Practice Squad Formed

Hanging on

Final cuts came down Saturday by 6:00 pm, once all players are released teams have the right, in reverse order of finish last season, worst to best, to claim available players off waivers, those players get another shot at NFL life. The players that are not claimed are now free agents, able to sign with any team with a contract offer. Teams will now begin building their practice squads.

The practice squad is basically an eight man mini roster for developmental players, they are not on the active roster hence cannot play in games. In every other way they are just other players on the team. Practice squad players are considered free agents and can be signed by any team at any time, with the player's current team having the right of first refusal to match the offer and keep the player. There are other rules governing practice squad eligibility and salary, a good recent round up of those rules is here.

The practice squad roster changes continually as players are released, added and promoted to active roster. Here is your Redskins 2010 season opening practice squad:

WR Terrence Austin
LB Mike Balogun
T Selvish Capers
C/G Erik Cook
DE/LB Rob Jackson
T Will Robinson
S Anderson Russell
TB Ryan Torain

Receiver Terrence Austin, seventh round draft pick this year, was part of a generally undistinguished group of receivers in camp, Terrence came on strong in the third and fourth preseason games and was just beaten out by Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks who will primarily be a returner.

Rookie Mike Balogun was not with the Redskins in camp or preseason, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the 49ers and released in final cuts, he is a local, from Upper Marlboro Maryland.

Offensive tackle Selvish Capers, also a seventh round draft pick this year, saw plenty of preseason action and got pushed around a lot, perhaps the team sees something in him, the quality of the typical practice squad offensive lineman is not terrific.

Guard slash center Erik Cook was yet another seventh round pick in April, another depth player I do not know much about.

Defensive end slash linebacker Rob Jackson was a seventh round selection in the doomed 2008 Redskins draft, he barely made it at this point and is not likely to make the season given the good performance of the outside linebackers so far.

Third year offensive tackle Will Robinson who has one of the best football names ever was on the Redskins practice squad last year and saw some action as a reserve at the end of the season, he is a prospect.

Safety Anderson Russell, signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in April, he is more naturally a strong safety than a free safety and there are no openings at the strong spot with LaRon Landry, Chris Horton and Reed Doughty there, with Kareem Moore hurt it pays to keep another guy around.

Tailback Ryan Torain is a two year veteran in his third season, he played for head coach Mike Shanahan in Denver, as a rookie in 2008 he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, it cost him 2009 as well, he was not on a roster last season. For my part I thought Ryan outplayed fellow backfield youngster Keiland Williams. Ryan looks frighteningly like former Redskins tailback Ladell Betts, right down to the number on the jersey.


Let the games begin.



Terrence Austin: Getty Images from here.

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Cut Day

Not to be

Coach wants to see you, bring your playbook

The Turk came back to the Redskins locker room this week, final cuts are in, training camp is a wrap, the regular season is here, no huge surprises in the lists of cuts, Brandon Banks and Anthony Armstrong both made it, Keiland Williams is also in, I personally thought Ryan Torain was a better option, they were very close. And the team is going with three quarterbacks.

Full list of cuts:

Round of 75 cuts, Tuesday 31 August 2010

OL Edwin Williams
S Lendy Holmes
LS James Dearth
LB Hall Davis

Offensive lineman Edwin Williams was an undrafted free agent signed after the 2009 draft, he made the roster as a backup center and guard, he played in three games last season including two starts in the right guard wood chipper at Philadelphia and at San Diego, both games were losses, Washington signed Kory Lichtensteiger in January to compete for the backup center position and Kory won out.

Safety Lendy Holmes was also an undrafted free agent signed following the 2009 draft (op. cit.), Lendy was released on Cut Day 2009 then re signed back to the practice squad, he was promoted to the regular roster following safety Chris Horton's torn toe ligament on 11 November 2009, he appeared in the final eight games last season mostly on special teams, the team signaled a lack of confidence in Lendy when safety Tyrone Carter was signed off the street following the injury to free safety Kareem Moore.

Veteran long snapper James Dearth was signed two weeks into training camp this year when the team wanted some competition for new incumbent Nick Sundberg.

Linebacker Hall Davis was acquired in trade from Saint Louis on Monday, had one practice and was cut, the union, the NFL Players Association is looking at this cut as a violation of the rule that says a team must pay a drafted rookie 85 percent of the rookie minimum of $310,000, it looks like tight end Dennis Morris was shipped out to Saint Louis to suffer the same fate.

WR Malcolm Kelly was placed on injured reserve to bring the total roster moves from this day to five.


Round of 53 cuts, Saturday 4 September 2010

WR Terrence Austin (signed to Redskins practice squad)
QB Richard Bartel
OL Selvish Capers (signed to Redskins practice squad)
S Tyrone Carter
OL Erik Cook (signed to Redskins practice squad)
FB Carey Davis
LB Curtis Gatewood
DL Howard Green
LB Robert Henson
WR Shay Hodge
DE/LB Rob Jackson (signed to Redskins practice squad)
OL Clint Oldenburg
TB Willie Parker
OL Chad Rinehart
CB Ramzee Robinson
OL Will Robinson (signed to Redskins practice squad)
S Anderson Russell (signed to Redskins practice squad)
DL Darrion Scott
TB Ryan Torain (signed to Redskins practice squad)
TE Lee Vickers
WR Bobby Wade

Receiver Terrence Austin was a seventh round draft pick that made some great plays in a training camp and preseason populated by a bunch of young, eager and unproven receivers, Terrence stood out particularly in the third and fourth games, although I thought he did enough to make the team, the brass must have thought they had all the five eleven receivers it needed on the roster in Anthony Armstrong, Joey Galloway and Santana Moss. Terrence was signed to the practice squad and something tells me we will see him on the roster at some point this season.

