Redskins Insider - Your daily source for news and commentary on the Washington Redskins, by Jason Reid - August 8, 2010

Redskins add long-snapper Dearth

The Redskins have signed long snapper James Dearth to compete with Nick Sundberg, a person familiar with the situation said Saturday. Dearth, who formerly played for the New York Jets, was among the long snappers the Redskins worked out last week because of their concern about Sundberg's poor snapping on...

By Jason Reid | August 14, 2010; 9:44 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)
Categories: Special teams
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With little time to prepare, Beck did what he could against Bills

Just calling plays, lining up in the correct formations and not turning over the ball in Friday's preseason opener against Buffalo were important feats for John Beck, the newest member of the Washington Redskins. Beck had all of 10 days to learn enough of a foreign scheme to orchestrate the...

By Jorge Castillo | August 14, 2010; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (33)
Categories: Preseason schedule , preseason games , quarterbacks
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Special teams produces mixed results

While rookie receiver Brandon Banks was the highlight of the night for the Redskins special teams unit, there were plenty of other areas to evaluate - including kick return and kick coverage and a stellar night from punter Josh Bidwell. While Banks impressed on punt returns, racking up 97 yards...

By Paul Tenorio | August 14, 2010; 3:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Devin Thomas , Special teams
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Trent Williams overcomes nerves, plays well in debut

Trent Williams's NFL preseason debut began with the starting unit -- Donovan McNabb, Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, among others -- on the field with him, and continued long after those veterans had taken off their helmets and removed their shoulder pads. Something else accompanied Williams to the field as...

By Barry Svrluga | August 14, 2010; 1:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (33)
Categories: Mike Shanahan , Offensive line , Trent Williams , preseason games
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Larry Johnson, Willie Parker scheduled for future action

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner have said since offseason workouts that the corps of running backs Washington has in camp will be evaluated on a practice-by-practice, play-by-play basis. Friday night's victory over Buffalo provided a glimpse of how that plan will be put in place...

By Barry Svrluga | August 14, 2010; 11:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (44)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Larry Johnson , Mike Shanahan , Willie Parker , preseason games
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Donovan McNabb 'definitely felt comfortable' with new targets

With the Redskins still learning Coach Mike Shanahan's West Coast scheme, quarterback Donovan McNabb was eager to see how the first-team offense would execute its assignments in the preseason opener Friday night at FedEx Field. McNabb was pleased with the unit's overall performance in a 42-17 rout of the Buffalo...

By Jason Reid | August 14, 2010; 9:41 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Donovan McNabb , preseason games , wide receivers
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Haynesworth speaks, likes new defense

Albert Haynesworth fielded questions following Friday night's win against the Bills. It's the first time he's done so since last season. Because we've waited so long to hear from him, let's go over the entirety of what Haynesworth said to reporters following Friday's game. On the adjustment: "It's different, but...

By Rick Maese | August 13, 2010; 11:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (59)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Jim Haslett , Mike Shanahan , preseason games | Tags: 3-4 defense, Albert Haynesworth, Jim Haslett, Mike Shanahan
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Fourth quarter: Redskins 42, Bills 17

The Bills showed some life in the fourth quarter, well after the Redskins had built an insurmountable lead. The final quarter began with John Beck under center and the Redskins offense continued struggling. A porous offensive line didn't help as John McCargo sacked Beck from behind for an eight-yard...

By Jorge Castillo | August 13, 2010; 10:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (36)

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Third quarter: Redskins 35, Bills 10

The Redskins continued piling on after the intermission. The struggling Bills offense could muster only another three-and-out to begin the second half, and Brandon Banks then did in less than 10 seconds what Buffao hadn't yet managed: get in the end zone. The rookie out of Kansas State...

By Jorge Castillo | August 13, 2010; 10:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)

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Halftime: Redskins 21, Bills 3

DeAngelo Hall made the beginning of the second quarter a little easier for the Redskins second-team offense. The reserves, with Rex Grossman under center, took advantage of the great field possession following Hall's interception return with a Keiland Williams 2-yard touchdown run 53 seconds into the second quarter. The...

