***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (4 Viewers)

[dgreen]

Sounds like Joey Galloway started as WR2 and Thomas and Kelly are with the second unit.

 

[Meast21]

"Malcolm Kelly has a helmet on and is performing position drills. #Redskins"

Great news!

 

[Meast21]

Sounds like Joey Galloway started as WR2 and Thomas and Kelly are with the second unit.

I'm okay with this on day one but if this continues past day two it's going to be a long season.

 

[dgreen]

From PFT:

Haynesworth, Shanahan exchange words after failed conditioning test

We've been very critical -- and rightfully so -- of Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, whose refusal to attempt to earn more than $30 million he has been paid by the team was punctuated by a decision not to show up for a mandatory minicamp.

But it's important to remember that Haynesworth isn't exactly beating up on a singing-impaired choir boy. Coach Mike Shanahan has, in our estimation, taken a few liberties with reality when it comes to the Haynesworth situation, and we're now beginning to believe that Shanahan intentionally gave Haynesworth a conditioning test that Shanahan knew he would fail.

Per a league source (and forgive me if someone else has reported this, but power is out at our undisclosed beach location and I'm trying to conserve the battery in my laptop and my Sprint mobile hot spot, which is performing incredibly well during an intense barrage of lightning), Haynesworth completed the assigned pair of 300-yard shuttle runs, but Shanahan then decided that he had too much rest between the two attempts, due to a bathroom break.

The source says that Shanahan told Haynesworth that he "needed to get in shape." Haynesworth then said that he couldn't have completed three 300-yard shuttle runs even in his Pro Bowl/All-Pro years.

Said Shanahan in response, "I guess you have never been in shape then." (It's unknown whether Shanahan then said, "Boom. Roasted.")

It's currently our understanding that Haynesworth was the only lineman required to pass the conditioning test. Though some may contend that those who participated in the offseason program earned an exemption, it's our understanding that the test is imposed to ensure that the player is ready to withstand the rigors of training camp. Just because the rest of the players participated in the offseason program, which concluded more than a month ago, doesn't mean they're still in shape. So all of them should have to pass it, or none of them should be expected to try.

 

[Meast21]

From PFT:

Haynesworth, Shanahan exchange words after failed conditioning test

We've been very critical -- and rightfully so -- of Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, whose refusal to attempt to earn more than $30 million he has been paid by the team was punctuated by a decision not to show up for a mandatory minicamp.

But it's important to remember that Haynesworth isn't exactly beating up on a singing-impaired choir boy. Coach Mike Shanahan has, in our estimation, taken a few liberties with reality when it comes to the Haynesworth situation, and we're now beginning to believe that Shanahan intentionally gave Haynesworth a conditioning test that Shanahan knew he would fail.

Per a league source (and forgive me if someone else has reported this, but power is out at our undisclosed beach location and I'm trying to conserve the battery in my laptop and my Sprint mobile hot spot, which is performing incredibly well during an intense barrage of lightning), Haynesworth completed the assigned pair of 300-yard shuttle runs, but Shanahan then decided that he had too much rest between the two attempts, due to a bathroom break.

The source says that Shanahan told Haynesworth that he "needed to get in shape." Haynesworth then said that he couldn't have completed three 300-yard shuttle runs even in his Pro Bowl/All-Pro years.

Said Shanahan in response, "I guess you have never been in shape then." (It's unknown whether Shanahan then said, "Boom. Roasted.")

It's currently our understanding that Haynesworth was the only lineman required to pass the conditioning test. Though some may contend that those who participated in the offseason program earned an exemption, it's our understanding that the test is imposed to ensure that the player is ready to withstand the rigors of training camp. Just because the rest of the players participated in the offseason program, which concluded more than a month ago, doesn't mean they're still in shape. So all of them should have to pass it, or none of them should be expected to try.

Love Shanny's response

 

[dgreen]

Hopefully Haslett's in Haynesworth's ear saying, "Don't worry about it. Just keep quiet and fight through this and it will all be ok. He's just going to ride you hard for a while and then he'll let you loose against Dallas."

 

[buster c]

Reid's got a story up now: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...ails-to-co.html

Haynesworth did so well in the first phase that one team source said he "killed it." But Haynesworth apparently needed a lavatory break midway through the second part and was unable to complete the test after returning and starting from the beginning.