Quarterback Richard Bartel was signed by the Redskins back in November of 2009 to be the number three behind Jason Campbell and Todd Collins, after the team traded for John Beck who offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was supposably high on coming out of college, then gave him a contract extension, Richard was behind the eight ball. Richard has been with Dallas, Cleveland, Jacksonville and now Washington.

Linebacker Robert Henson started camp quietly amidst higher profile position player, Robert ended the preseason tackling everything in sight, he injured his knee at the end of the Cardinals preseason game four and was released with an injury settlement. Robert will most be remembered by Redskins fans as the dumbass that insulted Redskins fans.

Defensive end slash linebacker Rob Jackson is another of the sad 2008 draft class, he was a little used defensive end the past two seasons and was slated to convert to outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme. He did not turn many heads in camp though he was invited back to the practice squad.

Tailback Willie Parker did not distinguish himself in the three man race with Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson to carry the ball this season, Clinton simply looks terrific and while I did not think Larry was all that great shakes, Willie was definitely the third of three.

Offensive lineman Chad Rinehart, yet another member of the Redskins doomed 2008 draft, was never rated highly, did not play at all in 2008 and went into the grinder at right guard in 2009, he started two games then lost the spot and went all the way to the end of the bench, offensive line coach Joe Bugel lobbied hard to get Chad back in the game and he got another two games before being pulled again. I do not think the team was ever planning on keeping Chad.

Tackle Will Robinson was on the Redskins practice squad last season after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent with Seattle in 2008 and saw some action in the second half of the 2009 schedule as a reserve, the team likes his athleticism, Will is apparently very raw, he was signed back to the practice squad.

Two year veteran tailback Ryan Torain was never really dueling with Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson or Willie Parker, Ryan's main competition was rookie Keiland William, the team was never going to keep three backs with as much experience as Clinton, Larry and Willie and Keiland got the spot for the developing guy, Ryan was signed back to the practice squad.

Cornerback Justin Tryon, another misfit from the Redskins 2008 draft, was traded to the Colts for an as yet undisclosed draft pick to bring the total roster moves this day to 22.


Of the 34 players selected in the draft by the Redskins since 2006, fifteen or 44 percent are no longer with the team. If we extend only to include players on the active roster and not on the practice squad or injured reserve, the number jumps to 20 or 59 percent of players selected that are not in an immediate position to help the team.


Previous Cut Days: 2009 2008 2007 2006



Willie Parker in his final preseason game with the Redskins: Getty Images from here.

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A Game Too Far

The last time?

Takeaway Drill: Why bother, no one played and nothing happened, it was all the way across the country and the goddamn game did not end until 1:30 in the morning, for the love of god let the preseason be over.

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Quick jump to

Monday Walkthrough :: Soapbox :: Chattering Class :: Omnibus Spotlights :: Recaps and Stats

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Monday Friday Walkthrough: All 22 projected starters sit and there is little interesting that happens as the Redskins lose 20-10 to the Cardinals in Arizona, Washington finishes the preseason 2-2, the games matter from now on and the outlook is murky.

Redskins kickoff to start the first quarter, the Cardinals start their first drive with Derek Anderson at quarterback not Matt Leinart, on second down cornerback Justin Tryon overruns the play and gives up a first down, there is nothing for the Cardinals on the ground and Jay Feely sets up for a 41 yard field goal, it is good and the Cardinals take an early 3-0 lead. Washington gets the ball for the first time, Richard Bartel at quarterback, on third down a fumble is nullified by an Arizona offsides penalty, Willie Parker gets a first down on the ensuing play, then five more on first down, kicker Graham Gano eventually sets up for a 38 yard field goal, a Redskins penalty moves it back to 50 yards and it is good, game is tied 3-3. Arizona gets the ball for the second time, Matt Leinart in the game for maybe the last time in a Cardinals uniform, Robert Henson sacks Matt, a three and out and the Cardinals are punting. The Redskins get the ball for the second time, John Beck in at quarterback, ho hum and three and out, Redskins punt. The Cardinals third possession is blah blah and that is the end of the first quarter with the game tied 3-3.

Arizona continues its third possession into the second quarter, I guess it is ok but punt on a six and out. Washington's third possession, Richard Bartel in the game, the Redskins actually go backwards, mainly on a sack and a false start and the Redskins punt. The Cardinals get the ball for the fourth time, new quarterback in the game, Max Hall, kind of lost track of this drive, the Cardinals go 56 yards into Redskins territory at the two minute warning, the Cardinals go in for the score on short run to move the game to 10-3 Cardinals. The Redskins get the ball for the fourth time, John Beck in the game, they look good on six plays, Graham Gano lines up for a 58 yard field goal, it is short and wide and the half is over with the Jets leading 10-3.

