PSU Alum, I know I'll take some ribbing for being biased, but I was flat out thrilled to see Darryl Clark land with the 'skins. There's a lot to like about Darryl Clark, and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the mix......biased or not, he's going to put an end to this annoying "Cult of Colt" for once and for all, and I'm grateful for that. You all know about how I feel about that guy: Nothing personal, I like the kid's competitive nature and personality, but he doesn't belong on an NFL Roster.

Colt Brennan would throw rings around Darryl Clark. It wouldn't be close in a throwing competition. Sorry to say and I am the furthest thing from a Cult of Colt member.

 

[Sebowski]

I just pulled out my 91 Redskins NFC Championship mug and realized that thing will turn 20 years old next year. That is a hell of a long time in between Super Bowls.

 

[fatness]

Defensive end Dexter Manley II, the son of the former Washington Redskins star, is among those trying out this weekend. He played at three colleges, most recently at West Texas A&M in 2008.

He's trying out for the Vikings. Link

 

[fatness]

Warpath Confidential is a site that has some free content about the Redskins. Most of the articles, however, have that "Read More" link which takes you to a page where you have to buy a membership to continue reading.

I don't think I'll be paying them for anything.

This is the current article on their front page, and the portion you can read before being asked to join goes like this:

Joey Galloway? Aren’t they 15 years too late? – The big debate for the 1995 draft was Galloway versus Michael Westbrook. The Redskins chose Westbrook and endured seven years of bad luck.

Galloway has never become the marquee receiver expected, but he has been remarkably steady, catching 67 passes for 1,039 yards last season for Seattle at age 37. That would have led the Redskins last season in yards and second in catches. So, you’re telling me Galloway can’t help? Of course he can. Is Galloway a starter? Well, not right off, but don’t be surprised if he becomes one at some point.

Galloway's stats by year, from NFL.com:

Year  	Team  	G  	Rec  	Yds  	Avg  	Yds/G  	Lng  	TD  	20+  	40+  	1st  	FUM2009 	Pittsburgh Steelers 	0 	-- 	-- 	-- 	0.0 	-- 	-- 	-- 	-- 	-- 	--2009 	New England Patriots 	3 	7 	67 	9.6 	22.3 	19 	0 	0 	0 	3 	02008 	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 	9 	13 	138 	10.6 	15.3 	22 	0 	2 	0 	6 	01995  	 Seattle Seahawks   	16  	67  	1,039  	15.5  	64.9  	59T  	7  	13  	4  	46  	1

 

[NickyHatton]

yeah that's pretty bad. anyone who remotely follows football knows Galloway has been useless for years now. Time to get a new writer maybe

 

[thayman]

yeah that's pretty bad. anyone who remotely follows football knows Galloway has been useless for years now. Time to get a new writer maybe

I wouldn't say he is useless. If he can help lead the younger WRs and act as a player coach (kind of like McCardell years ago) it will be worth it.

 

[jbz]

Isn't McCardell the WR coach now? he's what, 2 years older then Galloway. They don't need Galloway. I doubt he makes the team.

 

[dgreen]

I really like everything I read about Kyle and everything I hear him say:

"The only position where one guy is out there is quarterback," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said following the team's first minicamp. "Whatever it is, our best player is going to be out on the field. If we feel two tight ends are better than three receivers, we'll put two tight ends out there and go with two receivers. It's whatever your personnel is, and you have to adjust that way as a coach."

 

[dgreen]

Rick Maese talks to a former scout:

I had a chance to catch up with Daniel Jeremiah this weekend. He's the former NFL scout who now runs MoveTheSticks.com and nearly always has something pretty smart to share.

Jeremiah was pointing out that it seemed not long ago a lot of people were ready to give up on the Redskins' trio of pass-catchers from the 2008 draft: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis. "I haven't given up on them, though," Jeremiah said.

He says that a change of scheme has a funny way of bringing out the best in players like Thomas, Kelly and Davis - guys who showed big potential coming out of college but didn't seem as comfortable in an NFL offense.

"Can scheme make a difference? Well, look at it in reverse," Jeremiah said. "Look at Denver two years ago. Remember Eddie Royal was ready to take over the league? He goes nuts under [Mike] Shanahan. And they switch coaches, switch systems and he's just nothing in McDaniel's offense."

Royal had 980 yards and five touchdowns on 91 receptions in 2008, his rookie year. Last year he had 345 yards - zero touchdowns -- on 37 catches.

"Shanahan's system has been tried and true in producing these types of guys," Jeremiah said. "A guy like Devin Thomas really seems to fit what he likes to do. Shanahan has always been able to take advantage of a big, strong guy like him."

