Redskins notes
» New Redskins punter Ryan Plackemeier had no trouble as a rookie with long punts; it was the finesse punts he struggled with his first two years in Seattle.
“Coming out of Wake [Forest], we were always punting from our own 10,” he said. “So when I got to the league, I worked on punting inside the 20.”
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Plackemeier holds the ball straight down on finesse punts, which, if done right, prevents the ball from rolling.
Meanwhile, new safety Mike Green was Mr. Irrelevant as the last player picked in 2000.
“I used it as motivation,” Green said. “It helped me get where I’m at.”
» Running back Clinton Portis (hip), tackle Chris Samuels (ankle), safety Chris Horton (ankle) and guard Pete Kendall (knee) did not practice. Redskins coach Jim Zorn said he expects Portis, Samuels and Kendall to play. Horton’s situation is more uncertain.
Corner Fred Smoot (groin), linebacker Khary Campbell (calf) and corner Carlos Rogers (calf) were limited. For Cleveland, tight end Kellen Winslow (illness) did not practice and Browns coach Romeo Crennel called him questionable for Sunday’s game.
Three things we know about the Browns
1. The offensive line is solid » The return of Ryan Tucker helped tremendously. The former guard started at tackle and, paired with guard Rex Hadnot, formed a strong right side. They already had a solid left side with tackle Joe Thomas and guard Eric Steinbach. Another boost to the ground game was the blocking of tight ends Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins. Tight end Kellen Winslow, who did not play Monday, is a terrible blocker.
2. Jamal Lewis is better than his numbers » Now that the line is blocking well again, and quarterback Derek Anderson snapped out of his funk, look for Lewis to start to roll. He’s averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, but hasn’t been given much help. Or holes. He reported to camp 15 pounds lighter this summer and is one of the most respected players in the locker room because of his work ethic and professionalism. One Cleveland writer described him as the most indispensable player on the team. It helps that he has two good blocking fullbacks in Lawrence Vickers and Charles Ali.
3. The Browns can’t stop the run » Cleveland ranks 25th against the run and allowed 181 yards vs. New York. Nose tackle Shaun Rogers is a force, but the line’s depth has become a problem. End Robaire Smith (Achilles) is out for the season and end Shaun Smith (hand) might not play this week. Opposing backs have averaged 4.7 yards per carry. Too often the linebackers are getting blocked.