Washington gets the ball to start the third quarter, their fifth possession, Richard Bartel in at quarterback, Willie Parker disappoints then a sack and the Redskins are punting. Arizona's fifth possession is a long drive, all tailback Alfonso Smith, the Cardinals move 48 yards in nine plays and kick a 22 yard field goal, the Cardinals now lead 13-3. The Redskins get the ball for the sixth time, Richard Bartel in the game, an unremarkable three and out and the Redskins are punting. The Cardinals get the ball for the sixth time, the drive starts in Washington territory, Max Hall and Alfonso Smith go 43 yards to score on a quarterback scramble, Arizona now leads 20-3. Washington's seventh drive, Richard Bartel at quarterback, Richard is is four for four on this drive, Ryan Torain in at tailback, the quarter ends with the Redskins at the Cardinals 23 yard line with Arizona leading 20-3.

The Redskins continue their seventh possession into the fourth quarter, on the first play Richard Bartel tosses a 21 yard touchdown pass to receiver Terrence Austin, the Cardinals now lead 20-10. Arizona gets the ball for the seventh time, it is a long nine yard drive and the Cardinals are punting. Washington's eighth possession, John Beck in at quarterback, the highlight of this drive is a 38 yard pass to Terrence Austin, but it's still a punt. The Cardinals get the ball for the eighth time, new quarterback in the game, Jake Skelton, blah bah three and out., Redskins ball. The Redskins ninth possession, John Beck at quarterback, the game is getting hard for me to follow, Devin Thomas still in the game, it is fifteen yards on seven plays and Washington turns it over on downs, Cardinals ball. Arizona's ninth possession is hard to keep track of but all is good as cornerback Justin Tryon intercepts disposable Cardinals quarterback in the end zone then runs it out 25 yards, may have saved his career. Washington's tenth possession is a three and out with John Beck still in the game, Arizona punt returner Justin Miller muffs the catch on a hit by Ryan Torain and Ramzee Robinson recovers, Redskins ball. Washington moves right into its eleventh and final possession with less than a minute in the game, they move with some alacrity, two first downs in a row, John Beck hooks up for one more pass to Devin Thomas and that is the end, the Cardinals win 20-10 to end the preseason, next time we talk the games count.

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Soapbox: A pretty much worthless experience, a lousy game played too far away for the occasion and too late for Washington audiences. No projected starters played and while there were a few moments with the reserves and future ex Redskins that were memorable, like Brandon Banks' 40 yard kickoff return and Terrence Austin making another strong statement for the roster with five catches for 94 yards and touchdown and Robert Henson tackling everything in sight until he hurt his knee and sure to be cut Richard Bartel outplaying newly extended John Beck at quarterback, all in all this was a waste of a game.

Note to the NFL, I understand the Phoenix market never gets to have a game on at 7:00 pm locally, even when the Cardinals play on Sunday or Monday nights, so it was nice for them to have a prime time game, I really do get that. A 10:00 pm ET weeknight game however is completely uncalled for, if you really must oblige the west coast market then do east coast fans the courtesy of scheduling the game on Friday so we do not have to drag our asses out of bed for work the next day.

As far as football, the only factor in this game that will bleed into the regular season is Albert Haynesworth, he started or very close to it and must have played the entire game, with less than four minutes left to go in the fourth quarter he was still in the game, Albert is either very psyched to play (not likely) or very pissed (very likely). It looks like head coach Mike Shanahan may be willing to take the pissing contest into the regular season.

So let us get it the fuck on, the 2010 NFL season starts next week sports fans, get ready.

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Chattering Class: With Washington Post columnist Mike Wise on a bullshit thirty day suspension for an admittedly bonehead move, I mean seriously the Post should give Mike a bonus for all the eyeballs he has generated in the past week, we are robbed of our regular postgame column, and nothing from Tracee Hamilton either. There was plenty of high quality commentary about this game that happened outside the realm of the Washington Post and sumday I will be back to a place where I can take a leisurely jaunt around the internets to find all the best takes on a game, for now I am lucky to get these gamewraps out between games and the WaPo is still my default start for Redskins tastemaking.

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Omnibus: Watching the pregame show on Comcast SportsNet, notes I am picking up:

Twenty-nine players not expected to play, this includes all projected starters and tailback Larry Johnson, presumably that means Larry is on board and Willie Parker, Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams are battling for the third spot.

Trevor Matich, former Redskins long snapper on the CSN pregame said he thought the Redskins might keep four tailbacks but that the fourth tailback would not be competing with other tailbacks but instead would be competing with all other position players for a spot as a special teams contributor. Trevor is not beloved as a Redskin though is very knowledgeable.

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert and Joe Theismann, ugh, hoping the Redskins are good in the regular season meaning we do not see Kenny often. Rick Doc Walker on the sideline, ho hum.

Uniform watch: The preferred home uniform of white jersey and burgundy pants, that is four for four in the preseason. Guessing I will be disappointed in the regular season. The Cardinals come out in some awful looking black jerseys.

