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Redskins JournalBy Rich Campbell
Report: Romanowski speaks, says he's not interviewing Feb. 9, 2010 11:48 pm
Former NFL linebacker Bill Romanowski told the Washington Examiner tonight that he is not in town to interview for a position on Mike Shanahan's staff. Instead, he said he met with Shanahan to talk about "nutrition." Go here to read Romo's quotes. Romanowski is the CEO of a nutrional supplement company that he founded called "Nutrition 53." I thought it strange earlier this evening when Romo acknowledged the reports that he was in D.C. to interview but tweeted: "Just to get the records straight I wasn't called in by the Redskins to be their Strength and Conditioning Coach." Well, with no further explanation, that didn't exactly set the record straight. He sure didn't go out of his way to immediately quell the speculation. Perhaps the reports of his interviewing for a spot on the coaching staff were part of a publicity effort for his company. If that's the case, well played, Romo. I certainly know a lot more about Nutrition 53 than I did this morning. In any event, if he is in town to promote one of his supplements for concussion patients, it highlights the uncertainty about Clinton Portis' status--which the Redskins are staying mum about. Portis told the Washington Post last week that he's still not medically cleared to play, and Romanowski brought up Portis' name to the Examiner. Never a dull moment with this team.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265777330
Report: Romanowski a candidate for strength and conditioning coach Feb. 9, 2010 5:45 pm
Bill Romanowski, the former NFL linebacker known for his intense/outrageous behavior on the field and his steroid abuse off it, is a candidate to be the Redskins' next strength and conditioning coach, according to multiple media reports. FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer first reported the news, and Romanowski acknowledged it this afternoon on his Twitter feed. He wrote: "I guess it's now out in the news but I am indeed in Washington DC." He later wrote: "Just to get the records straight I wasn't called in by the Redskins to be their Strength and Conditioning Coach." He did not immediately elaborate and could not be reached for further comment. Romanowski played six of his 16 NFL seasons for Mike Shanahan in Denver. He won two Super Bowls and earned two Pro Bowl nominations during his tenure with the Broncos from 1996-99. But his on-field accomplishments are overshadowed by the numerous controversies in which he has been involved over the years. Glazer's piece on FOXSports.com chronicles many of them. He has had several altercations with opponents and teammates, and he even ended up in court because of one. "Romo" also was involved in the BALCO scandal and took steriods, which he admitted in a '60 Minutes' interview in 2005. He also was acquitted in 2001 on charges that he illegally obtained prescription diet pills. Romanowski is a fitness/nutrition fanatic, and he's even the CEO of his own supplement company, Nutrition 53. (Note that his bio refers to his reputation for "badass ferocity.") I suppose his knowledge and enthusiasm for strength training would help his candidacy. It'll be interesting, though, to see if the NFL has an issue with his possible candidacy considering his checkered past. The NFL has generally avoided the intense scrutiny about steroids that Major League Baseball has faced in the last several years. It obviously wouldn't help their cause to steer clear of that issue by putting a high-profile, admitted user such as Romanowski in charge of one of its teams strength programs. What are your thoughts on Shanahan considering Romanowski for the job? Leave a comment, send me an email, or drop me a line on Twitter @Rich_Campbell.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265755518
Former Redskins react to Grimm's election Feb. 6, 2010 7:37 pm
The Redskins have released quotes from several members of the organization, past and present, detailing their reaction to news of Russ Grimm's election to the Hall of Fame. Enjoy. Daniel M. Snyder "Our Redskins fans have always appreciated the Hogs. This is a long deserved honor and we are proud to have Russ as a member of the Hall of Fame. Hopefully Russ is the first of the Hogs to be inducted in Canton representing one of the greatest offensive lines in NFL history." Joe Gibbs "I'm thrilled for Russ. He is very deserving. He was a big part of our success and our three Super Bowl championships. He was a versatile performer that could play center, guard and tackle and was a great leader. He is a great addition to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I know there are a lot of Redskins fans that are very happy right now and I'm sure many of them will be in Canton this summer to cheer him on." Joe Bugel "He was one of the most complete football players, and people, that I've ever coached. He could play all the positions - center, guard and tackle. He was the leader by example. He wasn't a loudmouth. He just came to work every day. It's a well deserved honor for a great, great football player and a great, great friend." Jeff Bostic "It's a great day for the Redskins organization. It's a great day for all the members of the Hogs. We finally got one in. Possibly down the road, Joe Jacoby will get in too. Our team got another one in the Hall of Fame, and that's confirmation for the work we did in the 80's and early 90's." Joe Jacoby "It's a great moment. I sat here and cheered, yelled and screamed like I did two years ago when they put Art Monk in finally after all those years. I'm elated. He was my roommate for 11 years and I guess they'll be some celebrating out in Canton this August. "He had the toughness, as a guy from Pennsylvania. I think he had tremendous leadership qualities, including his uncanny ability to lead on the field. His intelligence and his ability to make things happen on the football field helped lead us to championships. We had a very good player and very good teammate and he helped us come together on and off the field." Rick "Doc" Walker "It's the ultimate honor that a guy could receive, and was so well deserved. He really embodies what I think an offensive lineman is all about. He was the toughest guy on the block. He was mean. He had a nasty attitude, and he was a smart guy. He played the role of a Hell's Angel, but the guy is really smart. He would break an opponent down on film. He had great technique. He was explosive. There was nothing he couldn't do. He probably could have been a Hall of Fame center if he had stayed at center his whole career. A lot of it had to do with the fact that when he grew up, he played quarterback and fullback, he was an athlete trapped in this big body." Donnie Warren "He's a guy that I think clearly deserves it. He came from a group that in the 80's was one of the premier offensive lines in that era. He deserves it so bad. I'd been hoping that he would get in these last couple of years, and I'm just ecstatic that he finally got in, it's well deserved. He was a hard-nosed player. He was a fierce, fierce competitor. He wouldn't let injuries knock him down at all. He was a guy that I saw get punched in the eye, get stitches, and get carted off the field. He had blood rolling down his face, had stitches, and within 10 minutes, you look in the huddle, and he's right back next to you. He's a fierce competitor, and just a tough guy."
