2009 Redskins Preview: Zorn’s Healthy Approach To The Season

The Redskins’ 2009 preseason concluded last Thursday night in the same fashion it started, with an ugly loss.

 

With each meaningless preseason game, fans hope to catch glimpses of improvement.  The Redskins obliged until the Jacksonville game—the Jaguars are an average football team at best—created doubt in a team looking to turn the corner and perform (starters and reserves alike) on a consistent basis.

 

So what have we learned about the 2009 Redskins during the preseason, and what can we expect from them during the regular season?

 

Quarterback Jason Campbell looks confident when given time and has put an eventful offseason behind him.  Campbell throws one of the prettiest balls when he stands firmly in the pocket.  When opposing defenses put enough pressure on him, his technique suffers along with his accuracy. 

 

Zorn will try to use as many three-step drop pass plays as possible to protect Campbell.  But to increase scoring (the Redskins were ranked 28th in the NFL in 2008) Campbell will need more time to throw.  While the three-step drop produces short completions and first downs, five to seven-step drops produce plays down field—often, touchdowns. 

 

Campbell will get his shots down field as opponents sneak closer to the line to shut down the run.  Evident in the preseason, Campbell and his receivers are not in sync with the long ball, but that will come as the season progresses. 

 

Both QB Colt Brennan and QB Chase Daniel will not be part of the 2009 roster.  Brennan was placed on injured reserve while Daniel was cut.  Daniel may be selected to join the Redskins practice squad.  That leaves 40-year old QB Todd Collins as the only other quarterback on the roster.  The Redskins aren’t expected to sign or acquire a third quarterback any time soon.  “It is not unusual to have two quarterbacks on the roster.  Other teams are doing it.  Besides, (Antwaan) Randel El can fill in adequately if we need him during a game,” Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said.

 

An aging but adequate offensive line is very thin.  One or two lengthy injuries and the offense could be in trouble.  Line coach Joe Bugel was counting on OL Chad Rinehart to improve on his impressive 2008 rookie season.  But Rinehart, who has struggled thus far, needs to be ready as OL Randy Thomas (recovering from offseason back surgery) and OL Derrick Dockery may not be capable of making it through an entire season healthy.  On a brighter note, OL Stephon Heyer has secured the right tackle position and looks more confident than he did last year.

 

OL Mike Williams who surprisingly made the 53-man roster will need time before the Redskins can count on him for extended periods of time.  Williams has been slowed by an ankle injury and is continuously adjusting to his new body.  Williams lost over 100 lbs in the last year in an effort to return to football and his strength and is not there yet.  

 

The young receivers, Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas have improved their play and their health.  Both were disappointments last season nursing injuries.  Early in camp they appeared to be headed down that same path.  But each has gone three weeks or longer without missing a practice and they will be factors in the offense. 

 

Although Kelly and Thomas have made great strides, the best young receiver on the team may be rookie seventh round draft pick Marko Mitchell.  The 6’4” lanky receiver can run and has very soft hands. 

 

He impressed a number of people during camp while fighting for a spot on the roster, literally and physically.   After a lackluster first week and half in camp, some of the veterans tried to jump start the rookie.  CB DeAngelo Hall fired him up enough in one practice to cause the rookie to slug it out with the mouthy defensive back.  “It’s all part of being a rookie,” Mitchell said.

 

Since the fight with Hall, Mitchell has been a different receiver.  He has three touchdown receptions during the preseason and he will be a part of the game plan during regular season games.

 

We saw very little of running back Clinton Portis this August in an effort to keep him fresh.  Since success in the running game is based on the ball carrier being in sync with the offensive line, a déjà vu start in New York appears imminent.

 

Portis will be fresh, but will he be in game shape to carry the ball 25-30 times in Week One? 

 

Not likely. 

 

That’s where RB Ladell Betts will step in at the end of the first half and on obvious passing downs.  Betts can provide a spark for the offense in small spurts if Portis were to go down.  However, he is not an every down back.

 

Thus, the team opted to keep RB Marcus Mason on the roster this year.  Mason, who has been cut from the team the previous two seasons, is built like Portis and Betts and will see time as the short-yardage back and will get the ball near the goal line.

 

The defensive line will be the strength of the team.  Rookie LB/DE Brian Orakpo will apply pressure from the outside while DT Albert Haynesworth can stuff the run and collapse the pocket up the middle.   Orakpo will be very difficult to contain if isolated one-on-one with a tackle.  Often, opponents will have to decide who to double team between the two.

 

The linebacker play against the run was strong during the preseason.  The Redskins should be difficult to run against with LB London Fletcher in the middle.  Though Fletcher’s pass coverage was exposed once again during the preseason, the Redskins can expect teams to take advantage of the aging backer. 

 

With CB Carlos Rogers out most of preseason with an injured calf, it is difficult to determine if the defensive backfield will be a strength or weakness this season.  CB Fred Smoot will be solid in small doses and CB DeAngelo Hall proved he can still play out of control at times.  FS LaRon Landry appears ready to have a breakout season, while SS Chris Horton will provide little more than the solid play he lifted the team with last year. 

 

Reserve rookie CB Kevin Barnes looked like a deer in headlights in the first preseason game.  He improved his play and aggression the next two games, then lost it again against Jacksonville.  He and CB Justin Tryon will see most of their action on special teams with Tryon utilized as the dime DB until Barnes is ready.   