On Wednesday, Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth would not be permitted to participate in training camp practices until he passed the test. The Redskins are scheduled to take the field for the first practice of camp in about two hours at Redskins Park. Shanahan plans to address the situation after practice, but Haynesworth is not expected to comment until he passes the test.

Sounds like he began the second part of the test, needed the bathroom break, and had to start the second part from the beginning again and failed it. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

makes no sense. after I drop a deuce , I can knock a full second off my 40 time.from 8.6 to 7.6

 

[thayman]

Reid's got a story up now: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...ails-to-co.html

Haynesworth did so well in the first phase that one team source said he "killed it." But Haynesworth apparently needed a lavatory break midway through the second part and was unable to complete the test after returning and starting from the beginning.

On Wednesday, Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth would not be permitted to participate in training camp practices until he passed the test. The Redskins are scheduled to take the field for the first practice of camp in about two hours at Redskins Park. Shanahan plans to address the situation after practice, but Haynesworth is not expected to comment until he passes the test.

Sounds like he began the second part of the test, needed the bathroom break, and had to start the second part from the beginning again and failed it. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

makes no sense. after I drop a deuce , I can knock a full second off my 40 time.from 8.6 to 7.6

but think about how fast you can run on your way TOO

 

[Meast21]

Reid's got a story up now: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsi...ails-to-co.html

Haynesworth did so well in the first phase that one team source said he "killed it." But Haynesworth apparently needed a lavatory break midway through the second part and was unable to complete the test after returning and starting from the beginning.

On Wednesday, Coach Mike Shanahan said Haynesworth would not be permitted to participate in training camp practices until he passed the test. The Redskins are scheduled to take the field for the first practice of camp in about two hours at Redskins Park. Shanahan plans to address the situation after practice, but Haynesworth is not expected to comment until he passes the test.

Sounds like he began the second part of the test, needed the bathroom break, and had to start the second part from the beginning again and failed it. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

makes no sense. after I drop a deuce , I can knock a full second off my 40 time.from 8.6 to 7.6

but think about how fast you can run on your way TOO

I've gotta say he does look very trim...http://twitpic.com/29thy9

 

[fatness]

I've gotta say he does look very trim...

http://twitpic.com/29thy9

That's a big difference from last year.

 

[fatness]

From PFT:

Per a league source (and forgive me if someone else has reported this, but power is out at our undisclosed beach location and I'm trying to conserve the battery in my laptop and my Sprint mobile hot spot, which is performing incredibly well during an intense barrage of lightning), Haynesworth completed the assigned pair of 300-yard shuttle runs, but Shanahan then decided that he had too much rest between the two attempts, due to a bathroom break.

So it was a big political front office decision.

 

[fatness]

Shanahan had him run a third set of sprints, which he didn't complete.

ESPN.com's John Clayton reported Thursday that Haynesworth failed his conditioning test. Citing a source, Clayton wrote that Haynesworth had planned on doing two sprints Thursday, but when Shanahan determined there was too much rest time in between them, he asked the big lineman to do a third, which he failed.

Clayton added that Haynesworth's protests about the sprints fell on deaf ears.

Haynesworth failed the third sprint. A source said Haynesworth told Shanahan he never ran three such sprints during his best Pro Bowl seasons. Shanahan then told Haynesworth that he must not have ever been in shape.

Shanahan is clearly trying to engineer a turnaround, and while this might be a diversion while the Redskins try to figure out what to do with the disgruntled and highly compensated lineman, he could also be sending a message to the team.

Link

 

[fatness]

Haynesworth, who failed one phase of the two-stage running test Thursday, worked with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and defensive line coach Jacob Burney after the Redskins completed their first practice of training camp at Redskins Park. With trash cans aligned to simulate an offensive line, Haslett and Burney instructed Haynesworth on technique and gap assignments.

Haslett and Haynesworth chatted and smiled before a member of the public relations staff quickly escorted Haynesworth off the field and prohibited him from speaking with reporters. The Redskins will not make Haynesworth available until he passes the test.