Looking over their roster and their offseason changes, Jeremiah says Redskins fans have reason to be optimistic.

"The most important thing is they realized their main issues were on offense," he said, "and the best way to address that is upgrade the quarterback position and they did that. Next up was the offensive line. I thought they added a couple good pieces there with Trent Williams and with [Artis] Hicks. I'm not a huge [stephon] Heyer fan on the right side, but you can cover up a right tackle. You put a good tight end over there and you can do a lot of things to help a right tackle. You can't cover up a left tackle, though."

 

[Don Quixote]

From @Redskinsblog: "#Redskins release 5: RBs Anthony Alridge & P.J. Hill, WRs Marko Mitchell & James Robinson, and DL Anthony Montgomery all released."

So much for all those spending a lot of auction money on PJ Hill in dynasty leagues.

 

[fatness]

Confirmed.

The team released five players this morning, including receiver Marko Mitchell, who impressed during preseason last year but appears to be the odd man out following the team's recent veteran free agent signings.

Also released today: running backs Anthony Alridge and P.J. Hill, receiver James Robinson and defensive linemen Anthony Montgomery. But Mitchell's name will be the one that surprises most.

Rick Maese

 

[dgreen]

Interesting. I assume this means they like what they've seen from the other RBs and WRs. Is Portis in shape? LJ looking good? Coaches comfortable with Thomas and Kelly?

 

[southeastjerome]

Confirmed.

The team released five players this morning, including receiver Marko Mitchell, who impressed during preseason last year but appears to be the odd man out following the team's recent veteran free agent signings.

Also released today: running backs Anthony Alridge and P.J. Hill, receiver James Robinson and defensive linemen Anthony Montgomery. But Mitchell's name will be the one that surprises most.

Rick Maese

I'm a little surprised by this. He has the size Shanahan typically likes.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Confirmed.

The team released five players this morning, including receiver Marko Mitchell, who impressed during preseason last year but appears to be the odd man out following the team's recent veteran free agent signings.

Also released today: running backs Anthony Alridge and P.J. Hill, receiver James Robinson and defensive linemen Anthony Montgomery. But Mitchell's name will be the one that surprises most.

Rick Maese

I'm a little surprised by this. He has the size Shanahan typically likes.

Maybe. But what has he ever done? He's a 7th round draft pick that was always on the bubble of making the roster.

I'm far more surprised at the Montgomery release. He had far more experience than Mitchell and the size to play NT. I'm hoping it's more of an indicator of the talents/abilities of the other potential NTs on the roster than it is of Montgomery's.

 

[buster c]

somewhat surprising, but I trust in Shanny

 

[dgreen]

From Keim:

Last week's signings of Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade sent a strong signal that Washington is not thrilled with its receiving depth. If I'm Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas, I would not assume a starting role. At all. The Redskins also need a fifth receiver to contribute on special teams. That wasn't Marko.

Good point regarding special teams. Moss, Thomas, and Kelly are highly likely to make the team. Wade is relatively young and has proven to be a decent option in the NFL. So, if he's 4th, there's probably only one spot up for grabs. If this rookie WR/KR/PR guy makes the team because of his special teams abilities, there's just no room for Marko.

 

[fatness]

It's becoming increasingly apparent that the quality of players the Redskins were used to accepting as 2nd and 3rd stringers and special team players is now considered too low to accept to the current front office. I'm not unhappy about that.

 

[Marvelous]

Confirmed.

The team released five players this morning, including receiver Marko Mitchell, who impressed during preseason last year but appears to be the odd man out following the team's recent veteran free agent signings.

Also released today: running backs Anthony Alridge and P.J. Hill, receiver James Robinson and defensive linemen Anthony Montgomery. But Mitchell's name will be the one that surprises most.

Rick Maese

I'm a little surprised by this. He has the size Shanahan typically likes.

Maybe. But what has he ever done? He's a 7th round draft pick that was always on the bubble of making the roster.

I'm far more surprised at the Montgomery release. He had far more experience than Mitchell and the size to play NT. I'm hoping it's more of an indicator of the talents/abilities of the other potential NTs on the roster than it is of Montgomery's.

Shanahan has signed a lot of players, especially at WR and DL. It is clear they don't like the depth, maybe even the starters at those positions. One thing that is clear: the five players that were cut did not make a good impression on Shanahan and they were no longer in contention for a roster spot.