Bubble watch: Cornerback Justin Tryon gave up a first down on an overrun in the Cardinals first possession. Linebacker HB Blades was beat in coverage on the same drive. Cornerback Kevin Barnes missed a tackle on a run in that drive. Brandon Banks has a great kickoff return to open the Redskins first possession, Willie Parker had two strong runs in this possession. in the crossover between the Cardinals second possession and the Redskins possession Brandon Banks muffed the punt, that makes three return fumbles vice one 77 yard return for a touchdown. Redskins second drive, Logan Paulsen gets a good catch, same drive Willie Parker hits for a loss. Cardinals third possession, second quarter, linebacker Robert Henson blows through the line to nail the ball carrier. Cardinals fourth possession, second quarter, cornerback Byron Westbrook whiffed on a tackle. Fourth quarter: TERRENCE AUSTIN! Justin Tryon with an interception in the end zone with two minutes left in the game. Does he make the team?

New term: Sideline pajamas, a player in his jersey with no pads, as Chris Cooley was in this game, credit to Tony Almeida for this one.

New real actual general manager Bruce Allen appeared in the teeny tiny media booth with Kenny and Joe in the second quarter and let it slip that the Redskins have six open roster spots.

Ouch, linebacker Robert Henson sprained his knee in the third quarter, he was having a great game.

Albert in the fourth quarter? Awesome. Was still in the game with three minutes left. HA HA! I'M USING THE SHAVING FOAMS!

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The Mastermind: Head coach Mike Shanahan does a lot of pacing on the sidelines doesn't he? Dude has some serious, career making or breaking decisions to make in the next 24 hours.

Number Five: Quarterback Donovan McNabb did not play, in fact I was surprised he made the trip, there he was on the sidelines in a t-shirt with his radio earpiece in, Dono should be good to go for week one, now it is all about keeping him upright.

Silver and Back: Rookie left tackle Trent Williams also did not play, in his place started Stephon Heyer, the rising fourth year undrafted tackle, Stephon will be Trent's top replacement at left tackle.

Albert the Butthurt: Defensive nose end Albert Haynesworth basically started, he may have missed the very first play on defense, and then proceeded to play the entire game, after Albert's meltdown following preseason game two then hearing before this game that Albert actually wanted to play, the better to ensure his place on the team and prove his commitment, I am seriously confused. I cannot imagine a guy with such a gigantic ego would actually want to play so far into the final preseason game, playing along with guys that will never play or will not make the team. As far as the quality of his play, I was not able to evaluate him properly.

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Washington Post recap, photo gallery. NFL recap, box score, full play by play, Gamebook (PDF), photos, video highlights.


Next up, a real game, 2010 game one, Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys come to Redskins Stadium for this season's first Sunday night game, after a weak preseason the Cowboys look like a team that may have missed its window, after splitting with Dallas in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Washington lost both games to Dallas in 2009, pride and a solid start on the line for both teams.



Willie Parker: Getty Images from here. Tony Romo: Getty Images from here.

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Momentum Building for the Redskins in 2010?

Couple of guys that did it / do it for a living

While on the way home from work, listening to Sirius NFL Radio as ever, I heard Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan on Moving the Chains, they had Sirius NFL Radio host and former Bears quarterback Jim Miller on as a guest, I missed the setup of the conversation, Tim asked Jim about former Redskins offensive lineman and current Sirius NFL Radio host Ross Tucker's pick for NFL 2010 NFC Beast winner, the Washington Redskins.

It sounded like a setup to trash the Redskins as they always seem to on NFL Radio, instead Jim accused Ross of copypasta of Jim's written take on the NFC Beast and went on to LAUD Washington and call them for the Division this season, to wit, and these are all Jim's comments paraphrased:

As part of the NFL Radio barnstorming tour Jim attended Redskins practices and he has observed first hand how head coach Mike Shanahan manages football practice and as a former player Jim is extremely impressed with the Redskins.

Redskins players, by virtue of that coach Shanahan practice regimen, are going to field a competitive team no matter who is on the field, this was a clear allusion to the potential injury impact on the team in 2010.

The Redskins have a muddled situation at receiver, that will not matter because Donovan McNabb pisses sunshine (this is a deep paraphrase).

The Albert Haynesworth situation is much ado about nothing, Albert will do well despite and to spite everything that has happened so far this year.


Jim was really high on Washington, I know him well enough from his radio work to know this matters. The Redskins are not peepee caca in 2010.



Jim Miller, Bear quarteback: Uncredited image from here.

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Preseason Game 4: Redskins (2-1) at Cardinals (2-1)

at

Out of the Box: A mighty long trip for a meaningless game played later than any game maybe in Redskins history as Washington travels to Phoenix to play Arizona, 10:00 pm ET on local media.

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Quick jump to
The Story So Far :: Curly R Aside :: Oppo Research :: Trainer's Table Gameplan :: My Take in 60 Words or Less :: Preview Generalia
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The Story So Far: Last tuneup is here, second game in a week following Washington's preseason road win over the Jets Friday, interesting statistic: No team will travel farther this season to play a football game, regular or preseason, than the Redskins tonight.