 

CB Byron Westbrook—brother of RB Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles—is another practice squad player who improved his coverage and earned a spot on the roster.  Westbrook had a solid preseason and may see time on the field before Tryon and Barnes. 

 

The kicking battle never materialized during the preseason games.  With very few opportunities to speak of, K Shaun Suisham wins the job over Dave Rayner.  Rayner’s kickoffs are higher and deeper, but Suisham was more consistent in field goal practice competitions.

 

The kick return duties should go to WR Devin Thomas who auditioned for the job against the Patriots with success.  Thomas is bigger and faster than the incumbent RB Rock Cartwright, but Thomas is also injury prone. This leaves Zorn with the decision of Thomas’ homerun potential or the consistency Cartwright provides.

 

Thomas would be the best solution to handle punt returns, a real weakness for the team last season, but the likely scenario is to start the season with WR Antwaan Randle El.  Randle El is reliable catching punts.   It’s returning the punts where the problems start.  Thomas may be utilized in this role, but the threat of injury could prevent Zorn from taking the risk.

 

The coverage teams for both punt and kick-off will be comprised of reserved defensive backs, linebackers and linemen, with a few tight ends and receivers added to the mix.  TE Fred Davis, DL Lorenzo Alexander, LB Chris Wilson and CB Kevin Barnes will be the cornerstones of these units.

 

Redskins coach Jim Zorn operated training camp as if it were a month long OTA.  Physical practices were non-existent outside of line blocking drills.  The only tackling that took place in practice was during an intra-squad scrimmage on Fan Appreciation Day.

 

Zorn’s No. 1 goal heading into camp was to finish it relatively healthy and he achieved just that—probably beyond his own realistic expectations.  

 

With that said, Zorn’s willingness to sacrifice the team’s mental toughness, game speed readiness and intensity for health concerns will determine Zorn’s fate as the coach of this franchise beyond the 2009 season.  He will either end up looking like a genius or a coach who didn’t prepare his team for the rigors of an NFL season.

 

Zorn is banking on his veterans to be a guiding force, leading the younger players by example.  Teaching them to practice, prepare and perform like a professional athlete.

 

This team was assembled with a specific design in mind by former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs.  Gibbs, with owner Daniel Snyder and Executive VP Vinny Cerrato built this squad around individuals with strong character who could come together as a unit and function as one.

 

Will Zorn’s training methods combined with Gibbs’ philosophy on personnel translate into success for the Redskins in 2009? 

 

Expect another ugly game in the Meadowlands in week one as a result of Zorn preparing the team for a marathon rather than a sprint.  Does that mean the Redskins can’t win an ugly game?  Sure they can. They won eight of them last season. 

 

Including the Giants game, the Redskins will start 2009 in the same manner they started 2008.  With each week the Redskins should improve their play and with an early schedule that includes St. Louis, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Kansas City a quick start out of the gates will silence doubters.

 

But unlike last season—a season that served as a learning experience for Zorn—expect Zorn and the Redskins to prepare a little differently for the teams they should beat on their schedule.

 

With a 5–3 start and winable games at home against Denver and New Orleans, combined with a road game at Oakland, the Redskins should manage their way into the playoffs.

 

Like New York two seasons ago and Arizona last year, once you’re in the playoffs anything can happen.     

 

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FFL Week 1: Start’em Or Sit’em Report

Okay, you had your fantasy football draft and you selected Seattle WR T.J. Whouz_yo_mamah (Championship!). Now we separate the men from the boys and determine who the real FFL owners are. 

 

Anyone can read a magazine or print a “Cheat Sheet” and draft a decent team. It is how you juggle your team’s lineup each week which will win championships.

 

The following is a team-by-team “Start” or “Sit” list for Week 1:

 

KEY:       I – Injured, US – Unsigned

 

 

Arizona (vs. SF)

Start: QB Warner, WR Fitzgerald, AZ DEF/ST

Sit: WR Boldin (I), WR Breaston (I), K Neil Rackers

Game Prediction: Warner will get his 300 yards and Fitzgerald will get half of them.  Boldin is iffy at this point, so play it safe. I like AZ’s defense to score a TD and create turnovers. AZ 24 SF 13

 

 

Atlanta (vs. Miami)

Start: RB Turner, WR White, TE Gonzalez, K Elam, ATL DEF/ST

Sit: QB Ryan, WR Jenkins

Game Prediction: Both teams will try to establish the run and control the clock, which makes for a lower scoring game. Game will turn on a ST play late. ATL 20 MIAMI 16

 

 

Baltimore (vs. KC)

Start: QB Flacco, RB Rice, WR Mason, TE Heap, BLT DEF/ST

Sit: WR Clayton (I), K Hauschka, RB McGahee, FB McClain

Game Prediction: All Baltimore!  Ravens coach Harbaugh will try to showcase Flacco and Rice. Each will get two scores. The BLT DEF/ST will have a field day scoring a TD and creating a number of turnovers. BLT 38 KC 10

 

 

Buffalo (@ NE)

Start: QB Edwards, RB Jackson (I), K Lindell, WR Owens (I), WR Evans

Sit: RB Omon (I), TE Nelson, BUFF DEF/ST

Game Prediction: A higher scoring game than many might think.  Expect NE to jump out early, but QB Edwards and WR Owens will bring the Bills back late. RB Jackson will get some yards rushing but nothing to write home about. NE 34 BUFF 30  

