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Washington Redskins News

Remembering slain Redskins superstar Sean Taylor
February 3
Washington Times
 
"A maroon football jersey with gold trim hangs in Richard Sharpstein's law office on Brickell Avenue, one block from Miami's waterfront. A black marker's scrawl winds across the jersey's No. 21: "Thank you for everything." The wavy lines of an autograph sit below. Sean Taylor. While the sporting world counts down the hours until the start of Sunday's Super Bowl, family and friends of the onetime Washington Redskins superstar face a much longer wait for justice to be done."
Goodell: If NFL expands, it'll add two more teams
February 3
CBSSports.com
 
"It's no secret the NFL wants to expand to Los Angeles. And while so much of the attention has been focused on which franchise would relocate to L.A. -- whether it's the Chargers, Vikings, Jaguars or Rams -- we haven't discussed much the possibility of the NFL expanding. Apparently, that's an option. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Thursday on Costas Live on the NBC Sports Network that if the league places a team in L.A., the NFL probably would add two more franchises to make it an even 34. Goodell said the league "doesn't want to move any of our teams" and "we probably don't want to go to 33" if the NFL decides expansion is a good choice."
If chips fall just right, Peyton Manning's place could be D.C.
February 2
Washington Times
 columnist Dan Daly
"Picture Peyton Manning in a Washington Redskins uniform. Just entertain the possibility, even though there's no telling if it'll ever happen. Would he have to slip Terrence Austin a few bucks to gain proprietary rights to the number 18? So many thoughts rush through your head. Something is going to happen soon with Manning. It might happen as soon as next week, when the Super Bowl leaves town. The Indianapolis Colts have a decision to make regarding their franchise quarterback, and their franchise quarterback — and his doctors — have a decision to make about his surgically repaired neck and career prospects."
Lorenzo Alexander gives back with bowling outing
February 2
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander is working to express appreciation for fans who have stuck with the team during these difficult years. Alexander hosted a "fan appreciation" bowling outing Sunday at King Pinz in Leesburg. He announced a drawing for the event on Twitter and his Facebook fan page, and selected 25 fans."
Redskins coaches get a break before draft, free agency evaluations
February 2
Washington Post
 
"After a week in Mobile, Ala. coaching the Senior Bowl's South team, the Washington Redskins' coaches have gone their separate ways for a 10-day vacation. They will report back to team headquarters Feb. 7 for a full-on dive into draft class and free agency evaluations. Coach Mike Shanahan and his staff conducted a top-to-bottom evaluation of their own roster immediately after the season ended. During the first week, offensive coaches evaluated their own players, while the defensive coaches did the same. During the second week, the coaches did a cross-check, with offensive coaches evaluating the defense and vice versa."
Too early to make a call on Peyton Manning
January 30
Washington Post
 
"It seems as if every day produces some type of Peyton Manning news, and with it comes more debate over whether the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, or some other team will make pursue him this offseason. Colts owner Jim Irsay and Manning had some back-and-forth through the media last week, and it's clear the relationship is deteriorating. The Colts – who hold the first pick in April's draft and are expected to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck – must decide before March 8 whether to pick up the option on Manning's contract, which would pay the quarterback a $28 million bonus, or release him. Manning missed all of the 2011 season while recovering from a pair of neck"
Pro Bowl player's tweets draw NFL's ire
January 30
CBSSports.com
 
"London Fletcher took to Twitter to try and make Sunday's Pro Bowl a little interesting for the fans at home, but the NFL apparently decided he was making it a little too interesting. The league used the annual competition between players not going to the Super Bowl to encourage them to tweet from the sidelines, a break from its social media policy during the season. The Washington Redskins linebacker, who wasn't voted into the Pro Bowl, a trend noted in this space before, but was playing as a replacement player, picked up the ball and ran with it. "$500 to whoever predicts the final score.Must be my follower.$1000 if you predict the score and MVP. deadline halftime #probowl!" Within 20"
Redskins' Campbell has earned merit badge in scouting
January 30
Washington Times
 
"Scott Campbell sat alone on the metal bleacher in Section T, Row 29 of Ladd-Peebles Stadium last Wednesday overlooking the South team's Senior Bowl practice through a pair of dark sunglasses. Wavy brown hair peeked over the rim of the same burgundy visor that distinguishes him on the Redskins Park practice fields each summer during training camp. Campbell, the Washington Redskins' director of player personnel, made mental notes as he watched Washington's coaching staff guide a team of college seniors through position drills. He has studied those and dozens of other prospects for months. It won't be long before his evaluations help shape a draft class that absolutely must contain players"
Raheem Morris wastes no time moving on to Redskins after firing from Buccaneers
January 30
Washington Post
 
