1. Lorenzo Alexander has been working at outside linebacker with the No. 1 defensive unit. Don’t know if that will continue when Andre Carter is in camp, but it is obvious that coordinator Jim Haslett is impressed. He raved about Alexander, saying he “has been awesome.” He loves his athleticism and said if he didn’t know better, he would have thought Alexander had played linebacker last year, too. In watching him move, he does not look awkward at all, the way Chris Wilson did when transitioning last year. Alexander does a good job taking on runs, too; he plays with good leverage even at linebacker.
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2. The outside linebackers will not be asked to cover as much, but they do have to learn how to read different keys than when playing end. At end, it’s much easier because they read their man and find the ball and make a play. At linebacker, they have more responsibilities and reads. That’s what can slow them down. But Haslett said a guy like Carter will not be asked to cover as much as he did in San Francisco, which will help ease the transition.
“The coverage aspect here is not real difficult,” Haslett said.
3. Carter, LaRon Landry and Josh Bidwell all missed the voluntary workout. Oh, so did Albert Haynesworth. But you already knew that. Reed Doughty and Kareem Moore worked with the No. 1 defense at safety.
4. The reported lawsuit against Haynesworth didn’t cause much of a ripple and Mike Shanahan said he didn’t want to comment on the allegations. Can’t say that I blame him; what can he say? This is out of their hands. But will it increase their desire to get rid of him? Can’t think that it will. If Haynesworth was in camp and excited about his role here, this story wouldn’t matter as far as his standing on the team.
For what it’s worth, I spoke with one NFL source who thought the Redskins still could get a second-rounder for Haynesworth.
“I’m sure he’s worth it. I wouldn’t be surprised if before the season some team plunks down a second-round pick for Albert,” said the source.
5. Brandon Banks took a couple reps at receiver this afternoon — he’ll make the team based solely on his return prowess — and looked every bit of 5-foot-7 (his listed height) when trying to block receivers. He did get past the DBs on one deep route down the middle, but was overthrown. His speed is obvious, but his route-running will be a major issue for several years if he does happen to make a team. There have been tiny guys who have made it before — back in the 1980s, the Cleveland Browns had a kicker named Gerald ‘Ice Cube’ McNeil who probably weighed about 140 pounds. He was an effective returner for a couple years.
6. One thing I heard a bit today was a defensive coach shouting for the players to, “Punch that ball out!” That’s obviously a major emphasis as everyone knows creating more turnovers is a must.
7. Please remember it’s only May and I warn you to stay off the ledges, but I can’t say that Donovan McNabb was all that terrific today. Saw Doughty pick him off one time; he was low on some throws (to Roydell Williams) and overthrow others (Bobby Wade). Just one of those days. But that could be a function of timing. However, McNabb does go through stretches where he’s just inaccurate. … But then he zipped a couple nice passes to Fred Davis down the seam and to Chris Cooley.
8. Liked what I saw of Artis Hicks today compared to last week, when he seemed a step slow on a couple rushes. He handled a spin move by Alexander pretty well simply because of his footwork.
9. Receiver Joey Galloway still has his speed. He ran past Justin Tryon, who could not then make up ground as the pass arrived. Galloway got inside of him on a go route.
10. The highlight of the day? Brian Orakpo’s interception of a McNabb pass tipped into the air by Moore. Orakpo raced about 10 yards to get the pick, then turned upfield and juked Clinton Portis enough that the back ended up on the ground, leading to a lot of comments and shouts from teammates. Good thing Fred Smoot wasn’t here to see that one.
11. An extra one. But coach Mike Shanahan said the team is still talking to Brian Westbrook. He did say Westbrook brings “something to the table on third down packages. He has great hands, he can block.” The Redskins lack a legitimate third-down back as of now, though Portis can fill a lot of the role. The problem is, how much can you leave him in? Then again, that’s why Larry Johnson and Willie Parker are here.
12. One more. Cooley held for some field goal tries, something we haven’t seen before. Bidwell will be the holder, but it’s always good to have someone else ready.
“It’s probably the first time I’ve ever been around Chris where he looked a little nervous. He has excellent hands. We wanted to take a look to see if he could do the job.”
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