1. Albert Haynesworth’s MRI is not a surprise, considering the Redskins have said it’s bothered him since the second day of camp. Just remember, one big reason teams stayed away from him as a free agent was because of his durability. Funny thing is, he actually appeared to do more agility work today. He did have his hands on his knees at one point; not sure if he was just gassed or what. Guess we can ask him after he starts practicing, which is when we’ll next talk to him.
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2. The more I talk to defensive players, and even coaches, the more this is clear: Haynesworth will absolutely have to be more selfless than ever when playing defensive end. That’s why I’m not sold that Haynesworth ultimately will buy into the scheme. They will stunt to get him freed up to rush the passer and I doubt that they won’t use his full talents. He’d be good over the nose on pass-rush situations. But when he does return this will bear watching.
3. A couple years ago when the Redskins faced Pittsburgh and Dallas in 2008, one veteran lineman explained the difference between the two teams. The Cowboys had more talent, he said; but the Steelers were better. Why? Because the Cowboys’ linemen wanted to make plays; the Steelers linemen just did their jobs – and freed up the linebackers. That’s what Washington wants its line to do.
4. The Redskins are focusing an awful lot on their outside running game, built off misdirection. Though the Redskins used zone blocking under Joe Bugel, they relied heavily on inside runs.
5. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan got irritated at a question about the commissioner’s office talking to Santana Moss about Anthony Galea. He seems to think by bringing up Moss’ name that the reporter was singing him out. Here’s the thing: Moss plays for the Redskins and while there are many more names on the list, he’s the only Redskin (that we know of). And the commissioner said he spoke with Moss. So it’s a logical question (wasn’t asked by me).
6. John Beck had a better day today throwing the ball. He did miss on some throws, especially early. However, he still had passes that were nearly intercepted (one off a deflection). Chris Draft knocked another away. Beck was fine, but a stud today? No. However, he looked good in comparison to Rex Grossman who was bad.
7. The Redskins have shown one defensive formation in which Brian Orakpo and Lorenzo Alexander line up on the right side together, both standing up. Both start outside and then Alexander cuts inside, drawing attention and freeing up Orakpo to be one-on-one. It worked today as Orakpo forced a Grossman interception.
8. I don’t know if Kevin Barnes will show it in games, but in practice he’s a lot different than last year. He might not even climb the depth chart. But he has improved.
9. Phillip Buchanon showed his savvy on a deep ball to Terrence Austin today. His eyes were focused on Austin as he tried to run a double move; but Buchanon was not fooled and Austin was not open.
10. Austin is intriguing because he’s making plays, but I’ll be curious to see how he handles physical play at the line.
