It's safe to say Skins unhappy
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
06/03/09 3:32 PM EDT
His talent leads to predictions of All-Pro seasons. His absence leads to talk of disappointment.
Third-year safety LaRon Landry was the only Redskin absent from the voluntary organized team activity sessions Wednesday. He has missed all seven OTA days thus far, appearing only at the three-day minicamp the first weekend of May. Landry also worked out away from the facility last offseason.
"I'm very disappointed because everyone else is here," said Redskins safeties coach Steve Jackson. "I'll be candid with you: He has to be here in the offseason not so much just because it's OTAs, but his teammates are here and there are a lot of things we're discussing that he's a part of that he has no idea are even going on -- calls, coverages, techniques.
"He's our free safety and he's the one who has to get the ball rolling. As he improves, our defense usually improves, but when he's not here …"
Jackson made it clear he wasn't speaking for the team, but for himself. Secondary coach Jerry Gray said if Landry makes the Pro Bowl, then all is forgotten -- and Gray predicted an All-Pro season.
"LaRon can become an elite safety," Gray said. "He has the tools."
That's why Jackson wants him in Ashburn.
"He has talent," Jackson said, "but we need him to be a better player. You become a better player working on the field, not running on the track with a tank top on in shorts. You don't go to Arizona to become a player; maybe to get in shape but not to become a player."
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