Many issues will be resolved, all them about the roster and who stays and who goes, the team is shaping up my friends, the regular season is ten days away, this game will be over by 1:00 am ET Friday, by afternoon on Saturday 22 Redskins players will be on the street.

The lucky ones will be picked up by another team, eight employable ones will be signed to the Redskins practice squad, a few others will be told to stay in shape and stay by the phone and others will move on with their lives, it is the ritual of the NFL. A few players were already released to get the team down from 80 to 75 roster players (op. cit.).

Among the issues that will not be resolved: Quality of the running game, it is nowhere near where it needs to be, I think it will evolve naturally, we are talking Mike Shanahan not Andy Reid so there will be no giving up on the run.

Another issue that will remain open until the Dallas game is quarterback, Donovan McNabb's availability and his quality of play, Dono is still recovering from a sprained ankle, he has looked mostly good in preseason otherwise. Neither Clinton Portis not Donovan McNabb made the trip to Arizona.

Continuing a bizarre saga, defensive nose end Albert Haynesworth now WANTS to play in the fourth preseason game, this after complaining about HAVING to play in the second preseason game against the Ravens. I cannot figure this guy out.

I am going ahead and calling the receivers: Santana Moss, Joey Galloway, Devin Thomas, Anthony Armstrong, Brandon Banks.

What's up with the dirty pool trade and cut?

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Curly R Aside: Two quick and related issues in the Aside this week, first, the Washington Post's collection of in house sports blogs is getting too long to keep up with and it is diluting the brand, I am missing content that is out there, in addition to one blog for each of the pro teams in the area and ones for UVA and UMD, there are crossover blogs like DC Sports Bog and the new Early Lead with Cindy Boren, now former Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington has his own called Hard Hits.

WaPo needs to aggregate these somehow so the reader does not have to go from blog to blog to look at headlines, the best way I think they could go would be to aggregate into a superblog where users could see headlines or teasers and sort content by tags, so if Redskins Insider, DC Sports Bog, Early Lead and Hard Hits all publish Redskins stories on the same day I can find them by tag and post time rather than having to hit five separate blogs. The whole of the WashingtonPost.com is run off a content management system and I am sure this is not a huge project. I do not want to miss content but I am also not checking five WaPo blogs more than once a day.

Curly R Aside continues: Speaking of LaVar I think he may be better on the radio or possibly on video than in print. His writing style is somewhat flat and his observations so obvious that without that million dollar smile and a talking partner to riff off I am left underwhelmed. Suggestion: make this a video blog, divide equally between the old Ken Harvey dress in a suit and look at the camera and deliver a point in sixty seconds, and discussion format with two guys on stools talking out an issue alternately loking at the camera and one another. Good opportunities for cross pollination. And LaVar does the we and our when talking about the Redskins, how we will look good on Hard Knocks after last week's game and how LaVar will be paying attention to our receivers tonight.

I tend not to look at the Redskins as we and our, no matter how loyal I am though I do refer to my alma mater's Virginia Cavalier teams as we and us, principally because I share a relationship with those athletes from having also been a student there. And while LaVar was a star Redskin for four seasons from 2000 to 2003, the circumstances of his fall from favor, legal battles and eventual buy out from his contract would tend to indicate he should not have a love abiding for the team sufficient still to think of himself as part of the family, it was an ugly disowning. Even if time has mellowed him about what happened and he remembers only the good times, I am surprised the Post lets him use this terminology.

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Oppo Research: The Cardinals are quite the trainwreck at quarterback right now. After the retirement of Kurt Warner this past offseason, fifth year former first roundpick Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart was re elevated and given another shot to take control of the offense...

... And apparently failed, nine plays in the third preseason game last week head coach and former Redskins tight end Ken Whisenhunt pulled Matt in favor of former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, since then there have been rumors of trade discussions involving Matt and the Bills, Giants and Raiders, and at least one outlet is openly talking about his possible release from the team by Saturday.

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Trainer's Table: A number of surefire starters will not make this trip as they are recovering from injury and laying low until the season opener on 12 September. Quarterback Donovan McNabb, tailback Clinton Portis and fullback Mike Sellers would not play more than a series even if healthy and so are staying home.

Perhaps the biggest non news of the week though was receiver Malcolm Kelly heading to injured reserve (op. cit.), after practicing only the first day of camp on 29 July, Malcolm aggravated a strained hamstring that was first injured in Hell Week with Donovan earlier in the month, Monday he tried to get back on the field and re injured the same hammy (op. cit.), for a guy rated medical reject by NFL scouts going into the 2008 draft Malcolm sure has lived up to billing.

I had advocated simply for cutting him, with so few locked in options at receiver I guess the team wanted to spend another year of second round pick money to keep Malcolm to see if he can go in 2011, unless of course he heals during the season and the team can release him without an injury settlement or union grievance. We will not be seeing Malcolm Kelly in burgundy and gold for a regular season game ever again.

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Gameplan: Rex Grossman will get the start (op. cit.), he likely will play the true starter role, a drive or two then come out, he needs to be kept healthy if Donovan is going into the regular season with an ankle sprain, that leaves newly contract extended John Beck and head on the chopping block Richard Bartel to split the game, they both did well in their garbage time last week and I am ambivalent about both of them.

