1. The Redskins worked more on screen passes than on previous days. Considering the pressure their defense has applied, that’s probably a wise decision. But the offense in general looked a bit off. They’ve been inconsistent in camp, which isn’t surprising. They have a new QB, one receiver playing at a high level, a line that’s still learning to play together and a new system. It adds up to a long meshing period.
2. Still sort of odd to see Dan Snyder walk around in a Redskins polo shirt and casual pants. Such a contrast to his first training camp in 1999; and even to several years ago. Not sure what it means, but he certainly comes across as less stuffy these days. He talked to the media after promoting the Redskins stuff the backpack campaign; they collected 1,100 backpacks for local kids.
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3. Anyway, Snyder said the Redskins will honor Russ Grimm, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Saturday, at a game this season. Looks like the opportunity could be when Washington hosts Indianapolis on Oct. 17; Arizona, where Grimm is an assistant, has a bye that day. Snyder will be in Canton for the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He sent Grimm a watch – a nice shiny one, Snyder said – as a gift.
4. As for Albert Haynesworth, Snyder said, “I think enough’s been said at this point. Mike’s done all the talking.”
5. Defensive lineman Howard Green has a hip flexor injury and called himself day to day. As the old joke goes, aren’t we all. But no idea when receiver Mike Furrey will return from his concussion. Don’t have a good feeling on this one.
6. Artis Hicks is still struggling to gain consistency at right guard. The problem is that he needs to remember to get lower when playing inside. At guard, he’ll typically face defenders a little squattier than he would face at tackle. The only problem is that one of the guys who has consistently gotten lower than him is Adam Carriker – who is two inches taller. But Carriker is really good at this, perhaps in part because he played over the nose at times in a 4-3.
7. But Hicks strikes me as a standup guy unafraid to admit when he’s struggling and willing to do whatever a team wants. A true pro. He needs to be a starter here, but on a good line he’d probably be a swing guy, a top reserve type. Nothing wrong with that, but it does show that it’s tough to rebuild an entire line in one offseason. If you’re going to plug a guy in, may as well be someone like Hicks.
8. LaRon Landry was showing blitz when Derrick Dockery jumped early. Landry shouted out, “He was nervous! Who’s gonna come?! Who’s gonna come?!” Gotta say, the defensive guys really like this system. But so do the offensive guys. Don’t remember a time where that’s been the case, perhaps dating back to the 1992 season. Every year it seems there’s some grumbling on one side of the ball or the other.
9. Rookie G/C Erik Cook seems to play with good fundamentals. Good base; good arm punch. But he just lacks the lower body strength to anchor the way an interior player does in the NFL. He can develop that, but it will take time. OT Selvish Capers had his issues, too. Lets guys into his body too often. But in fairness to both players, they weren’t drafted to help this season.
10. The Redskins showed one formation today when Chris Horton blitzed from one edge and Justin Tryon came off the other.
11. Rookie LT Trent Williams showed a little mean streak during the one-on-ones vs. LB Curtis Gatewood. After riding Gatewood to the outside, he shoved him hard to the ground, right where some other players were watching.
12. When the Redskins worked a little on kick return, the pairings were Byron Westbrook/Devin Thomas and Terrence Austin/Ryan Torain. Westbrook will really have to show a ton on special teams because it’s hard to imagine him vaulting ahead of any of the corners.
13. Good inside stuff from the locker room. Donovan McNabb loves ragging on guys, but he can take a joke as well. That goes a long way in a locker room.
14. Studs and Duds.
15. Phillip Daniels on Albert Haynesworth.
