Redskins Insider: November 7, 2010 - November 13, 2010

Brandon Banks is unlikely to play against Philadelphia Eagles

It appears doubtful that rookie return specialist Brandon Banks will play against the Philadelphia Eagles because of his ongoing rehab from knee surgery. Although the Redskins were hopeful that Banks, who underwent surgery during the bye week, would recover in time to contribute Monday night against the Eagles at FedEx...

By Jason Reid  | November 13, 2010; 1:29 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (30)
Categories:  Brandon Banks, Special teams  
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Ryan Torain on track to start Monday night for Redskins

The Redskins' running back situation became somewhat clearer Saturday as Ryan Torain appeared on track to start Monday night's game against the Eagles. It seems doubtful that Clinton Portis will return to the lineup this week. Torain, slowed because of a hamstring injury, practiced again Saturday and has not suffered...

By Jason Reid  | November 13, 2010; 1:15 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (6)
Categories:  Clinton Portis, Mike Shanahan, Ryan Torain  
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Protecting quarterback will be key against Eagles

Over the four games the Redskins played from Oct. 10 through Oct. 31 -- against Green Bay, Indianapolis, Chicago and Detroit -- Washington yielded 17 sacks, more than any team in the league during that time. Compare that to the six sacks they yielded in the first four weeks, and...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 13, 2010; 6:06 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (48)
Categories:  Offensive line  
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Redskins injury report

Quarterback Donovan McNabb (hamstring/groin) participated fully in practice for a second day in a row Friday, according to the team's injury report, though both of the team's running backs were still limited. Ryan Torain (hamstring) and Clinton Portis (groin) both participated in parts of practice. Coach Mike Shanahan said Torain...

By Rick Maese  | November 12, 2010; 4:39 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (27)
 
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Preparing to defend Vick presents unique challenge

Prior to the Redskins' first meeting with the Eagles, wide receiver Brandon Banks, quick and left-handed, played the role of Michael Vick on the Washington scout team. Recovering from knee surgery, Banks wasn't available this week. In fact, the Redskins had no one this week who could mimic Vick in...

By Rick Maese  | November 12, 2010; 3:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (12)
 
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Redskins elevate Rabach, Hall and Alexander to captain status

One bit of news slipped by during the bye week: The Redskins added captains. Prior to the season, Donovan McNabb was voted the offensive captain and London Fletcher the defensive captain, and the Redskins rotated captains on special teams. At the midway point of the season, Coach Mike Shanahan asks...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 12, 2010; 3:15 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (21)
 
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Albert Haynesworth's status no longer an issue

Stepping to the podium for his weekly visit with the media, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett didn't even wait for the first question. "Yes, Albert's playing," Haslett joked. Entering the second half of the year, the status of Albert Haynesworth is no longer a weekly debate. His last three outings have...

By Rick Maese  | November 12, 2010; 2:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (8)
Categories:  Albert Haynesworth  
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Brandon Banks still not ruled out of Monday's game

Redskins return specialist Brandon Banks, who had arthroscopic surgery to repair a small tear in one of his knees last week, spent part of Friday's practice catching punts and kickoffs, Coach Mike Shanahan said, leaving open a slight possibility that Banks could play Monday night against Philadelphia. "He didn't overdo...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 12, 2010; 2:17 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (29)
Categories:  Brandon Banks  
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Andy Reid recalls his 2008 benching of McNabb: "I don't think it's quite like this one."

One of the big questions entering Monday night's game against Philadelphia centers on Donovan McNabb and how he rebounds from being benched in his last outing. By now, you've no doubt heard that the only other time McNabb was benched in his career -- November 2008 -- he came back...

By Rick Maese  | November 12, 2010; 12:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (41)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb  
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Ron Jaworski on Donovan McNabb: "It's a head-scratcher"

There may be no member of the football media who can speak about Donovan McNabb's career with more authority than ESPN's Ron Jaworski, who played quarterback in Philadelphia for 10 seasons and has a reputation for his ability to break down film and intelligently discuss players' and teams' strengths and...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 12, 2010; 11:30 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (40)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan, Rex Grossman, quarterbacks  
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Can Redskins defense contain Jackson and Maclin again?

Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett devised an outstanding game plan for Washington's 17-12 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 at Lincoln Financial Field. Speedy Eagles wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin made many big plays on deep balls in their first three games, so Haslett instructed cornerbacks...

