Players Address 'Age Thing'

[Mike Bass]

I hear a lot of talk about Daniels but I really think that he makes some big plays. I think that he will surprise people this year when he plays fully healthy and having had a offseason where he worked out instead of rehabed.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=35922

Is the Redskins' defense one for the ages?
The defensive line includes 35-year-old Phillip Daniels and 31-year-old Cornelius Griffin as starters.

The linebackers include 32-year-old London Fletcher and 30-year Marcus Washington.

And the secondary includes 33-year-old Shawn Springs.

For a unit that finished last season eighth overall and third in the NFC in total defense, there is much hand-wringing about the overall age of the Redskins' defenders.

It was prompted by the team's decision to select offensive players with their first four picks in the April 26-27 NFL Draft.

During the club's May mini-camp, Daniels said his age wasn't as important as how well he takes care of his body.

"Everybody always asks about the age thing," he said, laughing. "I always tell them, 'I'm a 35-year-old in a 28-year-old body.' That's what I am. I'm amazed at how strong I am at this age. I think I take care of myself. I eat right. I keep my body in good condition."

Added Fletcher: "I think as long as you do what you're supposed to do on the field, it doesn't really matter how old you are. When you get older, you know how to take care of your body better and you understand how opponents are going to attack you."

In years past, Daniels said he has missed off-season workouts and OTAs as he recuperates from surgery.

Not this year, though.

"This year, I won't be playing catch-up," Daniels said. "I'll be right there in shape with the rest of the guys. I'll be ready to go when the season starts and I'll prove the critics wrong."

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache admitted that the team would like to add some youth to the foundation, but not at the expense of his cast of veterans.

"We have some very talented people here, regardless of their age," Blache said. "I think they compete at a high level. I think they are capable of winning in this league. I think they proved it last season.

"Yeah, we'd like to get some younger players and we do have some younger players that we are going to try to infuse into the program."

Among the young players Blache was referring to were defensive tackles Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston, both third-year players, and defensive end Chris Wilson, a second-year player.

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh and safeties LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty are young starters as well.

[Bzapf]

"This year, I won't be playing catch-up," Daniels said. "I'll be right there in shape with the rest of the guys. I'll be ready to go when the season starts and I'll prove the critics wrong."

Niiice. We are putting a lot of trust into this guy. I think he has one good year left.

[Mike Bass]

I agree...I knew that he had to be hearing all of the critics only one year after he was a HUGE part of that dominant '05 Redskins line.

I hope that he comes out with nothing but revenge on his mind. I know that he can get the job done.

[NCSKINSFAN]

Our defense does have some age on it. But I think some of the older guys have some game left. Let's hope so away.

[ldysknzfn]

While I don't necessarily believe that age makes that much of a difference in day to day life(see my marriage..my husband is quite a bit older than me), it's a proven, medically documented fact that as we get older our bodies slow down.  Reflexes are not what they once were....recovery after an injury usually takes longer..we're not quite as flexible as we once were.  I also know that atheletes can be an exception to the rule that most of us have no choice in whether to adhere to or not.  It will take MORE work, dedication and extra hours in the gym for an older guy to be able to move like a younger one on the field.  Not saying it can't be done...just saying it would take much more work on the part of the older player.  Football is a full contact sport and that takes a toll on the body...after 10 or so years..they can feel the difference on a day to day basis.  Ask Earl Campbell.

[Mike Bass]

While I don't necessarily believe that age makes that much of a difference in day to day life(see my marriage..my husband is quite a bit older than me), it's a proven, medically documented fact that as we get older our bodies slow down.  Reflexes are not what they once were....recovery after an injury usually takes longer..we're not quite as flexible as we once were.  I also know that atheletes can be an exception to the rule that most of us have no choice in whether to adhere to or not.  It will take MORE work, dedication and extra hours in the gym for an older guy to be able to move like a younger one on the field.  Not saying it can't be done...just saying it would take much more work on the part of the older player.  Football is a full contact sport and that takes a toll on the body...after 10 or so years..they can feel the difference on a day to day basis.  Ask Earl Campbell.

This is true ldy, but you also have to consider the positions played. I think that the average NFL span for a running back is like 5 or 6 years and one who played like Campbell, who threw his body, full force into every tackler no matter the size,  may even be shorter.

Other positions are able to last longer because of less vicious contact. Playing at a different, less strenuous position is why Jansen said that he is practricing at the center position so that he can possibly extend his career by another couple of years.

[ldysknzfn]

While I don't necessarily believe that age makes that much of a difference in day to day life(see my marriage..my husband is quite a bit older than me), it's a proven, medically documented fact that as we get older our bodies slow down.  Reflexes are not what they once were....recovery after an injury usually takes longer..we're not quite as flexible as we once were.  I also know that atheletes can be an exception to the rule that most of us have no choice in whether to adhere to or not.  It will take MORE work, dedication and extra hours in the gym for an older guy to be able to move like a younger one on the field.  Not saying it can't be done...just saying it would take much more work on the part of the older player.  Football is a full contact sport and that takes a toll on the body...after 10 or so years..they can feel the difference on a day to day basis.  Ask Earl Campbell.

This is true ldy, but you also have to consider the positions played. I think that the average NFL span for a running back is like 5 or 6 years and one who played like Campbell, who threw his body, full force into every tackler no matter the size,  may even be shorter.

Other positions are able to last longer because of less vicious contact. Playing at a different, less strenuous position is why Jansen said that he is practricing at the center position so that he can possibly extend his career by another couple of years.

I believe you are right about what position the athelete plays could make a difference in how long they're able to stay in the league.  A less demanding(so to speak)position may indeed afford the athelete a longer tenure in the league, however the aging process continues no matter what we choose to do while we're aging.  Reflexes still slow, etc...but these things coming into play vary according to position.  I can see someone switching positions in order to prolong their careers.  Again, you're correct about Earl Campbell...he subjected his body to punishment week in and week out....which definitely contributed to his physical breakdown.  He can barely walk these days.  He was an awesome back tho..one of the few non-skins that I enjoyed watching.  But we all think that we can do what we used to do...until we actually do it...then we know..lol

[Yellow31]

There is still time to address these issues, if not this season then next.  Yes they getting older but remain effective players.  Conditioning methods have allowed players to play longer theses days as well as rotating field time during games.  I am not concered at this point in time.