1. Coach Mike Shanahan re-iterated his belief in John Beck and Rex Grossman. And, yeah, he staked his reputation again on them. Shanahan also took another shot at the roster he helped build.
“I believe in both quarterbacks and I have to give them the right supporting cast,” Shanahan said. “It’s my job and I’m going to get them the right supporting cast.
“I understand there will be growing pains. But I have to give them the right supporting cast, when we do that I feel very good about our guys.”
2. In the last three weeks, Shanahan has called out the defense (preparation), kicker Graham Gano (on the block), receiver Anthony Armstrong (press coverage). The guy likes to send messages, that’s for sure. In Armstrong’s case consider it received. He spent about 10 minutes after practice working with receivers coach Keenan McCardell on getting away from press coverage.
“He’s feeling he needs to show folks that he’s still Anthony, which I know he is,” McCardell said.
Said Armstrong of Shanahan’s comments: “Initially I took it as a swipe, but then I also took it as a challenge…I’ve been successful against it; [but] everybody has their slip-ups.”
Shanahan said Wednesday that he uses the line – if you can’t beat bump coverage, you’ll end up coaching – with all his receivers.
“I was kind of joking about that, but at the same time kind of serious,” Shanahan said.
But he also said of Armstrong, “I’m looking forward to him having a good career here. I’m happy with the guy and the way he goes about his business.”
3. Safety LaRon Landry (Achilles), tackle Jammal Brown (groin), safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (toe/knee), linebacker Keyaron Fox (knee/skin infection), linebacker Markus White (illness) did not practice. Receiver Santana Moss (hand) and receiver Niles Paul (toe) already are out for Sunday’s game at Miami.
Landry had soreness in his Achilles, which he ruptured last season and caused him to miss all of training camp. Shanahan only said they’ll see how he is Thursday.
4. It’s hard to imagine him playing vs. Miami on Sunday. Brown missed the second half of the 49ers game after hurting his groin in the second quarter. “He’s normally a pretty tough guy so if he misses plays you know it’s serious,” Shanahan said. Brown was off to a strong start vs. San Francisco; his replacement, Sean Locklear, is a drop-off. The tough part for the run game is the lack of inability to create more cutback lanes. This adds to the problem.
5. Brown’s injury is why the Redskins signed veteran Tyler Polumbus, who signed with Denver in 2008 as an undrafted free agent. He was cut by the Broncos after Mike Shanahan was fired and they turned to more of a power blocking scheme. Polumbus was cut by Seattle last month. He’s started 15 games in the NFL.
6. Running back Tashard Choice practiced and could play Sunday – if Shanahan thinks he’s learned enough of the offense, of course.
Regardless, Choice is ready – to help Washington and prove Dallas wrong.
“Someone tells you you can’t do something, somebody tells you you’re not good enough, you want to play well and you ball,” he said. “They’ll shut their mouth then.”
It’s hard to even say how much Choice would play, but it’s not as if anyone has taken a firm hold of the running back position yet.
“I need to give them a spark,” Choice said. “The running backs, we need to give them a spark and attitude. Guys feed off that. They feed off positive energy and they feed off big plays. One little thing can turn this season around, one big win. You’ve got to get that first one. It only takes one.”
7. Newly signed Kentwan Balmer understands his reputation. When you’re on your fourth team and you were a first round pick in 2008, that’s probably not a tough thing to do.
“With my name comes a lot of baggage,” he said, “a lot I brought on myself. Time off is real humbling and made me realize my priorities. I’m just here to work.”
Balmer went AWOL during camp when he was with San Francisco, prompting a trade to Seattle. The Seahawks cut him in August. Carolina had him in camp for a week and then released him.
“We know he has a lot of talent,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully he comes in here and does what he’s supposed to do. If he does, great, if he doesn’t he won’t be here long.”
8. Funny moment at the start of Shanahan’s presser today. Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan asked the coach if he had any interest in a two-time All Pro who had just become available. Shanahan looked confused as to who he was talking about.
The answer: Albert Haynesworth.
Yes, laughter followed, including from Shanahan.
“Usually I get most of those, two-time All Pro’s cut, I can usually remember that,” Shanahan said. “Now I know why I forgot. Let’s go on. Next question.”
9. To subscribe to my Friday email report, click here.
