McNabb looks sluggish; Williams holds steady
But this is what we’ve noticed:
1Donovan McNabb hasn’t looked sharp »
He consistently misses receivers, throwing behind them; throwing late; bouncing swing passes into the ground. When this was mentioned to an Eagles insider, his response was: “You just summed up his career.” But McNabb’s best attribute is improvising after plays break down; there’s less opportunity for that in practice. And don’t forget this: The past two years, Jason Campbell looked good in camp.
2Trent Williams looks like a keeper » Any top-five pick should look good, but that doesn’t always happen. Remember Heath Shuler? Michael Westbrook? You didn’t see a whole lot from them early on. Williams, though, has excellent fundamentals. He will get in trouble, but because he has a solid base and good feet, he can recover. The big test for him is preparation; that was the knock on him in college. In terms of skills, he’s more than fine.
3The secondary has been the best unit » Both starting corners — Carlos Rogers and DeAngelo Hall — as well as No. 3 corner Phillip Buchanon, have played well. Of course, receiver is the Redskins’ weakest group, so what this means we’ll find out later. LaRon Landry is more dangerous closer to the line and should make more plays; thus far, Kareem Moore has played well. And backup safeties Chris Horton and Reed Doughty have done nothing bad, either.
4Receiver remains a concern » Devin Thomas has the talent, but his inconsistency keeps him working with the second and third stringers. Roydell Williams and Terrence Austin have looked good at times, but mostly vs. backups. Austin is not strong and that could be an issue vs. better corners and in run-blocking. Joey Galloway was thought by many to be finished a year ago. It helps having two excellent tight ends, but this group has a lot to prove.
5The right side of the line is a mild concern » Right guard Artis Hicks and right tackle Jammal Brown appear to work well together. However, Hicks has struggled to stay low and Brown already has missed four practice days with soreness in his hip. Brown is talented, but will his left hip, surgically repaired last summer, be an issue? Will Hicks start to improve the more he stays at right guard?