By Jason Reid  | November 12, 2010; 11:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (8)
 
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Trent Williams will get to face Trent Cole on Monday

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole is tied for sixth in the NFL with seven sacks. The Eagles are tied for fifth in the league with 24 sacks and quarterback Donovan McNabb has been sacked 22 times -- tied for the league's second-highest total. But Cole had no sacks and...

By Jason Reid  | November 12, 2010; 10:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (37)
Categories:  Stephon Heyer, Trent Williams  
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Statistical analysis: Which defensive players are helping the Redskins the most?

Halfway through the season is a good time to look at which individual Redskins have made the biggest impact so far. I recently looked at the offensive side of the ball in this post. Now it's time to look at the MVPs on defense. Measuring defensive performance with objective statistics...

By Brian Burke  | November 12, 2010; 6:05 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (64)
Categories:  Statistical analysis  
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Portis suffers setback, running back situation for Eagles game is still unclear

The Redskins' running back situation remained unclear Thursday as Clinton Portis (severe groin tear) suffered a setback while Ryan Torain (hamstring) participated in practice at Redskins Park. Sidelined since suffering a third-degree tear in Week 4 against Philadelphia, Portis sat out most of practice and got only "a few reps...

By Jason Reid  | November 11, 2010; 4:18 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (90)
 
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Clinton Portis says he hopes to play Monday

Although he has experienced "minor" setbacks in rehab, veteran running back Clinton Portis still hopes to return to the lineup Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field, Portis said Thursday. Meeting with reporters before practice at Redskins Park, Portis, who has been sidelined the past four games because...

By Jason Reid  | November 11, 2010; 1:52 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (76)
Categories:  Clinton Portis  
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DeAngelo Hall: Eagles' Michael Vick 'might be better than ever'

Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick have been close friends since Hall was one of the top high school players in the nation and Vick was an emerging star at Virginia Tech. "I can remember taking an unofficial visit to Virginia Tech, just going to...

By Jason Reid  | November 11, 2010; 1:16 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (26)
Categories:  DeAngelo Hall  
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Donovan McNabb dismisses controversy, reiterates desire to 'move on'

Saying "I don't believe I am" in a quarterback controversy, Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb anticipates some changes in the second half of the season -- both big and small. "Everyone wants to be a little further ahead," McNabb said Thursday at Redskins Park. "I would love to be sitting here...

By Rick Maese  | November 11, 2010; 12:31 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (37)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb  
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London Fletcher is having another standout season

Inside linebacker London Fletcher, the Redskins' defensive captain, has been everything the team has hoped for since owner Daniel Snyder lured him from the Buffalo Bills before the 2007 season with a contract that included a $10.5 million signing bonus. The 13-year veteran made his first Pro Bowl appearance after...

By Jason Reid  | November 11, 2010; 11:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (29)
Categories:  London Fletcher  
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Brian Orakpo is on track for another Pro Bowl

Midway through his second season, outside linebacker Brian Orakpo is on track for his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. After establishing himself as one of the NFL's rising pass-rushing stars with 11 sacks as a rookie, the former University of Texas standout is tied for sixth in the NFL, with...

By Jason Reid  | November 11, 2010; 10:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (35)
Categories:  Brian Orakpo  
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Roster analysis: Santana Moss poised to become a free agent

When it comes to Redskins who are impending free agents, Donovan McNabb's contract (until his benching) has garnered the most attention; while Santana Moss's impending free agency has largely flown under the radar. Moss has easily been the most productive Redskins wide receiver this season and has enjoyed a...

By J.I. Halsell  | November 11, 2010; 6:04 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (91)
Categories:  Roster analysis, Santana Moss  
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Mike Shanahan: Brandon Banks could play Monday

Although returner Brandon Banks is in his first week of rehab after knee surgery, he could play Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field, Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday Meeting with reporters after practice at Redskins Park, Shanahan would not rule out Banks, the dynamic rookie who underwent...

By Jason Reid  | November 10, 2010; 4:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (104)
Categories:  Brandon Banks, Special teams  
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Portis and Torain still sore, McNabb not full speed

Injured Redskins running backs Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain both practiced Wednesday, though Coach Mike Shanahan said both were sore - and that Torain's injured hamstring held him back more than expected. "Ryan was a little bit more sore than I thought he would be," Shanahan said. "Didn't get a...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 10, 2010; 3:46 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (17)
Categories:  Clinton Portis, Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan, Running backs, Ryan Torain  
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What ever happened to Fred Davis?