Also apparently on the strength of one fourth quarter run and one fourth quarter catch, Larry Johnson has supplanted Willie Parker as Clinton Portis' relief, at the same time Ryan Torain leads Keiland Williams for the new guy tailback spot, so look for Willie and Keiland to play lots in the second half.

Expect as usual to see lots of players for the last time in a Redskins uniform, the roster is mostly set and now players are fighting for the last couple of spots and specials teams role playing positions, this is the game where strange things can happen, cheer worthy but Pyrrhic performances can be witnessed and people can get hurt trying to make a play and make the team. It will be late and I will be watching the whole thing.

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My Take in 60 Words or Less: BRING ON THE COWBOYS! WE WANT DALLAS!

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Washington Post preview, broadcast coverage, once again I think the best way to watch this game is on Comcast SportsNet high definition if you are in the Washington DC area.


Enjoy the game, ShedTV it is again on Swarthmore Drive for the fourth game in a row, I might even has a whiskey or two, thanks for tuning into Curly R for our fifth preseason of coverage, next time you see a post tagged Preview it will be for a game that counts.


This is a gameday open thread.



NFL helmet logos from here.

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The Folsom Point 8/31/2010: Progress versus Regress

Start sports blog. LOSE ALL FREE TIME.

Wherein we discuss Dallas in decline.



Image by me with apologies to Advice Dog.

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I Feel Pretty Good About Rex

But let's not get carried away

Takeaway Drill: No serious injuries except for the one that may be, or not; second top AFC defense in as many weeks; speaking of, nice looking Redskins defense you got there, let's not talk about the offense right now.

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Quick jump to

Monday Walkthrough :: Soapbox :: Chattering Class :: Omnibus Spotlights :: Recaps and Stats

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Monday Saturday Walkthrough: The Redskins suffer another injury to a key starter, impress on defense and look not all there on offense as Washington beats the New York Jets 16-11 in New Jersey to move to 2-1 in the preseason, the real games are getting closer and the house is filled with nervous laughter.

Jets won the toss and deferred, the Redskins get the ball to start the first quarter, Rex Grossman at quarterback for Washington's first drive, Rex finds Joey Galloway on the first play, then to Santana Moss for a first down, that is that though and two plays later the Redskins are punting. New York's first possession, second year pro Mark Sanchez at quarterback, Braylon Edwards catches a first down, this is a long drive than ends with a 41 yard field goal by Nick Folk, former Cowboys kicker, Redskins defense was soft, Jets take an early 3-0 lead. The Redskins get the ball for the second time, Anthony Armstrong and Chris Cooley in motion as receiver, then Santana for 29, thanks to linebacker Bart Scott for the roughing the passer call, the drive stalls in Jets territory and Graham Gano kicks a 27 yard field goal, the game is tied 3-3. The Jets get the ball for the second time, Ladainian Tomlinson gets the ball and takes the first carry 45 yards, Jets score another first down and that is the end of the first quarter with the game tied 3-3.

The second quarter starts with the Jets continuing their second possession, London Fletcher makes a great play in pass coverage and the Jets are punting. Washington's third possession starts with a long incomplete to Santana Moss from the Redskins ten to the Jets 32, 58 yards in the air, next play was nothing to Willie Parker, two plays later the Redskins are punting. The Jets get the ball for the third time, it is a three and out featuring a 55 yard incomplete by Mark Sanchez, Jets punt... but waterbug return man and aspiring receiver Brandon Banks fumbles the punt return and the Jets recover, New York's fourth possession starts on the Redskins 34 yard line, just as it looks like the Jets are about to go in for an easy score DeAngelo Hall intercepts Mark Sanchez on third and eight from the Redskins thirteen, he takes the ball 34 yards, Redskins ball. The Redskins get the ball for the fourth time, Rex strongarms it into Joey Galloway, two plays later a tipped ball stalls the drive, Graham Gano lines up and belts a 42 yard field goal and the Redskins take a 6-3 lead. The Jets fifth possession has something though I do not notice until linebacker Chris Wilson sacks Mark Sanchez and the Jets are punting. Washington's fifth possession from the Washington five yard line, Keiland Williams for nothing then Rex bobbles a good shotgun snap into the end zone, Rex kicks the ball out the back of the end zone for a safety making the game 6-5 Washington. The Redskins free kick to the Jets for New York's sixth possession, on first down Mark Sanchez passes to former Steeler and current stoner Santonio Holmes, cornerback Phillip Buchanon strips the ball and linebacker Perry Riley recovers for Washington, one play drive, upheld by replay bitches. Washington's sixth drive starts with a long incomplete to Santana, Keiland Williams catches for first down, I hadsome blah blah, Rex fumbles and the Jets recover but teh ball is awarded to Washington, it happens to be fourth down and the Redskins punt. New York's seventh possession starts with eleven seconds left in the half, Ladainian Tomlinson for fourteen and the Jets are going to try a 62 yard field goal, no good and that is the half as the Redskins lead 6-5.

