As most fans know, this off season brought a lot of turmoil for starting quarterback Jason Campbell. The team tried to replace him twice, giving fans more reason to doubt the quarterback's ability (myself not included). For these nonbelievers, their favorite player to talk about will undoubtedly be Campbell's backup.
Todd Collins is the currently holds this spot, but his position will surely be challenged by youngsters Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel. Saturday, Collins was very precise while executing the offense, but moved noticeably slower than Campbell.
Brennan, who is entering his second season, looked the best of the bunch. He took quick drops, released the ball quickly and was very accurate. Undrafted rookie Daniel seems to have caught on quickly, and was very accurate.
It seems like Brennan could be putting himself in a position to supplant Collins for the spot, but this is still early in camp. Nothing will be decided until head coach Jim Zorn sees them in live action when the bullets are really flying. It will be interesting to see how Zorn splits up snaps the rest of camp, there could definitely be reason to give Brennan a few more reps.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Wide Receivers Battling for 5th Spot
As training camp starts to really get going, there a few positions with some roster spots open. A position where a younger guy stands a chance at earning the spot is as the fifth wide out.
After the release of James Thrash this off season, a huge hole was left and the team brought in several players to challenge for the spot. From what I saw at camp Saturday, rookies Marko Mitchell and Keith Eloi, along with four year veteran Roydell Williams look like they are leading for the spot.
Of this group, Eloi stood apart from the others. He held on to one throw while he was falling, and seemed to run his routes with a little more speed than the others.
This will be a competition worth watching. Last year Vinny Cerrato kept all of his draft choices, so it would seem Mitchell has the inside track to a roster spot, but if Eloi keeps making catches like he did Saturday, they're going to have to take a long look at him.
After the release of James Thrash this off season, a huge hole was left and the team brought in several players to challenge for the spot. From what I saw at camp Saturday, rookies Marko Mitchell and Keith Eloi, along with four year veteran Roydell Williams look like they are leading for the spot.
Of this group, Eloi stood apart from the others. He held on to one throw while he was falling, and seemed to run his routes with a little more speed than the others.
This will be a competition worth watching. Last year Vinny Cerrato kept all of his draft choices, so it would seem Mitchell has the inside track to a roster spot, but if Eloi keeps making catches like he did Saturday, they're going to have to take a long look at him.
First Trip to Training Camp
On Saturday, I made my first trip to Ashburn, VA to check out training camp, and I was not disappointed.
It was the first day in full pads, and the players did not hold back. Along the line, players were throwing aggressive blocks, making sure to show their stuff every chance they got. It was good to see Derrick Dockery out with the team again. He looked like his old self, dishing out some of the biggest hits of the day
The most encouraging performance of the day came from Malcolm Kelly, who was bothered by injuries the majority of last season. The second year player made several impressive grabs, including a deep pass from Colt Brennan where Kelly had to twist his body while falling out of bounds to catch the ball. Kelly also used his size to his advantage, leaping for balls during red zone drills.
Overall, I think the team looked crisp. They wasted little time during a practice that lasted over two hours, moving quickly through the drills. The coaches and players seemed very focused, but seemed to go through everything very naturally.
The offense still has a ways to go, but it's only the first day with pads on and they should show progress each day. I'll have more up here as I go to more practices, but expect more in the next few days even if I don't make it out to practice. Lot's of exciting stuff going on, let's hope it turns out well. Until next time...
Hail
It was the first day in full pads, and the players did not hold back. Along the line, players were throwing aggressive blocks, making sure to show their stuff every chance they got. It was good to see Derrick Dockery out with the team again. He looked like his old self, dishing out some of the biggest hits of the day
The most encouraging performance of the day came from Malcolm Kelly, who was bothered by injuries the majority of last season. The second year player made several impressive grabs, including a deep pass from Colt Brennan where Kelly had to twist his body while falling out of bounds to catch the ball. Kelly also used his size to his advantage, leaping for balls during red zone drills.
Overall, I think the team looked crisp. They wasted little time during a practice that lasted over two hours, moving quickly through the drills. The coaches and players seemed very focused, but seemed to go through everything very naturally.