Through nine games, second-year tight end Fred Davis has only nine receptions for 133 yards, with no touchdowns. During the offseason, Redskins coaches said the team planned to use more two-tight end sets, so Davis and tight end Chris Cooley were both expected to have big seasons. Cooley quickly emerged...

By Jason Reid  | November 10, 2010; 1:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (99)
Categories:  Chris Cooley, Fred Davis  
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Redskins gameplanning for Michael Vick's skills

When the Redskins last faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, quarterback Michael Vick slowly walked off the field during the final minute of the first quarter of Washington's 17-12 victory at Lincoln Financial Field. Vick was knocked out of the game with a rib injury suffered as he was...

By Jason Reid  | November 10, 2010; 1:15 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (15)
Categories:  3-4 defense, Brian Orakpo, Jim Haslett, London Fletcher  
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Anthony Armstrong may return punts and kicks

With rookie return specialist Brandon Banks out of Monday night's game against Philadelphia following knee surgery, Coach Mike Shanahan must find replacements both on kickoff and punt returns. Running back Chad Simpson, who has two kickoff returns this season and handled kickoffs for Indianapolis a year ago, is a logical...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 10, 2010; 12:50 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (32)
Categories:  Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks, Special teams  
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James Davis says he's ready to play Monday

Practice squad running back James Davis offered a bit of clarity on his status Wednesday -- but not much. Davis turned down an offer this week to join Carolina's 53-man roster, choosing instead to remain on the Redskins practice squad. It's a curious decision, but one that might make sense....

By Rick Maese  | November 10, 2010; 12:17 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (17)
Categories:  Running backs  
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Clinton Portis doesn't have to rush back from injury

By Washington Post editors  | November 10, 2010; 11:51 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (5)
Categories:  Clinton Portis  
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Donovan McNabb handles benching his way

In today's On Football, we analyze quarterback Donovan McNabb's approach to the controversy that stemmed from Coach Mike Shanahan's decision to bench him late in the Week 8 loss to Detroit. Some national NFL television analysts have criticized McNabb for being too passive, saying he should speak out publicly against...

By Jason Reid  | November 10, 2010; 10:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (81)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb, Kyle Shanahan, Mike Shanahan  
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Statistical analysis: Which offensive players are helping the Redskins the most?

At just past the halfway point in the season, it's a good opportunity to take a look at which Redskins are helping and hurting their team the most. I'll look at offensive players in terms of their total season Win Probability Added (WPA), which is a direct measure of their...

By Brian Burke  | November 10, 2010; 6:05 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (111)
Categories:  Statistical analysis  
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Clinton Portis sore after full-speed workout

Redskins running back Clinton Portis elaborated on his health Tuesday at a Redskins community event, saying he suffered swelling in his injured groin muscle after Monday's workout and expects to be a game-time decision for the Nov. 15 game against Philadelphia. "I may be able to be ready for Monday,...

By Rick Maese  | November 9, 2010; 2:58 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (177)
Categories:  Clinton Portis, Running backs  
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Arlington school earns $10,000 NFL fitness grant

As part of the NFL's "Play 60" health and wellness campaign, Redskins running back Clinton Portis, linebacker Brian Orakpo and Tanya Snyder, wife of owner, Dan Snyder, visited Claremont Immersion Elementary Tuesday to present the school with a $10,000 check for health and wellness programming and equipment. The Arlington school...

By Rick Maese  | November 9, 2010; 1:13 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (61)
Categories:  Brian Orakpo, Clinton Portis  
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Donovan McNabb: "Let's move on"

Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb repeated many of the same themes he touched on last week - that he wants to move on from his benching against Detroit, and that suggestions that he doesn't understand Coach Mike Shanahan's offense well enough to run it in clutch situations are unfounded - during...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 9, 2010; 12:51 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (26)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb  
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Football Insider Live: Eagles preview

Barry Svrluga and Dan Steinberg joined LaVar Arrington and host Jonathan Forsythe on this week's webcast to talk about McNabb-Shanahan and what the Redskins will be up against when they face the Eagles on Monday. You can also download the podcast of this show or subscribe to the podcast....

