It’s time for “Shanny’s guys.”
The Washington Redskins open minicamp on Friday with coach Mike Shanahan clearly reworking the roster. New coaches always sign players who either know the system or have no allegiance to past regimes.
Norv Turner brought seven Dallas players when he arrived in 1994. Too bad none of them were named Aikman, Smith or Irvin.
Steve Spurrier signed every ex-Florida Gator quarterback and receiver he could find. That didn’t work out too well, either. “How come?” Ball Coach might ponder. Uh, because they stunk, which explains why they were free agents.
Joe Gibbs was out of football too long for any former players to return (they became broadcasters instead). However, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams continued his past alliance with Pierson Prioleau, the second of four stops together.
Shanahan isn’t loading up on former Denver Broncos, but offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was behind signing quarterback Rex Grossman given their past ties and the passer’s knowledge of the new system.
Nobody blames Shanahan for flipping the roster after a 4-12 season. Linebacker Brian Orakpo is the only untouchable player. Shanahan clearly is replacing vets with experienced players more to his liking.
Since “Black Thursday” when the Redskins released 10 veterans, Washington has obtained eight players who will be at least 30 years old this season. Sounds more like reloading than rebuilding. Not that there’s anything wrong with trying to win right away. Five-year plans work as well in the NFL as they did in the Soviet Union — nyet.
Albert Haynesworth and Jason Campbell won’t be among Shanahan’s followers during this minicamp. It’s voluntary, and they’re not volunteering. Shanahan is irked over Haynesworth not working out with the team over the offseason. The defensive tackle prefers a personal trainer, which, based on last season poor conditioning, must be John Daly. Shanahan thinks anyone receiving a $21 million bonus should be seen around the office occasionally. Haynesworth disagrees given it might interfere with his boating excursions.
Shanahan rightfully wants to end the star treatment that has long plagued the team under owner Dan Snyder. Clinton Portis is not lounging at South Beach. LaRon Landry attended voluntary workouts, too. But Haynesworth has been paid and there’s not much that can move him, hence Shanahan’s frustration.
Haynesworth is vying for a trade to a team with a 4-3 defense rather than switching to the new 3-4 scheme. Meanwhile, Campbell and the Redskins don’t see the need for the passer to waste a weekend given he’ll likely be traded soon.
Figure on a few more moves in coming weeks. Campbell might head to Carolina. Haynesworth may hope for a Tennessee homecoming.
After all — it’s Shanny’s way or the highway.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