By Jorge Castillo | August 13, 2010; 9:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (63)

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First quarter: Redskins 14, Bills 3

In their first live action against another team in new schemes, the Redskins' starters on both units had mixed results in the first drives of the game but responded with big results the second time out. The game started with a shaky play from receiver Devin Thomas, who entered as...

By Paul Tenorio | August 13, 2010; 8:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (41)

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A new (pre)season finally begins: What to watch for

As the Mike Shanahan era begins, here's what to watch for in the first preseason game.

By Jason Reid | August 13, 2010; 5:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (149)
Categories: Albert Haynesworth , Clinton Portis , Devin Thomas , Donovan McNabb , Kareem Moore , LaRon Landry , Mike Shanahan , Trent Williams , preseason games | Tags: Albert Haynesworth, Clinton Portis, Devin Thomas, Donovan McNabb, Kareem Moore, LaRon Landry, Mike Shanahan, Preseason, Trent Williams
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New-look Redskins to get first crack at game action on Friday night

The Redskins ran a spread offense the past two seasons under then-coach Jim Zorn, but it was not as complex as the West Coast scheme Mike and Kyle Shanahan have brought to Washington. And defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has scrapped the successful 4-3 the team used since 2004 in favor...

By Jason Reid | August 13, 2010; 1:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (177)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Kyle Shanahan , Mike Shanahan , Preseason schedule
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Santana Moss says Redskins' new 3-4 defense has been tough to practice against

Although it's early, the Redskins' new 3-4 defensive scheme has impressed top wideout Santana Moss. "It's pretty tough, you know, the 3-4 defense in practice," Moss said. "If we don't have to see that all the time in games it's going to make a lot of things easier. In practice,...

By Jason Reid | August 13, 2010; 11:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (116)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Santana Moss
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DeAngelo Hall 'just lookin' to hit somebody else'

After competing against teammates throughout the offseason and in training camp, top cornerback DeAngelo Hall is eager to face the Buffalo Bills in Friday night's preseason opener at FedEx Field. "Just lookin' to hit somebody else," Hall said. "That's probably the biggest thing, man. We've been banging at each other...

By Jason Reid | August 13, 2010; 9:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (81)
Categories: 3-4 defense , DeAngelo Hall , Jim Haslett
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Redskins are keeping Lorenzo Alexander busy

It seems Lorenzo Alexander will be as busy as ever despite his recent position change and improved standing on the team. Formerly a versatile defensive lineman, Alexander was converted to an outside linebacker during the offseason. Impressed with Alexander's athleticism on film, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett envisioned him as a...

By Jason Reid | August 13, 2010; 8:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (59)

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Redskins Insider Live debuts

LaVar Arrington, Rick Maese and Dan Steinberg chat about LaVar's upcoming blog, Albert Haynesworth, Donovan McNabb and what to expect out of preseason Game 1. During the season Redskins Insider Live will air on washingtonpost.com at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and be available on the site and via podcast....

By Mitch Rubin | August 12, 2010; 5:12 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (98)

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Casey Rabach: Artis Hicks is 'a really smart football player'

After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, veteran lineman Artis Hicks was a key member of the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line the past four seasons. While serving as the primary backup at guard and tackle for the NFC North champions in 2009, Hicks, for the first time in his...

By Jason Reid | August 12, 2010; 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (132)

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Redskins optimistic about Kyle Shanahan's offense

Under the direction of then-coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the Houston Texans' offense last season led the NFL in passing yards with 4,654 and ranked fourth in total yards at 6,129. Redskins players have expressed excitement about Shanahan's plans for their offense this season, and praised him for his straightforwardness. "Coach Shanahan...

By Jason Reid | August 12, 2010; 11:58 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (65)
Categories: Mike Shanahan
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Shanahan: Bartel likely out for preseason opener

Backup quarterback Richard Bartel may sit out Friday's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. "Right now, I would say no," Coach Mike Shanahan said. "He's got a little hamstring right now; doesn't look like he can go full speed. I don't want to put a quarterback out...

