As for the priorities, some of that obviously depends on how the year plays out. For example, if Ryan Torain becomes a quality back then you have a hole filled. Same with Lorenzo Alexander at OLB. Right now, running back is still on my list. Receiver or NT would be my top need, with interior OL also high. Even if Albert Haynesworth falls in love with this defense, he’s not a run-stopping 3-4 nose and I’m not sold on Maake Kemoeatu. Hard to have a great 3-4 without good nose play. I don’t want just inside linebacker depth, I think they’ll need possibly one starter (depending how Perry Riley progresses). I’d want a young OLB as much for depth as anything. I also would want another natural FS. I’d say another young DL, but if Jeremy Jarmon develops and gets a little stronger then maybe he could be that guy.
JK

John: You have the best Redskins coverage available. I’m glad I found your site at the Washington Examiner. My theory on why Albert Haynesworth had his best game of the season in Philadelphia is that he was angry at Philiadelphia.  If I remember correctly, the Redskins tried to trade Haynesworth to the Eagles for Donovan McNabb, but the Eagles wanted nothing to do with Haynesworth.  Maybe he was trying to convince them that they made a mistake by not taking him??  I guess we will find out this Sunday against Green Bay.
 
Jimmie Crowder

Jimmie: Thanks. Have to admit I didn’t think of that possibility. With Albert, who knows what motivates him. Maybe he was a little more engaged because he knew he’d be playing a lot more with Vonnie Holliday out and the Eagles forcing them into a lot of nickel situations (where they could use him in a one-man front or in a 4-3 look). I would have said this week will tell a lot about Albert and where he’s at with this defense. But his situation changed with the death of his brother (the question was submitted several days ago). Still, with Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo on the same side, someone will come open; if not one of them, then someone else. 

JK

John: With Clinton hurt for a few weeks and Torain starting, where do you see the team going for that 3rd down back?

Sean Cook

Sean: My guess is Keiland Williams will be that guy. Chad Simpson is not considered a good pass-catcher or blocker. Sort of rules him out. But Williams handled this role at LSU and was OK performing it in the first three games this season. It’s not ideal. Keep in mind, too, that they have kept Chris Cooley in at times, so he’ll help.
JK

Hi John: As I’m sure many Philly fans have asked themselves, why does McNabb just look terrible at times?  Here are my guesses: (1) he’s just a streaky quarterback, you never know what you’ll get; (2) he’s a rhythm quarterback, so on days like last Sunday when we emphasize the run and Philly wins time of possession, he never gets going; (3) he chokes in big games, or (4) he’s overly cautious with a lead and would rather one-hop-it than risk an interception.

Joe Mcalear

Joe: I think a lot of those answers are just about right; he is streaky and he does get into a rhythm. Sort of like a guy in the NBA who could look great for two nights and not hit a shot in the third. Makes you scratch your head sometimes. I think he’s best when he’s improvising – he’s never been a high-percentage passer — and I have wondered a lot about No. 4, mainly because he always misses low. It’s funny because Jason Campbell always missed high. My guess is the same as yours, that he’s trying to avoid a killer mistake by keeping it low, putting it where only the receiver can get it. But I think there’s more to why he changes his release point and I meant to talk to one of the coaches this week about it, but did not have a chance. It’s on the list.
JK
 

John: Is Malcolm over his injuries? Does he keep active? Will he be a factor in the future?
John Vetter

John: When he went on IR, they thought it would take him six weeks to get healthy. Hasn’t been that long yet. But he is here working out and participating in what the coaches want him to (film sessions, etc). A factor in the future? I have a hard time seeing it. Just worry that he’ll never stay healthy.
JK

John: I like what the Skins are doing to find RB help. Practice Squad go figure. Do you know if they are looking at Shawnbrey McNeal who was just released by the Falcons. He looks good. Are you happy with the Front Office football operations thus far?
Thanks
Chris Messick

Chris: Don’t know that they’re looking at him. Sounds like a guy who would be best suited in a third-down role. I don’t have a big problem with what the football operations have done thus far. I like that they didn’t make panic trades for a receiver, like teams wanted them to do. The draft is a wait-and-see because they only had one high pick so the others may take a couple years. It’s going to take a while; the best thing they could do is to be patient.
JK

Hey John: I think it’s about time the Redskins made the move of cutting Roydell Williams and giving Terrence Austin a chance. Do you agree? Roydell hasnt done anything and Terrence is faster, quicker, runs routes well and can catch! Do you see them making this move possibly anytime soon? Also, if someone is cut to make room for another RB, who will it be and is Keiland Williams next in line for the extra RB spot? Thanks JK, awesome as always.

Pascal Todd, VA

Pascal: One thing they like about Roydell is his size; he’s listed as being only an inch and five pounds bigger than Austin, but in person it seems a bit more than that. I don’t want to pick on Roydell, but I’m not sure yet what he adds. But I have a hard time right now seeing them promote Terrence and keeping six receivers on the roster. That’s why I’d guess Roydell would get cut if, and when, Keiland is promoted. But that’s just a guess. One guy whose value plummets if Albert Haynesworth keeps playing well is Vonnie Holliday. But they might keep him around as insurance; he’s also a solid veteran both on and off the field.
JK

Hi John: Okay so I ask about Mike Sellers and he has a better game against the Rams, ask about the secondary and they come out big against the Eagles. These week I have a question about McNabb. McNabb stated that the 2nd half drop off is on his shoulders and aside from some BIG runs he was horrible. It seems that in both the Rams and Eagles game the blitz got in his head a bit in the 2nd half. Do you think having the starting 5 out there against the Packers might settle him up a bit? Is Trent Williams that big of an upgrade to the O-line from Heyer.

Phil Hatem
Brooklyn

Phil: You’re the opposite of the SI jinx…Next week, please ask me about why I can’t make a million bucks. Anyway, yes Williams is that big of an upgrade. Heyer gets himself in trouble and the only way he can recover is by holding. Williams gets in trouble and can escape because he’s that quick and strong. Part of the problem for Donovan is a lack of trust in his other receivers. It’s easy to place trust in Santana and Cooley; they’ve done it and can still do it. The other guys are still proving themselves (or proving they can still play). And that trust can show up when he’s hurried; that’s a good point. I was surprised how rushed he looked on some throws in the second half last week. So having the starting five should help, but I wonder what losing Clinton as a security blanket will do.
JK

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Here’s an update on Trent Williams.

And here’s one on Albert Haynesworth.