1. I really like watching Brandon Banks, if only because he’s a curiousity. Banks is listed at 5-foot-7, 155 pounds but that’s only accurate if he grows another inch and adds about 10 pounds. Still, he’s a tough one. But special teams is the only way he’ll make it. His size is an issue on certain passes where he’s stationary, allowing defenders to crash through him and break up the pass. I have the same concern about Terrence Austin. Mike Shanahan said if his receivers can’t block, then they won’t play. If that’s the case, these two have a ways to go.
Recommended Stories
2. How much stock do the coaches put in the one-on-one drills? Not as much as we do. Players often use this as a time to work on techniques. In 11-on-11 situations, it’s about survival; in the one-on-one sessions, it’s about perfecting. However, when certain players keep getting beat, then that is a concern.
3. Chad Rinehart was a little slow with his hands at times; saw Howard Green move him back a bit today.
4. The Redskins worked a lot on play-action throws to the tight ends at the goal-line today. Tight end Lee Vickers was able to block fine, but did not see him get much separation. Fred Davis should be dangerous down here because of his athleticism. My prediction? He leads the team in touchdown catches.
5. John Beck had a nice toss to Shay Hodge today, hitting him just as he came out of his break.
6. According to a league source, the Redskins were planning on working out three long snappers today. Ethan Albright wasn’t on the list. There’s no way they can enter the season with Nick Sundberg. Even if he snaps better in games, after watching him this summer there’s too much evidence that he’s not ready.
7. Chris Cooley had a terrific block of Lorenzo Alexander at the goal-line, rolling him to the ground. Alexander, by the way, has not gotten to the quarterback a whole lot this camp. My guess is that he’d be good playing the run because of his strength, but rushing the passer from here is not yet happening.
8. But I also wonder about Andre Carter in coverage. They say he won’t have to cover as much, but he’ll definitely have to cover. He still looks a little stiff turning and running. He had to turn and run a couple times today. In fairness, he did so vs. Santana Moss one time out of the slot and forced the ball elsewhere. That was good, but in general he’s much more fluid running forward.
9. Both Carter and Alexander have rushed as a left end in a two-man front at times. Hasn’t happened often.
10. Donovan McNabb hit Cooley for a touchdown this morning in which the only spot he could aim for was his back shoulder. He hit him there, preventing H.B. Blades from making a play.
11. McNabb hit Joey Galloway on a slant underneath, a bullet in traffic. However, had he waited another second, McNabb could have hit Chris Cooley for a much longer gain. A good throw; but could have been a bigger play.
12. NT Maake Kemoeatu appeared a little woozy as he entered the building after the walk-through this afternoon. That’s all we know.
13. Here are the Studs and Duds from earlier today.