...Is is too early to ask who's making the trip to Canton for the enshrinement? Should be interesting with all those Cowboy fans out there to support Emmitt Smith.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265503078
Redskins great Grimm elected to Hall of Fame Feb. 6, 2010 5:43 pm
Washington Redskins great Russ Grimm was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame today, becoming the latest member of the team's Super Bowl dynasty to achieve football's highest honor. Grimm, who fell short in his five previous attempts as a finalist, is the first member of Washington's legendary "Hogs" offensive line to be elected. He will be enshrined along with NFL all-time receiving leader Jerry Rice, all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, former Minnesota defensive tackle John Randle and former New Orleans linebacker Rickey Jackson. Former Detroit cornerback Dick LeBeau and former Denver running back Floyd Little were elected by the senior's committee. The enshrinement is in on Sat., Aug. 7, in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame has recently opened its doors to several Redskins that propelled the franchise to one of the greatest runs in league history. Prior to 2007, only coach Joe Gibbs and running back John Riggins represented the teams that won three Super Bowls from 1983-91. But receiver Art Monk and cornerback Darrell Green were enshrined two years ago, and now Grimm will carry the flag for the cornerstone of that dynasty--the dominant "Hogs" offensive line. Grimm played from 1981-1991, mostly at left guard. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and was named first team All-Pro three times. When offensive line coach Joe Bugel retired last month, he spoke about Grimm's candidacy and the Hogs' previous snubs. "It's amazing that that group right there went to four Super Bowls, and nobody off that offensive line [has been enshrined in the Hall of Fame]," he said. "Jim Lachey was good, Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm--if he doesn't make it this time, I don't really know what's going to happen." Fellow Hog George Starke, though, touched on what has been one of the key issues for that group of linemen. It's a bit difficult to single out one player above the others. ""I think that the way the Hall of Fame is selected is fundamentally wrong to begin with," Starke said. "Football is a team sport, and they put individuals in the Hall of Fame. The Hogs were the greatest line to ever play. The Hogs should go in as a group, not individually. To pick one or two out doesn't make any sense. How you gonna do that? They should go in as a group. They should have a different category in the Hall of Fame for groups. The Doomsday Defense, the Fearsome Foursomes, they should have a group dynamic Hall of Fame." Well, the Hogs at least are in the front door, now.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265496197
Bradford talks Redskins on the radio Feb. 3, 2010 4:57 pm
Possible Redskins draft target Sam Bradford made some radio rounds down at the Super Bowl today, and he chatted about the Redskins for a bit on ESPN980-AM. The Oklahoma quarterback didn't let on much in the interview with Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro. If Bradford's ability to sidestep defenders is anything close to his ability to dodge questions, he'd fit in just fine behind the Redskins offensive line. Bradford said he hasn't spoken with the Redskins and wouldn't comment on the prospect of playing specifically for them. He also wouldn't reveal his feelings on the "Redskins" name. It's bound to be an issue eventually--and could potentially be explosive--because of Bradford's Native American heritage. He did say that he's healthy and a smart, accurate QB. My impressions were that he's well spoken (a mega-plus from a reporter's perspective), and that he was smart to avoid some of those questions. But that doesn't really help our purposes, does it? Here's a link to the audio. Meanwhile, I've transcribed the highlights for you:
On his health: "The shoulder feels great right now. I'm down in Pensacola working out right now. They've got me on a throwing program. I throw several days a week. Dr. [James] Andrews has been down there. He has watched me throw. He says I look great. He thinks I'm ahead of schedule right now. He has no doubts that by my pro day, I'll be 100 percent." On whether he has spoken with the Redskins: "I haven't. I haven't spoken with any teams. I think my agent has had some contacts with teams, but he really tries to keep that away from me. I'm really unaware of any contact that has been made." On his thoughts about the Redskins and them possibly drafting him: "I'm just excited for the opportunity. If it happens to be in Washington or if it happens to be somewhere else, the opportunity to compete for a quarterback job in the NFL, I just think it's a tremendous opportunity in front of me." On what kind of quarterback he believes he is: "I think there's a lot of things that have allowed me to have success at the quarterback position. I think I'm a very accurate passer. I think that's something that really has been really key to my success. I think I make really smart decisions with the football. I rarely put it in jeopardy. I really I think I'm smart as far as [when] it comes to game management. Something our coaches always talked about was knowing the situation, knowing the flow of the game. I feel like over the years playing, I got more comfortable and really became good at knowing the flow, knowing how our team was playing, how we were going to respond to certain things. I just think that's something that really helped me as well." On his feelings about the "Redskins" name, considering his heritage: "Obviously in Oklahoma there's a large Native American population and there are a lot of opinions on that name, but I really don't feel like I need to be voicing my opinion. If it's something that I have to do down the line, then I will. But I just don't feel like I need to address that issue right now." ...Thoughts anyone?
