7:3 Sean Taylor Tribute

Going into training camp, it's time to take a look at the defensive side of the team. I'll start with the safety position - one that had literally felt a void since 2007. The Redskins have plenty of talent in their secondary and in 2010, it will be important that the defense stays strong as the offense tries to improve. For the past decade the Redskins' offense has never been able to catch up to it's defense. For a few years, Washington had one of the top 5 defenses in the league while their offense has always been in the bottom half of the standings. This was due in much part to the Redskins' defensive coaches who had been with the team for many years including the glory days. The defense however is making the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year and this always leads to growing pains. Also the Redskins' defense had one of the worst tackling secondaries in the game last year meaning there is much room for improvement. The Safety position was not always so weak....

On November 26, 2007, midway through the 2007 season, Sean Taylor, the Redskins' Pro-Bowl Free Safety, was tragically murdered in his Palmetto Bay home in Florida. The murder was not aimed at Taylor, but was an attempted burglary, making his death that much more devastating. He was defending his long-time girlfriend Jackie Moffet and his 18-month old daughter Jackie. The intruders did not expect anyone to be home, and upon sighting Taylor, shot him in the upper leg. Taylor spent the night in the hospital suffering from his wounds with the Redskins' nation watching closely. Sean Taylor passed away Novemeber 27, 2007 at 3:30 A.M. He was 24 years old. Sean Taylor was the cornerstone to the Redskins' defense and secondary. It was the biggest loss in Redskins' history and possibly sports history. The Redskins dedicated the remainder of the 2007 campaign in his memory, one that at the time looked hopeless. Inspired by the loss of their teammate, they finished the year on a miracle run winning 4 must-win games securing the final playoff spot. Although they lost to Seattle, the year was a good memorial to the fallen Redskin who had done so much for the franchise. He was the Redskins' and Joe Gibbs' first draft choice in 2004 and really became the team's favorite son. The memories he left on the field have never been forgotten. Sean Taylor is still missed today and his position on the team has never recovered. RIP




We all remember Sean in different ways, but the pain is still the same for all of us. Joe Gibbs claimed that he was making changes in his life to become a better person and father. Sean brought our emotions up and down in both his life and in his death, and three years later his legacy lives on. Going into 2010, LaRon Landry, who replaced Sean Taylor, still lives in the shadow of his predecessor. The team Sean left is slowly evolving and changing with new players and new coaches, but there is one thing that always remains the same. The fans. We are always there after every win and every loss going through the year along side the team. We remember Sean Taylor. We will never forget Sean Taylor.

7:2 Narrowing Down Options

By far, the wide receiver position is most interesting to watch this season. Nearly every spot is up for grabs and there are so many players competing for a chance to make the final cut. In all there are 11 players competing for 4-5 spots. Even more interesting than the amount of players are the bio's of the players. Every player has a different story. Some are in the final years if not, the final year of their careers while most are just kids with little to no experience in the league. These are the eleven wide-outs hoping for a spot on the Redskins:

• Santana Moss
• Devin Thomas
• Malcolm Kelly
• Joey Galloway
• Bobby Wade
• Anthony Armstrong
• Terrence Austin
• Roydell Williams
• Shay Hodge
• Mike Furrey
• Brandon Banks

Santana Moss is the only wide-out who is guaranteed a starting job on the Redskins in 2010. He has been the number one receiver in Washington for over five years and has really become the face of the franchise. His small size is his weakness and causes problems when going after high passes. However, Moss is very fast and runs routes as well as some of the best in the game. Look for # 89 to bounce back from an off-year last year because this year is possibly the most critical of his career. Santana has the number one receiving spot locked up.


Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly came into the league as some of the most anticipated receivers of the 2008 draft class. Many thought the Redskins' receiving corps drastically improved when they arrived. However, both have proved to be draft busts for the most part due to their shocking lack of production. Thomas had a great game against New Orleans last year with two touchdowns, but besides that game his 2008 and 2009 campaigns have both been disappointing. Kelly has been even more disappointing than his counter part. He has yet to catch even one touchdown in two years. If they can't breakout and produce this year it's the end of the road.


Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade add experience to the table as both are in the ladder part of their careers. Galloway had his best season in 2005 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posting Pro-Bowl type numbers. He has been a valuable asset to any team has played for. His most recent playing time came with the New England Patriots in 2009. Wade has not put up the same kind of numbers as Galloway, but still has plenty of potential.

Anthony Armstrong and Terrence Austin are two wide-outs who are competing for more than just wide-receiver. They are both competing for a kick return job which is an area where the Redskins need plenty of help. Armstrong might be the most underrated of the group as he has been one of the best in offseason activities. Austin was drafted in the 7th round this year by Shanahan from UCLA where he was their best receiver. He specialized in kick returns due to his lightning quickness.

The final four receivers are all long shots to making the team, but anything can happen this year. The Redskins picked up Mike Furrey and Roydell Williams this offseason to add depth to the competition. Shay Hodge and Brandon Banks have the steepest hill to climb, but with dedication and productivity in training camp and the pre-season, they might just pick up a job.

7:1 Carrying Hope?

It was only a few years ago that Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker were some of the most elite running backs in the National Football League, but times have changed. From age to injury, these three once-dominant backs are now skeletons of the players they once were. There's a lot of doubt and skepticism as to whether or not these three backs can perform again. Portis was once the face of the Washington Redskins and could very well be again. Johnson set season rushing records as a Kansas City Chief, and Willie Parker still holds the longest Super Bowl fun in history on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The interesting twist now is that they are all on the same team and that team is the Washington Redskins. There are six players competing at for a spot on the team at running back:

• Clinton Portis
• Larry Johnson
• Willie Parker
• Ryan Torain
• Keiland Williams
• Darrel Young

Clinton Portis has been the starter in Washington for over five years now, and there's no reason why this shouldn't be his sixth. His age and multiple injuries over the years might take their tole this year but he should still prove productive. Interestingly enough, Portis began his career with the Denver Broncos under Mike Shanahan making 2010 a reunion of two ex-Broncos.


Larry Johnson knocked defenses left and right when he began his career in Kansas City, but over the years his productivity has drastically declined. Last year, in Cincinnati his running game was nearly dormant. Washington has given him a second chance in his career, but it is up to him to make the most of it. Look for Johnson to be a third-down back and second string behind Portis


Willie Parker is a big question mark coming into 2010 and has been his entire career. There were times in Pittsburgh where his skills carrying the ball made some of the best defenses look clueless. There were also times where defenses made him look like a college rookie. If parker can stay consistent and take advantage of his speed and quickness, he can guarantee himself a spot on the Washington Redskins. He will most likely be the third-string if not the backup running back.


Ryan Torain has a legitimate chance of making the final roster. He and Keiland Williams will most likely slug it out to beat out Parker for the final running back spot. However, Shanahan might decide to have four backs on his roster giving Torain and Williams a spot to compete for between themselves. Torain began his career in 2008 with the Denver Broncos under who else? Mike Shanahan. He has played in two NFL games over his career accumulating 69 yards with 15 carries.


Keiland Williams was a backup running back at LSU and played in 47 games over his college career. He rushed for 1,699 yards with 17 touchdowns and carried the ball 299 times. He also had two receiving touchdowns. Williams was signed by the Redskins in April as an undrafted rookie free agent.


Darrel Young was a part of last year's Redskins but came to the team competing for a linebacker spot. Young has made the transition to running back. He is versatile enough to play both linebacker and safety. His versatility could prove valuable in his attempt to make the team as a running back. He was a four-year starter from Villanova who signed with Washington last year as a rookie.

There's an old saying in boxing that every boxer always has one good fight left in him. Can that translate to football as every back has one good year left in him? Washington can only hope. If Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker all have season's similar to last year, the Redskins will have one of the weakest rushing attacks in the league. However, if each back has one more year like they once had, the team will have one of the most potent ground attacks in football. These three have different styles of running the ball. Both Portis and Johnson play power football trying to run through tackles and break their way through the defense. Parker, whose nickname was "Fast Willie" in Pittsburgh, tries to find holes in the defensive line and then uses speed to break away. One final thought, power backs tend to have shorter careers due to the amount of punishment they receive from defenses over the years.

