The Redskins will be more aggressive » It’s not just defensively, it’s offensively. They’ve spent the past week or two showing a lot of double moves by receivers and play-action passes. Look for more of the same during the season. They’ve also blitzed quite a bit, showing times where two linebackers blitz from the outside, with a safety coming the other way. They’ve blitzed corners; they’ve blitzed outside linebackers to the inside. Many times when new defensive coaches come in, everyone says they’ll be more aggressive. This time, they’re right.
Yes, Vinny Cerrato attended the Redskins alumni barbecue today » Was weird to see him on the sidelines, but he was set off from the rest of the group and paying attention to the workout. Santana Moss and Malcolm Kelly both came over to say hello to him. And, yes, Cerrato is surprised by what Albert Haynesworth is doing. Haynesworth did make it clear when he was being courted that he didn’t want to play in a 3-4.
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By the way, I did not see Cerrato speak with owner Dan Snyder » That does not mean he didn’t, but if it happened it wasn’t on my watch. Cerrato is still friends with coach Mike Shanahan.
» So Cerrato, Charley Casserly and Bobby Beathard all were at Redskins Park today.
The latter two did not want to tackle the Haynesworth topic:
“I’m taking the day off,” Casserly said.
“Retirement is great, I don’t have to deal with that stuff,” Beathard said.
» Shanahan took the players bowling today and cancelled the last round of the minicamp (which they knew several days ago).
Safety Reed Doughty on the alumni » “They’re … what the Redskins nation was and what being a Redskins player means. You hear them say what a Joe Gibbs guy was and what a Redskins player is. Hopefully they look at this team and say we’re getting back to that.”
» Doughty’s hand should be cleared for full contact within a couple weeks, he said.
Art Monk on being at the barbecue » “We felt the retired players were looking in from the outside and not really being a part of the team, not feeling like we belonged here anymore. This brings us in and makes us feel appreciated. I hope we can re-establish the relationship that was broken a couple years ago.”
And from Mark Moseley » “I recall 10 years ago when I was asked to leave FedEx Field one time. Dan lost track of how important the Redskins history has been and should be. The players have to realize that the fans come to FedEx Field because of the old days…This is a good move.”
Saw Charley Taylor sitting on the sidelines paying close, close attention to practice » At one point, Moss caught a pass near where he and others (including Bobby Mitchell) were sitting. As Moss made the play and ran out of bounds, Taylor said, “That’s what I’m talking about!” These old guys do want them to win.
Credit Bruce Allen for making this happen » He clearly has a rapport with the former players. Even though he didn’t play in the NFL, they almost seem to feel as if one of them is in his position. Allen is very serious about reaching out to the alumni. It helps that Shanahan runs the show, allowing Allen to serve also as an ambassador in addition to being a GM.
Now, back to football stuff » Saw Devin Thomas make a couple double moves for long passes; he made a nice catch of a Colt Brennan pass after beating Byron Westbrook on one such move. Anthony Armstrong broke free on a double move – Chris Horton was badly burned — and caught a deep ball from Rex Grossman. Later, Grossman hit Joey Galloway on a deep post for a long touchdown. So it seems Grossman had a good day. That hasn’t always been the case.
I’ve liked how Artis Hicks has progressed at right tackle » He’s more comfortable with his footwork than he was earlier this spring, which makes sense given how he’s changed positions so many times. It’s good for him to stick at one spot. The only thing I’m not sure about is that sometimes he lets guys get into his chest a bit too easy.
Fred Davis continues to look good. He’s not a fluke.
Lorenzo Alexander was still working ahead of Andre Carter at outside linebacker.
Kedric Golston and Vonnie Holliday both worked at right end. I don’t know that Golston would start here if something happens with Haynesworth, but I love his attitude; very selfless – a good guy to have as a 3-4 end. But I have no idea how he’ll fare.
Graham Gano struggled on his field goals. This will be interesting.
