The Redskins spent the past month evaluating players, installing new plays, perfecting old ones and trying to gauge exactly where their team was heading into the summer.
Not much will change this weekend, except for one thing: It’s their last chance to measure progress.
Washington’s minicamp begins today and runs through Sunday. After this, the players are off until training camp begins July 27.
The Redskins say this weekend won’t be run much differently than the past month during the Organized Team Activities. And it’ll be hard to gauge how, say, the run defense is doing until the preseason. So it’s mostly focusing on individual improvement.
“We are going to continue along the same lines as what we have going now, but I also think we are going to add a lot,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “We will continue the mental part. … We have a good hard-working group.”
But there are certain issues that remain alive for Washington:
» Todd Wade. The Redskins shifted him from tackle to left guard, replacing the departed Derrick Dockery. But until they’re in full pads, it’s tough to tell how well Wade will do at this spot. What we can see this weekend, though, is his footwork on pulling plays. More than anything, that will determine his future at left guard.
» Jason Campbell’s progress. Actually, it’s not just him but the progress of the entire offense considering it’s the second year in Al Saunders’ system for everyone. But Campbell looked sharper and more decisive during the Organized Team Activities. It will still be interesting to see how much his delivery and footwork have improved; that will determine his success in the passing game.
» Shawn Springs. The Redskins wanted him to take a pay cut; he said no. The Redskins considered trading him; they ended up keeping him. And he stayed away for the first few weeks of OTAs. Then he missed some time because his wife was pregnant.
“I ain’t going to be the type of person that causes drama,” Springs told The Associated Press on Thursday. “You know how my personality is. I’m so easygoing and laid-back. “I’m here, so they want me here. And nothing else matters.”
» Rocky McIntosh’s progress. Considering the second-year linebacker is the likely weakside starter, he needs to show he can handle the job. The main criticism last season was that he didn’t know the defense. If McIntosh is reacting quicker during this minicamp, it’s a sign that perhaps he is coming around. The coaches already know he’s physical.
Extra points
» Five Redskins won’t participate in this weekend’s minicamp: running back Clinton Portis (shoulder), guard Randy Thomas (knee), receiver Santana Moss (groin), receiver Danny Melendez (hamstring) and defensive end Justin Hickman (knee). Defensive end Phillip Daniels (wrist) and defensive end Renaldo Wynn (elbow) will participate in a limited basis.
