Redskins Insider - Your daily source for news and commentary on the Washington Redskins, by Jason Reid - March 14, 2010

Adding 'explosiveness' to West Coast offense

From Jason Reid... Not all versions of the West Coast offense are created equal, which usually is the case with most things in life. Under former coach Jim Zorn, the Redskins for the past two seasons ran a version of the West Coast attack. But from what I'm hearing from...

By Micah Pollack | March 20, 2010; 2:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (171)

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Redskins free agency: Barry Sims mulling over decision

For those of you who follow Rick Maese on Twitter, you know where things stand with the Redskins and free agent tackle Barry Sims. For those of you who don't follow Maese on Twitter, I should have written a post Friday about the situation. On Twitter, Maese reported that Sims's...

By Jason Reid | March 20, 2010; 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)
Categories: Free agency
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Joey Porter picks Cardinals over Redskins

It appears the Redskins' search for an outside linebacker - or any type of linebacker - will continue after Joey Porter agreed to join the Arizona Cardinals, according to multiple reports Friday. The Redskins were in contract talks with Porter, an 11-year veteran who spent the past three seasons with...

By Jason Reid | March 19, 2010; 7:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (203)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Free agency | Tags: joey porter, linebackers
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Campbell: 'It's just totally different than it used to be'

Almost a week into team workouts at Redskins Park, players Friday continued to marvel at the changes in the organization under Coach Mike Shanahan. "It's just totally different than it used to be," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "Yeah, they've changed a lot of stuff around in the weight room, painted...

By Jason Reid | March 19, 2010; 12:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (261)
Categories: Jason Campbell , Jason Reid , Kyle Shanahan , Mike Shanahan
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London Fletcher approves of Redskins' new approach to free agency

The Redskins often signed high-profile free agents in Daniel Snyder's first 11 seasons as owner. But Washington only had three playoff appearances during that span. With Coach Mike Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen directing the football operation now, Washington has not been among the most aggressive teams in free...

By Jason Reid | March 19, 2010; 7:09 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (201)
Categories: Free agency , Jason Reid , London Fletcher
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Sam Bradford schedules workout with Redskins

Top draft prospect Sam Bradford is scheduled to have a private workout with the Redskins before next month's draft, according to Ben Dogra, one of Bradford's agents.The Redskins are one of two teams who have scheduled such private workouts and will see Bradford in Norman, Okla., on April 15th, one...

By Rick Maese | March 18, 2010; 6:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (138)

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Ray Wright brings fresh approach to Redskins' strength and conditioning program

With regime change comes, well, change, so it wasn't surprising that Ray Wright, Washington's new lead strength and conditioning coach, overhauled the team's offseason workout program. At Wright's request, the team removed about 20 pieces of equipment from the weight room at Redskins Park, new equipment was purchased and the...

By Jason Reid | March 18, 2010; 3:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: Jason Reid
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With Redskins, Rex Grossman hopes to be 'in the mix' for starting role

New Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman believes he still is capable of being an NFL starter, he said Thursday at Redskins Park. "That's my goal. I want to start in this league at some point [again] and get back there and play," said Grossman, who is participating in the offseason conditioning...

By Jason Reid | March 18, 2010; 1:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (210)
Categories: Free agency , Kyle Shanahan , Rex Grossman
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Bruce Allen prefers that NFL not change overtime rule

NFL owners plan to gather in Orlando next week where they're expected to vote on one of the most dramatic rule changes they've considered in recent years. No, Redskins general manager Bruce Allen isn't an owner, but he has a definite opinion about the proposed overhaul of the NFL's overtime...

By Rick Maese | March 18, 2010; 1:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (48)

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London Fletcher endorses Redskins' pursuit of Joey Porter

Free agent linebacker Joey Porter is expected to get in town this evening and will make his way through Redskins Park Friday. He'll meet with coach Mike Shanahan, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and linebackers coach Lou Spanos, the latter two of whom coached Porter in Pittsburgh. If everything sounds good,...

By Rick Maese | March 18, 2010; 11:20 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (79)
Categories: Jim Haslett
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Shanahan pleased with first phase of his offseason program

Coach Mike Shanahan is pleased the Redskins had 100 percent attendance Monday for the start of the offseason conditioning program, and he said it's flattering many veterans said they appeared, in part, out of respect for him. Of course, the Redskins haven't asked much of players, Shanahan said. "It's a...

