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Early tests under fire

September 28, 2006 12:50 am

By ADAM HIMMELSBACH

ASHBURN--Training camp was a tenuous time for the two massive rookies. It was so different than college, when everything was so certain and guaranteed and structured.

During college, Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery never worried about making the team. They were standout defensive tackles at Georgia and Minnesota, respectively, and they felt secure.

The Redskins selected Montgomery in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft, and Golston one round later. The two rookies became roommates and fast friends, and they stuck together as the first few days at Redskins Park meshed into a blur.

Late-round draft picks are not guaranteed anything. Not big contracts. Not playing time. Not even a spot on the team.

"Like anytime we had a bad practice or something and the coaches were a little upset," Montgomery said yesterday, "we'd just look at each other like 'Ohhh, I hope we don't get cut.'"

Neither got cut. And that's about when they realized they'd be competing with each other for playing time. Golston played sparingly in the Redskins' first two games this season while Montgomery was on the list of inactives.

But starting defensive tackle Joe Salave'a missed Washington's 31-15 victory over the Houston Texans last Sunday because of a calf muscle injury. Montgomery was activated; Golston was named a starter.

"I just found out right then that I'd be starting," Golston said. "It was a game-time decision. I really didn't have any time to get nervous, and I knew if I stuck with my fundamentals, I'd be fine."

Both players saw significant playing time, and late in the third quarter they teamed up to provide one of the biggest defensive plays of the afternoon. After a Clinton Portis touchdown gave the Redskins a 28-7 lead, Texans quarterback David Carr pushed into Redskins territory.

On a first down from the 46, however, Carr scrambled for a 3-yard gain and Montgomery stripped the ball away. The 292-pound Golston was there to fall on the fumble, giving the Redskins the ball back. Washington then marched downfield for a field goal that essentially put the game away.

Golston and Montgomery finished with two tackles apiece, and Golston was credited with half a sack.

"I'm proud of them," Salave'a said. "They played well and they played physical, and that's something they can be proud of, too. They've established themselves early on. Normally, as a vet, you don't want to put them in that kind of predicament, but that's where we find them. Between those white lines, there ain't nobody out there holding their hands."

Salave'a is listed as probable on this week's injury report, and said yesterday that his recovery from a strained calf muscle is going well. If Salave'a does not play when the Redskins play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Golston would likely start in his place.

Even if Salave'a is able to play, Montgomery and Golston realize they could play an important role for the Redskins this season. They say they are ready.

"I go into it as if I'm going to play every snap," Golston said. "Preparing and trying to do the things I do puts me in the situation where I can perform in the game."

Added Montgomery: "The coaches like to rotate here and keep guys fresh, so we knew sooner or later we'd have to grow up. We know we're competing against each other, but we're also competing against guys who aren't on the roster but want our jobs."

Injury report

Cornerback Shawn Springs and quarterback Mark Brunell join Salave'a on the injury report this week.

Springs, who injured his groin last week after he returned from abdominal surgery, is listed as doubtful. Brunell missed practice yesterday because of a cut on his elbow, but is listed as probable and said he expects to play on Sunday.

To reach ADAM HIMMELSBACH: 540/374-5442
Email: ahimmelsbach@freelancestar.com