"Good first day," said Haslett, who declined to comment specifically on Haynesworth. "Got some good work in. It was good. We'll be fine." Haynesworth has lost 35 pounds, one team official confirmed. Another Redskins source predicted Haynesworth will pass his conditioning test Friday. "He's in good shape," the official said. "But he has to pass. It'll all work out."

J Reid

 

[fatness]

Haynesworth originally was told that he needed to do two sets of shuttle runs in the allotted time to be cleared for practice. However, that wasn't how it went down at Redskins Park.

Haynesworth completed the first set in plenty of time, and then, as has been the case with the way the Redskins have conducted the test, he was given a several-minute break. Haynesworth went inside to use the bathroom, according to the source, and when he returned to the field, he was told he took too long and therefore had to start over.

Haynesworth again finished the next set of shuttles (his second) in ample time, but he couldn't complete the third and final set, and thus was told he failed the test and couldn't practice.

Jason LaCanfora

 

[fatness]

Five quickies from Shanahan post-practice (some already posted):

1. Haynesworth will take test again Friday.

2. Coach contends he and Haynesworth did not exchange negative words after they told him he failed.

3. Haslett on Haynesworth's condition. "Alright. Just alright. He'll be fine in a couple days."

O'Halloran

 

[fatness]

Rich Tandler's report on Day 1 of Training Camp.

Good stuff.

 

[fatness]

Haynesworth today

When told he had failed the test, Haynesworth was "first-class all the way" in accepting the news, according to Shanahan. The coach indicated there were no harsh words exchanged.

 

[buster c]

Rich Tandler's report on Day 1 of Training Camp.

Good stuff.

5:01 Rich Bartel floats a sideline pass that Lendy Holmes picks off. Bartel has the arm to complete throws like that; he just needs the confidence to fire the ball.

playmaker

 

[dgreen]

Trent Williams signed and should be at practice today.

With an 8:30 practice this morning, I assume Haynesworth's conditioning test should be happening right now.

 

[dgreen]

From Keim:

Running backs

Clinton Portis

There’s no doubt that the 5-11, 218-pounder is the most complete back on the roster and should emerge as the full-time starter. He’s lost approximately 15 pounds since last season, putting him in better shape to handle the outside and cutback runs Mike Shanahan loves to call. But what separates Portis from the other running backs is his ability to block in pass protection. “He’s an awesome blocker,” said Redskins running backs coach Bobby Turner, who coached Portis for two seasons in Denver. “When we looked at him coming out of college … that jumped out at us more than anything else.” It helps that the others, namely Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, are not considered good blockers.

Larry Johnson

Johnson provides the Redskins a big back for short-yardage situations. He is not considered a one-cut runner, something that is mandatory in this offense. However, the 6-1, 235-pounder can give Portis a breather on first and second downs on occasion. “Larry has the size and physical tools to do it,” Turner said. “Now it’s a matter of him believing in us and trusting in us and what we do.”

Ryan Torain

If Parker doesn’t make the roster, it’ll be because of Torain, who also will get a chance to return kicks, providing him an edge in the competition. The 6-1, 218-pound Torain’s main issue is staying healthy. Knee and elbow problems have limited him in his first two NFL seasons. But Shanahan liked him when both were in Denver. “He’s what we’re looking for,” Turner said. “He has the speed, the foot quickness, the ability to cut and catch a ball and make plays.”

 

[fatness]

Trent Williams signed and should be at practice today.

With an 8:30 practice this morning, I assume Haynesworth's conditioning test should be happening right now.

First reports are that Haynesworth failed the conditioning test again this morning.

 

[Chewbanks]

With an 8:30 practice this morning, I assume Haynesworth's conditioning test should be happening right now.

First reports are that Haynesworth failed the conditioning test again this morning.

Maybe he forgot to bring his blue ox.

 

[fatness]

If you need to be less productive at work today, here's the live Twitter feed of all posts about the Redskins. You can watch it for familiar names like Keim, O"Halloran, Chris Russell, etc. since they're allowed to report that way while camp is going on.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

Trent Williams signed and should be at practice today.

With an 8:30 practice this morning, I assume Haynesworth's conditioning test should be happening right now.

First reports are that Haynesworth failed the conditioning test again this morning.