 

[NickyHatton]

yeah that's pretty bad. anyone who remotely follows football knows Galloway has been useless for years now. Time to get a new writer maybe

I wouldn't say he is useless. If he can help lead the younger WRs and act as a player coach (kind of like McCardell years ago) it will be worth it.

yeah I meant useless in terms of what he brings to the field on gameday. pretty sure this move was mostly about getting another veteran in during camp to help out the young guys

 

[Sebowski]

I really like everything I read about Kyle and everything I hear him say:

"The only position where one guy is out there is quarterback," offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said following the team's first minicamp. "Whatever it is, our best player is going to be out on the field. If we feel two tight ends are better than three receivers, we'll put two tight ends out there and go with two receivers. It's whatever your personnel is, and you have to adjust that way as a coach."

Wish he was coaching the defense too.

 

[fatness]

Karl Swanson is leaving.

Swanson, Snyder's self-described public relations "henchman," has worked for Snyder for more than a dozen years and though he had little personal contact with most reporters, he played an active role in forming media strategy and running damage control when needed.

Swanson's departure could be viewed as yet another sign of a culture change at Redskins Park. He was the subject of a lengthy Post profile last fall, written by Paul Farhi. According to the piece: "Over the years, Swanson's approach to media relations has alienated some of the Redskins' own public relations staff. The team has had seven directors of communications during Snyder's 11-year ownership, a rate that exceeds the turnover in the head coaching job. ... One of the former PR directors, John Konoza, lasted three days. His replacement, John Maroon, lasted a year."

Good riddance. They need to get rid of that lawyer (Donovan?) whose mouth and legal strategy repeatedly pissed off fans last year.

 

[buster c]

Karl Swanson is leaving.

Swanson, Snyder's self-described public relations "henchman," has worked for Snyder for more than a dozen years and though he had little personal contact with most reporters, he played an active role in forming media strategy and running damage control when needed.

Swanson's departure could be viewed as yet another sign of a culture change at Redskins Park. He was the subject of a lengthy Post profile last fall, written by Paul Farhi. According to the piece: "Over the years, Swanson's approach to media relations has alienated some of the Redskins' own public relations staff. The team has had seven directors of communications during Snyder's 11-year ownership, a rate that exceeds the turnover in the head coaching job. ... One of the former PR directors, John Konoza, lasted three days. His replacement, John Maroon, lasted a year."

Good riddance. They need to get rid of that lawyer (Donovan?) whose mouth and legal strategy repeatedly pissed off fans last year.

here's a comment on the WaPo website that rings true:

I recall the WAPO profile on Swanson a few months back and remember that I came away with the impression that he was the Herman Goering of the Snyder administration... the resident propogandist and head writer for Danny's department of liars... responsible for lending undeserved legitimacy and credibility to Herr Danny and his Stormtroopers... while they all hid behind the curtains and plotted the "ultimate solution" for unsuspecting fans.

Posted by: Vic1 | May 4, 2010 10:46 AM

 

[dhockster]

I just pulled out my 91 Redskins NFC Championship mug and realized that thing will turn 20 years old next year. That is a hell of a long time in between Super Bowls.

Well, the Eagles are planning their celebration of the 50th anniversary of their last Championship. Since I am 45, that one does not mean a wholelot to me.Enjoy your memories of 1982, 1987, and 1991.

 

[Marvelous]

Karl Swanson is leaving.

Swanson, Snyder's self-described public relations "henchman," has worked for Snyder for more than a dozen years and though he had little personal contact with most reporters, he played an active role in forming media strategy and running damage control when needed.

Swanson's departure could be viewed as yet another sign of a culture change at Redskins Park. He was the subject of a lengthy Post profile last fall, written by Paul Farhi. According to the piece: "Over the years, Swanson's approach to media relations has alienated some of the Redskins' own public relations staff. The team has had seven directors of communications during Snyder's 11-year ownership, a rate that exceeds the turnover in the head coaching job. ... One of the former PR directors, John Konoza, lasted three days. His replacement, John Maroon, lasted a year."

Good riddance. They need to get rid of that lawyer (Donovan?) whose mouth and legal strategy repeatedly pissed off fans last year.

Karl Swanson has been with the Snyder the whole time he has owned the Redskins. He has a pretty low profile. I certainly don't remember him doing anything outrageously wrong. Swanson used to isse the press releases, although I have not seen his name in the news recently.Donovan is a walking disaster. Maybe Snyder shouldn't have his legal counsel talking to the press is a mistake.

 

[fatness]

Karl Swanson has been with the Snyder the whole time he has owned the Redskins. He has a pretty low profile. I certainly don't remember him doing anything outrageously wrong. Swanson used to isse the press releases, although I have not seen his name in the news recently.Donovan is a walking disaster. Maybe Snyder shouldn't have his legal counsel talking to the press is a mistake.

Swanson used to harangue the beat reporters when they filed stories he didn't think adequately represented the Redskins' view of things. And there was also a huge turnover in PR staff.