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265234229
Portis talks Campbell, Shanahan, 2010 Feb. 2, 2010 12:01 pm
Redskins running back Clinton Portis appeared on ESPN2's "First Take" this morning and touched on a few relevant topics. We hadn't heard from him since the postseason interview he gave on ESPN980-AM on Jan. 5, the day between Jim Zorn's firing and Mike Shanahan's official introduction. Portis made headlines that day for criticizing QB Jason Campbell's capabilities as a captain of the offense. Today he addressed that controversy and the arrival of his former coach in D.C. Portis seemed bitter at the media for how his actions and words have been portrayed, and he obviously has a chip on his shoulder entering 2010. Here's the full transcript of his interview:
Q: If you could sum up last season in one word, what would it be? "Rough." Q: Why was it so rough last year? "It was just a tough year. Besides us being hit by the injury bug, all the questions about what was going on inside the organization and the firing of the coaches and the GM and the chatter between players. I think bringing Coach Shanahan in is really a great opportunity for us. I think he will get us going in the right direction and get the most out of the guys that's playing for him." Q: What's going on with you and QB Jason Campbell? Help us understand what actually went down. "Man, they took that out of context. The only thing I said was Jason wasn't a vocal leader. They took that and ran with it as if I was saying Jason was a horrible person. I kind of squashed that wish Jason immediately after, once I heard how they tried to spin the story. I did it on live radio, and the next day they printed all my comments in the paper, so it wasn't like I was throwing Jason under the bus. Anybody who knows Jason Campbell knows that he's not the type of guy who's going to yell, be sad or be mad. That's just his demeanor. What I was telling was the truth. I wasn't throwing Jason under the bus. It was, like, all the comments that came out after me saying Jason wasn't a vocal person. I think everybody on our team knows that Jason isn't the type of guy that's going to yell and be down and out. His demeanor don't change, and that's all I was basically saying. I guess all the backlash that came from it, Jason's comments, which we squashed it afterwards. Me and Jason, we talked probably an hour or so after the situation. I cleared it up with him that I really wasn't throwing him under the bus. I just spoke and said I didn't think he was the vocal person that would go out and rah-rah yell. That's just not Jason, and everybody know that." [Actually, Portis's barbs dug deeper than that. You'll recall that on ESPN980 after the season, he spoke about Campbell as a captain: "You can't throw somebody who that's not their character," Portis said that day. "I think Jason, you can't place so much on somebody who's not ready for that situation. I think Jason had enough trouble in getting the plays in and worrying about this compared to controlling the huddle and making sure, 'oh we do this and we do that.'"] Q: What's your feelings about Mike Shanahan taking over in D.C. now? "I think it's great, man. Even for myself, just to really get the opportunity in his game plan. Just knowing his game plan and knowing the exposure, knowing teams just can't focus on the run. You focus to stop to the run, then we got play-action. If you try to stop the play-action, the running lanes is going to be there. It's really hit or miss. Being that I was in this system before and had such great success, I'm looking forward to it because I know what I'm capable of doing. I can't wait to get back on the field next year to prove to people that I'm far from washed up or done. I'll walk away from this game when I'm ready. The game's not gonna pass me by, and all this, ‘I can't do it anymore.' I'm eager to go out and prove to people that they're wrong about me. I think everybody is so caught up in thinking me and Coach Zorn couldn't get along and thinking I was selfish and then all of a sudden I'm Mr. Snyder's best friend and I can do whatever I want to do. That's the not the case. I think a lot of that is blown out of proportion. I speak to Mr. Snyder. He's the owner of the team. That's what you're supposed to do, I would think. I'm not afraid to go and speak to my boss. It is pretty much just a lot of finger pointing, which I think Coach Shanahan is going to get rid of that. He's going to have the dedication of the players. You won't have to worry about who doing their job and who not. I think with Coach Shanahan, if you're doing your job you'll be fine. If you're not, you won't be there. Q: When are you going to go back to having fun again? Dressing up for your press conferences like you did. When are we going to see Dolemite Jenkins and Sheriff Gonna Getcha again? "Man, I started taking so much heat for everything I was doing. I just tried to fall out of the public eye. As far as the characters, it became 'a cry for help' or 'a search for identity' and everything else. I just tried to fall under the radar, man, and mind my business and go to work. I think that was the wrong approach because I started thinking of work as being work instead of going over there to enjoy myself and having fun like I was. And really, I would love to do that. Q: But don't you just want to have fun again, man? Don't you just want to be yourself and just keep it real? "Definitely. That's all I ever wanted to do was have fun. But somehow, some way, whenever I'm having fun, it's really taken the wrong way by others. With the media that's in D.C. and your teammates taking shots and throwing, I got so tired of all the BS, man, that I just fell back. I think with Coach Shanahan coming in, that will give us the opportunity to have fun. It's always fun when you're winning, and we haven't really be winning. We start winning, I think we can have fun again."