 

[dgreen]

If you need to be less productive at work today, here's the live Twitter feed of all posts about the Redskins. You can watch it for familiar names like Keim, O"Halloran, Chris Russell, etc. since they're allowed to report that way while camp is going on.

Unfortunately, we also get every Tom, ****, and Harry RT that Haynesworth failed the test.

 

[fatness]

Trent Williams practicing with the 1st team.

 

[fatness]

4 beat reporters discussing current Redskin issues. Nothing earthshaking, but interesting, including the parts about Daniels and Bartel.

 

[fatness]

Mike Shanahan said #Redskins will cut ailing G Mike Williams (heart) rather than give him the courtesy of keeping him on injured reserve.

David Elfin

 

[dgreen]

For offensive and defensive linemen, the first run must be completed in 70 seconds or less and the second set in less than 73 seconds, Wright said. Haynesworth failed Friday's test because he ran the first leg in 71 seconds.

Who wants to bet they have a fake stopwatch that just has a 1:11 sticker on it?Albert may want to get his own timer.

 

[fatness]

I figure that tomorrow they'll say he passed even if it takes him 730 seconds. Players are starting to wonder anonymously if Shanahan is being unnecessarily hard on him, and the NFLPA is starting to watch the situation to see if he's being punished for not attending earlier activities. The last thing that's needed is splitting the locker room and being stuck in some sort of investigation.

Also: Studs & Duds of today's practice according to John Keim.

Studs

LB Andre Carter » He had a little giddy-up today, showing his speed in pass-rush situations from the stand-up position. He made a big stop in the backfield and, shockingly blew up RT Stephon Heyer on another play. He got around him another time as well. Carter did not have to turn and cover much and that’s a big key in his transition.

LB Lorenzo Alexander » He’s working with the first unit ahead of Carter. Like Carter, he’s doing a good job moving forward. Don’t know yet about him in coverage. And his strength is taking on blockers and moving them backwards. He drove Fred Davis back big time on one play. He also had a nice spin move vs. Jammal Brown to get inside. Good balance on the move. He also wasn’t fooled on a bootleg later in practice (maybe because they run them every other play).

 

[southeastjerome]

Also: Studs & Duds of today's practice according to John Keim.

Studs

LB Andre Carter » He had a little giddy-up today, showing his speed in pass-rush situations from the stand-up position. He made a big stop in the backfield and, shockingly blew up RT Stephon Heyer on another play. He got around him another time as well. Carter did not have to turn and cover much and that’s a big key in his transition.

LB Lorenzo Alexander » He’s working with the first unit ahead of Carter. Like Carter, he’s doing a good job moving forward. Don’t know yet about him in coverage. And his strength is taking on blockers and moving them backwards. He drove Fred Davis back big time on one play. He also had a nice spin move vs. Jammal Brown to get inside. Good balance on the move. He also wasn’t fooled on a bootleg later in practice (maybe because they run them every other play).

No Helen Van Biscuits?

 

[VaTerp]

I was at camp this morning and will offer my observations FWIW.

Nothing groundbreaking. Overall, the offense and defense both had their moments. No players really stood out with the possible exception of Fred Davis. Now, I know why I heard on several occasions over the last 2 years that Davis was the most impressive player in practice.

QBs

Donovan looked pretty good. Just missed on one deep throw to Santana, one to Bobby Wade, and one to Brandon Banks (I believe). He layed the ball out there on all 3 and the Wrs couldnt quite get to them. All were about 1 step away. McNabb does throw a beautiful deep ball though and though it was just one of the first training camp practices I like the way he looked on play action and stepping up into the pocket.

Grossman, Colt, and Bartel got in quite a few snaps as well. Bartel actually looked the sharpest of the 3 but got the least reps and never really went downfield. Grossman and Colt both had several nice throws where they squeezed the ball in tight spots and several throws that were way off.

RBs

This is what I posted in the Portis thread.

None of the RBs, inlcuding Portis, really stood out. Portis looked pretty good but I definitely wouldn't say he was "spry" (what a reporter used to describe him yesterday) or overly impressive. Larry Johnson seemed to run the hardest and ran out almost all of his rushes all the way to the goaline during 7 on 7; something the other RBs didn't do. During 11 on 11 all 5 Rbs got some work. Both LJ and Portis had some nice runs and Portis caught several passes out of the backfield. Torrain actually had the 2 most impressive runs of the day IMO. Parker had a nice run or two but also fumbled once, the only one I saw all morning.