By Washington Post Editors  | November 9, 2010; 12:33 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (8)
Tags:  Redskins-Eagles  
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How 'bout them Cowboys?

Have the Cowboys hit rock bottom? How did a team widely predicted to be the first to play a Super Bowl in its own stadium fall this far, and how will Dallas rebound from its abysmal season? See what our panel thinks in The League....

By Washington Post editors  | November 9, 2010; 12:29 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (14)
 
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Clinton Portis says he hopes to play Monday night vs. Eagles

Running back Clinton Portis, who has missed half the season because of an injury, is "working" in hopes of playing this week as Washington plays host to Philadelphia on Monday night at FedEx Field, he said during a radio interview Tuesday. In his weekly appearance on 106.7 The Fan's The...

By Jason Reid  | November 9, 2010; 10:38 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (49)
Categories:  Clinton Portis, Keiland Williams, Running backs, Ryan Torain  
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LaRon Landry: 1st half defensive MVP?

Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett recently said that strong safety LaRon Landry could be the NFL's defensive most valuable player for the first half of the season. Landry said he appreciates the support. "That was good for me, just to have my coordinator thinking of me like that," Landry said after...

By Jason Reid  | November 9, 2010; 6:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (143)
Categories:  3-4 defense, LaRon Landry  
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James Davis could make this week's roster

Because of the Redskins' depth concerns at running back, James Davis could be promoted from the practice squad for this week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. "You hear talk about it [in the locker room], but you never know until you hear from the head man [Coach Mike Shanahan]," Davis...

By Jason Reid  | November 8, 2010; 4:30 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (69)
Categories:  Running backs  
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Team hopes Brandon Banks will be back in 2-3 weeks

The Redskins will miss dynamic rookie returner Brandon Banks, who underwent knee surgery last week, but the team was eager to have his knee repaired as soon as possible, Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday at Redskins Park. Banks is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks after injuring...

By Jason Reid  | November 8, 2010; 4:11 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (17)
Categories:  Brandon Banks, Special teams  
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Clinton Portis, Ryan Torain practice

Redskins running backs Clinton Portis and Ryan Torain, who are both dealing with injuries, dressed for and participated in practice Monday as the team returned from the bye week, but Coach Mike Shanahan said it was far too early to tell if either would be ready for the Nov. 15...

By Barry Svrluga  | November 8, 2010; 4:01 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (11)
Categories:  Clinton Portis, Running backs, Ryan Torain  
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Chris Horton to IR, Anderson Russell replaces him

Updated: 3:39 p.m. Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Horton, who had been dealing with a sprained ankle, suffered a setback in the Detroit game - a more debilitating high-ankle sprain. "He'd been doing a great job on special teams," Shanahan said. "That ankle's been bothering him. He's had a normal...

By Jason Reid  | November 8, 2010; 2:39 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (61)
Categories:  Chris Horton  
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McNabb? Grossman? Campbell? You decide

With Donovan McNabb struggling and a certain former Redskins QB winning three in a row for the Raiders, do you yearn for a change at the controls? Take our poll: poll by twiigs.com...

By Washington Post editors  | November 8, 2010; 12:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (160)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman  
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Losing Brandon Banks could be a big blow

The loss of return specialist Brandon Banks, who could be sidelined two weeks after undergoing knee surgery, is a significant blow to the Redskins. Banks, an undrafted rookie free agent from Kansas State, has played a major role in quickly transforming one of the league's least-productive punt return units...

By Jason Reid  | November 8, 2010; 10:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (73)
 
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Redskins expected to face more questions about McNabb

With their bye week completed, the Redskins return to work Monday at Redskins Park, and Coach Mike Shanahan is expected to face many more questions about his controversial decision to bench Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb. Privately, many within the organization acknowledge Shanahan could have handled things much better while...

By Jason Reid  | November 8, 2010; 6:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (140)
Categories:  Donovan McNabb, Mike Shanahan, Rex Grossman  
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Brandon Banks underwent surgery during bye

In a major blow to the Redskins' return units, dynamic rookie returner Brandon Banks underwent knee surgery last week and could be sidelined two weeks, two people familiar with the situation said Sunday morning. Banks, who ranks among the NFL leaders in kickoff and punt returns, apparently had the procedure...

By Jason Reid  | November 7, 2010; 11:10 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (236)
Categories:  Brandon Banks, Special teams  
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