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265130116
Your and my thoughts on QB vs. OL in the draft Feb. 1, 2010 12:12 pm
The debate over whether the Redskins should draft a quarterback or offensive lineman with the fourth-overall pick will greatly intensify as April approaches. And if Friday's debate on Twitter is any indication, the starting point for the discussion is already quite spirited. After I posted ESPN analyst Todd McShay's remarks about the Redskins' upcoming choice, which could involve deciding on Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, Redskins fan @j4ffl tweeted the following: "If they pick a QB at 4, fans will revolt again" With such a strong opinion out there, the greater Twitter-verse of Redskins fans voiced whether they agreed with the sentiment. The responses were so great that I wanted to post them here for you all to digest. They basically fell into four categories: 1. I WILL CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP IF THE REDSKINS DRAFT A QB OVER OL @Call_me_Swarly Personally I'd be disappointed. I just don't see any of the QB's being that special this year but there are some standout OL. @michelewindsor it would be a waste of our #4 pick that's for sure. @DaBigBody yep! I will. @Rustyg418 Agree. @EJONES9 [Obscenity] yea @tascma HELL and YES 2. NOPE, THEY GOTTA TAKE BRADFORD @jesuisunpizza Don't think you can pass on a guy like Bradford who, IMHO, is best QB to come out since Philip Rivers @UkpabiUptown I think that Bradford could sit behind Campbell for a while...solid OLs can be picked up a lil later or could be delt for... 3. SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN/WAITING FOR MORE INFO
@hogshaven Not happy, but no revolt here. Shanahan knows what he is doing & there are no guarantees Okung = Chris Samuels @DCProSportsRep history shows many 1st QBs flop. can find great NFL QBs in later rounds. Not opposed to 1st rd but damn the needs are so many @TreyMen Wouldn't revolt but would need to hear an offensive line plan first @bewitty33 Depends what they do after. Can't evaluate 4th pick in a vacuum. Have to look at subsequent picks, then evaluate on the whole @Ole_Olesen I say we wait till after free agency before we decide on who we draft @rkl357 Not @ all. But it will b frustrating because it will feel like rebuilding. We O line and to give JC time to throw.HTTR 4. SALTY, JADED AND CYNICAL
@FakeBruceAllen Well the coin flip will tell us, heads =OT and tails=QB
On the other hand, the offensive line needs are so extensive. And as we saw in 2009, the quarterback's success depends heavily on the quality of his o-line. In other words, even if Bradford or Clausen has the tools to be great, he probably won't shine behind the current o-line. And perhaps his development could be stunted by taking a pounding in his rookie year. In the immediate future, the Redskins have a capable quarterback on their roster in Jason Campbell and will likely have him back next season. The offensive line, however, has massive holes; and with more than 200 possible unrestricted free agents becoming restricted because of the NFL's labor situation, the free agent market is going to be thin. If the Redskins shored up their offensive line this season, it's not difficult to envision them competing for a playoff spot (Though their needs are so extensive, I'm not sure that's possible). If they decide to draft a QB and not fully address the line, I think you're looking at a longer rebuilding. It's a real dilemma, though, because if Campbell leaves as an unrestricted free agent in 2011, the Redskins could be forced to throw a rookie QB into the proverbial fire. The debate will continue to evolve in the coming weeks and months, and it'll be fascinating to follow. I think McShay was spot on when he pointed out how a franchise could be set back five or more years by missing on the first-round QB. The Redskins already know that after Heath Shuler, Patrick Ramsey, etc. That's certainly what's at stake here. Thanks to everyone who commented on Twitter on Friday. Keep 'em coming.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1265044352
ESPN's McShay ponders the Redskins' draft Jan. 28, 2010 6:30 pm
The Senior Bowl is going on down in Mobile, Ala., this week, which has thrust the NFL Draft hype machine into overdrive. Personally, I love this stuff, so hopefully we can have some fun in the coming months dissecting what promises to be an intriguing first draft for the Redskins' new decision makers. Washington has the fourth- and 37th-overall picks and more needs than those picks could satisfy. The preeminent debate, of course, is whether they will draft an offensive lineman or quarterback with their first-round pick. Todd McShay, the director of college football scouting for ESPN Scouts Inc., offered some of his thoughts on the matter this evening. In a teleconference, he backed off his Jan. 4 prediction that Washington would draft Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford in the first round. While many pundits have projected Bradford to the Redskins in their early mock drafts, McShay changed his outlook."Washington seems like the best fit [for Bradford] at No. 4, but something tells me they're going to wind up going in a different position," he said. "They can't afford with that first pick of the new regime to make a mistake, and Bradford has enough red flags that they may pass." Bradford, you'll recall, decided to stay at Oklahoma for his redshirt junior season and suffered a season-ending right (throwing) shoulder injury that required surgery. Some believed the former Heisman Trophy winner would have been the best QB in last year's draft. He went back to school, though, and the misfortune he encountered appears to have damaged his draft stock. He won't throw at the NFL scouting combine next month, although he will attend it to meet with teams and go through some of the medical tests. He will wait until Oklahoma's pro day to actually throw for scouts. With that in mind, McShay acknowledged a sizeable risk-reward to drafting Bradford. "It's going to be an interesting decision for a team to make," McShay said. "I really like Sam Bradford. I think he has everything you look for in a quarterback that you need at the next level, from the intelligence to the competitiveness, the leadership and the accuracy. Those are the most important traits, and he has them. "But he also played in an offense that was wide open, that doesn't translate that well to the NFL game. He was always well protected and had HUGE passing windows to throw into. And he's coming off an injury and didn't really play much this year. There are a few tough questions that are going to have to be answered in the war room. And if you miss on him, as we've seen, it can set you back five, six, seven years as an organization. I do think he'll be the first quarterback taken. I think he should be. But it's going to be a real interesting debate as we get closer to April." That sums up the debate quite nicely, without noting how badly Washington needs an influx of talent on the offensive line. If the Redskins don't take Bradford, they'll likely have their pick of offensive linemen. Asked which tackle new coach Mike Shanahan would want at No. 4, McShay ventured away from Oklahoma St. LT Russell Okung, who many believe is the top tackle in this draft class, and offered up Rutgers junior OT Anthony Davis. "Shanahan might like an Anthony Davis a little bit more when you look at just the athleticism," McShay said. "It's a deep class of tackles, but it's interesting because each one of the "elite first-rounders" has something you point to that you're not wild about. "I don't think Trent Williams at Oklahoma played real well this year. He was dinged up and moved from right to left tackle. Okung, he's physical at times but not always. And then with Davis, there are some questions, I guess, maturity and injuries, some different things. But I think Davis would fit with what they're looking to do a little bit more in terms of the athleticism and getting out and moving. I think we're going to see Anthony Davis really move up the board. I don't want to say it's a lock, but I think there's a really good chance he's a top 10 pick." If the Redskins ultimately decide to draft Bradford with their first pick, their extensive needs on the offensive line demand they take a lineman at No. 37. This draft class is a fairly deep one for offensive linemen, and McShay believes there could be some quality players available when Washington goes back on the clock early in the second round. He specifically mentioned USC OT Charles Brown and UMass OT Vlad Ducasse. "[Brown] didn't have the best season this year, but he certainly shows enough footwork and enough quickness that he's got to get stronger and more physical at the point of attack. I think he'll be an early second-round pick. And I think he would fit well in terms of what they want to do offensively in moving around and athletic offensive lineman. "I think Ducasse, the offensive tackle from UMass, he struggled this week [in Senior Bowl practices]. I was a little bit surprised. He's Haitian-born, and English is his second language. He played at the FCS level. So I think a lot was working against him in terms of the leap he had to make this week in the coaching and understanding everything. But physically, I do think he has the tools to become a starter down the road. It wouldn't surprise me if he's a second-round pick." So there you have one man's opinion out of a supply that promises to flow steadily until the draft on April 22-24. Good stuff, for sure. Now I'm interested in hearing your take. Should the Redskins take Bradford at No. 4? Or should they draft an offensive lineman? Don't hesitate to drop some names, either. Shoot me an email, post a comment or get at me on Twitter @Rich_Campbell.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1264721421
London Fletcher on the 3-4 defense Jan. 27, 2010 2:53 pm
I'm remiss in not posting this sooner, but Pro Bowl linebacker London Fletcher (see, there it is) spoke earlier this week about the Redskins switching to a 3-4 base defense. He hasn't spoken to new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett or coach Mike Shanahan yet to confirm the change, but he didn't seem fazed by any hurdles that might accompany a change from the 4-3 scheme the Redskins have used forever.
