1. Clinton Portis said a mouthful, speaking for approximately 15 minutes to the media today. It was his longest interview since camp opened and it was only the second time that he was at the podium. He used to be a staple there.
2. Portis has always been enjoyable because he isn’t afraid to speak what he felt was the truth. He likes to blame the media for some of his woes, but there’s no doubt that teammates in the past have had many questions about him. But I think Portis likes that chip on his shoulder and it seems to grow bigger each year.
3. But Portis as a captain? Not sure I could see that. The Redskins elected two captains – Donovan McNabb (offense) and London Fletcher (defense). They’ll vote on two more after eight games. If Portis is named a captain, I’ll: A) fall out of my chair and B) pencil them in for the postseason. Because if he’s off to that sort of start, and teammates are that impressed by changes in him, then this team is going places.
4. Bear with me on this: Lorenzo Alexander is the special teams captain this week. For the next seven weeks, the special teams captain will be based on who was that unit’s previous player of the week. Then, at the midway point, they’ll elect a permanent captain.
5. The franchise has really placed a big emphasis on the Dallas rivalry this week. It feels manufactured. But the talk is mostly generated from media and the organization and not necessarily the players. They understand what this game means to the city, but for this rivalry to really take off again, both teams must be good. That said, it is nice that the McNabb/Shanahan era will open vs. Dallas. Sort of fitting. And if the Redskins win? They’ll celebrate like they won a title. Why? Because with Shanahan, they have to believe anything is possible and a win in the first game over the rival would do wonders for the football morale in D.C.
6. But if you’re Donovan McNabb, is facing the Cowboys in Washington any different than facing them in Philly? It was a bigger game there because it often was played with something more on the line.
7. And I think the players would be excited for the opener regardless. For whatever the pundits say – and they’re all over the place – this is a confident team. That stems from Mike Shanahan.
8. No Albert Haynesworth questions today. Hallelujah.
9. Can’t say that I’m sold on Maake Kemoeatu as a nose tackle. Just wanted to see more proof during the preseason that he could anchor the middle coming off that Achilles injury. But I can say that the Redskins staff seems sold on him. So what the heck do I know?
10. My Examiner colleague Rick Snider and I talk about the opener and other topics in this short video.
11. LB Andre Carter (sick) did not practice today. LB Perry Riley (foot) returned to practice but was limited.
12. My story on Trent Williams facing DeMarcus Ware.
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