6:3 A Quarter of the Way Back

The season kicks off in under two weeks now. At this point players are desperate to leave one final impression on the coaches for fear that it could be just that, their final one. Between whistles they try just a little harder, sweat a little more, and dig a little deeper to prove they have what it takes to be a part of something greater than themselves. This is it. The final two weeks of practice before they are put against another NFL team will be the hardest for them. In these last two weeks, I will try to introduce a few of the positions where players are competing for a roster spot and put names and faces together to familiarize fans to the players competing for them.

There are four quarterbacks attempting to make the three available roster spots on the Redskins. those four are:

• Donovan McNabb
• Rex Grossman
• Colt Brennan
• Richard Bartel

Donovan McNabb is the projected starter for the Redskins. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for two draft picks after 11 years of service to the Eagles. There is no threat to his roster spot. He will be the starting quarterback. He has participated in every offseason activity and taken this struggling team under his wing by mentoring and befriending his former rivals. If McNabb stays healthy, his service to Washington could prove the most fruitful of his career.

Rex Grossman is another new face in Washington. His name might sound familiar to many people. That would probably have something to do with his run to the Super Bowl in 2006 with the Chicago Bears. Grossman is coming off a season with the Houston Texans where he was coached by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, son of Mike Shanahan. Kyle and Mike are now both coaching the Redskins and Kyle is familiar with Grossman's playing abilities, which makes him the likely number two quarterback. There may be some competition between Colt Brennan and Grossman, however it is highly unlikely.

Speaking of Brennan, the 2008 7th-round draft pick has become a favorite among the fans for his breakout 2008 pre-season, but a poor 2009 pre-season and a year plagued by injuries have dulled his bright talent. Brennan is a graduate of the University of Hawaii where he set many major records. He might challenge for the second spot, but will most likely be protecting his own third-string roster spot.

Richard Bartel has traveled around the league for much of his career with stops in Dallas, Cleveland, Jacksonville, and now Washington. He has the roughest road to a roster spot, but it is definitely not out of the question for him to make the team as a third-string replacing Brennan. It should be a tight battle for the final quarterback spot on the team, and it is interesting to note that neither Brennan nor Bartel have thrown a single pass in an NFL game.

6:2 R You In?

Maybe it's simply another way of the franchise trying to get the fans excited for another upcoming year. Or maybe The Redskins actually believe that they are primed and ready to make a run for the title this year. We don't know for sure. Regardless, the Redskins released an article on their website about their new campaign entitled "R You In?" The campaign is to introduce fans to the "New Washington Redskins" and start the hype for next season which is right around the corner. Is this really a season Redskins fans should be excited about? Coming off a 4-12 season, one wouldn't think so, but then again, this isn't the same team that went 4-12. Perhaps this is why they're getting fans ready. Maybe the Redskins have a title in the near future. Here's the video:

The Redskins made more changes in the 2010 offseason than any other team in the league. The changes included on and off the field improvements to the entire franchise as a whole. There's no doubt that with Donovan McNabb under center at QB and Mike Shanahan calling the shots on the sidelines that the Redskins will be a much better team. However, are they really ready to call themselves contenders for a Super Bowl? It's a long shot for sure, but in actuality, they are. In 2007, the Redskins finished the year at 9-7 earning them a wild-card spot and a playoff game in Seattle. In 2008, they began the year at 6-2, and although they finished at 8-8, they were right on the cusp of another playoff appearance. In 2009, although the year ended on a very sour note, the final record does not tell the whole story. Like i mentioned in my previous post, if the Skins had scored just one touchdown more in every one of their games, their record would have been 12-4. That's almost unbelievable considering their final record was 4-12, but it only goes to show that every point counts.

I believe this team is superior to the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Washington Redskins. I believe the schedule is the hardest of all four years and the competition is fiercer both inside and outside the division than in all previous years, but this new team has what it takes to hold their own. The Redskins have nothing to hold back and everything to prove. From their General Manager Bruce Allen, to their Head Coach Mike Shanahan, to their starting QB Donovan McNabb, everyone is looking for a fresh start in Washington. It appears to be a winning combination and 2010 could be the start of something much bigger than any of us imagined.