"Our main defense was basically an 'under' front that was similar really to what Dallas does and what even Arizona did in the way we aligned our front," Fletcher said. "The only difference was instead of having a standup outside linebacker, a true standup outside linebacker, [defensive end] Andre Carter just had his hand on the ground. If you can imagine him just standing up, we're pretty much Dallas and the Arizona Cardinals." [An "under" front in a 4-3 basically involves shifting three defensive linemen toward the weak side of the offensive formation and bringing the strong-side linebacker (in the Redskins' case, Brian Orakpo) closer to the line of scrimmage over the tight end. That's an extremely basic summary.] The main difference in the 4-3 and 3-4, however, is that there's an additional defensive lineman in the 4-3 to keep offensive linemen from reaching the linebackers. This is how the change would most affect Fletcher. At 5-10, 245 pounds, he's much more effective when he can get to the ball freely without having to shed a blocker. That seems obvious for any defender, but the difference is particularly true with Fletcher. He's among the NFL's best at diagnosing plays and shooting gaps, and his tackling technique is generally superb. He can be overmatched, though, by big offensive linemen. "I can play in whatever defense," he said. "I feel comfortable in a 4-3, obviously. I feel comfortable in a 3-4. Whatever they want to do." Haslett mixed up his 4-3 and 3-4 looks while he was the St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator/interim head coach from 2006-08, so don't be surprised to see both alignments going forward. But a base 3-4 is expected, and that will require some adjustments in both personnel and responsibilities. Fletcher, the Redskins' on-feld defensive leader, at least is OK with that.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1264622017
2009 Season Review: The season in quotes Jan. 21, 2010 11:36 am
Much of a beat reporter's existence revolves around quotes. We're either getting them, plotting to get them, transcribing them or figuring out how they fit into a story. The Redskins provided plenty of good ones during their five-month odyssey to 4-12, the franchise's worst record since 1994. I figured it'd be a waste to spend all that time chasing and transcribing them just to let them wither away on my hard drive. So I've compiled a timeline of the best and most revealing Redskins quotes of the season. Let the Redskins players, coaches, and executives, then, guide you through the 2009 season in their own words. (Warning: These might cause die-hard fans to experience nausea, dizziness or light-headedness) JULY 29 --Players report to training camp Head coach Jim Zorn on the start of the season: "I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year. We are not starting out with an injury report this year. We've got all the guys are ready to participate the first day of practice, so we are excited about that."
AUGUST 5 --One week into training camp Offensive line coach Joe Bugel on pass-protection: "Against our defense, we're having some problems when our first-string goes against their first-string and it's a blitz. It gets a little hairy."
SEPTEMBER 8 --Five days before opening day QB Jason Campbell on his outlook in his season under Jim Zorn: "I think when you play in the system for more than a year, you grow. Not just in the sense of knowing plays and everything, but in the sense of taking your game to another level as far as leadership and being comfortable with everything around you."
SEPTEMBER 9 C Casey Rabach on QB Jason Campbell and the offensive line: "As an offensive line, we try to make Jason's job as easy as possible, so he can make the plays. If we're doing our job, it's going to make Jason's job a whole lot easier and hopefully keep that criticism off him."
SEPTEMBER 13 --Redskins lose to the New York Giants in the season-opener Jim Zorn on what he can discern one game into the season: "I can tell you that we have a very good football team. I was very impressed with some of the things that happened on the field."
SEPTEMBER 20 --Redskins narrowly escape with a 9-7 win over woeful St. Louis CB DeAngelo Hall on the collective feeling inside in the locker room: "It is quiet because we won in such an ugly fashion. You don't even really take pride in the win."
SEPTEMBER 28 --The day after the Detroit Lions ended a 19-game losing streak by beating Washington Jim Zorn on if there's a problem in the big picture: "I think that in the big picture things are progressing. We're getting better."
SEPTEMBER 30 RB Clinton Portis on his uneven production: "It's only a matter of time before I have a 200-yard game. It's only a matter of time before I have a 150-yard game. It's only a matter of time before I get two or three touchdowns. I know it's coming, but when?"