WRs and TEs

This was the position that I looked at most closely today. Kelly was out there but seemed to get the least reps of all of the WRs likely to make the team and did absolutely nothing. Didnt catch a single pass and I don't remember one even being thrown his way. I was not buying into all of the talk about him not making the roster but he has to start showing something. Sooner rather than later.

Moss was his usual self. He made a few nice plays on intermediate routes and had the near miss on the one deep play. When you see him on the field you are reminded at how explosive he can be though it's usually just in spurts, especially as he gets a lil older. Thomas made several nice catches and seemed to get open pretty well. Today reaffirmed my opinion that he will start opposite Moss week 1. Wade also actually had some very nice plays. After Fred Davis, I would bet that he had the 2nd most receptions today. Seemed to have no problems getting open.

Galloway ran opposite Moss the first few reps when they started 11 on 11. But he did virtually nothing and like Kelly I don't think he caught a pass and had few thrown his way. He didn't seem to be running his routes all that hard on the plays that I focused on him either but maybe you don't do that at 38 in July. But I saw nothing today to indicate that he should start or even make the team. But again, I know you cant draw any conclusions from one practice at the beginning of camp.

As for the TEs Cooley had a couple of nice grabs over the middle that Skins fans are used to seeing. He appears to be fully recovered from the injury and looked like the usual reliable target he's been most of his career. Davis, as I mentioned, was probably the one player who stood out the most today. He seemed to get open vs man coverage, found spots in zones, and I think caught all but one of the passes thrown his way. On one play he sepeaated from H.B. Blades by about 5-6 yards and really made it look like a total athletic mismatch. He caught passes crossing the middle, up the seam, and turned up a few out patterns as well during 11 on 11. I'm seeing A LOT of 2 TE sets in the works this year. Again, it's only one early practice but Davis looks too good to leave off the field.

O and D- Lines

Not much to report here. I didnt look at these as closely as I wanted to. Technically I was working and checking my blackberry a lot. Haynesworth obviously wasnt there. I want to say I noticed Trent Williams but I really didnt. Which I suppose is a good thing.

Defense Overall

Nothing too much here as well. D really got in the backfield on a few plays though nobody stood out individually. Hall got caught biting hard on 2 play actions.... no surprise. Landry seemed to be in position to come up on several runs and likely would have had a few big hits if they were doing that today.

Thats about it. Nothing earth shattering but a few observations from a long time fan. (28 of nealy 32 years of living).

 

[swirvenirvin]

Listening to NFL net right now, and they were talking about trading for V-Jax. He (not sure who this guys is) said the Redskins have no playmakers at WR, and the two WR they drafted a few years ago Thomas, and Kelly probably wont even make the team as they signed guys like Joey Galloway.

 

[fatness]

No Helen Van Biscuits?

And no dog names jimmy c,

 

[fatness]

I was at camp this morning and will offer my observations FWIW.

Thanks.

 

[Chadstroma]

Jason LaConfora on NFL Total Access said that there was a good chance both Thomas and Kelly would be cut and expected Galloway and Furrey getting the most 1st team snaps... really? Galloway looked DONE with NE last year and Furrey is roster depth for pretty much any team in the league if he makes the team. Is it really that bad for the WR corps on the Redskins? Makes me think that I have been too low on Cooley.

 

[fatness]

Jason LaConfora on NFL Total Access said that there was a good chance both Thomas and Kelly would be cut and expected Galloway and Furrey getting the most 1st team snaps... really? Galloway looked DONE with NE last year and Furrey is roster depth for pretty much any team in the league if he makes the team. Is it really that bad for the WR corps on the Redskins? Makes me think that I have been too low on Cooley.

I heard LaCanfora say that also. He used to be a Redskin beat reporter for the Washington Post so he does know the team pretty well. Moss is going to have one starting spot and beyond that it's anyone's guess. I think Thomas will make the team and so will Bobby Wade, and I still think they'll try to get Vincent Jackson. WR is a weak area for them right now.