By Jason Reid | August 12, 2010; 9:27 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (138)

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Jerry Jones: Eagles better off without Donovan McNabb

There has been a lot of Donovan McNabb bashing since the Pro Bowl quarterback was traded in April from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Redskins. And now, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has weighed in on McNabb, who apparently isn't very consistent despite career statistics that indicate otherwise. In an interview...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 5:22 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (213)
Categories: Donovan McNabb
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Andre Carter winning the outside linebacker battle -- for now

Andre Carter begins the preseason schedule ahead of Lorenzo Alexander in their outside linebacker competition. Carter is listed as a starter for the opener Friday night against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. Alexander, who also has multiple roles in special defensive packages and on special teams, will be Carter's...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 4:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Andre Carter , training camp
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Haynesworth has done freelance work in the past

The Tennessee Titans permitted Albert Haynesworth to freelance in their 4-3 defensive scheme. While the other defensive lineman had to maintain gap responsibilities, Haynesworth had the freedom to penetrate the backfield in an effort to make big plays. Hayensworth was uncomfortable in Washington's approach last season, in part, because then-coordinator...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 4:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (40)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Jim Haslett
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Maake Kemoeatu takes it easy after heat exhaustion

A day after battling heat exhaustion, starting nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu sat out practice Wednesday at Redskins Park. "It was just the heat, man, it was just hot," Kemoeatu said. "They gave me a break today to get ready for Friday." The Redskins kick off their preseason schedule Friday night...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 3:11 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (33)

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Donovan McNabb, Albert Haynesworth will play in preseason opener vs. Buffalo

Quarterback Donovan McNabb will make his Redskins debut Friday night and Albert Haynesworth also will play in the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field, Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday at Redskins Park. Shanahan plans for McNabb, acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in April for draft picks, to...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 1:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (58)
Categories: Albert Haynesworth , Donovan McNabb , Preseason schedule
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Justin Tryon: From nickel back to fourth string

Last season, defensive back Justin Tryon emerged as a key member of the Redskins' secondary. Tryon supplanted Fred Smoot as the nickel cornerback and was a difference-maker at times. But as the Redskins prepare for their preseason opener Friday night against the Buffalo Bills, Tryon finds himself in a difficult...

By Jason Reid | August 11, 2010; 9:04 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (131)

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Devin Thomas aims to move up Redskins' depth chart

Devin Thomas is listed as the third-string X receiver, or split end, on the Redskins' first depth chart released before Friday's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. On Tuesday, the third-year wideout answered many questions about his standing on the team. And Thomas's message remained constant with...

By Jason Reid | August 10, 2010; 2:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (168)
Categories: Devin Thomas , wide receivers
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Malcolm Kelly, Jammal Brown out for preseason opener vs. Bills

After what might have been the hottest practice of training camp yet - no cloud cover, temperatures in the upper-90s - Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan went over a little bit of what's to be expected from Friday night's preseason opener against Buffalo. Two prominent players - starting right tackle Jammal...

By Barry Svrluga | August 10, 2010; 12:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (49)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Jammal Brown , Malcolm Kelly , training camp
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Brandon Banks lines up at QB in Wildcat formation

There was a Wildcat formation sighting at Redskins Park but it took a split second longer than usual to actually see who was at quarterback. The diminutive Brandon Banks, a former Kansas State Wildcat, no less, took a couple snaps in the formation that has taken the NFL by storm...

By Jorge Castillo | August 10, 2010; 11:46 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (38)

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Redskins, Danny Smith hope for many happy returns

In case you missed yesterday's story on the Redskins' search for a punt and kick returner entering this season, we'll take a more extensive look at some of the extras that were not able to make it into the story. First, Santana Moss spoke not only about what it...

By Paul Tenorio | August 10, 2010; 10:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Santana Moss , Special teams
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Keiland Williams finds himself in familiar position: with plenty of competition

Entering training camp, there was plenty of attention surrounding the Washington Redskins running back situation, specifically the three running backs at the top of the depth chart: Pro Bowlers Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. The three big names didn't intimidate undrafted rookie free agent Keiland Williams, however. Listed...