OCTOBER 1 Defensive coordinator Greg Blache, a week before instituting a media boycott: "Quite candidly, in 2009, things go bad, somebody has got to go under the bus. Being the leader of this defense, I should be under the bus. I'll dive under it. If somebody wants throw me, I'll dive under. Going under the bus, you get your feelings hurt a little bit, and at worst you might end up with skid marks on both sides of your shorts."
OCTOBER 4 --Redskins come from behind to eke out a home win over hapless Tampa Bay QB Jason Campbell: "At halftime, I was like, ‘If we don't pull this one out, I don't know what I'm going to do on Monday. I might just hibernate, and you might not see me for the rest of the week."
OCTOBER 6 --West Coast offense guru Sherm Lewis is hired as an offensive consultant Executive VP of football operations Vinny Cerrato on hiring Lewis: "All we're doing is adding a set of eyes."
OCTOBER 7 Sherm Lewis on the perception that he could undermine Jim Zorn: "I'm not looking for anybody's job. I thought it would be a nice challenge, and I thought I might be able to help." Sherm Lewis on when he heard from the Redskins about joining the organization: "I had just gone to the gym yesterday and I was home having lunch and I was getting ready to go to the senior center for bingo. I don't play it I call it."
OCTOBER 9 --News breaks of Clinton Portis' heated confrontation with FB Mike Sellers. It stemmed from Portis's attempt to have Sellers replaced in the Tampa Bay game. Jim Zorn on the confrontation: "These guys love each other. This is just how a team goes. I thought it was great. There was no fisticuffs. There was no shoving or pushing."
OCTOBER 11 --Redskins blow a 17-2 second-half lead in a 20-17 loss at Carolina DE Brian Orakpo at his locker room stall to no one in particular: "F&#$@*!"
OCTOBER 12 CB Carlos Rogers on the Redskins' problems: "There's a lot of things we need to iron out. Until we address those issues and turn them around, we're going to be the same going up and down. Not only does it start with the players and coaches, it starts with ownership. They bring everybody in and they've got the last say-so on everything."
OCTOBER 18 --Redskins fall to 2-4 after losing 14-6 at home to winless Kansas City C Casey Rabach: "It's like a nightmare. You [reporters] are coming with the same questions week after week, and I don't know what the answer is. I'm out of answers." Jim Zorn, immediately after the game, on whether he is questioning his abilities as a coach: "I question it because it hasn't happened. But I don't go in with less and less confidence that our game plan is right. I don't go in with less confidence in calling plays. To have the things that go on during the game, some of the things that aren't in my control, I've just got to keep moving on and keep helping our football team with the next call."
OCTOBER 19 --The morning after Vinny Cerrato stripped Jim Zorn of his play-calling duties in a late-night meeting. They were given to Sherm Lewis that morning Jim Zorn: "My comfort level is somewhere between 1 and 10, it's not at 10."
OCTOBER 23 --Vinny Cerrato quiets questions about Jim Zorn's job security Vinny Cerrato on ESPN980-AM: "Jim Zorn is the head coach of the Washington Redskins and will be for the rest of this season and hopefully into the future." QB Jason Campbell's reaction: "That should relieve a lot of tension and stress. We were the soap opera of the NFL for the last two weeks. Hopefully that calms down."
OCTOBER 27 --Redskins enter their bye week at 2-5 facing a lost season Vinny Cerrato on whether he gave Jim Zorn a playoff-caliber roster: "Yes."
NOVEMBER 15 --Redskins upset Denver and end a 4-game losing streak Jim Zorn: "We've had a desert experience--it has been very arid, if you will--for the last few weeks. To be able to come out with a win, you almost don't know to feel."
DECEMBER 6 --Redskins lose in overtime to undefeated New Orleans, their third straight loss by a combined seven points K Shaun Suisham, on the verge of tears, about the potential game-clinching 23-yard field goal that he pushed wide right: "The operation was perfect. I missed the kick. It's about as difficult as it gets." QB Jason Campbell: "It's disappointing. It teaches you a lot about finishing."
DECEMBER 17 --Vinny Cerrato unexpectedly resigns and is replaced by general manager Bruce Allen within hours Owner Daniel Snyder on the decision to replace Cerrato: "Obviously this has been a very difficult season, one where we have disappointed everyone-the fans, ourselves. It's been difficult. When it gets to the point where you're looking at what we need to do for the future, you look at change. And that's what I decided to do." RB Rock Cartwright on Cerrato: "It was kind of bittersweet. Vinny has been here my whole career, and there's been times that he's made decisions that a lot of people didn't agree with. But he's the head man, so you've got to do what he say to do. But I wish him the best, and hopefully I don't see him down the road."
DECEMBER 21 --Redskins flop in a 45-12 loss to the New York Giants on Monday Night Football DT Albert Haynesworth on how Redskins coaches are using him: "It's totally different from what I thought. I looked at the film and thought it would be somewhat the same. They needed someone like me to go in there on the rush and open it up and get double teams and stuff, which we're doing. But if they let us loose it would be a whole lot better." "We're all going in different directions. We need someone to lead us in the right direction."
DECEMBER 22 Jim Zorn on whether he is seeking to know if secondary coach Jerry Gray interviewed for his job during the season: "I try not to be an investigative reporter. I try to be the head football coach and be open with our staff and players about the important things that are going on as they pertain to the game, as they pertain to our preparation and the strategies, the schemes, the health of our players. That's really the focal point, and that's what I'm called to do. Not go and try to figure out all the extras. And there are so many things out there, I don't even know what's true and what's not." Jim Zorn on his decision to use the swinging gate formation on a disastrous fake field goal against the Giants: "Had they not had a timeout, we probably would have fared better. Then they got it together. I wanted to try it again. I didn't think they saw enough of it because they didn't see the snap and what was actually going to happen. But they defended it very well. Looking back at it, I would have kicked the field goal."