 

 

Carolina (vs. PHIL)

Start: RB Williams, WR Smith, WR Muhammad, K Kasay

Sit: QB Delhomme, RB Stewart (I), TE King, CAR DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Should be an interesting game. Lower scoring game than you would think as PHIL offense will be out sync with RB Westbrook out all preseason. With RB Stewart injured, RB Williams will run wild on PHIL scoring three TDs. WR Smith will get yards but no TDs. CAR 27 PHIL 23

 

 

Chicago (@ GB)

Start: QB Cutler, RB Forte, WR Bennett, TE Olsen, K Gould

Sit: WR Hester, CHIC DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Shootout in the Midwest!  Cutler and Rodgers will put on a show.  Each will throw for 300 yards and three TDs. Forte may have more receiving yards than rushing, but will score once. GB 42 CHIC 37

 

 

Cincinnati (vs. Denver)

Start: QB Palmer (I), RB Benson, WR Ochocinco, WR Henry, K Graham (I)

Sit: WR Coles, TE Coffman, CIN DEF/ST

Game Prediction: DEN will be involved in a ton of shootouts this season. They will have to put a ton of points on the board to win. CIN will pick apart the DEN defense as QB Palmer and WR Ochocinco will connect for two TDs. CIN 33 DEN 21

 

 

Cleveland (vs. Minn)

Start: RB James Davis, K Dawson

Sit: Quinn/Anderson QB, WR Edwards, WR Massaquoi, TE Royal, TE Heiden, CLEV DEF/ST

Game Prediction: The Adrian Peterson show visits the Rock and Roll HOF. AP will dominate this match-up scoring three TD’s and rush for more than 125 yards. CLEV will muster some offense and it will come from speed-RB Davis. MINN 36 CLEV 20

 

 

Dallas (@ TB)

Start: RB Barber, TE Witten, K Folk, DAL DEF/ST

Sit: QB Romo, RB Jones, WR Williams (I), WR Austin, WR Crayton, TE Bennett

Game Prediction: A low-scoring game as TB will try to control the ball and keep QB Romo off the field. DAL will play into the TB strategy and run RB Barber who will score two TDs. Game will come down to the last play. DAL 23 TB 20

 

 

Denver (@ Cinn)

Start: QB Orton (I), WR Royal, TE Scheffler, FB Hillis

Sit: RB Moreno (I), RB Buckhalter, RB Jordan, WR Marshall, K Prater, DEN DEF/ST

Game Prediction: DEN will be involved in a ton of shootouts this season.  They will have to put a ton of points on the board to win. CIN will pick apart the DEN defense as QB Palmer and WR Ochocinco will connect for two TDs.  CIN 33 DEN 21

 

 

Detroit (@ NO)

Start: QB Stafford, RB Smith, WR Johnson, TE Pettigrew

Sit: WR Curry, WR Williams, K Hanson (I), DET DEF/ST

Game Prediction: This one will get ugly real fast. Good for Detroit FFL owners! QB Brees will toss three first-half TDs. QB Stafford will get plenty of cheap passing yards late and a score or two. NO 42 DET 21

 

 

Green Bay (vs. Chic)

Start: QB Rodgers, WR Jennings, WR Driver, TE Finley, K Crosby

Sit: RB Grant, GB DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Shootout in the Midwest! Cutler and Rodgers will put on a show.  Each will throw for 300 yards and three TDs. Forte may have more receiving yards than rushing, but will score once. GB 42 CHIC 37

 

 

Houston (vs. NY Jets)

Start: QB Schaub, RB Slaton, WR Johnson, TE Daniels, K Brown

Sit: RB Moats, RB Brown, WR Walter, HOU DEF/ST

Game Prediction: NYJ QB Sanchez will play well in his first pro start. Expect the NYJ to control the ball will RBs Jones and Washington. QB Schaub will struggle early, but will bring the Texans back for a late victory. HOU 27 NYJ 21

 

 

Indianapolis (vs. Jax)

Start: QB Manning, WR Wayne, WR Gonzalez, TE Clark, K Vinatieri, IND DEF/ST

Sit: RB Addai, RB Brown

Game Prediction: JAX usually plays IND tough. Not this year! IND will dominate every phase of this game. JAX RB MJD may be limited with an injury forcing QB Garrard to throw. IND will pick him off twice taking one back for a TD. IND 38 JAX 13

 

 

Jacksonville (@ Indy)

Start: No one

Sit: QB Garrard, RB Jones-Drew (I), RB Washington, WR Holt, WR Northcutt, TE Lewis, K Scobee, JAX DEF/ST

Game Prediction: JAX usually plays IND tough. Not this year! IND will dominate every phase of this game. JAX RB MJD may be limited with an injury forcing QB Garrard to throw. IND will pick him off twice taking one back for a TD. IND 38 JAX 13

 

 

Kansas City (@ Balt)

Start: WR Bowe

Sit: QB Cassel (I), RB Johnson, RB Charles, WR Engram, TE Cottam, K Barth, KC DEF/ST

Game Prediction: All Baltimore! Ravens coach Harbaugh will try to showcase Flacco and Rice. Each will get two scores. The BLT DEF/ST will have a field day scoring a TD and creating a number of turnovers. BLT 38 KC 10