By Jason Reid | March 18, 2010; 9:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (135)
Categories: Mike Shanahan
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Tim Tebow and the Redskins: What's your take now?

When we first asked you back last month whether you'd want to see quarterback Tim Tebow in burgundy and gold, 68 percent of you said no. Let's see if that has changed with the news that the Redskins are one of five teams that have scheduled workouts with the former...

By Cindy Boren | March 18, 2010; 7:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (100)
Categories: NFL Draft
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Quinton Ganther lands a job with Seattle Seahawks

Former Redskins running back Quinton Ganther has found a new home. The Seahawks have signed Quinton Ganther, who was an unrestricted free agent, according to Ganther's agent, David Canter. Despite a career spent mostly buried on the depth chart, Ganther actually finished last season as Washington's starting running back. After...

By Rick Maese | March 18, 2010; 7:05 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)

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Report: Tim Tebow will have workout with Redskins

On a day the Redskins locked up one quarterback, they're apparently preparing to work out another. The Redskins are one of five teams that have scheduled individual workouts with draft prospect Tim Tebow, according to the Sporting News. Tebow participated in the University of Florida's pro day on Wednesday afternoon...

By Rick Maese | March 17, 2010; 10:54 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (131)
Categories: NFL Draft
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Redskins invite high school coaches to attend minicamp practice

Bruce Allen, the executive vice president and general manager of the Washington Redskins, announced Wednesday that the Redskins invited 500 area high school coaches to attend the team's first minicamp practice, both to observe how the team runs its camp and to take part in a symposium on concussions....

By Paul Tenorio | March 17, 2010; 6:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (60)

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Gibbs: Shanahan has chance to 'do something great' here

Coach Mike Shanahan is the right person to attempt to lead the Redskins back to prominence, Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs said Wednesday at Redskins Park. Gibbs and Shanahan addressed the media after attending a luncheon at the complex in conjunction with Youth For Tomorrow, a charity Gibbs founded....

By Jason Reid | March 17, 2010; 3:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (109)
Categories: Daniel M. Snyder , Jason Reid , Mike Shanahan
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Shanahan comfortable that Larry Johnson's past won't be an issue

Recently signed running back Larry Johnson has been arrested four times for domestic violence-related incidents, and in March 2009 he pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace, which stemmed from separate incidents. He was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to complete both anger control counseling and...

By Jason Reid | March 17, 2010; 2:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (77)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Free agency , Jason Reid , Larry Johnson
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In Grossman, Shanahan says Redskins get experience, competition

Coach Mike Shanahan, during a session with media members after a luncheon with former coach Joe Gibbs at Redskins Park, declined to go into detail about Rex Grossman's potential role with the team. "I'm not going to get specific for obvious reasons, but we want competition," Shanahan said after the...

By Jason Reid | March 17, 2010; 2:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (42)
Categories: Free agency , Jason Reid
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Larry Johnson should get a fair shot in Shanahan's system

I'll admit that I was a little shocked when Dick Vermeil suggested that Larry Johnson could wrestle away Clinton Portis' starting running back job. I was even more surprised that 70 percent of respondents to yesterday's poll agreed with him. As Johnson embarks on his third act, he may not...

By Rick Maese | March 17, 2010; 12:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (83)
Categories: Free agency , Larry Johnson , Mike Shanahan
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Poll: What's your take on the Grossman signing?

poll by twiigs.com...

By Cindy Boren | March 17, 2010; 12:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (58)
Categories: Free agency
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Redskins sign Rex Grossman

Updated, 10:16 a.m. The Redskins have signed quarterback Rex Grossman to a one-year contract. Grossman spent last season in Houston as a backup to Matt Schaub. With the Texans, he worked under the Redskins' new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and also with Washington quarterback coach Matt LaFleur, so the Redskins'...

By Rick Maese | March 17, 2010; 9:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (304)

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Joey Porter, Redskins to find out whether he fits new defensive scheme

News that the Redskins are hosting free agent linebacker Joey Porter this week is a bit surprising for a variety of reasons. For starters, it seemed early in free agency that the Redskins might've been specifically targeting an inside linebacker to play next to London Fletcher, an important role in...