"Over the years, Swanson's approach to media relations has alienated some of the Redskins' own public relations staff. The team has had seven directors of communications during Snyder's 11-year ownership, a rate that exceeds the turnover in the head coaching job. ... One of the former PR directors, John Konoza, lasted three days. His replacement, John Maroon, lasted a year."

He was a good friend to Snyder, totally loyal, I get that. But he was an attack dog when he felt it was necessary. But when you're in the entertainment business and you want to be attracting fans, and the teams you put on the field leave fans underwhelmed and booing, the last thing that's needed is an attack dog.

 

[fatness]

Coincidence?

They just hired a new VP in charge of public relations, to replace Swanson.

According to a report by The Post's Howard Kurtz, there's a story behind the story and it involves WJLA and WRC. The upshot is that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder wrote a letter of apology to WJLA over coverage of the reunion of Kristin Edick and her husband, Lt. Denver Edick.

"I do regret actions taken by our representatives that prevented your news organization from being able to report on the surprise early return of Lt. Denver Edick and his reunion with his wife Kristin, one of our cheerleaders," Snyder wrote WJLA station director Bill Lord, according to Kurtz. He added that he was "making many changes in personnel and policy" that he hopes will ensure "that the Redskins are respectful and fair to the journalists that are covering our team."

Earlier today, the team announced that Tony Wyllie of the Houston Texans would be named senior vice president. Wyllie holds the title of vice president for communications with the Texans.

He'll replace Karl Swanson, the Redskins' longtime senior vice president of public relations, who has resigned to spend more time with his family. Swanson's departure had been in the works before the cheerleader story.

 

[dgreen]

Here's Kurt's story that Cindy Boren referred to Redskins Insider.

My guess is Swanson is the one behind all of this.

 

[fatness]

Here's Kurt's story that Cindy Boren referred to Redskins Insider.

My guess is Swanson is the one behind all of this.

That is my guess too. Donovan's in the story, saying it should not have happened, and he's the only other likely candidate for doing something that hostile and stupid.

A news executive involved in the discussions says a Redskins official told him that if Kristin Edick talked to anyone from WJLA, the ABC affiliate here, she would be dismissed from her cheerleader's job.

Luhn said he asked Stephanie Jojokian, the cheerleaders director, whether WJLA could interview Kristin Edick and her husband afterward, outside the stadium or even at a restaurant.

"She could do that, but she'll no longer be a Redskins cheerleader," Luhn recalls Jojokian saying. "She is contractually obligated to the Redskins."

The Redskins barred WJLA's crew from entering the stadium Thursday night. "That was not a good decision," Donovan said.

At that point, said Lord, a Vietnam War veteran who was concerned that the Marine was being unduly pressured, "we decided it was time to punt."

WRC did make the footage available to the Asheville station the next day but with one key condition: that the tape not be fed back to WJLA. This, of course, kept its Washington rival off the playing field.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Interesting. I assume this means they like what they've seen from the other RBs and WRs. Is Portis in shape? LJ looking good? Coaches comfortable with Thomas and Kelly?

Remember they signed Ryan Torain, who was draft by Shanny. Alridge was undrafted and signed by Shanny after the draft originally. Thus, I think he always liked Torain more and we didn't get him until after DEN let him go and Alridge was already here.

 

[Marvelous]

Here's Kurt's story that Cindy Boren referred to Redskins Insider.

My guess is Swanson is the one behind all of this.

Just wow. The Redskins really know how to kill a great story and free, feel-good publicity.I realize there are a lot of ins and outs to marketing, contractual agreements, etc. The key is to get everyone on board before the decisions are made and made public. At work, if there is ever a doubt, we always run it by legal before acting. The Redskins PR staff may be as bad as their offensive line last year.

One question: If Snyder is making changes to the PR staff and policies, is Shanahan and Allen driving this? And did Kyle Shanahan have anything to do with the new guy from the Texans being hired?

 

[Marvelous]

Interesting. I assume this means they like what they've seen from the other RBs and WRs. Is Portis in shape? LJ looking good? Coaches comfortable with Thomas and Kelly?

Remember they signed Ryan Torain, who was draft by Shanny. Alridge was undrafted and signed by Shanny after the draft originally. Thus, I think he always liked Torain more and we didn't get him until after DEN let him go and Alridge was already here.

I think there is a very clear sign Shanahan is not happy with the wide receivers. He has been signing them at a record pace since the draft. They actually have too many and may need to cut more before they get to training camp.

 

[dgreen]

Here's Kurt's story that Cindy Boren referred to Redskins Insider.

My guess is Swanson is the one behind all of this.