By Paul Tenorio | August 10, 2010; 8:47 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (45)

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Lineup changes in nickel situations

We told you yesterday about the depth chart the Redskins will likely carry into their first preseason game, but there's a couple of more lists worth discussing. The depth chart the team has released publicly only concerns the team's base 3-4 defense. But in nickel situations, there's obviously a few...

By Rick Maese | August 10, 2010; 6:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (37)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Brian Orakpo
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Willie Parker not concerned about depth chart

Redskins running back Willie Parker was not aware that running back Ryan Torain had leapfrogged him into the No. 3 slot on Washington's most recent, and first public depth chart. But the veteran said he was not worried about the move. "I really don't even pay no attention to it,...

By Paul Tenorio | August 9, 2010; 6:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (77)
Categories: Running backs , Willie Parker
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Malcolm Kelly could miss Friday's game

Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, still sidelined because of a hamstring injury, is not expected to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field. Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan stopped short of ruling Kelly out but said if he's unable to practice this week, he won't see time...

By Jason Reid | August 9, 2010; 3:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (95)

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Trent Williams ready for Friday

On Friday night, rookie left tackle Trent Williams will line up for the first time in a competitive NFL game. He thinks he's ready. Asked to grade himself thus far, Williams on Monday gave himself a B-minus. "Just because I'm hard on myself," he said. Others who've been watching his...

By Rick Maese | August 9, 2010; 2:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (34)
Categories: Trent Williams
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Shanahan: Albert Haynesworth looked "pretty good"

Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth participated fully in practice for the first time Monday at Redskins Park. Haynesworth, after finally passing his conditioning test on his fourth attempt Saturday, was limited in his first practice during Fan Appreciation Day in Ashburn. Players were off Sunday, and Hayensworth worked at nose tackle...

By Jason Reid | August 9, 2010; 1:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (26)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Albert Haynesworth , Mike Shanahan
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Willie Parker listed No. 4 on depth chart

When the Redskins' opened camp, one of the biggest questions surrounding the team was how coaches might juggle the three veteran running backs. That's apparently not as pressing of a concern now, as Willie Parker is no longer listed among the team's top three backs. Parker appears slated to enter...

By Rick Maese and Paul Tenorio | August 9, 2010; 1:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)
Categories: Clinton Portis , Larry Johnson , Running backs , Willie Parker
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Blitzing out the 3-4 defense: an inside story

There has been much speculation around the Redskins' shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme this season, and some of that has been centered around the role of the outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Lorenzo Alexander and how they might adapt to new positions. One thing that has...

By Paul Tenorio | August 9, 2010; 10:54 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (83)
Categories: 3-4 defense , Brian Orakpo
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Daniel Snyder unveils new video scoreboards, other upgrades to FedEx Field

So the Redskins' new video scoreboards may not technically be bigger than what football fans see in Cowboys Stadium. But that doesn't mean they're not better, said Washington owner Daniel Snyder. "This is as good as you get quality-wise," Snyder said Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field. "These are sharper definition...

By Rick Maese | August 8, 2010; 4:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (237)
Categories: Daniel M. Snyder
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Redskins players elect London Fletcher to be union representative

Redskins players recently selected inside linebacker London Fletcher as their representative to the NFL Players Association. Fletcher was among many players who expressed disappointment last week after Commissioner Roger Goodell's visit to Ashburn. Goodell, players say, seemed evasive in response to questions about the negotiations between owners and the players'...

By Jason Reid | August 8, 2010; 1:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (26)
Categories: London Fletcher , collective bargaining negotiations
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Kareem Moore could play himself into starting role

Throughout the offseason program, free safety Kareem Moore impressed coaches with his coverage range and ability to make plays on deep balls. Moore is off to a good start in training camp in his bid to become a starter in his third NFL season, and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett sees...

By Jason Reid | August 8, 2010; 9:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (55)

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Redskins Insider: August 8, 2010 - August 14, 2010