 

[fatness]

Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth did not attempt the team’s conditioning test this morning, according to multiple sources with knowledge of situation. Haynesworth’s status for the 8:30 a.m. practice is unclear, but coach Mike Shanahan has said that Haynesworth won’t practice until he passes the test, which includes two timed sets of six 50-yard shuttle runs.

Yesterday, defensive lineman Phillip Daniels suggested that the test becomes more difficult the more you try it. Daniels said that your legs wear out and can’t recover. Although strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright refuted that notion, it seems the Redskins are allowing for that possibility as it applies to Haynesworth.

Rich CampbellThe other defensive linemen wouldn't pass this test.

 

[fatness]

Here's a guy to follow on Twitter: FakeShanahan

Ok I admit it. We tricked Albert with the last-minute addition of math to his conditioning test

And another guy: FakeHaynesworth

@FakeShanahan , ur an #######

 

[Chewbanks]

Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth did not attempt the team’s conditioning test this morning, according to multiple sources with knowledge of situation. Haynesworth’s status for the 8:30 a.m. practice is unclear, but coach Mike Shanahan has said that Haynesworth won’t practice until he passes the test, which includes two timed sets of six 50-yard shuttle runs.

Yesterday, defensive lineman Phillip Daniels suggested that the test becomes more difficult the more you try it. Daniels said that your legs wear out and can’t recover. Although strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright refuted that notion, it seems the Redskins are allowing for that possibility as it applies to Haynesworth.

Rich CampbellThe other defensive linemen wouldn't pass this test.

This is what I'm getting irritated by. Shanny's made his point. Albert's already behind in this defense and needs reps. Stop the charade.

 

[FavreCo]

Listening to NFL net right now, and they were talking about trading for V-Jax. He (not sure who this guys is) said the Redskins have no playmakers at WR, and the two WR they drafted a few years ago Thomas, and Kelly probably wont even make the team as they signed guys like Joey Galloway.

They (Thomas and Kelly) should realize that they suck by now. They are fighting Joey Galloway for a roster spot.

 

[msommer]

No chance Fat Albert is taking it easy to get cut?

 

[dehaven123]

No chance Fat Albert is taking it easy to get cut?

PFT

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...-knee-swelling/

knee swelling for Haynesworth

 

[fatness]

No chance Fat Albert is taking it easy to get cut?

According to Shanahan he reported early for camp today, said his knee was irritated, the medical staff looked at it and advised him to not run today. So, no.

 

[fatness]

John Keim's Studs & Duds from yesterday, 7/31 (no Helen again).

I really enjoy those reports.

Studs

TE Fred Davis » His athleticism was on display again this morning. On one route, the linebacker and corner could not get to their depth quick enough before he got to the outside for an open catch. Another time, he made a nice catch at his knees and immediately bounced up and ran. Very fluid. Can’t imagine many tight ends could have made such a play.

RB Clinton Portis » He’s starting to look spry and making some nice cuts. On one run, he sucked Brian Orakpo to the inside then made a sharp cut to the outside for a nice gain. He showed good burst on another run as well.

Duds

TE Chris Cooley » He dropped four passes, showing poor hands for one of the few days in his career. Cooley did have a couple decent blocks against linebackers. But the drops killed his morning.

LS Nick Sundberg » Heard some criticisms of him on Friday and then this morning he had a couple poor snaps on field goal attempts. Ethan Albright is not out of the picture; not at all. Young long snappers don’t get many chances to fail in training camp.

Another Lendy Holmes mention in the article by the way.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth did not attempt the team’s conditioning test this morning, according to multiple sources with knowledge of situation. Haynesworth’s status for the 8:30 a.m. practice is unclear, but coach Mike Shanahan has said that Haynesworth won’t practice until he passes the test, which includes two timed sets of six 50-yard shuttle runs.

Yesterday, defensive lineman Phillip Daniels suggested that the test becomes more difficult the more you try it. Daniels said that your legs wear out and can’t recover. Although strength and conditioning coach Ray Wright refuted that notion, it seems the Redskins are allowing for that possibility as it applies to Haynesworth.