Just wow. The Redskins really know how to kill a great story and free, feel-good publicity.I realize there are a lot of ins and outs to marketing, contractual agreements, etc. The key is to get everyone on board before the decisions are made and made public. At work, if there is ever a doubt, we always run it by legal before acting. The Redskins PR staff may be as bad as their offensive line last year.

One question: If Snyder is making changes to the PR staff and policies, is Shanahan and Allen driving this? And did Kyle Shanahan have anything to do with the new guy from the Texans being hired?

Houston also had Kubiak and probably some other old Denver employees. So, it's probably more of a Mike connection than a Kyle one.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Some info on signed rookie UFA's and ones who will be attending minicamp on a tryout basis.

Shaping the roster will continue to be priority in Redskins' next minicamp

The Redskins' first minicamp lasted just three days, but it's safe to say that coaches saw enough to refine their draft-day plans and plot some roster cuts. They'll be studying players just as closely as everyone reconvenes at Redskins Park on Friday for the team's second minicamp.

This one is also technically voluntary -- though mandatory for rookies -- but again, coaches will expect perfect attendance.

One thing the Redskins will be trying to determine: how to fill out the remaining roster spots. Technically speaking, they don't need to add any more players. But they'll certainly continue investigating ways to upgrade.

With Monday's cuts, the Redskins have 75 players under contract; they can carry only 80. If you add Carlos Rogers and Rocky McIntosh -- neither of whom has signed his tender -- that puts the Redskins at 77.

Their six draft picks aren't likely to sign contracts until closer to training camp, but that would eventually put the team at 83. So more cuts will likely be looming, but that won't stop the Redskins from exploring their options.

Last week, they signed four undrafted rookie free agents: UCLA tight end Logan Paulsen, LSU running back Keiland Williams, Liberty defensive end Trey Jacobs and Ohio State safety Anderson Russell.

They'll also host several more players for tryouts at this week's minicamp, which runs Friday through Sunday, to see if they should add to the roster. This group of tryouts is expected to include: UTEP cornerback Melvin Stephenson II, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark, Troy running back Maurice Greer, Eastern Arizona defensive tackle Marques Slocum, Murray State receiver Derrick Townsel, Massachusetts running back Tony Nelson, Stanford safety Bo McNally, Wisconsin linebacker Jaevery McFadden and Colorado State safety Klint Kubiak.

Some names were originally reported by various outlets as having signed contracts. But the team has only announced the signing of the four undrafted free agents to date, and no more are expected before minicamp opens Friday. Clark, the former Penn State

quarterback, perhaps has the highest profile of the bunch. Initial media reports indicated that he'd signed with the Redskins, though he'll report to Redskins Park this week without a contract, trying to impress coaches enough over three days of practices to earn a roster spot.

Of course, veterans will also be under the microscope. If coaches do like some of the rookie free agents who are trying out, they'll have to figure out a way to create roster space. Veterans who don't perform up to coaches' satisfaction this weekend could find themselves on the chopping block. There isn't a lot of time for second chances -- a

harsh lesson learned this week by former Redskins such as Marko Mitchell, Anthony Bryant Montgomery and Anthony Alridge.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...ill-contin.html

 

[Dexter Manley]

Bump to get us closer to getting off of annoying page 52.

 

[buster c]

Some info on signed rookie UFA's and ones who will be attending minicamp on a tryout basis.

Shaping the roster will continue to be priority in Redskins' next minicamp

They'll also host several more players for tryouts at this week's minicamp, which runs Friday through Sunday, to see if they should add to the roster. This group of tryouts is expected to include:

Colorado State safety Klint Kubiak.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...ill-contin.html

as long as my boy #29, UFA OK S Lendy Holmes, gets a fair shot, I'm okay

 

[nittanylion]

Bump to get us closer to getting off of annoying page 52.

Jeebus, you ain't kiddin'...let's start a pyramid!

 

[fatness]

Rich Tandler

Even though they are not playing games, the fortunes of NFL players ebb and flow throughout the offseason. Here are some Redskins whose fortunes are rising, and some others who are having a rough offseason.

Stock up

Mike Williams—

Donovan McNabb—

Andre Carter

Stock Down

Rocky McIntosh—

Stephon Heyer—

Chris Horton

 

[fatness]

There are likely two reasons for Mitchell’s departure. One is that he may not have been showing enough progress in learning the offense and the accompanying pass routes in the eyes of Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan, and Keenan McCardell. They have had a minicamp, and they have been having “voluntary” workouts since early March. While the players are in shorts and t-shirts, it still is possible to gauge whether or not a player is running the proper pass routes, and whether or not he’s able to correct errors via coaching.