6:1 Lucky Number 7

Eighteen days and counting. With the season drawing near, the time has come for rookies and underdogs to really put their best plays on the field in hope of earning a roster spot. This is always interesting to see, as the competition is always fierce, but for the Redskins, this is extremely important. Due to the new management, coaches have no ties to old players. This means that just because a player played for Washington last year or years previous doesn't give him a spot on the team. Coaches will analyze talent and determination alone and not status. The rookie draft picks will be the most interesting to watch. Although much of the hype is centered on the Redskins' first round pick Trent Williams, I personally am intrigued by their seventh round pick, Terrence Austin.


Austin is a wide receiver/kick returner coming out of UCLA. During his college career he became the school's 2nd all-time leader in yardage. UCLA isn't the most feared football school as their basketball team is far superior and popular, however don't let this overshadow his talent. Becoming 2nd all time in yardage is still no small feat. Mike Shanahan spotted a lot of potential in this kid and drafted him in the final round of the draft. His size is most likely his weak link. He is only 5'11, which for a wide receiver is relatively small, and weighs only 172 lbs. This is the probable reason why he was the 219th overall pick in the 7th and final round of the 2010 NFL Draft. If bigger, he would be noticed with the best. Austin was a great kick returner for UCLA, and can hopefully continue his success in Washington.



The road to a roster spot in Washington will be very difficult for Terrence Austin, but not impossible. He was already offered a rookie contract; something even Trent Williams has not yet received. He shows incredible speed and because of his small size, he can make quick cuts and jukes to avoid tackles. For years the redskins have struggled at returning punts and kickoffs. In the past few years, the Redskins have turned to Rock Cartwright and Antwaan Randle El to be their return men, but they never excelled at the position. With both those players no longer on the team, there is a void for that position. This may be Terrence Austin's greatest chance at making the final cut for the Washington Redskins considering the amount of competition competing for the wide receiver positions. Eleven players are in competition for wide receiver, but essencially there are nine competing for two to three spots. If Austin wants to be a redskin, he needs to excel returning kicks in training camp. He shows much talent, speed, and energy, and it will be interesting to watch as we approach Week 1.

5:3 Wait Almost Over

Today is July 9th. Officially less than three weeks until Training Camp begins around the NFL. The Redskins will have their first day of Training Camp on July 29th extending into August. As an avid fan it has been a long wait for football season to start, but the wait is almost over. From Training Camp, the Redskins will kickoff their Preseason with a game against the Buffalo Bills on August 13th - just over a month away. The Redskins will have three more preseason games against their close-to-home rivals Baltimore Ravens at home followed by two road games against the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

Now Preseason games are exactly that,....pre-season games. Records don't apply and there's nothing on the line. They are simply a chance for teams to test their new players against actual opponents and give their team a feel for different strategies before actually entering the season. The Preseason this year should be very beneficial to the Redskins as they have a brand new team, with both new coaches and new players, who all need time to blend. Coming together as a collective team and unit will be critical for a team begging for a second chance. The Redskins will have four opportunities to test a new defense, a new quarterback, a new coach, and new rookies looking for roster spots.

There are a few positions on the team where there will be competition for roster spots and starting spots. First will be at the wide receiver position. Santana Moss is the only player with an almost guaranteed spot. Devon Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will most likely make it, but there is a chance one or both won't make the final cut. Look for players like Joey Galloway and Anthony Armstrong to possibly sneak into the depth chart as a special teams receiver or just a back up receiver. It should be interesting. Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson might battle for the starting job, but Portis will most likely start this year. Willie Parker is a maybe for the Redskins. There are some other backs who will compete for his job. Finally, the third QB spot is up for grabs. Richard Bartel and Colt Brennan will duke it out for the final QB spot on the team. Fans love Brennan, however Bartel has proven himself in the OTA's this year. There is much to anticipate and the season draws ever near as we are just 20 days away from camp.

5:2 What Goes Around.....