 

 

Miami (@Atl)

Start: RB Brown, K Carpenter

Sit: QB Pennington, RB Williams, WR Ginn, WR Camarillo, WR Bess, MIA DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Both teams will try to establish the run and control the clock which makes for a lower scoring game. Game will turn on a ST play late. ATL 20 MIAMI 16

 

 

Minnesota (@ Clev)

Start: QB Farve, RB Peterson, WR Harvin, TE Shinacoe, K Longwell, MINN DEF/ST

Sit: RB Taylor, WR Berrian (I), WR Rice, WR Wade

Game Prediction: The Adrian Peterson show visits the Rock and Roll HOF. AP will dominate this match-up scoring three TD’s and rush for more than 125 yards. CLEV will muster some offense and it will come from speed-RB Davis. MINN 36 CLEV 20

 

 

New England (vs. Buff)

Start: QB Brady, WR Moss, TE Watson, K Gostkowski

Sit: RB Taylor, RB, Maroney, WR, Welker (I), NE DEF/ST

Game Prediction: A higher scoring game than many might think. Expect NE to jump out early, but QB Edwards and WR Owens will bring the Bills back late. RB Jackson will get some yards rushing but nothing to write home about. NE 34 BUFF 30  

 

 

New Orleans (vs. Det)

Start: QB Brees, RB Thomas (I), WR Colston, WR Moore, WR Meachem, TE Shockey, K Carney, NO DEF/ST

Sit: RB Bush (I), WR Henderson

Game Prediction: This one will get ugly real fast. Good for Detroit FFL owners! QB Brees will toss three first-half TDs. QB Stafford will get plenty of cheap passing yards late and a score or two. NO 42 DET 21

 

 

New York Giants (vs. Wash)

Start: RB Jacobs, WR Nicks, TE Boss, K Tynes

Sit: QB Manning, RB Bradshaw, WR, Hixon, WR Smith, WR Moss, NYG DEF/ST

Game Prediction:  WASH will be better offensively and will control the ball. QB Manning will struggle as Orakpo and Haynesworth will force him to hurry his throws. RB Jacobs runs well against WASH and will score two TDs.  WASH 27 NYG 26

 

 

New York Jets (@ Hou)

Start: QB Sanchez, RB Jones, RB Washington, TE Keller, WR Cotchery

Sit: RB Greene (I), WR Stucky, WR Clowney, K Feely, NYJ DEF/ST

Game Prediction:  NYJ QB Sanchez will play well in his first pro start. Expect the NYJ to control the ball will RB Jones and RB Washington. QB Schaub will struggle early, but will bring the Texans back for a late victory. HOU 27 NYJ 21

 

 

Oakland (vs. San Diego)

Start: QB Russell, RB McFadden, RB Bush, WR Heyward-Bey, TE Miller, K Janikowski

Sit: RB Fargas (I), WR Walker, WR, Higgins (I), OAK DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Oakland will shock the East Coast Tuesday morning when they wake up and hear that OAK rallied from a 21-point deficit to upset heavily favored SD. QB Russell will throw three secondhalf TDs and a healthy RB McFadden will show why he was such a high pick. OAK 34 SD 31

 

 

Philadelphia (@ Car)

Start: QB McNabb, RB McCoy, WR Jackson, TE Celek

Sit: RB Westbrook (I), WR Curtis, WR Maclin, K Akers, PHIL DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Should be an interesting game. Lower scoring game than you would think as PHIL offense will be out sync with RB Westbrook out all preseason  With RB Stewart injured, RB Williams will run wild on PHIL scoring three TDs. WR Smith will get yards but no TDs. CAR 27 PHIL 23

 

 

Pittsburgh (vs. Tenn)

Start: WR Holmes (I), WR Ward, TE Miller, K Reed, PITT DEF/ST

Sit: QB Roethlisberger, RB Parker (I), RB Mendenhall

Game Prediction: Low scoring game with few TDs and plenty of FGs. PITT defense out plays TENN. PITT will contain TENN RB Johnson and put pressure on Collins all night.  PITT 20 TENN 16

 

 

St. Louis (@ Seattle)

Start: RB Jackson

Sit: Everyone else

Game Prediction: Seattle will prove last season was a fluke as injuries determined their fate. QB Hasselbeck will pick the STL defense apart throwing for four TDs. STL will get a strong day from RB Jackson who will rush for more than 100 yards and score twice. SEA 38 STL 21   

 

 

San Diego (vs. SD)

Start: QB Rivers, RB Tomlinson, WR Jackson, TE Gates, K Kaeding

Sit: RB Sproles, WR Chambers, WR Floyd, SD DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Oakland will shock the East Coast Tuesday morning when they wake up and hear that OAK rallied from a 21-point deficit to upset heavily favored SD.  QB Russell will throw three second-half TDs and a healthy RB McFadden will show why he was such a high pick. OAK 34 SD 31

 

 

San Francisco (@ Az)

Start: RB Gore, TE Davis

Sit: QB Hill, WR Bruce, WR Morgan, WR Crabtree (US), K Nedney, SF DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Warner will get his 300 yards and Fitzgerald will get half of them.  Boldin is iffy at this point, so play it safe. I like AZ defense to score a TD and create turnovers. AZ 24 SF 13

 

 