The above paragraph is speculation. This statement is not—Mitchell did not play on special teams. Under most circumstances, it is difficult to carry a fifth receiver who does not play on at least some special teams. It is especially difficult to do so when the team is planning on carrying three running backs that don’t play special teams either. The presence of Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker on the roster may have doomed Mitchell as much as that of Austin, Galloway, and Wade (all of whom can function as returners and perhaps in other special teams roles)..

Why the Redskins Cut Marko MitchellOne of the comments after the article.

Cut for Galloway, Wade

11:09 pm May 05, 2010

I was cut because Galloway and Wade came in. Galloway is older than Kyle Shanahan and Bobby Wade is a dwarf. There you go. Two veterans up against a 7th rounder. AND... the fans didn't love me because I "was an underdog." They loved me because I can use my body and catch the ball, unlike other first rounders - like Kelly - who also do not play special teams. You'll see what I can do. Only a BLIND coach would cut me and keep Bobby Wade and Joey Galloway. I'm not saying Coach Shanahan blind, but he should get his vision checked out. Soon.

Posted by MarkoMitchell at 11:09 pm May 05, 2010

 

[pablito]

another brick in the wall...

Bump to get us closer to getting off of annoying page 52.

Jeebus, you ain't kiddin'...let's start a pyramid!

 

[Sebowski]

What's wrong with this page besides all the PR and Lawyer talk?

 

[Sebowski]

Part 2 of the Portis interview

http://1067thefandc.cbslocal.com/2010/05/0...iii/#more-15103

Clinton Portis Uncensored Part III

Chris Russell

Chris Russell Podcasts,College,NFL,Podcasts,Sports,Videos,Washington Redskins,football

5/5/2010

11:37 PM

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This is the third and final installment of our nearly hour-long sit down interview with Redskins running back and former University of Miami star, Clinton Portis at his home in Northern Virginia. If you missed any of the first two parts (video/audio/written transcript), here you go, http://shar.es/mGHbn .

106.7 the FAN: You played for the Miami Hurricanes back in some of the best days for the “U” and won a National Championship– what was that like?

CP: “It was unreal. When I step foot on the University of Miami campus, I was like this is where I’m supposed to be. I remember the class I came up with, which was Andre Johnson, Phillip Buchanon, Vernon Carey,Vince Wilfork, myself, Ken Dorsey, Jeremy Shockey, Bryant McKinnie, this is the class I entered school with in ’99. I can remember sitting here like, every conversation was like, we got something special — man we gonna win. Our first year was a rough year, we were like 9-4, we beat Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl — and nobody was satisfied. It was like instant, let’s get back to work. We were in the Top-5 or the Top-10 for the first time in I don’t how long, and we went up to Washington to play the Huskies. We ended up losing. I remember the feeling. I tell people all the time that’s the one plane ride I don’t remember. I don’t remember coming back from Washington. I don’t remember nobody talking on the plane. That feeling was so empty, it was so bad. We were so close to being at the top in my sophomore year. All of a sudden, we lose and it was gone. That was the last time I lost in college. I think everybody just adapted to the idea, that we were not going to lose again, and we didn’t.”

106.7 the FAN: What was it like to follow that year up with the Rose Bowl National Championship win?

CP: “I think it was great, man. When you sit and you look at that roster. I’m playing with Ed Reed, Ed Reed will probably go down as one of the top safeties of all time. Who was Ed Reed’s backup? It was a young Sean Taylor. You think of who Clinton Portis’ backup was? It was Willis McGahee and Frank Gore. And you look at Andre Johnson, I can remember him just waiting in the wings of Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne. Just think of Shockey being on the field. I can remember, Winslow having the aggravation that he wasn’t playing and Shockey was playing. I can think of DJ Williams, Jonathan Vilma. The list goes on — we had so much talent – and we had so much going on, it was really impossible for us to lose.”

106.7 the FAN: You mentioned Sean Taylor, and your tribute to him – lifting up the jersey. How much does his loss drive you to live the life he wasn’t given the opportunity to live?

CP: “There are a few moments in life that I carry, you know of memories. I can remember getting in a car wreck. Myself, Jarrett Payton, and Clint Hurtt — who is one of the best recruiters in the University of Miami. We got into a car wreck going into my junior year. That whole day, I knew I wasn’t supposed to be in that car. I accepted death at 19 [years old], like I’m not getting out of this car. I stopped Phillip Buchanon, who was my college roommate. He got ready to jump in the car. I was like ‘No Phil, don’t get in.’ I remember stopping Phil from getting in that car and him saying like ‘what the hell are you telling me not to get in.’ He just had that look in his eye, like what’s going on. I just felt like — we weren’t going to get back to this destination. We got into a bad accident that day, that’s a memory that sticks out.”

