1. Can’t say there’s been a lot of talk about seeing former coach Jim Zorn. Players didn’t dislike him, but they knew he was in over his head. Some felt he was done in by the organizational setup, especially when it came to discipline. One player said his name only comes up in reference to how much better the schemes are this year than last year. But nobody expressed anger toward him. However, usually when there’s a change in coaches you hear his name spoken at least a little bit. Not in this case. Players want to forget the past two years. They know their setup is much better now.
2. Byron Westbrook is having a good camp. If the final 53 were set today, he’d be on it – and Justin Tryon would not. Westbrook does a nice job using his eyes and he’s physical. Both attributes give him an edge with Jim Haslett. The kid has come a long way.
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3. So what if the Redskins want to trade for Vincent Jackson? One GM said it would probably cost them a second-round pick. “If they don’t like their receivers, it makes sense,” the GM said. But the GM said he hasn’t heard much about San Diego’s intentions regarding Jackson; the Chargers have not been calling teams. “I could see San Diego letting him go for the right price,” the GM said.
4. Sorry, gonna say it one last time: the player I enjoyed watching most this camp was London Fletcher. He still plays with passion. It’s too bad some of that doesn’t rub off on you know who. Fletcher plays hungry even in practice.
5. Mike Furrey told Chris Russell of ESPN 980 that he was done for the season. Russell bumped into him in the building at Redskins Park as he was leaving with his belongings. Never a good sign.
6. Two reasons Malcolm Kelly could still make the roster: One, there’s not a lot of talent at this spot and two, he’s a big guy. Mike Shanahan likes big guys and save for Devin Thomas, this is a tiny group. My hunch is they’ll keep six wideouts.
7. The GM said of Thomas: “I’m not giving up on him.” As for Kelly, he said, “If he can’t stay healthy, how can Kelly be good?” This GM has been consistent over the past couple years in his praise of Thomas and his skepticism regarding Kelly.
8. Camp MVP on offense: Trent Williams. In a few years it might seem silly that there was any debate about taking him or Russell Okung. Camp MVP on defense: Fletcher. See item No. 4.
9. Perhaps the best aspect of this camp is how healthy the Redskins
10. No studs and duds today since they weren’t in full pads.
11. Here’s a story on the offensive line, adjusting to a zone pass protection scheme.
12. Um, some of these players had better learn to drive. When guys get multiple tickets and are thiiiis close to reckless driving (and in Trent Williams’ case, that is what he did) that’s not good. There’s a difference between driving fast and driving stupid.
13. The Redskins starters will play approximately 30 to 35 snaps Saturday. Larry Johnson will start at running back; Clinton Portis will play in “certain situations.” That likely means as a third-down back; just a hunch.
14. Mike Shanahan has a sense of humor. He’s the one who wanted the rookies to perform skits for the team (which includes a great skit about Albert Haynesworth). When asked if anyone did an impression of him, Shanahan said, “There was only one guy who did that… and we cut him today.”
15. Albert Haynesworth missed practice because, well, this time it was his head. Maybe it was his head all along. Really, we have no idea and I’m not sure Shanahan knows as well. Still not sure if he’ll play Saturday.
16. For whatever it’s worth, defensive end Phillip Daniels gets the award for signing the most autographs today. Signed for at least 45 minutes after practice; only Reed Doughty came close. I will say, Daniels seems energized playing in a new defense.
17. Rick Snider’s column on Larry Johnson.