Seattle (vs. StL)

Start: QB Hasselbeck, WR Houshmandzadeh, WR Branch, WR Butler, TE Carlson, K Mare

Sit: RB Jones, RB James, SEA DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Seattle will prove last season was a fluke as injuries determined their fate. QB Hasselbeck will pick the STL defense apart throwing for four TDs. STL will get a strong day from RB Jackson who will rush for more than 100 yards and score twice. SEA 38 STL 21   

 

 

Tampa Bay (vs. Dallas)

Start: WR Bryant (I), TE Winslow

Sit: QB Leftwich, RB Ward, RB Williams, RB Graham, WR Stovall, K Bryant, TB DEF/ST

Game Prediction: A low scoring game as TB will try to control the ball and keep QB Romo off the field. DAL will play into the TB strategy and run RB Barber who will score two TDs. Game will come down to the last play. DAL 23 TB 20

 

 

Tennessee (@ Pitt)

Start: RB Johnson, WR Britt, TE Scaife, K Bironas

Sit: QB Collins, RB White, WR Washington (I), WR Gage, TEN DEF/ST

Game Prediction: Low scoring game with few TDs and plenty of FGs. PITT defense out plays TENN. PITT will contain TENN RB Johnson and put pressure on Collins all night.  PITT 20 TENN 16

 

 

Washington (@ NYG)

Start: QB Campbell, RB Portis, WR Kelly, WR Moss, TE Cooley, K Suisham

Sit: RB Betts, WR Randle El, WR Thomas, WASH DEF/ST

Game Prediction: WASH will be better offensively and will control the ball. QB Manning will struggle as Orakpo and Haynesworth will force him to hurry his throws. RB Jacobs runs well against WASH and will score two TDs.  WASH 27 NYG 26

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Andre’ Woodson’s Redskins Signing Sends the Giants Scrambling

The Redskins’ signing of free agent quarterback Andre’ Woodson has a greater impact on the team than most football fans would imagine.

 

Woodson, who was released by the New York Giants two days ago, was signed by the Redskins and placed on their practice squad.

 

The record-setting collegian quarterback from Kentucky provides the Redskins with more than just an impressive résumé to add to the team’s roster.

 

The signing of Woodson creates multiple problems for the Redskins’ opening game opponent in the Giants.

 

Whether the Redskins plan to seek Woodson’s knowledge of the Giants offense and their audibles has yet to be determined.

 

With less than a week before the Giants and Redskins clash in the Meadowlands next Sunday, the Giants will be forced to change all their offensive audibles, as well as alter whatever game planning they have installed in preparation for the game.

 

Ethically, when players switch squads, they try to avoid the politics between the team they left and their new employer.

 

At least that’s what they tell the media and the public.

 

However, the possibility remains, which creates a dilemma for the Giants.

 

The Redskins didn’t sign the former Wildcat to pick his brain as they prepare for the Giants, but his signing does come with a bonus that can only benefit the team.

 

Instead of installing a game plan during their three days of practice prior to the game, the Giants are forced to spend a certain percentage of practice time creating a new set of audible plays.

 

Whether the Redskins and Woodson plan to discuss the Giants’ game plan and audibles prior to Sunday’s meeting is not the issue.

 

As long as the possibility exists, the Giants must prepare for it. 

 

The chess match between the two rivals has already started. Advantage Redskins!

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Redskins’ Modern Day Alexander “the Great”

Just as Ancient Greek leader Alexander III of Macedon—commonly known as Alexander the Great—expanded his reign through Asia for the better part of a decade one small battle at a time, Washington Redskins’ defensive lineman Lorenzo Alexander has devised a plan to assist under-served youth in a similar fashion.

 

Alexander’s ACES (Accountability, Community, Education and Sports) Foundation is focused on helping small groups of under-served youth while teaching them the importance of self accountability, pride in their community, striving for excellence in education, and promoting a healthy mind and body through sports. 

 

To appreciate Alexander’s dedication to serving those in need, one should understand he is not a seasoned veteran funneling funds to his foundation with the assistance of a multi-million dollar contract. 

 

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2005 out of the University of California with the Carolina Panthers, Alexander spent his first season of professional football on the team’s practice squad.

 

After a brief stint (one week) with the Baltimore Ravens in 2006, the Washington Redskins signed Alexander and placed him on their practice squad.

 

It wasn’t until week four of the 2007 season that Alexander played in his first professional game with the Redskins.

 

The burly defensive lineman made his first career start in November of 2007 at tight end.  

That is the type of football player and person Alexander is.  He will do whatever it takes to help the team and others to succeed.

 

He’s played fullback, tight end, defensive line, and goal line offense and defense as well as special teams.

 

There is nothing he won’t do to continue his career for himself, his family, and for those he strives to assist through his foundation.

 

When the Redskins signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth as a free agent and drafted defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo during the 2009 offseason, Alexander’s reign with the team appeared to be in jeopardy.

 

Determined to remain a member of the Redskins in 2009, Alexander willingly moved from defensive tackle to end in a preseason game against Pittsburgh and played special teams against New England.

 

Receiving praise in both games by defensive line coach John Palermo and special teams coach Danny Smith—not just for his play, but for his fortitude—Alexander is doing all the right things to remain with an organization focused on retaining quality football players with multiple skills and character.

