Spend the weekend at the beach. Have one last barbecue or see a movie. The summer is about to end.
That’s right — the Washington Redskins begin training camp on Monday. For this town, that means no more free weekends or vacations. From the first senseless snap of camp through the regular season finale versus the New York Giants, nothing else greatly matters.
Gas prices are dismissed. Middle East wars are overlooked. What Jessica Simpson is wearing is irrelevant. Well, almost.
Year Three of coach Joe Gibbs II is expected to at least duplicate last year’s 11-7 mark and first-round playoff win. An NFC East title is possible. Maybe the team is on the brink of the good old days when earning three Super Bowls under Gibbs.
The bandwagon might be resurrected. After all, its owner is already driving around the country for Monday night games.
What are you watching over the next month when sweltering during practices at Redskin Park? A Redskins.com poll said 67.2 percent want to most see new assistant head coach Al Saunders versus 18.4 for Gibbs and just 9.9 percent for defensive mastermind Gregg Williams. Wonder how that poll played with Williams?
You’re going to watch the quarterbacks first and foremost. Fans always do. Something about throwing the ball deep stirs the crowd. That’s why Jeff George gained so many backers when fooling everyone, including a new owner, during workouts with his golden arm. Too bad he had a tin head.
Mark Brunell vs. Jason Campbell will be portrayed as some mythical quarterback controversy. Too bad that’s not going to happen. Brunell is No. 1 flat out.
The question is: Can Brunell last an entire season when turning 36 in August? He was clearly worn down by December last season. Brunell may start the year, but can he finish? And if not, will Campbell play well right away?
Watch Campbell more than Brunell. Is Campbell relying more on his footwork than brain? Is he recognizing coverages? Will Campbell improve each week of the preseason as the playbook increases? Those are the real keys for whether the 2005 first-rounder is finally ready.
Naturally, you’re going to watch the receivers catch all those balls. Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle-El sure will be pretty alongside Santana Moss. Along with Chris Cooley, the Redskins will throw so much in drills you might forget Clinton Portis is still on the team. Maybe “Southeast Jerome” will watch practice with the fans.
Next, glance over to linebacker Rocky McIntosh. Is the first-rounder from The U ready to replace LaVar Arrington as an impact player? Williams will probably bring McIntosh along slowly since the coach likes everyone to theoretically start.
Kicker is another interesting slot. John Hall’s past injuries leave him vulnerable, but Tyler Jones probably isn’t the answer. The team’s kicker probably arrives in late August.
Go stock up on beer. Kiss the spouse and kids good-bye. Pay your NFL satellite package six months ahead. It’s time for the real sports season to begin.
Only 191 days until the Super Bowl.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
