It wasn’t exactly as intense as a typical Organized Team Activity workout would be with coaches. And the purpose wasn’t just to stay sharp. It was about staying connected as much as it was about going over plays.
Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said approximately 30 players attended the workout at a local high school – around 20 on offense and 10 on defense. Coaches are not allowed to attend.
“Thirty to 40 guys was our goal and we were close to that,” Alexander said. “You can tell guys are committed and want to change the aura of what’s been going on [in Washington].”
“It was good to get out there and hear the plays and run them and execute them as a team,” receiver Anthony Armstrong said. “Even though it was pretty light and minimal, there’s still a lot that was done. It’ll help us in the long run, whenever the lockout ends we can hit the ground running.
“It’s important to get around the guys and see everybody and be uplifting and to call the plays.”
They will conduct another one Wednesday when more players are expected to participate. Some players still on the mend with injuries showed up as well.
The quarterbacks? John Beck and Rex Grossman, who is a free agent. Albert Haynesworth did not attend.
Linebacker London Fletcher organized the event and took charge of the approximate 70-minute workout. They ran through some drills and then did seven-on-seven work. Alexander said they’re hoping more of the defensive backs show up Wednesday to make the seven-on-seven more effective.
“It felt like a workout,” Armstrong said. “My legs are tired after it. It’s a little competition because it’s offense vs. defense and you want to find a way to beat those guys regardless of the situation.”
Alexander said the session wasn’t about gauging who is, or isn’t, in shape.
“Most guys were in shape but we didn’t do enough to really tell if guys have been working out or not,” he said. “Most said they’re doing their own thing. But it’s not about that. We’re not trying to patrol anybody, but if anybody had looked horrible we probably would say something. It was more to get together as a team and having the experience and working on our craft.”