The Jets get the ball to start the third quarter, New York's eighth drive, Mark Sanchez still in the game, on third and short the pressure is there and Vonnie Holliday stops Mark short and the Jets punt. The Redskins get the ball for the seventh time, John Beck in the game at quarterback, Larry Johnson at tailback, John finds receiver Terence Austin for a long first down, we would see him again on a Santana Moss receiver screen in traffic for another first down, a corner blitz on third down stalls this drive and Graham Gano kicks a 41 yard field goal, Redskins now lead 9-5, this was a good drive. New York gets the ball for the ninth time, Mark Sanchez still in the game, good pressure on the passer by the backups, there is no Jets running game apparent, this is a long drive that goes through the end of the quarter with the Redskins leading 9-5.

The Jets continue their ninth drive into the fourth quarter in scoring position and in fact tight end Dustin Keller catches a short pass and pushes it over the goal line for a touchdown, former Cowboys kicker Nick Folk misses the extra point and Jets now lead 11-9. Washington gets the ball for the eighth time, Richard Bartel in at quarterback and he goes long long to Brandon Banks to start the drive, Brandon draws the offensive pass interference and that pushes the Redskins back to their twelve yard line, Fred Davis drops a pass, an intentional grounding is not called then a give up run on third and 25 and Washington is punting from the end zone. New York's tenth drive starts on Washington's side of the field, former Redskin Mark Brunell in the game, Jeremy Jarmon blows through the line easily on third down for a sack and the Jets are punting. The Redskins get the ball for the ninth time, John Beck is back in the game at quarterback, on third and thirteen from the Redskins three Brandon Banks catches in traffic and dashes for a first down, that is pretty much it for that drive and the Redskins punt. The Jets' eleventh possession is blah blah and FUMBLE, cornerback Ramzee Robinson recovers, Redskins ball. Washington's tenth drive has Richard Bartel back in the game, he connect immediately with rookie tight end Logan Paulsen, then a fifteen yard out to Brandon Banks, then a long Larry Johnson run to the right, two plays later Larry takes a trap screen over the middle for fifteen yards and a touchdown, Redskins now lead 16-11, nice work by Richard Bartel on this drive. The Jets get the ball for the twelfth time, Mark Brunell in the game, he fumbles on first down, defensive end Darrion Scott knocks the ball loose and Kevin Barnes recovers, Redskins ball. Washington gets the ball for the eleventh time with less than two minutes left in the game, everyone is done for the night, the team uses six plays to suck out the clock and that is that as the Redskins win 16-11 to move to 2-1 in the preseason, all in all a good game.

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Soapbox: Forget everything you know about the second half, particularly the fourth quarter, all that Richard Bartel - John Beck back and forth and Larry Johnson scoring big at the end of the game, that is all worthless from an evaluation standpoint. It was all about the first two quarters.

Rex Grossman was far from an embarrassment, Clinton Portis sprained his ankle, Joey Galloway caught passes, DeAngelo Hall grabbed another interception.

It is hard to evaluate this team in that period, principally because it is preseason and it is difficult to evaluate most teams objectively; we know the team is keeping a lot of stuff under wrap and nothing I see tells me this is a team destined for a failure of a season.

What I see is a team that is still coming together. New players, new system, new dynamics. Have a look at the last two Redskins games, here I am excluding preseason game one against the Bills because I have come to realize they are that hapless, and focusing instead on the Jets and Ravens, two good offenses and two superior defenses.

The run game could be better, I honestly do not think head coach Shanahan needs to see one hundred yard ground games in preseason, we all know the running game is going to be there, even if it needs to be set up by the passing game a la Andy Reid's Eagles. Let these offensive linemen line up and knock some people around for a while and they will get in a run blocking groove; it is all Clinton Portis and all others are tied at number two, it really does not matter who is backing Clinton up.

The passing game is in good shape, Joey Galloway and Santana Moss both dropped what would have been long completions, there are no Randy Mosses or Jerry Rices or Steve Smiths on this team and the Redskins are going to have do without that playmaker this season; 2010 is all about finding one or two players in that mostly undistinguished group of pass catchers that Donovan McNabb can bond with; Chris Cooley, Santana Moss and one other will get us through, and if those two guys get hurt then there are bigger problems.

Rex Grossman is still a starting caliber quarterback, I fear we will get a good long look at what he can do this season, no one should expect Peyton Manning out of Rex, he looked sharp last night and if the line can block for him he will be able to find the open man. With Rex the Redskins may not be heading to the Super Bowl in Mike Shanahan Year One, we are not talking Danny Wuerffel either.

It is all in the difference between jelling and struggling; you want to see a team that is struggling? Go and have a look at that Cowboys-Texans game from Saturday night. Dallas looked like a bunch of amateurs, you know you are having a bad night when the preseason announcers start piling on.

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Chattering Class: Sally Jenkins at the Washington Post writes (op. cit.) that there are still many questions about how this team really will perform, and I agree and as I have written above I attribute this more to coming together than to falling apart.

Tracee Hamilton also at the Post loves herself some receiver Anthony Armstrong (op. cit.) and I agree, I really think the guy looks like the new Santana Moss. With the team preparing for life after Santana starting in 2011 we may have a guy the team can keep. Main question of course is, can he extend it into the regular season, and can he keep it up for sixteen games plus playoffs.

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Omnibus: Uniform watch: The preferred uniform of white jerseys and burgundy pants.