“The next one, I used to always call Drew [Rosenhaus] all the time and I was like “how are they going to pay Sean T?’ He was like everything is going to work itself out. With Sean coming up on his contract, and being so dominant and so rare — how do you pay him? Do you pay him as a top safety or do you give him like Peyton Manning kind of money? I remember talking to Sean and he was like, and he was I’m not really concerned about that right now. He was like it’s going to come, it will be cool. I’m just working hard to be the best. A lot of people say ‘oh I’m not worried about that money.’ This man just reached a stage in life, where he was just happy. He had his little girl came along. He was just at a free for fall. He kind of fell back away from the spotlight. I remember the last day I talked to him – as he walked out of the locker room, it was just like the doors open and the light shined. At the moment, you don’t think that’s the last time. Now that he gone, every time I siting in that chair, every time our lockers are next to each other, you look over and see those door open and shut and you just remember that white light that came behind it.”

“Who ever would have thought that would be the last conversation, the last opportunity, to hang out with Sean. When you come out of that tunnel, that’s the first thing I look for is that # 21. That strength, just coming from 21. Just that mindset, even when you don’t feel like doing it, even when you think it’s getting old, when you tired of fighting. And you ready to just ‘F*** this football, and the hell with these fans. The attitude I try to adapt is Sean, because he never let any of that bother him.”

“I remember when he was going through the DUI, which happened right here on the highway beside the house. We tried to rush and hurry up and get there and talk the police out of getting him. They took him off. He got off from that. Then the shooting accident, I remember calling Sean and I was like “Bro, I don’t know going on, but you need to get up here” and “ he was like nah – CP I didn’t do anything, everything cool. He was just calm, he was like ‘ CP I’m cool, I’m not even in Miami and I didn’t do it.” You think of those conversations, and how he accepted his position and found a way to tune everything else out. The player that he became after that, what he elevated his game too, after everybody wrote him off — is really the situation that I feel like I am in now.”

“I want to elevate my game, to show, to just hands down to show – it was really no competition for me.”

106.7 the FAN: The Redskins decision to remove Sean Taylor’s locker from Redskins Park to Fed Ex Field — Is that the right decision. I didn’t know Sean personally, just as a football player, but LaVar Arrington talks about how special he is, obviously he was special to you, was it the right thing to do to share Sean’s legacy?

CP: “I mean it’s different, but that was an organization call. It’s different, not seeing it there. It’s hit or miss, it’s great to have it on display for the rest of the world, but his locker was in that locker room. That’s where it belongs. That was up to the organization, that was a decision they made and you can’t question any of that.”

“As far as the conversation about LaVar. I lost a lot of respect for LaVar at that moment, speaking at Sean’s funeral. To get up, I really thought that was, umm, I don’t know what you call that. LaVar ain’t know Sean like that. For the people who did seeing how LaVar was going to portray — I remember me and Sean was going to jump LaVar, you know, for throwing pie at Sean’s face his rookie year, and trying to haze Sean, and be the tough guy. He felt like it was a joke. We didn’t like that S***. For all the attention LaVar claim, and that him and Sean was cool — they wasn’t cool. Sean ain’t F*** with LaVar. Sometime, people should STOP (long pause) I don’t think you should do that. If you cool with somebody, or you know somebody, you knew ‘em. Don’t go and portray, set out an image like ’this is your buddy, this is your pal’ like you all hung, when y’all really didn’t. I don’t think that’s fair man.”

106.7 the FAN: How does Clinton Portis like to get away and relax either outside or inside this beautiful home, with your pool table and everything you have?

CP: “I think decorate. I love to decorate. I love designing, I love shopping. Listening to music, writing poetry, watching movies. Traveling. I think, Within all those things, you can find a peace of mind. I think the best thing Clinton Portis like to do is relax, like really fall back into couch and get away from it.”

“Inside these walls, I’m comfortable, I’m fine — I feel like this is my rest haven. Outside of them walls, I don’t know who happy for me, I don’t know who is against me. I don’t know who want me away from here, and who beg me to stay. I try to spend a lot of my time inside these walls, where my fish don’t talk back. If I want the tv on, so I can hear what the outside world think, I turn it on. When I don’t feel like I can put up with the outside world, I don’t leave outside of here, or I won’t turn the tv on — or when I turn the tv on; I watch a movie.”

“I think my get away is really old school R & B for music, or blues where people tell stories, because it’s different. Just to hear everybody else’s story. A lot of times you think you are the only person going through something, but when you turn on the music — it’s like man we all got the same problems. It’s no matter how much fame, how much money or how many people around, how many people claim they love you. You got the people who are always going to be there, you got people who are going to pretend ‘oh I got your back’ and all of a sudden, they vanish.”

