First Jim Zorn resurrected George Allen’s “Hip, hip, hooray” cheer. Now the Redskins coach has his own version of RamSkins after adding three former Seattle players on Tuesday.
The Sea-Skins?
Granted, safety Mike Green made his reputation with Chicago before traded to Seattle in 2006 and punter Ryan Plackemeier is well, a punter. But running back Shaun Alexander was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player three seasons ago.
The Redskins need some help following their first loss in five weeks. Not John Wayne leading the cavalry, but some tweaking. A reserve running back who thinks he can still start in the league, a veteran safety with more years than his three sidekicks combined and a new punter after the last proved terrible are welcome relief.
There’s nothing like friendly faces for a first-year coach. When the Redskins needed people in a hurry, old connections were invaluable. Zorn and defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who coached Green in Chicago, knew the three could quickly plug-in for Cleveland on Sunday.
“[Alexander] already knows our passing game, our protection schemes, even our audible system and things like that,” Zorn said. “[Signing Seahawks is] not by coincidence. I do have some knowledge of who’s available.”
Players joked of tormenting their new teammates who beat them in the playoffs last season when many thought Washington was headed for the Super Bowl and twice since 2005. Clinton Portis joked of Alexander “big-timing” him in the 2003 Pro Bowl, allegedly charging incidentals to the rookie’s room who now seeks repayment with interest.
“These are the same guys that knocked us out of the playoffs,” Portis said. “Outside of that, I’m sure they’ll fit in.”
Indeed, cornerback Shawn Springs yelled “Little Shaun” when passing Alexander, a reference to their days together in Seattle when the veteran Springs was “Big Shawn.” Quarterback Jason Campbell of Auburn traded barbs with Alexander of Alabama. Players know it’s a performance-driven league and those who produce are always welcome no matter past rivalries.
“I don’t think all of a sudden he couldn’t play football,” Portis said. “It’s the league.”
Certainly, it’s a good time for reflection by the Redskins. The month-long winning streak and constant grind of readying for the next opponent leaves little time to pause. A loss and injuries meant three changes, though.
“That train was running real well and then we had a mudslide,” Campbell said.
The Redskins couldn’t tolerate rookie punter Durant Brooks’ inconsistency anymore. Washington wouldn’t wait for safety Reed Doughty’s back to heal. It can’t risk playing with two running backs when one doubles as a kick returner.
Maybe the new moves are just roster shuffling. Then again, you never know when one may decide a game.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