Hey Albert Haynesworth, there's an old saying that goes something like "What goes around, comes around." Oh so very true in this case. From the first day that Mike Shanahan landed in Washington, Haynesworth has showed little to no respect for the new coach or his new agenda. He has showed no respect for his teammates who felt the same pain of 2009 and dealt with the same changes for 2010. Nor has he respected the city and fans who cheered for him last season. Well, what goes around comes back around. Haynesworth released a statement that he will be attending Redskins training camp come July 29, and any misunderstandings between himself and the franchise would be dealt with privately. This means all the trauma and drama is forgiven, right?

What goes around comes back around Albert, and it is certainly coming back around toward the middle of July. That same coach who tried to introduce a change to bring around potential wins next year, who you spat in his face, has no incentive to offer you any breaks come training camp. Those teammates will have nothing to do with you when you enter the locker room on day one of training camp, and might never be able to overcome the adversity that was shown them. Finally, the city that you disrespected and showed no desire to help with your selfish acts has given you no love in return. Nicknames such as "Fat Albert" and "Haynesworthless" are the new titles dubbed to the team's most paid player.



The bottom line is that the NFL never gives anything to a player. The only thing a player gets for free is an opportunity. It's what a player gives back to the NFL that earns him respect. If you respect the league, the team, and the teammates good things will happen, but if it's self-centered greed that drives a player, respect doesn't show up in his contract. What ever happened to teams working together as a team? I was very impressed to see 99% of the players show up to voluntary mini-camp to try and turn this team around. This shows unity, and that can lead to very big things. Albert Haynesworth owes this team a lot, and only time will tell if the damage he caused to this team will ever fully recover.

5:1 What's Good?

This offseason has been filled with lots of drama and change. There is no doubt about that. Many were unsure in February what the future of the Redskins would be, and the transition was difficult. However, many are optimistic about the team now and looking forward to 2010. What happened these past few months that have added hope to a doubting fan base? How far have the Redskins come since Week 17 of 2009? How far will they go next year and in years to come? The Redskins have made changes to the roster and to the management that could prove benefits for the long run as well as the short term. Let's look at the players, coaches, and managers of the '09 squad that have parted ways with Washington.



The first casualty to last year's team was Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins former General Manager. He resigned after the team's horrible start to 2009. Next to go was the Head Coach Jim Zorn. He was fired immediately following the final loss last year to the San Diego Chargers. The Redskins also released RB Ladell Betts, RB Rock Cartwright, WR Antwaan Randle El, CB Fred Smoot, DT Cornelius Griffin, and G Randy Thomas. They also lost Quinton Ganther to the Seattle Seahawks. The biggest player to leave the Redskins was former starting QB Jason Campbell who was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 4th round draft pick in 2012. It was hard for some of the Redskins' fans to part ways with Jason Campbell but most knew it was necessary. These departures left many voids on the team, but there were many additions in the next few months that significantly changed the character of the team.

Late last year, the Redskins added Bruce Allen, son of former Redskins Coach George Allen, as the new General Manager. Mike Shanahan, the former Denver Broncos Head Coach joins the Redskins as the new Head Coach. Possible future Hall of Fame QB Donovan McNabb takes over the starting quarterback role. Two new running backs in Larry Johnson and Willie Parker were also added. Trent Williams and Jammal Brown solidify the offensive line. Adam Carriker will join the Redskins Defensive line as well as Maake Kemoeatu at Nose Tackle. All these changes will make for a more competitive squad. Only time will tell if the Redskins changes will pay off.

4: 3 Rough Roads

It's finally July! Training Camp and the Preseason are right around the corner, but the real thrill is kickoff of the season is in just over a month. The Redskins' Week 1 opponent carries a little more significance than in recent years. For the past two years the Redskins have met the New York Giants in Week 1. This year the burgundy and gold will face their hated rival Dallas in the season kickoff. Never has Week 1 meant so much. The Cowboys are favored to be Super Bowl contenders this year so the game will not be easy for the home team trying to start strong. The Redskins have much to prove and plenty of criticism to overcome from the 2009 campaign. Putting the Cowboys 0-1 at season's beginning would pay huge dividends for Washington. It's a tall order, and the odds heavily favor Dallas. Look for Washington to push for the upset. The Redskins not only have a rough season opener, they flat out have a rough season. The Redskins have the 8th hardest schedule this year of any team in the NFL.