The offense still has a ways to go, but it's only the first day with pads on and they should show progress each day. I'll have more up here as I go to more practices, but expect more in the next few days even if I don't make it out to practice. Lot's of exciting stuff going on, let's hope it turns out well. Until next time...
Hail
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Any Shot at the Super Bowl?
So is this finally the year? Will the Redskins finally make the trip fans have been longing to see for so many years? Is the Super Bowl even in their sights?
Well, everyone has a chance at the beginning of the season, so why no the 'Skins? But if they're going to do it, these three things have to happen.
#3 Jason Campbell will have to show improvement
Jason Campbell is entering his second season as the starter under head coach Jim Zorn's version of the West Coast Offense. This will be the first time Campbell will be in the same offense as the starter for two years in a row, and should be ready for a much improved season.
Campbell already knows the offense, allowing him to play and react rather than think everything through. The progress of second year receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will also be critical to his success, having few reliable receiving options last season.
#2 The defensive has to dominate, especially in the trenches
The saying goes, "Defense wins championships," and Vinny Cerrato has seemingly upgraded a defense that ranked 4th in the league last season. He replaced two injury riddled veterans, Sean Springs and Marcus Washington, with the two highest draft choices the team had.
The defensive line is deeper than it's ever been, with free agents Albert Haynesworth and Renaldo Wynn joining an already formidle group including Andre Carter, Cornelius Griffin, Anothony Montgomery and Kedric Golston. Returning to this group is Phillip Daniels and draft choices Brian Orakpo and Jeremy Jarmon.
With these players rotating in throughout the game, it will be very different for opposing lines to stop them from reaching the quarterback. This will create sacks and turnovers, which could slot this defense at the top of the league.
#1 Clinton Portis and the offensive line have to stay healthy and hungry
With the addition of Derrick Dockery, the left side of the line should definitely be the strength. When Dock last played next to Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis had had his highest yardage total as a Redskin.
The key for these guys is making it through the season. Playing along the line, injuries are going to happen, but the line slowed down in the second half of last season. They seemed to lose their edge; their hunger. The big guys up front know what happened last year, and seem determined to prove they are better than they appeared last season.
If the 'Skins can pound the ball, and Campbell keeps his throws between 20 and 25 times a game, they could be in a position to any game they enter.
Well, everyone has a chance at the beginning of the season, so why no the 'Skins? But if they're going to do it, these three things have to happen.
#3 Jason Campbell will have to show improvement
Jason Campbell is entering his second season as the starter under head coach Jim Zorn's version of the West Coast Offense. This will be the first time Campbell will be in the same offense as the starter for two years in a row, and should be ready for a much improved season.
Campbell already knows the offense, allowing him to play and react rather than think everything through. The progress of second year receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will also be critical to his success, having few reliable receiving options last season.
#2 The defensive has to dominate, especially in the trenches
The saying goes, "Defense wins championships," and Vinny Cerrato has seemingly upgraded a defense that ranked 4th in the league last season. He replaced two injury riddled veterans, Sean Springs and Marcus Washington, with the two highest draft choices the team had.
The defensive line is deeper than it's ever been, with free agents Albert Haynesworth and Renaldo Wynn joining an already formidle group including Andre Carter, Cornelius Griffin, Anothony Montgomery and Kedric Golston. Returning to this group is Phillip Daniels and draft choices Brian Orakpo and Jeremy Jarmon.
With these players rotating in throughout the game, it will be very different for opposing lines to stop them from reaching the quarterback. This will create sacks and turnovers, which could slot this defense at the top of the league.
#1 Clinton Portis and the offensive line have to stay healthy and hungry
With the addition of Derrick Dockery, the left side of the line should definitely be the strength. When Dock last played next to Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis had had his highest yardage total as a Redskin.
The key for these guys is making it through the season. Playing along the line, injuries are going to happen, but the line slowed down in the second half of last season. They seemed to lose their edge; their hunger. The big guys up front know what happened last year, and seem determined to prove they are better than they appeared last season.
If the 'Skins can pound the ball, and Campbell keeps his throws between 20 and 25 times a game, they could be in a position to any game they enter.
Monday, July 20, 2009
More on Jarmon Addition
So as I'm sure you've heard, especially if you read this blog, the 'Skins selected defensive end Jeremy Jarmon in the third round of the NFL's supplemental draft last week.
