mini camp day 3
http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35646Stump New running backs coach Stump Mitchell spent time during practice putting an emphasis on pass blocking skills.
That's something that Clinton Portis has excelled at over the years.
Still, it needs an emphasis because it's a crucial role for running backs in the West Coast offense. Running backs must be able to pick up pass rushers and blitzers when the short pass routes are covered.
Hollenbach's Learning Curve Young quarterback Sam Hollenbach, the Maryland product, is getting his share of reps during mini-camp.
He has looked good on some plays, not so good on others.
On one play, Hollenbach turned and handed off to Rock Cartwright. It wasn't quite as fluid as Jim Zorn would have liked.
"You did it again, you did it again," Zorn told Hollenbach. "Don't stand and turn. Do it in one motion."
Defense On Top Again The defense continues to raise its game. Another solid session for Greg Blache's crew in 11-on-11 work.
Shawn Springs broke up a slant pass to Antwaan Randle El, and Fred Smoot raced over to him to offer congratulations.
London Fletcher stepped in front of a pass over the middle to James Thrash, breaking up the play.
Eddie Jackson continues to have a solid camp--the fifth-year safety nearly had an interception on one play.
Golston Hurt Defensive tackle Kedric Golston suffered an ankle injury during a play in 11-on-11 work.
Trainers brought him to the sidelines and taped up his ankle. Probably a minor ankle sprain.
Golston was able to stand and walk, but he was eventually carted off the field.
Randy Thomas Like Jon Jansen, Randy Thomas is coming off an injury-plagued 2008 season. He had surgery on his triceps that sidelined him most of last year.
Thomas says the injury feels fine and that he is 100 percent.
He admits to frustration that every time the Redskins make the playoffs, he succumbs to injury. One reporter asked him if fans should root for him to get injured, and Thomas looked at him curiously.
"Where you from? Are you from Dallas or something?" Thomas asked.
Was it tough for Thomas to watch from the sidelines last season?
Here's the quote of the day: "Rehab is long story, but I'm too blessed to be stressed."
Zorn On the Defense The defense is clearly ahead of the offense at this point of the offseason. On most plays, they were a step ahead.
Makes sense. Offensive players have an abbreviated playbook that they just received for the mini-camp. They have barely had time to absorb the plays and take it all in.
After practice, Jim Zorn was asked to comment on the defense.
"The front seven--they're giving a great effort," Zorn said. Linebackers are scraping, filling holes and pursuing very well. The safeties and corners are doing a good job disguising their looks. I think that's helping.
"The main thing to watch is the emphasis of pursuit and swarming to the ball wherever it's going. It was great to see."
The Redskins hold their second practice of the day--and fourth of the mini-camp--later this afternoon.
Andre Carter Quotes After the mid-afternoon lull, practice resumes shortly. Here are some Andre Carter quotes to help with the wait for more blog updates.
On the fast tempo of practice:
"Having this type of tempo, it makes the mind work a little bit faster so you make a faster decision. A fast tempo is good."
On the changes to the defense:
"It is great. It is more reaction than thinking. Sometimes you have so many packages you tend to over do it. You tend to think too much rather than play. Just to have that in this defense is going to benefit us."
On defensive coordinator Greg Blache's strengths:
"Experience. He has coached 21 years. His level of experience in this game is very crucial. He has seen it all and been through it all."
On what defensive coordinator Greg Blache expects:
"For the young guys, unfortunately they don't know him. Just working with him through experience, we already know what his expectations are as far as veteran leadership and playing on the field. As a vet, we know what he expects from us. That part is simple mentally. We just have to be professionals and go out and play."
On what he thinks the key for the defensive line is:
"Every year is the same--you have to be physical. You have to have a level of consistency day in, day out. Four-man rush, the tackles blow up the pocket and the ends come around the corner, that is it
11-on-11 Notables Second-year linebacker Danny Verdun-Wheeler, a practice squad player last year, managed to leap up and tip a Jason Campbell pass, but Santana Moss was able to grab on to the ball anyway for a reception.
Phillip Daniels got solid pressure on Jason Campbell, but Campbell escaped and threw a pass to Santana Moss. He made the catch right before he would have been leveled by a hard-charging LaRon Landry.
Wide receiver Billy McMullen put a move on Byron Westbrook and found himself wide open downfield. He grabbed Todd Collins's pass for a long gain. McMullen, a 2003 third-round draft pick, has experience in the West Coast offense in Philadelphia and Minnesota, so he could be a contender in a crowded wide receiver field. Bad pass by Jason Campbell, intercepted by undrafted rookie Matteral Richardson.
Jason Campbell tested Matteral Richardson again a few plays later on a deep pass to Santana Moss. Richardson did not turn around, and Moss stepped in front of him to get the ball. He wasn't able to catch it, though.