From Dallas, the Redskins will have to dust themselves off and play an up and coming Houston Texans whose offense looks second to none. Following that game, it would appear the Redskins have a break against the Rams, but the Rams have made plenty of improvements and will be on their own turf making it a rough game for the Redskins. Week 4 will carry the most significance of any other game as McNabb will step into Philadelphia to face his former team. The Eagles will put it all on the field against Washington that week giving the Redskins another hard game. Many teams would be worn down to almost nothing after those four games, but that is just the beginning for the Redskins. Green Bay will visit the nation's capital in Week 5 as a former playoff contender. The odds heavily favor the defending AFC Champs in Week 6 as Indianapolis will play Washington at FedEx Field. The Redskins will head to Soldier Field to play Chicago in Week 7, and travel to Detroit for Week 8. Those two weeks plus the BYE Week the following week will hopefully be a chance for the Redskins to catch their breath. After the BYE, the Eagles will come to Washington to face McNabb again in a grueling grudge match for Week 10. The next two weeks could prove the hardest of the season for Washington with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings and a road game against Tennesee Titans. Week 13 the New York Giants and Washington Redskins will meet on the gridiron for the first time in 2010. Week 14 might be a break against Tampa Bay, but the following week will be crucial. Dallas Week in Arlington, TX will pit the two most bitter rivals in the NFC against each other once again in Week 15. The Redskins will end their hard 2010 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville and their season ends at home against the Giants in Week 17.

Overall, it will be very hard for Washington to have a winning season in 2010, but if they do it will not go unnoticed. If the Redskins wanted to shock the league and establish themselves as a playoff contender, wins in the first 6 weeks will be the time to do it. Look for Washington to play the underdog in almost every game in an attempt to reach the playoffs in 2010.

4:2 What If?

I haven't been one to post about things that might happen, since most of the time they don't happen. However, according to Jason La Canfora of NFL Network, the Redskins are one of three teams at the forefront interested in Pro-Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers. Is this a possibility? We don't know for sure, but there is an interesting twist in the story regarding Jackson's offseason activity. This past week Jackson was seen catching passes from one Donovan McNabb of the Washington Redskins. They are participating at the same football camp in Phoenix, Arizona. Now there might not be anything notable about this, and they could just be working out at the same facility. It does raise some eyebrows though. The Redskins are much in need of a veteran wide receiver who adds both stats and stature to the receiving corps. Santana Moss has been the number one receiver in Washington, but his small size has always put him at a disadvantage. Jackson brings size and skill to the table which is something the Redskins desperately need.

Jackson was drafted by the Chargers in 2005, and it is interesting to note that Mike Shanahan was very interested in drafting him when he coached the Denver Broncos. Jackson is holding out until Week 10 of 2010 because he is not satisfied with the financial agreements of his current contract in San Diego. For this, the Chargers might bite the bullet and trade Jackson to rid themselves of the problem. There are three teams interested in signing Jackson; those teams being the Seattle Seahawks, the Chicago Bears, and the Washington Redskins. Seattle was the first to contact San Diego regarding Jackson, but they were rebuffed. Washington stepped in next, stating their interest in the talented wide receiver. Most recently, Chicago has entered the picture, but realistically they do not have much to offer. Chicago has already spent a lot of money on free agents this year and have sacrificed many of their future draft picks. Seattle and Washington are most likely the two options Jackson would have were San Diego to trade him. Here's a video of Jackson's 2009 highlights to give you a feel for his talent:



Washington's receiving problem is currently their most pressing need. Santana Moss is the only receiver who is guaranteed a starting spot. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are two who will most likely stick around, but the possibility is there for their release. There are eight other receivers going after those last two to three available spots on the roster. Adding Jackson would almost guarantee him a starting job leaving only 1-2 spots left on the team. One last nugget to chew on is that Chicago has a huge gap to fill in their defensive line. Were the Redskins to acquire Vincent Jackson, this might be an opportunity to have a third-party deal and give Haynesworth to Chicago for almost nothing. Food for thought.