He was out of shape, too often out of position and eventually out of a job. That’s not the type of season Warrick Holdman, or the Redskins, envisioned. It’s also not the type of season they want repeated.
“When that light comes on,” Holdman said, “I have to do it.”
Or else the Redskins will do what they did last season: find someone else to play weakside linebacker. Of course, it was easier last year because LaVar Arrington was around; and Holdman was keeping the position warm while Arrington rounded into playing shape and emerged from the coaches’ doghouse.
This year, if Holdman isn’t better, the Redskins will either turn to a rookie (second-round pick Rocky McIntosh) or a player who has never played thisspot in the NFL (Chris Clemons). Considering the defensive coaches are slow to start rookies, it’s Holdman’s job to lose.
Still, it’s the only defensive position that remains somewhat unsettled.
“Right now, Warrick has done the best job coming out of [minicamp],” said Redskins assistant head coach for defense Gregg Williams. “His suddenness without the pads on is excellent. …The big thing is, he has to get in shape.”
Holdman says he’s in much better shape. He also knows the defense a lot better, too. Last year, he wasn’t signed until May 17, leaving him little time to be fully prepared. Yet the Redskins started him anyway and the results were predictable. He made few plays, was caught out of position on others and played poorly.
“I can’t say that I was out of shape or didn’t know [the defense],” Holdman said. “The bottom line is that I didn’t get the job done. No one wants to hear excuses. I felt like
I could do it, I just wasn’t doing it.”
He’s lost weight, but more importantly he has a better mindset. It helps having spent most of the offseason working out at Redskins Park, unlike last year. But he also knows he’s probably keeping the position warm for someone else.
“It’s an added bonus if I can come out and play consistent,” Holdman said. “It gives them a chance to learn.”
But, if this season is different for him, they’ll learn by watching him.
“Will I go to the Pro Bowl or be an MVP? I won’t say that,” Holdman said. “I’ll just go out and play the best I can. When I’m on my game, I do a lot of things well.”
