1. Got a story running in Thursday’s paper about Trent Williams. But here’s one little comment from OL coach Chris Foerster about him: “He has one of the best recoveries of any player I’ve ever coached. This kid has an unusual set of skills. I’ve never coached a guy who ran that fast.” Foerster coached Jonathan Ogden. They’re different players, but still high praise. Chris Samuels took one look at Williams running a shuttle drill on film and knew he’d be good.
2. Phillip Buchanon will not return punts Friday, simply because the Redskins already know what he can do. They want to see more of Terrence Austin and Brandon Banks and, honestly, so do I. Both have excellent first steps, but how much will they dance? Banks is ultra-shifty and tries to shake guys ala Antwaan Randle El. The difference? Randle El ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds; Banks runs a 4.24 in the 40.
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3. Banks makes it hard to jam him at the line. Ramzee Robinson tried to do that today and couldn’t get a hand on him. Banks started outside, then cut inside of Robinson to grab a slant pass. Robinson barely touched him. Still think Banks’ best chance is to make it as a returner. But that sort of footwork will make him interesting to watch on returns.
4. Carlos Rogers took a couple reps as a safety with the third defense. Looked like he had good recognition on the play and drew some praise from DB coach Bob Slowik.
5. Lorenzo Alexander did a pretty decent job on one run today, muscling inside TE Lee Vickers on a run around right end by Larry Johnson. Alexander made the stop in the backfield. But I didn’t like that he couldn’t get past Clint Oldenburg on several pass rushes.
6. A big difference for Andre Carter, and Alexander for that matter, is having to stay low for more steps on the pass rush. From end, the first step is key. From linebacker, it’s the third step. And the trick has been focusing on staying low enough on that third step.
7. Adam Carriker took one snap with the third team as a nose tackle. Not sure how often he’ll do this during the season, but it’s worth a look. He can play over the nose and it creates more versatility.
8. Haven’t said much about Mike Sellers this summer, but that’s for no reason. He actually looks pretty good and is trimmer than usual. Said he’s down to six percent body fat. He wanted to get slimmer to gain a little more speed, helping him get out of his breaks quicker. In other words, he wants to become more of a target in the passing game.
9. Albert Haynesworth worked with the starters at nose with Maake Kemoeatu (dehydration) out. Haynesworth was OK, but not disruptive. He is clearly still getting into football shape; he had his usual few plays where he would engage on a pass play, then rise up to try and anticipate a pass rather than finishing the rush.
10. Santana Moss has looked pretty good of late; running crisp routes.
11. Here’s my Studs & Duds from earlier today.
12. Here’s a link to what Jerry Jones said about Kevin Kolb and Donovan McNabb.