 

In one week, Alexander will know his fate with the Redskins as the NFL deadline for the 53-man roster quickly approaches.

 

This is a time when many professional athletes would focus on their personal well being—especially as their career hangs in the balance—yet Alexander and his ACES Foundation purge forward.

 

The day after the Redskins final preseason game at Jacksonville on September 3, 2009—in what could be his final game with the team—the ACES Foundation in conjunction with Target will provide 40 under-served Washington area youth with school supplies and clothes.

 

This isn’t Alexander and his teammates contributing a check and wishing the kids well.

 

He and seven teammates will meet the students at an Alexandria, VA Target store and provide each with a $100 gift card.

 

The players will stick around to shop with the students and conclude their day by eating lunch with them.

 

“I was inspired to give back to the community with the guidance of Renaldo Wynn,” Alexander proudly stated, acknowledging one of the Redskins senior members. 

 

He also recognizes former Redskins receiver, James Thrash, who is retired and now working with the NFLPA to assist current players with life outside of football.  “James Thrash has been a tremendous mentor to me and others who want to give back to the community.”

 

Do not think for a minute Alexander’s perseverance to improve, on and off the field, won’t play a role as the team develops the final roster for the 2009 season this Sunday.

Redskins’ Latest: Preseason News and Notes

For the most part, preseason games are meaningless.

 

However, if you’re a team with great expectations and question marks abound, preseason games (especially the third game, aka the dress rehearsal for the regular season) can clarify the murky view of the season ahead.

 

So what did Redskins fans learn about their team in last night’s 27-24 home loss to the New England Patriots? Here are a few items observed about the questions that insightful Skins fans were looking to have answered entering the game:

 

Redskins coach Jim Zorn had to get a solid performance out if his quarterback Jason Campbell against a formidable opponent in the New England Patriots. Campbell responded by leading the team on three impressive scoring drives, finishing 13-for-22 and 209-yards passing in little over a half. Mission accomplished!

 

The Redskins offensive line expected to see multiple blitz packages from the Patriots and they weren’t disappointed. The starting offensive line played reasonably well. QB Jason Campbell was knocked around a bit, but they protected him enough to allow him to produce. Run blocking, which should be the lines’ strength, provided very little room for RB Clinton Portis, who finished the game with eight yards rushing.  

 

There was a question about which young receivers would step up and take a stranglehold on the second receiver position. All three made their case for the position.  WR Malcolm Kelly only had one reception but was targeted often, especially in the red zone. WR Devin Thomas was focused on producing and responded with three receptions in traffic and produced several strong kick-off returns. WR Marko Mitchell continues to improve with each game. The rookie broke off a pass-route like a seasoned receiver and caught a 33-yard touchdown. His most impressive play came on a downfield block for TE Chris Cooley, shielding a Patriot defender for nearly 20 yards, allowing Cooley to amass 73-yards on the play. All three should see significant time against the New York Giants in the opening game.

 

The thought was that, with Carlos Rogers out with a calf injury, several young DBs would have to improve their play against the Patriots—who often run four and five-receiver sets. Rookie CB Kevin Barnes is steadily becoming the defender the Redskins had hoped he’d be when they drafted the local product (Maryland) in the third round. Barnes intercepted a Kevin O’Connell pass in the third quarter. CB Justin Tryon had a nice break-up on a deep pass in the first half, but played off the Patriots receivers most of the night and gave up several receptions.

 

RB Marcus Mason was given an opportunity to state his case for a final roster spot.  Playing with the first offense, Mason scored on a 1-yard run and finished the night with 30 yards on eight carries. Mason left the game with badly bruised ribs which, besides hurting him physically, may end up costing him a shot at making the team.

 

C Casey Rabach struggled most of the night against Patriots DTs Mike Wright and Vince Wolfolk. Rabach was beaten badly by Wright on one particular pass-blocking assignment when he barely landed a hand on Wright, allowing Wolfolk to stuff the run of the Redskins first offense.

 

The special teams’ kick coverage performed poorly against the Steelers last week, but ST coach Danny Smith had them ready for the Patriots. Led by DL Lorenzo Alexander, who typically was the first defender down the field, the coverage teams controlled the Patriots’ returns. However, it was a 33-yard punt return late in the game by Patriots S Pat Chung that set-up the game winning FG.

 

Perhaps the most impressive item outside the play off rookie LB/DE Brian Orakpo in the Redskins’ first two preseason games is the limited number of penalties the team incurred. That all changed against the Patriots, as the Redskins shot themselves in the foot time and time again with 15 penalties, totaling 113 yards.

NE @ Washington Preseason Preview: A Significant Insignificant Game

Preseason is preseason! Generally, success or lack of for any team means very little.

Former Redskins coach Joe Gibbs won two Super Bowls after finishing the preseason without a victory, while the 0-16 Detroit Lions won four preseason games in 2008.

 

However, if you look very closely at the game within the game, it is not difficult to pick up hints of team’s strengths and weaknesses heading in to the start of a season.

 

In his first game back from a season-ending knee injury in nearly a year, Tom Brady looked like…well, Tom Brady against the Eagles.

 

Brady completed 10 of 15 passes for 100 yards and two touchdown passes to tight end Chris Baker.

 

In the Patriots second preseason game against the Bengals at home, Brady and the offense looked out of sync in a lackluster 7-6 loss.