This was a really good move for them, and in one off season, Vinny Cerrato and the boys upstairs may have turned the fortune of the defensive line for years to come.
The additions of Jarmon, fellow rookie end Brian Orakpo and veteran tackle Albert Haynesworth should give the team three starters along the line for the next 5 or so years. Furthermore, they'll be getting all these guys under contract during the same year, allowing them to grow in the defense together.
It could take a few seasons before all three are starters, but it appears there is finally a plan for the future. Every year, whether it's been a Bruce Smith or a Jason Taylor, a new lineman enters camp on the last leg of their careers and don't look like their old selves. After a few years, they are out the door and management is looking to make the same old moves.
Now the 'Skins find themselves with several options along the line, young and old, to grow from, and the trio of Haynesworth, Jarmon, and Orakpo should be leading the pack. These guys could grow into one of the most feared lines in the league. But then again, we are talking about the Redskins, so it could just be a bust.
This was a really good move for them, and in one off season, Vinny Cerrato and the boys upstairs may have turned the fortune of the defensive line for years to come.
The additions of Jarmon, fellow rookie end Brian Orakpo and veteran tackle Albert Haynesworth should give the team three starters along the line for the next 5 or so years. Furthermore, they'll be getting all these guys under contract during the same year, allowing them to grow in the defense together.
It could take a few seasons before all three are starters, but it appears there is finally a plan for the future. Every year, whether it's been a Bruce Smith or a Jason Taylor, a new lineman enters camp on the last leg of their careers and don't look like their old selves. After a few years, they are out the door and management is looking to make the same old moves.
Now the 'Skins find themselves with several options along the line, young and old, to grow from, and the trio of Haynesworth, Jarmon, and Orakpo should be leading the pack. These guys could grow into one of the most feared lines in the league. But then again, we are talking about the Redskins, so it could just be a bust.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Redskins Make Selection in Supplemental Draft
The Redskins selected University of Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon in the third round of the NFL supplemental draft.
The supplemental draft is for players entering the NFL after the the draft in April. If a team makes a selection, they lose that rounds pick in the next draft.
Jarmon, 21, entered the supplement draft after losing his eligibility to play his senior season after it was discovered he took a banned dietary substance.
The Redskins identified the defensive line as an area of need at the beginning of the off-season, and adding Jarmon to the mix will bring both youth and size. With his size, he will play on the left side of the line behind veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.
The supplemental draft is for players entering the NFL after the the draft in April. If a team makes a selection, they lose that rounds pick in the next draft.
Jarmon, 21, entered the supplement draft after losing his eligibility to play his senior season after it was discovered he took a banned dietary substance.
The Redskins identified the defensive line as an area of need at the beginning of the off-season, and adding Jarmon to the mix will bring both youth and size. With his size, he will play on the left side of the line behind veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Receiver's Competition
Hello all. Sorry for my absence the past couple of weeks. I have just returned from a trip to Greece, and was away from all the action.
Luckily, nothing really happened while I was gone. I halfway expected coming back to headlines of trades or big signings, but the boys in the front office failed me.
The 'Skins are still in the news, finding themselves in a clip on NFL Network's premier show, Total Access, where Antwaan Randle El hosted a catching competition for a few young wide outs, and one player stuck out to me.
Rookie seventh round draft choice Marko Mitchell caught all six of his passes, the only receiver to do so. Not only were his hands impressive, but his great size was evident while standing next to Randle El, listed at 5'10, and Mitchell was a full head taller than him.
Not sure if a little clip like this can say much about him as a player, but this kid is now someone I'll definitely be following through training camp.
Luckily, nothing really happened while I was gone. I halfway expected coming back to headlines of trades or big signings, but the boys in the front office failed me.
The 'Skins are still in the news, finding themselves in a clip on NFL Network's premier show, Total Access, where Antwaan Randle El hosted a catching competition for a few young wide outs, and one player stuck out to me.
Rookie seventh round draft choice Marko Mitchell caught all six of his passes, the only receiver to do so. Not only were his hands impressive, but his great size was evident while standing next to Randle El, listed at 5'10, and Mitchell was a full head taller than him.
Not sure if a little clip like this can say much about him as a player, but this kid is now someone I'll definitely be following through training camp.
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