“Then you got the newcomers — and it’s like hit or miss, some are for you, some are against you. You never know how long it’s going to last. So I think , you get into these confinements, you got to be appreciative, you got to be relaxed, you got to be comfortable and that’s what I tried to do with this house.”

106.7 the FAN: Is there a ‘money’ movie that you pop in when you’ve had a bad day or week and everybody is on your behind?

CP: “You know, it’s ‘Five Heartbeats.’ Hands down. It shows the good, the bad, the dark side, the bright side and it shows the reunion. I think in that one movie, you get a life lesson. If I really need to laugh, well ‘Hangover’ just recently got out, but one of my other all-time favorites had to be ’Life’ or ‘Harlem Knights’ where I can stay in the house and just watch a movie and I’m laughing. You know, and kind of take you away and help you forget what’s going on. Just that movie that’s going to get you through, it’s ‘Five Heartbeats.’

106.7 the FAN: What does family and support from friends mean to you, considering everything that you go through in this area and just about being a football player?

CP: “Sometimes, family — being around family, you got to surround yourself with family. You go from that high horse of people. You go from all that ‘rah-rah’ and all that excitement, and let me get your autograph. You go back to being that kid, that they raised and they whooped. Everybody tell you how ‘you were just a little crybaby back then’ or you remember how ‘I beat you up’ and it’s like ‘YEAH, try me now.’

“Sometimes family is great to be around. At the same time, I think family is the biggest issue. Family doesn’t realize how much of a burden they put on you. I think everybody comes into this game, wanting to support family, wanting to take care of Mom. I want to help this person, I want to help that person, you come to the realization that you can’t save everybody, everybody can’t get the big fancy house, everybody can’t get the brand new car. A lot of people turn sour in family. That drains you. To see how, like I never thought growing up how money would separate money from me and you. I never thought I’d see this side of you. If I had to give, then I’d give it to you. If I don’t, it’s like ‘I would give you the shirt off my back’ and I don’t blame you for giving me the shirt off your back, we can get another shirt. Family is a plus and a minus.”

“As far as friends, I keep a close circle of friends. Everybody else, you got to let go. You can’t hold on too people. People are always going to come up and say ‘ you remember I came to the game, I gave u a shirt at a game.’ Hey, appreciate the shirt, man. That shirt was promoting you something in your favor. I never went shirtless growing up. Everybody come up and say ‘oh remember this, and remember that’ – I don’t remember that man. I’ve been in the league ten years, I’ve met a million people, ever since. ‘I went to high school with you.’ I’ve gone to college, I’ve been to the NFL, I lived in Denver, I lived in D.C, I lived in Miami, I lived in Atlanta. I met too many people to sit here and remember you.”

“I think you have to be real to yourself. I think you have to understand when you have to let people go and when you have to open up too people. The best thing about it, is being yourself. You have to stay humble. You gotta stay yourself. I don’t feel there is a day that goes by, when I step outside these doors, where I feel like that I want to be someone different. I want to be Clinton Portis. The Clinton Portis name alone, says the good and the bad, speaks of the hard times and speaks of the good times. There’s been many of both. I don’t want to go out and be somebody else.”

“I don’t dream about being anybody else. I don’t dream to switch shoes with Obama. and see how it is to be President. I know he got a lot going on. You look at the economy today, and where the economy at and how many more smiles people have, compared to a couple of years ago when everybody was doing bad. That alone, should say, ‘You should be praising President Obama.’ Every time you turn on the news and it’s like ’he needs to be out of here, when is the next election’ and [they say] ‘he didn’t do this, or he didn’t do that.’ Think about the stuff he did do. He can’t do everything in one day.”

“I say be yourself, man, be content with being yourself. Stop having so much negativity, and wanting to be others and wanting to trade shoes. You never know what your shoes are going to have in them. You might have on a new pair of shoes, but your feet could stink. How can I say I want your shoes?”

For more on Clinton Portis — check out www.ClintonPortis.com and the Clinton Portis Foundation with details available on his website as well.

 

[jbz]

Interesting stuff right there. Portis isn't ever a boring interview. Pretty shocking what he says about Lavar and his relationship with Sean Taylor. I thought Lavar's speech at Sean's funeral was very moving. It had me all watery eyed. Now Portis makes it seem all like a sham.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Any DC Skins fans know how often channel 9 showed the Ravens games? And do they run them opposite the Skins or only when the Skins are playing at another time? I'm gonna be moving to VA this fall & am wondering if I'll have to take out a 2nd mortgage to get the Sunday Ticket since I'll only get the Washington channels. If 9 shows most of the Ravens games, I may be able to get by without the Ticket.

 

[Sylira21]

What's wrong with this page besides all the PR and Lawyer talk?

This page's margin's are too wide.