 

On the 13 snaps Brady played, he was hit by Bengal defenders on four of them. Patriots coach Bill Belichick wisely removed Brady early in the game, as the Bengals defensive speed appeared to catch the Patriots by surprise.

 

As for Jason Campbell and the Washington Redskins, let’s just say his play during the preseason has been dismissed as being the preseason.

 

Campbell has looked hesitant and off target in two brief appearances.

 

Having entered the season as the unwanted step child the Redskins settled for as a result of failing to land an alternative, Campbell’s confidence has been reeling since last November.

 

So, here we are in the third preseason game, a matchup between two playoff caliber teams with question marks.

 

Both Campbell and Brady are expected to play the first half, as will most starters on both sides of the ball.

 

Belichick and the Patriots offensive line will find out exactly where they stand heading in to the season as they face a revamped vaunted Redskins pass rush.

 

Rookie LB/DE Brian Orakpo and DT Albert Haynesworth will test the Patriots pass protection.

 

If given free shots at Brady like the Bengals had last week, back-up Kevin O’Connell may have to perform his best Matt Cassel imitation in 2009.

 

On the other side, Campbell doesn’t need to be great against a stingy Patriots defense, he just needs to be good.

 

He has to show signs of life and provide the Redskins faithful with some hope that he can be productive.

 

What does productive mean? Campbell has to lead two or three scoring drives of which one has to come via the pass.

 

Another touchdown shut-out performance by a Campbell led offense may convert many of his supporters into a Todd Collins fan.

 

Outside the significance of quarterback play in this insignificant contest are concerns for both teams that fans should watch for.

 

As bad as the Patriots offense looked against the Bengals, the prideful Belichick is expected to turn the heat up this week and he will demand perfection.

 

Easier said than done, but expect the Patriots to expose the Redskins weaknesses rather than focus on evaluating their players in certain situations.

 

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Brady and the offense run a 4- or 5-wide receiver set against the Redskins most of the game.

 

The Redskins will be without starting CB Carlos Rogers (calf) and reserve CBs Justin Tryon and rookie Kevin Barnes have been a step behind most of camp.

 

Brady only needs three seconds to hit his receivers in stride, and if the Patriots offensive line can provide that protection Brady should pick apart a thin Redskins secondary.

 

The Redskins will look to do the same against a revamped Patriots secondary that includes former Redskin S Shawn Springs.

 

Although the Patriots have plenty of young talent in their defensive backfield, Belichick likes to leave his DB’s on an island by sending multiple players on blitzes.

 

Campbell will have his shots to strike gold over the top, if hesitant as he has shown, it could get ugly and the boo-birds will sing at Fed-Ex Field.

 

A nationally televised game, expect to see an entertaining battle (for a half anyway) with both teams achieving offensively what they needed to accomplish entering the contest.

“Risky Business: Speculating the Washington Redskins’ 53-Man Roster”

With only two playoff appearances since entering the 21st century, the “billion dollar franchise” Washington Redskins brace for a “make or break” 2009 season.

 

The results of this season will have lasting implications effecting the make-up and direction of the team for half a decade.  Failure is not an option!

 

The only position in the Redskins organization that is secure is owner Daniel Snyder’s. 

 

Yes, even Snyder’s long time confidant and Redskins EVP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, may have to step aside if the team he helped assemble disappoints.

 

The stakes have never been greater at Redskins Park as every decision and transaction will be scrutinized.

 

Although preseason is quickly approaching the halfway mark, training camp has ended. 

 

The Redskins coaching staff can no longer coddle rookies and teach techniques.

 

Rival New York Giants, the team’s opening game opponent, is just three weeks away.   

 

With that in mind, I imagine Vinny Cerrato, Jim Zorn, and the rest of the Redskins coaching staff have narrowed down their projected 53-man roster.

 

After spending three weeks in the sweltering heat at Redskins Park studying the 80 players the team invited to training camp, it is time to delve deep inside the minds of those who will determine the fate of players.

 

A great deal can change impacting the final roster between now and September 13, 2009.

 

Assuming the Redskins finish the preseason with no major injuries, here’s the projected 53-man roster by position and practice squad:

 

( ) Represent the number of roster spots by position – Not including Practice Squad Players

 

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (3) – Jason Campbell, Colt Brennan, Todd Collins

Runningbacks (3) – Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Marcus Mason (Practice Squad)

Fullbacks (1) – Mike Sellers, Eddie Williams (Practice Squad)

Receivers (6) – Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, Trent Shelton, Marko Mitchell

Tight ends (3) – Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder, Robbie Agnone (Practice Squad)

Offensive Line (9) – Chris Samuels, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabich, Randy Thomas, Stephon Heyer, Chad Rinehart, Will Montgomery, Scott Burley, Jeremy Bridges

Long Snapper (1) – Ethan Albright

Kicker (1) – Scott Suisham

Total Offense (27)

 

DEFENSE

Defensive Tackles (5) – Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, Kedric Golston, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander

Defensive Ends (4) – Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Renaldo Wynn, Jeremy Jarmon, Alex Buzbee (Practice Squad)

Linebackers (7) – Brian Orakpo, London Fletcher, Rocky McIntosh, HB Blades, Robert Thomas, Robert Henson, Cody Glenn

Cornerbacks (5) – DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot, Kevin Barnes, Justin Tryon, Byron Westbrook (Practice Squad)

Safeties (4) – LaRon Landry, Chris Horton, Reed Doughty, Kareem Moore

Punter (1) – Hunter Smith

Total Defense (26)

 

Note:  The make-up of this roster is based squarely on training camp performance. There are players missing from the roster deserving of a spot, and there are players on the roster who have not performed well enough to make the team.  Various factors play key roles in developing a roster.

