It was a whirlwind of first impressions.
New Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan finally saw his veterans perform over three days in minicamp, a quick look to see what positions the team might need to examine in the coming draft.
It also was a chance for players to see Shanahan and his staff. Shanahan’s son, Kyle, is younger than seven players, but he obviously is an old soul of offense. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is an old salt who seems to have mellowed.
Teammates stared at quarterback Donovan McNabb, bewildered that the Redskins’ nemesis is actually on their side. The former Philadelphia star opened Sunday with a 40-yard strike, which Washington has seen from him before — only this time it was a good thing.
The defense walked through the new 3-4 scheme. Then again, the hybrid defense will be a 4-3 at times, too.
There also were some empty chairs. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and linebacker Rocky McIntosh took the term “voluntary minicamp” to mean they had a choice, and they didn’t show up. Quarterback Jason Campbell also stayed away.
There was a lot to absorb — without factoring in any rookies — for a team looking for a major turnaround after a 4-12 season saw the past coaching staff banished.
Shanahan showed the polish and discipline of a two-time Super Bowl winning coach. He reminds me greatly of Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski but with a sense of humor. Shanahan jousted with the media over several touchy questions but ended several standoffs with a laugh or wink so there was no tension.
The new coach wants players to run on and off the field. Run after the play is finished. Essentially, he wants them to earn their money on practice days, too.
“You can see exactly why he’s won two Super Bowls,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “What he wants is maximum effort. When you put in a new system, you’re going to have mistakes, but he wants the right attitude and putting forth the effort.”
McNabb also drew praise from coaches and teammates just two weeks after a surprise trade from rival Philadelphia. McNabb probably is the Redskins’ best quarterback since Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending injury in 1985, and his new teammates just wanted to see whether the swap was really true.
“You can see his savvy, his poise,” Fletcher said.
Shanahan now has a better idea of his roster. The players have a more clear sense of their new staff. It’s just the first dance, but at least neither side stumbled.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