Broadcasters: Kenny Albert and Joe Theismann, not my favorite, much prefer Mike Patrick teamed up with Joe.

Joey Galloway now has a stat line, catching the first pass of the game. On that possession there was a near hookup, then another on the next drive. Rex and Joey hooked up in the second quarter as well, good arm, good catch.

Willie Parker opened the game at tailback and fell right down. Next carry, second possession, also fall down, same with third. Fourth was positive yards but maybe like three yards, fifth was a fall down at the line. Sixth was in third drive and nahthing. Seventh was an eight yard carry, feels good man.

Opening defensive line: Adam Carriker, Maake Kemoeatu, Kedric Golston, is this really a starting line? Albert Haynesworth made an appearance in the opening defensive series, not officially a starter but might as well be.

Redskins second possession, first quarter, Dono on the sideline in sweats with an earpiece. Big smile as always. One possession later we see offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan talking to Rex Grossman, Dono was right there listening.

Wedge rule: Jets were penalized for having four men on the wedge on the kickoff after the Redskins first field goal, a two year old rule but first time I have seen it enforced.

London Calling: Jets second possession, second quarter, London Fletcher was out in pass coverage, stretched out 20 yards downfield to break up a pass.

Rex's Arm: Redskins third possession, second quarter, Rex tossed the ball from the Redskins ten to the Jets 32, that is 58 yards in the air. Rex can rip it. On the ensuing Jets possession Mark Sanchez ripped an incomplete 55 yards from the Jets 36 to the Redskins seven, these guys can throw it.

Working titles for gamewrap: I Feel Pretty Good About Rex;

My big takeaway from the first half is, Rex can play.

At halftime Joe Theismann was impressed by the Redskins offensive line blocking, Trent Williams appears to have recovered from last week.

During the Redskins first possession of the second half Rick Doc Walker talked to left guard Derrick Dockery, he led the interview by saying that he was quote challenged unquote to do better. Coaching?

Larry Johnson in the second half, still not looking good.

The backups actually put together a good drive, Washington's first in the second half.

On this five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Joe Theismann reminds us that as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Jim Haslett had to play every game of the season on the road.

Jets second possession of second half, Albert Haynesworth pushed the pocket back and slammed Mark Sanchez to the ground with one hand.

Chris Horton lined up at strong safety in the second half, new guy Tyrone Carter was at free safety, saw Chris take a couple of bad angles.

21st century faux pas? During a sideline interview by Rick Doc Walker with defensive end Adam Carriker, Joe Theismann asked from the booth if that was gum or chew, ie chewing tobacco in Adam's mouth. Aside from Joe being orally fixated on a young man tobacco is gauche. It was sunflower seeds Adam was chewing on.

Mark Brunell? Holy shit, I did not know New Orleans let him go and I am surprised Mark is still in the game. He did good things for the Redskins in 2005 and then it all went downhill from there.

Ooh Larry Johnson gets a good carry. In the fourth quarter. Two possessions later he showed that he can run downfield when there is no one around him. Two plays later Larry catches a screen and takes it in for a touchdown, he almost fell on the way in, I am not trying to be down on Larry, at this point Larry Johnson sucks is a meme and he needs to displace that.

Plus ten internets for neighbor Bill pointing out that third string quarterback John Beck wears legendary Redskins kicker Mark Moseley's number three. Link http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/images/redskins/oldies/markm.jpg

Does Jason Taylor have anything left in the tank? He was out there in the fourth quarter and I never saw him spotlighted except when he was heaving on the bench.

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The Mastermind: Getting pretty accustomed to head coach Mike Shanahan pacing the sidelines in that long sleeve mock turtleneck, he seems pretty calm and agitated no matter the situation, maybe that is the deal.

Number Five: Quarterback Donovan McNabb did not play with a sprained left ankle, the story was that his ankle was sprained so badly that if this was a regular season game Dono would not have played.

Silver and Back: Rookie left tackle Trent Williams had a much better night than last week against the Ravens and Terrell Suggs, Trent held well against linebackers Calvin Pace and Jason Taylor, Calvin injured his foot in this game and did not play the entire first half and former Redskin Jason Taylor appears to have nothing left in the tank, I guess this means that Trent can play well enough to stay out of the headlines against in an average matchup which I would call good progress for any rookie.

Albert the Butthurt: Defensive nose end Albert Haynesworth came in to the game at right defensive end on the fourth play of the Redskins first defensive series and played about thirty snaps, lining up at nose tackle and end, he played well and now he's all smug and shit.

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Washington Post recap, photo gallery. NFL recap, box score, full play by play, Gamebook (PDF), photos, video highlights.


Next up, the final tuneup as the Redskins travel to Arizona to play the Kurt Warnerless Cardinals, Washington will travel farther for this game than any other team this season for any preseason or regular season game. Fifth (fifth!) year first round Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Matt Leinart was pulled nine plays into Saturday's game, head coach Ken Whisenhunt denies Matt is out of favor because Matt was not brought to the team by coach Whisenhunt which of course means Matt is out of favor because Matt was not brought to the team by coach Whisenhunt. That and he sucks.



Rex Grossman: Getty Images from here. Matt Leinart and his beer bong from here.

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