Invested draft pick(s), an injury riddled position, salary cap implications, special teams impact, age, upside vs. downside, team morale and character all have an impact on roster selections. 

 

 

No, there was not bread breaking during training camp lunch with Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn to discuss the make-up of this team.  This projected roster is based on practice field performance, specualted salary cap implications and the weight a draft pick may carry.

 

Please feel free to share changes you would make to this projected 53-man roster.  

Tom Cable “McLovin” Punches Raiders Assistant

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable (a.k.a. John Goodman) was rumored to have “round-housed” assistant Randy Hanson during a coaches meeting.

Cable, who models his coaching style after Buddy Ryan, believes it is okay to hit people in the face when they aren’t looking as long as you keep it in-house.

What could Randy Hanson have possibly done that would anger Cable so vigorously that he felt the need to rearrange Hanson’s face?

Unknown Redskins Make a Push For Roster Spots

Nearly three weeks into the 2009 Redskins training camp and the starting jobs on both sides of the ball have all but been settled.

Redskins coach Jim Zorn and his staff now must focus on dissecting the remaining 55 players on the camp roster to fill 28 open reserve slots.

Some of the selections are no-brainers such as RB Ladell Betts, WR Malcolm Kelly, WR Devin Thomas, TE Fred Davis, OL Chad Rinehart, and DB Fred Smoot.

Then there are those who were brought into camp to serve as live tackling dummies and blocking sleds for a month, only to return to their real jobs in early September when the final roster cuts are made.

With the potential of six-figure contracts dangled in front of them, several long-shots have impressed the local and national media (myself included), assistant coaches and some studious Redskin bloggers to the point that the “long” has been removed and they now have shot to make the opening game roster.     

Let’s start with one of my favorites.  DT Antonio Dixon was a known commodity while starting for the Miami Hurricanes.  But Dixon went undrafted, likely because of a learning disability that would hinder his progress in the NFL.

In the first two weeks of camp Dixon did very little in practice to standout.  Partly because he was and still is out of shape according to Redskins coach Jim Zorn.

Then something happened!  There are practice players and then there is Antonio Dixon, who played as if his life was on the line in the first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Dixon created havoc in the Ravens’ backfield most of the second half of a 23-0 Redskins loss. 

Shooting through gaps he had two quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss and stood out in a very ugly game for the Redskins.

Unfortunately for Dixon he plays a position which happens to be the strength of the team.  Barring a major injury to DT’s Albert Haynesworth, Kedric Golston, Cornelius Griffin or Anthony Montgomery, Dixon is likely to end up on the practice squad or another team’s roster.

Tightend Robbie Agnone captured my attention very early in camp.  The 6’6” undrafted free agent rookie from Delaware is a huge target who runs extremely well.

With soft hands and improving blocking skills, Agnone looked as if he had a shot of beating out nine-year veteran Todd Yoder for the third TE position on the roster.

But Agnone needed to be perfect this preseason to unseat Yoder.  Zorn tends to favor veteran players, but as a former QB he also understands the importance what a visible target crossing over the middle can provide.

Agnone had a chance to close the gap with Yoder in the Ravens game last week, but Colt Brennen drilled a pass high on a seem route that soared off the rookies finger tips.

Understandable that he couldn’t hall the pass in, but necessary when fighting for an NFL job.

Agnone has three games remaining to unseat Yoder, but there is no margin for error.  He must make the most of every play to have a prayer.

Finally, WR Marko Mitchell, a seventh round draft pick who Redskins management felt would bring a dimension to the offense that has been missing in Washington for some time.

At 6’4” and possessing above average speed, Mitchell would provide the Redskins with a Plaxico Burris type threat.

Like most rookies, Mitchell has towed-the-line and kept his mouth shut like a good little rookie is suppose to do.  The “Good Shepherd” approach wasn’t working for Mitchell as he was losing the battle for the final WR spot to Marques Hagans, Keith Eloi, Trent Shelton and D.J. Hackett.

So Mitchell got tough.  Tough enough to take on veteran CB DeAngelo Hall in a brief fight during practice the other day. 

Finally shedding the nice guy image, Mitchell decided that if he was going to go down, he would do so fighting.

As a draft pick the Redskins have an investment in Mitchell, so of the three long-shots he has the best chance of making the team.

But Mitchell has to do more than fight with teammates to earn a spot on the roster.  He has to make plays during the preseason games to separate from the other receivers.

Keep an eye on these three players over the next four weeks and watch if they continue to standout and possibly earn a spot on the 2009 Redskins roster. 

The “Must” Question for All 32 NFL Teams in 2009

As each of the NFL’s 32 teams approach the start of training camp over the next week, each will enter the season with question marks that must be answered correctly to achieve success in 2009.

From the favorite to win it all again in the Pittsburgh Steelers, to a team just looking for a win in the Detroit Lions, I pose my top question for the season and a soft prediction (soft because one major injury in preseason and the question and prediction will completely change).

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