By Rick Maese | March 17, 2010; 6:52 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (69)
Categories: Free agency
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Joey Porter coming to Redskins Park

The Redskins' search for another linebacker continues and the next visitor to Ashburn is a pretty big name: Joey Porter

By CJ Holley | March 16, 2010; 10:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (75)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Free agency | Tags: free agency, joey porter, washington redskins
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Redskins plan a draft day party, invite fans

To: Jimmy Clausen (or Sam Bradford or Russell Okung or _______) From: Washington Redskins Subject: You're invited... The Redskins have announced plans for a draft party and though they've yet to make a first-round selection, they've already announced the attendance of their new prize. Oh yeah, fans are invited, too....

By Rick Maese | March 16, 2010; 6:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (97)

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Barry Sims expected to visit Redskins Park

The Redskins will host another offensive linemen later this week. San Francisco free agent Barry Sims is expected to visit with the team on Friday at Redskins Park. Sims, 35, is an 11-year veteran who's been starting regularly since his rookie season. He can play both tackle positions. Sims played...

By Rick Maese | March 16, 2010; 5:59 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)

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Redskins' switch to a 3-4 defense is all about creating turnovers

We've written a lot about the Redskins' shift from the 4-3 base defense they've used successfully for many seasons to a hybrid 3-4 alignment that new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is in the process of installing. In emails I've received, some Insider readers have suggested Coach Mike Shanahan is making...

By Jason Reid | March 16, 2010; 1:17 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (200)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Jim Haslett , Mike Shanahan
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Dick Vermeil makes bold prediction about Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis

Dick Vermeil, who coached Larry Johnson in Kansas City, had an interesting take on his former running back's arrival in Washington. It seems that Vermeil thinks it won't be long before Johnson unseats Clinton Portis as the starter, Rick Maese writes. "He will take over the running back position," said...

By Cindy Boren | March 16, 2010; 11:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (68)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Free agency
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Strong showing for Shanahan's first day of voluntary workouts

Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth, London Fletcher and LaRon Landry were among the top players who returned to Ashburn for the first day of voluntary workouts under new coach Mike Shanahan, who repeatedly had stressed that he wanted all of the Redskins' "team leaders" to participate. Apparently, Shanahan's message was well received.

By Jason Reid | March 15, 2010; 10:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (165)
Categories: Jason Reid , Mike Shanahan | Tags: Albert Haynesworth, Clinton Portis, LaRon Landry, Mike Shanahan, voluntary workouts
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Larry Foote signs with Steelers

As expected and reported Sunday night, Larry Foote will rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has signed a three-year contract after spending a year in Detroit. Foote, who visited the Redskins last week, returns to a system he knows well and provides Pittsburgh another option in the linebacking corps....

By Cindy Boren | March 15, 2010; 2:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (193)
Categories: Free agency
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NFL quarterback of the future may have the last name of Haslett

The Redskins have ID'd a young quarterback that no other team even has on its draft board. That's because the kid isn't draft-eligible for several more years. While we wait for the team to take attendance at its offseason conditioning program, which began this morning at Redskins Park, we thought...

By Rick Maese | March 15, 2010; 11:14 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (165)
Categories: Jim Haslett
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Redskins players arrive as Mike Shanahan's offseason program begins

Today marks a beginning of sorts. This is the first day of the Redskins' offseason conditioning program, and it's the first time coach Mike Shanahan will be able to meet and see many of his players in-person. Some players have been rehabilitating in the area, make this their offseason home...

By Rick Maese | March 15, 2010; 10:14 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (97)
Categories: Mike Shanahan
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Report: Larry Foote on verge of deal with Steelers

The Redskins can scratch Larry Foote off their list of free agent targets. Foote, an inside linebacker who spent last season in Detroit, is apparently on the verge of signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Foote was en route to Pittsburgh on Sunday and could be agreeing to a three-year deal,...

By Rick Maese | March 14, 2010; 9:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (104)
Categories: Free agency
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Haynesworth will take first step in new system as workouts start Monday

Some Internet reports have suggested that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is upset about the Redskins' shift from a 4-3 base defense to a 3-4 scheme and that he might not participate in the offseason program. As the theory goes, Haynesworth is unwilling to shift to nose tackle because...

By Jason Reid | March 14, 2010; 9:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (198)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Free agency , Jason Reid
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Redskins Insider: March 14, 2010 - March 20, 2010