DECEMBER 23 Secondary coach Jerry Gray sidestepping questions about whether he interviewed for Jim Zorn's job during the season: "The thing you've got to do is go to the source, let the source say yes or no, and then you go on."
DECEMBER 25 --Jim Zorn sends disgruntled DT Albert Haynesworth home from practice Jim Zorn on his decision: "He wasn't belligerent or nasty to me, and I wasn't nasty to him. It's just something that needed to be done."
DECEMBER 27 --Redskins suffer their second consecutive lopsided home defeat, this time to archrival Dallas CB DeAngelo Hall on what Allen must be thinking after the two losses: "If you go off them last two games, man, we look like a college football team. If he had to go off those two games and evaluate this roster and determine what's good money, what's bad money, what's going to go, what's going to stay, it hasn't been a great case made for nobody on this 53-man roster."
JANUARY 4 --Jim Zorn is fired before sunrise just hours after the Redskins complete at 4-12 season Bruce Allen on the decision to fire Zorn: "We're going to make sure that the status quo is gone."
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Jan. 20, 2010 1:58 pm
Time to hand out some hardware. Yeah, yeah, no one feels like celebrating anything about an awful 4-12 season. But there were some bright spots that are worth recognizing as much as the negatives. Let's start the show: MVP OFFENSE QB JASON CAMPBELL Picking an offensive MVP seems misguided considering how poor the Redskins were on that side of the ball. No one on offense truly shone, but Campbell, at least, stood out. His toughness under extreme duress helped Washington salvage some competitive performances from the dire predicament that resulted from management's baffling neglect of the offensive line. As the season progressed, Campbell showed more poise in the pocket and kept his eyes on his receivers instead of looking at the pass rush. That helped the offense to finally surpass the 17-point plateau and, you know, look like a real NFL team. Along the way, Campbell earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and many others around the NFL for his grit. He became the second Redskins quarterback since 1989 to throw for 3,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. He set career highs in passing yards (3,618), completion percentage (64.5), passer rating (86.4), touchdowns (20) and also interceptions (15). HONORABLE MENTION TE Fred Davis: Davis was arguably the biggest weapon on an offense with few. He led the team with six touchdowns and ranked third in catches (48) and receiving yards (509). More on him below. LT Chris Samuels: Samuels was my midseason MVP because his injury and subsequent absence proved his immense value to the offense. The offense simply couldn't survive without him. That reasoning isn't enough, though, when considering the entire season. But his case should serve as a lesson to owner Daniel Snyder. Successful teams should have a stellar Plan A and a quality Plan B on the offensive line. Washington didn't have any semblance of either.
MVP DEFENSE MLB LONDON FLETCHER Fletcher was the Redskins' best player again this season. He's as good as it gets for this team on the field and off it. Let's start on the field. He finished second in NFL with 142 tackles and was the heartbeat of the defense. He's got a tremendous knack for diagnosing plays, and he uses his diminutive size to his advantage in shooting through gaps. He's also one of the NFL's surest tacklers. Those on-field talents were matched by his leadership skills and veteran presence. He was a mentor to young players and a guiding voice during a tumultuous season. He helped Brian Orakpo with his transition to linebacker. He led by example with an energy and passion for the game that many teammates found to be contagious. At age 34, he didn't show many signs of slowing down. A few more game-changing plays-he had only one interception, one forced fumble and 2.0 sacks-and he would have made his first Pro Bowl. As it stands, he's a first alternate, so he'll go if Jonathan Vilma's New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. HONORABLE MENTION DE Andre Carter: Carter had his best season as a Redskin. He led the team with three forced fumbles and tied for the team lead with 11.0 sacks. His offseason speed and strength training, coupled with the presence of DT Albert Haynesworth inside, helped Carter resurrect a Redskins pass rush that had been dormant for years. He's a Pro Bowl alternate. LB/DE Brian Orakpo: The rookie earned the Redskins' only Pro Bowl nomination. More on him in just a moment.
TOP NEWCOMER LB/DE BRIAN ORAKPO Orakpo's first season in Washington was a success, and he proved to be one of the steals of the draft's first round after being taken 13th overall. He tied for the team lead with 11 sacks and earned the Redskins' only Pro Bowl nomination as a reserve. He also showed a willingness to learn by embracing his transition from a full-time end in college to a hybrid end/linebacker. He improved as the season progressed by adjusting to speed of the NFL, timing his pass rushes better and working in-sync with teammates to maximize the effectiveness of his rushes. Orakpo also demonstrated the ability to conduct himself as a professional off the field. His attitude was positive and he said the right things to the media. Perhaps the most exciting element of Orakpo's game is that he finished fourth in the NFL's defensive rookie of the year voting despite having significant room for improvement. He did not register a sack in six of the last seven games, and he struggled some in pass coverage. Orakpo will only get better, and he should be an impact player for years to come. HONORABLE MENTION DT Albert Haynesworth: Haynesworth was usually more dominant than Orakpo-you'd expect that from a two-time All-Pro who just signed a record free agent contract-but he missed four games due to injury and proved to be a divisive figure with his public criticism of coaches. Haynesworth played a significant role in aiding the Redskins' pass rush, and teams had difficulty rushing up the middle when he was in the game. He still has a lot to prove, though, in terms of durability, commitment and attitude.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER TE FRED DAVIS Davis seized his opportunity to start after Chris Cooley suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 7, and he emerged from "bust" status to become an impact player. He increased his receptions total from three as a rookie to 48 this season. Much of that stemmed from his approach to the game. As a rookie, Davis was criticized for being unprofessional-remember that he slept through a rookie minicamp. He took his opportunity seriously this season. After Cooley was injured, Davis cancelled his bye week vacation and stayed at Redskins Park to work with tight ends coach Scott Wachenheim on fundamentals of blocking and route running. It paid significant dividends, as Davis' shoddy blocking dramatically improved. He also displayed some impressive athleticism with his ability to get open consistently and gain yards after the catch. Davis did not thrive until he was faced with significant playing time. Expect coach Mike Shanahan to realize that and figure out how to effectively use Cooley and Davis together. HONORABLE MENTION DE Andre Carter: Carter had 11.0 sacks and three forced fumbles a year after recording 4.0 sacks and no forced fumbles. WR Devin Thomas: Davis' draft classmate made some significant strides. Thomas was given the first chance to win the starting flanker position in training camp, but he lost it to Malcolm Kelly because he was ineffective with his route running and didn't get open. He regained the spot, however, in October and showed flashes of being the impact receiver the Redskins need him to be. His route running improved significantly, and he proved that he's able to gain yards after the catch by breaking tackles. He finished with 25 catches, 325 yards and three touchdowns after posting 15/120/1 as a rookie.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR DE PHILLIP DANIELS Daniels played in all 16 games after missing the 2008 season with a torn ACL in his left knee. He wasn't a superstar, but he adequately filled his role as a solid run-stopping defensive end. And he played 11 games with a torn left biceps. You can't say the guy isn't steady: he's had 24 solo tackles in each of the last three seasons that he's played. It must be noted that Daniels is another one of those upstanding veterans whose presence in the locker room helped steer the Redskins through a dismal campaign. His contract expired after the season, but he does not plan on retiring.
BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE RB LADELL BETTS vs. Denver Betts sure made the most of his fleeting moment in the spotlight this season. In his first start since 2006, he rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries in the Redskins' 27-17 upset win over the Denver Broncos on Nov. 15. Such numbers are pedestrian for guys like Tennessee's Chris Johnson or Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, but they amount to the Redskins' best individual performance of the season because Betts overcame the obstacles that hindered the offense all season. His running helped the Redskins find a winning formula that was absent all year: they controlled the clock and wore down Denver's defense in the fourth quarter. Betts did a wonderful job in the game of pressing the holes, making one cut and then exploding down the field. Granted, this was also the offensive line's best game of the season, so perhaps Betts doesn't deserve all the credit for an "individual" performance. But the fact that he did it in helping the team earn an impressive, cathartic upset victory merits the top spot. HONORABLE MENTION LB/DE Brian Orakpo vs. Oakland Orakpo's 4-sack performance in a 34-13 win over Oakland on Dec. 13 was brilliant. Any argument that this should be the top performance is justified. You won't hear any complaints from me. Washington knocked Raiders starter Bruce Gradkowski out of the game, took a comfortable lead and then teed off on backup JaMarcus Russell. Orakpo tied the franchise record for sacks a in a game. Three of his sacks came from defensive end and one from linebacker. He used an array of moves that highlighted his speed, strength and timing. Interestingly, these were the only sacks Orakpo recorded during the final seven games of the season. WR Santana Moss vs. Detroit Moss had a whopping 10 catches for a career-high 178 yards, including a 57-yard deep ball for a touchdown. He flashed some big-play potential that was absent for much of the season as teams focused on shutting him down. This would have warranted higher consideration if the Redskins had not, you know, LOST TO THE DETROIT LIONS! QB Jason Campbell vs. New Orleans Campbell threw for a career-high 367 yards, three touchdowns and completed 71 percent of his passes in the Redskins' upset bid of undefeated New Orleans on Dec. 6. However, he threw an interception at the end of regulation when the Saints blitzed, and it doomed Washington's chances of a last-second fourth-quarter victory. The Saints won 33-30 in overtime. QB Jason Campbell vs. Oakland Campbell had a passer rating of 106.5 after going 16-for-28 with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a convincing win over Oakland. MLB London Fletcher vs. Dallas Fletcher led an inspired defensive effort in the Redskins' 7-6 loss at Dallas on Nov. 22. He had 13 tackles (8 solo), an interception and a forced fumble. He was the beaten in coverage, however, on Patrick Crayton's game-winning touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter.
...Don't hesitate to let me know what you think I got right and wrong with the awards. Post a comment, email me or drop me a line on Twitter @Rich_Campbell. Coming up tomorrow: the 2009 season in quotes.
Perma-link: http://www.fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=40&p=1264013925
Shanahan retains Olivadotti, officialy hires Spanos Jan. 16, 2010 2:22 pm
The Redskins today announced that Kirk Olivadotti, the team's longest-tenured coach, will be retained as a defensive assistant. He was the linebackers coach for the last two seasons under Jim Zorn, but that position was officially filled today by Lou Spanos, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. "K.O. has great versatility and will be a tremendous help to our entire defensive staff, just as he has for the past 10 years here," Shanahan said in a statement released by the team. "He has made a quick impression on me and I am happy to be able to keep him with our team." K.O. (which is simply an awesome nickname for a defensive football coach) has been with the Redskins since Norv Turner was the head coach, if you can believe it. He joined the Redskins in 2000 and spent four seasons as a defensive quality control/defensive backs assistant. When coach Joe Gibbs took over in 2004, he spent two seasons as the defensive quality control/special teams assistant. His title changed to defensive line assistant/special teams assistant in 2006. Spanos, whose hiring was reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mid-week, spent the last 15 seasons as a defensive assistant with the Steelers. He has two Super Bowl rings from his tenure there. He also worked with new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett in Pittsburgh in the late 1990s. The Steelers have run a 3-4 defense for many years now, and he'll help Haslett install some 3-4 schemes.
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Rich Campbell joined The Free Lance-Star as a sports writer in Sept. 2007 and covered the Washington Nationals until Jan. 2008. He is not related to Jason Campbell, but he does cover the Washington Redskins and local high school sports.
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