Rich CampbellThe other defensive linemen wouldn't pass this test.

This is what I'm getting irritated by. Shanny's made his point. Albert's already behind in this defense and needs reps. Stop the charade.

Shanahan may be acting like a jerk about this (although I don't believe he is), but Albert was told what would be expected of him. Taking a 10 minute bathroom break when you know you have to start another set of sprints within 3.5 minutes? And the other DL aren't doing this now because they did it during OTAs and mini-camps. Albert could have saved himself this grief by showing up for a measly 50% of the offseason stuff.

Wright said it was not a Haynesworth-specific test, but that he was the only player who did not meet a 50-percent attendance mark during the offseason.

"The guys that were under 50-percent [attendance] were notified, 'You got to get over 50 percent or there's going to be a test,'" Wright said. "Andre Carter was close, Rocky McIntosh was close, so we let them know. They're over 50 percent [attendance]. Our team was so high, we're 90.4 as a team, so no one was in danger of having to do a test."

Wright did confirm Shanahan's comments on Thursday that players ran the test as part of their conditioning workout during the offseason.

I'm not sure I get the sympathy for Haynesworth. Personally, I want my head coach to be somewhat of a hard-### and insisting things are done his way, especially at this time of year. I absolutely don't want the players being the one to call the shots.

 

[fatness]

And the other DL aren't doing this now because they did it during OTAs and mini-camps

They were not timed when they did it. They just had to complete the running.I understand you don't get the sympathy for Haynesworth. It's not sympathy on my part. I don't get the joy at keeping him off the field. He's their best defensive player. It would make equally as little sense to sign Vincent Jackson and then keep him off the field. Haynesworth's "crime" is doing something multiple players in the league do every year -- skipping 1 mandatory minicamp. And he's already been penalized for that to the maximum extent allowed by the CBA.

 

[Sidewinder16]

And the other DL aren't doing this now because they did it during OTAs and mini-camps

They were not timed when they did it. They just had to complete the running.

That's not how I read it. If they weren't timed then it's not really a test. Not sure why Wright would call it a test if they weren't timed.

I understand you don't get the sympathy for Haynesworth. It's not sympathy on my part. I don't get the joy at keeping him off the field. He's their best defensive player. It would make equally as little sense to sign Vincent Jackson and then keep him off the field. Haynesworth's "crime" is doing something multiple players in the league do every year -- skipping 1 mandatory minicamp. And he's already been penalized for that to the maximum extent allowed by the CBA.

First, I strongly disagree that Haynesworth is simply "skipping 1 mandatory minicamp". I'm not going to rehash that, though, because it's been discussed before in this thread and I doubt any minds are going to be changed. Second, Haynesworth is not being penalized for skipping anything. He's being penalized for not being in football shape as Shanahan (and Jeff Fisher) defines it and made known to everyone. Shanahan knows everyone else is in football shape, because he's already watched them perform as such. Shanahan has no clue what shape Haynesworth is in until he actually decided to show up and try to do something. For all the reports about him being in shape, you would think Haynesworth would have bothered to train so he could meet this apparently reasonable test of whether you're in football shape or not.

The 25-yard, 300-yard shuttle is an appropriate test for what kind of shape you're in.

ETA: And not only could Haynesworth not complete the test satisfactorily, but his knee swells up after attempting to pass this "appropriate test".

 

[Sidewinder16]

I don't get the joy at keeping him off the field. He's their best defensive player. It would make equally as little sense to sign Vincent Jackson and then keep him off the field.

I guess I'm with Shanahan on this one. It makes far less sense to throw your best defensive player in to the middle of the training camp grind when you can't be certain he's ready for it. Haynesworth has yet to prove he is ready. The rules/system for getting on the field are in place and they aren't unreasonable. I'm still missing why Shanahan should be taking flak for Haynesworth's actions.

 

[fatness]

That's not how I read it. If they weren't timed then it's not really a test. Not sure why Wright would call it a test if they weren't timed.

Wright didn't say the other players were timed. One of the linemen said, within the last 2 days, that when they had to do the test they were not timed.

I'm still missing why Shanahan should be taking flak for Haynesworth's actions.

He shouldn't. Shanahan should be taking flak for Shanahan's actions.