A few thoughts on today’s moves:
1. Good for Brandon Banks. I’m surprised only because he dropped the ball so often. But, man, that speed. It always drew you back to him. And watching his footwork on some of those pass receptions was impressive. Still, I would not feel comfortable with him deep in the opener vs. Dallas. He can improve with ball security; but the strip looked too easy. Still, that speed…and when in doubt, might as well take a guy who has something extraordinary to offer.
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2. They made the right call at running back. A couple weeks ago I’d heard that Keiland Williams likely was a practice squad type. But nobody else seized the No. 3 RB position. Ryan Torain was way too ordinary considering how much we all heard that Mike Shanahan loved him. Can’t run that upright; went down too easily. Williams is intriguing and has good hands out of the backfield. He fits the mold of a Shanahan find: a guy who had talent but who, for whatever reason, did not always get the chances in college. Williams was in a crowded backfield at LSU and therefore was never a full-time guy.
3. I’m disappointed for Lee Vickers. The guy has now been cut nine times in five years. Always seems to be the odd guy out. But he’ll keep plugging.
4. Glad for Anthony Bryant. He not only deserved to make the roster, he should be playing. The coaches obviously know 100 times more than I do – and that’s a conservative estimate – but I don’t know what Maake Kemoeatu has shown to suggest he’ll be a quality starter. Yes, he’s coming off an injury, but it concerns me how much he was moved up front. Almost as if he didn’t have his leg strength fully back. Anyway, Bryant does. He kept the linebackers clean; Arizona, for example, could not get to the LBs because they’d have to hold their double team a second longer. I like him. And with the uncertainty surrounding Albert Haynesworth, it was necessary to keep two at this spot.
5. I’m mildly surprised that Jeremy Jarmon made it, but I do think he has potential. Talked to some who thought he might be better in a 4-3, but the kid has some talent and plays hard. He, too, is still recovering from surgery (knee). And he was seen limping while sprinting just a few days ago in practice. I had heard last week that other teams anticipated him either being traded or cut. They were checking him out because of that info, I know that for a fact. I won’t say the Redskins owed it to Jarmon, but here’s the thing: he was told he would play outside linebacker, then he was told he’s going to end and had to gain 30-35 pounds, then he had to fully recover from knee surgery, then he had to learn a new defense. He did it without complaint. Guys like that are good to have around.
6. I was mildly surprised by Terrence Austin, too. He was very steady, ran good routes, caught the ball well and always seemed to make someone miss after his catches. But Banks’ speed prevailed. If you’re going to take a chance, take it on speed. Austin will be there if someone else fails.
7. Selvish Capers and Erik Cook did not deserve to be on the 53-man roster, but both showed enough reasons why they should at least make the practice squad. Cook improved a lot and was solid at center vs. backups. Capers showed athleticism, but had some rough, rough games.
8. Good for Byron Westbrook, who had to answer rumors about being cut Wednesday. Only he wasn’t. Had heard a couple weeks ago that he was ahead of Justin Tryon and nothing clearly changed. Tryon did seem to have a better game than him Thursday, but the body of work to that point clearly favored Westbrook.
9. Roydell Williams made the roster and I’m guessing it’s because of his size. Really, I’m not sure why. But one league source said the other day that if Devin Thomas were dealt or cut that Williams would make the team. That would give them a big receiver. So we’ll see.
10. Only three tackles? Artis Hicks can play tackle, too, if the Redskins lose two in one game. Will Robinson improved in camp, but in the Buffalo game he was really bad; he kept crossing his feet in protection. Still, I’m surprised he was cut. But not that surprised because he was a fringe guy to begin with. Stephon Heyer looked better than the other backup linemen. Now ain’t that a hoot.
11. I have a feeling the Redskins will make more moves. That’s why they kept us waiting so long tonight.
12. I’m not sold on Devin Thomas being here for the long term. Thomas has matured as much as anyone over the past couple years. After his first year I thought he was going to be a Michael Westbrook type, a guy who was up and down with the media and ducked during bad times. Thomas has answered every question I’ve ever had and does so in a polite manner, even when people ask questions about his job or losing a starting role. And that’s all great. But the bottom line is that this staff had him on the bubble. One coach said three times on Tuesday that Thomas needed to have a good game. So his job security is not tight here. He can help himself with a big opener; and the area he might help the most is as a returner. I like him there; he follows the wedge and hits the holes hard.
13. How about that 2008 10-member draft class, huh? Three remain: Thomas, Fred Davis and Kareem Moore. In fact, the Redskins will have only seven draft picks from the past three drafts on their roster. New regime, I know.
14. Not surprised by Howard Green’s release. Strong guy in the middle, but just didn’t run well. At all. And maybe had the thickest calves I’d ever seen.
15. My Buckeye brethren took a hit as Anderson Russell and Darrion Scott both were cut. I thought Scott had a chance and if the Redskins had traded Jarmon, I’m guessing he stays. But they opted for youth and I can’t blame them, though I did think Scott played well at times. As for Russell, he’s a practice squader.
16. Early in the day several outlets had reported that TE Logan Paulsen had been released. Turns out he wasn’t. Last guy that happened to here? Ryan Clark. Paulsen deserved to be on the squad; blocked well.