"Any successful defensive back will tell you that having a short memory ranks high on the list of requirements for playing the position. Give up a big play — no matter how costly — and a cornerback or safety must flush it from his mind, move onto the next snap and try again. Dwelling on one letdown will lead only to more failures."
Mike Shanahan pleased NFL with draft evaluations during Senior Bowl week
January 29
Washington Post
 
"Leslie Frazier and his staff got the best of Mike Shanahan & Co. yet again as the Minnesota Vikings coaches guided the North team to a 23-13 victory over the South squad in the Senior Bowl on Saturday night in Mobile, Ala. Frazier and the Vikings topped the Redskins, 33-26, on Christmas Eve. Despite boasting an impressive collection of defensive linemen and an overall size advantage, the South struggled to produce key stops against the North's offense. And the South's offense struggled nearly all game as a lack of a running game and poor quarterback play kept Shanahan's squad in check. Of course, the winner and loser matters little, because this game was just another piece to the"
Reliving Redskins glory
January 27
Washington Times
 columnist Dan Daly
"Has it really been 20 years since the Washington Redskins last played in the Super Bowl (and won, if memory serves)? Seems like 120. Seems like they must have worn leather helmets and operated out of the single wing, maybe even traveled to the game in Pullman cars. Are you sure Chip Lohmiller didn't dropkick? I'm joking, of course. I remember it all. I remember it all because it was clear, as the weeks whizzed joyously by, that it was a special season, even by Joe Gibbs' standards. An NFL titleand a run at a perfect record — they got as far as 11-0 — in the same year? If you don't think that's hard, just ask the Green Bay Packers."
Morris brings football passion to Washington
January 25
Washington Times
 
"Raheem Morris' voice boomed across the defensive backfield during a 6-on-7 passing drill at Senior Bowl practice Monday. "Come out of it!" he yelled to Louisiana-Lafayette cornerback Bill Bentley. Bentley did surge out of his break, and when the pass was thrown to his receiver, he knocked it down. "Oh! I love it!" Morris shouted. It was Morris in his truest form. The charisma and energy that helped propel him to an NFL head coaching position in 2009 at age 32 has been on display since Monday's start of his tenure as the Redskins' defensive backs coach."
Redskins' Landry hopes surgery isn't needed as free agency nears
January 24
Washington Times
 
"Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry is proceeding toward free agency with hopes of avoiding surgery on his left Achilles tendon, coach Mike Shanahan said Monday after overseeing a Senior Bowl practice here. Landry missed the Redskins' final five games of the season because of the Achilles and ended up on injured reserve list for the second straight season. Dr. Robert Anderson, a renowned foot and ankle specialist, recommended last month that Landry have surgery. However, Landry is not following that course — at least not yet."
Mel Kiper thinks Redskins could miss out on top QB at No. 6
January 20
Washington Post
 
"The NFL draft is still roughly three months away, but with the East-West Shrine game taking place this week, and the Senior Bowl next week, and the NFL combine a month from now, the buzz has gotten underway. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock draft on Wednesday, and today hosted a conference call and offered his opinion on the early projections."
Quarterback play offers lessons Redskins should heed
January 18
Washington Post
 columnist Jason Reid
"Hopefully, Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan has been watching the NFL playoffs. There's definitely a lot for him to see. The Redskins are trying to get it figured out at quarterback, and the four still playing should remind Shanahan of what's most important in this league. More than ever, the NFL is all about quarterbacks, and having the right one is as much a necessity as a football. The Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers again provided proof while moving within a step of the Super Bowl."
Goodell: NFL to consider some full-time officials
January 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Aiming to ensure NFL rules are enforced the same way from game to game, the league will consider making about 10 officials full-time employees next season. As of now, all game officials are part-time employees. Responding to a question about consistency in officiating while speaking to a group of about 75 fans before Sunday's playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the proposal would bring a group of officials to the league offices in New York to help review game films and evaluate the calls. They then would be spread out among the crews at games."
Redskins hire former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris
January 13
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Raheem Morris' quick rise from defensive quality control assistant to head coach with the Bucs might be one of the NFL's best examples of someone working their way from the bottom to the top. But after being fired Jan. 2, he never considered taking a timeout. "I'm a football coach. This is what I do. It's who I am," Morris, 35, said. "I'm entirely too young to sit out a season. I don't need any rest. Coaches don't get to coach for long, and any opportunity to go out and compete is a great one." Wednesday, Morris agreed to coach defensive backs for the Redskins. Morris, also the Bucs' defensive coordinator, said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan will allow him to seek opportunities as a"
Where will QB carousel stop for the Redskins?
January 13
Washington Times
 columnist Dan Daly
"You can't pay too much attention to the quarterback position in the NFL (though the Washington Redskins have been ignoring this axiom for the past year). Until you find a bona fide QB, you can forget about hoisting any Lombardi trophies, forget about making any history — the good kind, at least. In fact, until you find a bona fide QB, you're pretty much roadkill for all the teams that have found bona fide QBs. Quarterbacks are the pro football equivalent of beachfront property, as Lex Luthor might say. There's nothing more valuable. And this year, as is often the case, they're the prime topic of conversation in the months leading up to the draft. Will Indianapolis take Andrew Luck,"
Redskins hire Raheem Morris to be defensive backs coach
January 12
Washington Post
 
"Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris has agreed to join the Washington Redskins staff as a defensive backs coach, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Wednesday evening. Morris' hiring comes less than two weeks after Tampa Bay fired him and exactly a week after he met with Redskins' brass about the position. Tony Wyllie, Redskins senior vice president, declined comment."
Redskins assistants Jackson, McCardell won't return
January 12
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins assistant coaches Steve Jackson and Keenan McCardell will not return next season, two people familiar with the situation said Wednesday night. Attempts to contact Jackson and McCardell were unsuccessful. Tony Wyllie, Redskins senior vice president, declined comment. Jackson, Washington's longtime safeties coach, and McCardell, the Redskins' wide receivers coach the past two seasons under Shanahan, were informed Monday they would not be offered new contracts. Jackson and McCardell, the sources said, were not among several assistants who received contract extensions at the beginning of the season."
London Fletcher named Bart Starr Award winner
January 12
Washington Post
 
"Linebacker London Fletcher has been named the NFL's 2012 Bart Starr Award winner, the Washington Redskins and Athletes in Action announced Wednesday. The award is given to a player who shows outstanding character and leadership. Fletcher beat out Philadelphia's Nnamdi Asomugha and Dallas' Jason Witten for the award."
Graham Gano fractures two bones in lower back
January 12
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins kicker Graham Gano suffered fractures in two bones of his lower back during the final game of the season and has remained in the area to rehabilitate the injury at Redskins Park, according to multiple people familiar with the situation. Gano suffered the injury while trying to make a tackle after the Eagles blocked his 36-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter of the Jan. 1 game against Philadelphia. The Eagles' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie recovered the ball, and Gano tried to tackle him. But the defensive back flipped the ball to teammate Tom Nelson to keep the play alive."
Shanahan, Haslett: Two personalities, one goal for Redskins
January 11
Washington Times
 
"There is one, and only one, man who can list NFL Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year awards on his resume, and he has a corner office at Redskins Park. It was dim inside that space in the afternoon two days before Christmas Eve. Jim Haslett, the Washington Redskins' defensive coordinator, closed the blinds and continued to dissect game film of Christian Ponder, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback Haslett's group would knock out of the game 48 hours later. On the other side of the building, in the spacious office with a balcony that overlooks the practice fields, coach Mike Shanahan went through his end-of-the-week routine. Radio and television interviews stood between him and the sliver"
Brian Orakpo's shoulder surgery is successful
January 11
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins outside linebacker Brian Orakpo had surgery to repair his left shoulder on Tuesday. Orakpo, who suffered an injury to his left shoulder and pectoral muscle in the season finale against Philadelphia, had the surgery done in Pensacola, Fla. The player announced the news on his Twitter account Tuesday evening. "Just had successful shoulder surgery in Pensacola," the tweet read. "[T]hanks everybody for their support! Now time for a speedy recovery HTTR!""
Redskins' London Fletcher makes Pro Bowl after all
January 10
Washington Post
 
"Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher, snubbed for the Pro Bowl last month despite leading the NFL in tackles, will appear in the annual all-star game anyway after making the squad as an alternate. Fletcher, who just completed his 14th season, tweeted Monday morning, "Aloha! Officially added to the pro bowl roster today." He will replace Chicago's Brian Urlacher, who suffered a knee injury in the Bears' season-ending game against Minnesota."
Mike Shanahan and staff to coach in Senior Bowl
January 8
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and his staff will coach the South team at the 2012 Senior Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 28, in Mobile, Ala., the bowl committee announced Saturday afternoon. Leslie Frazier and his Minnesota Vikings staff will coach the North team. The coaching staffs for each team are selected by the NFL office. This marks the first time that Shanahan has served as head coach of a Senior Bowl team, but he did serve as a coordinator in the game in 1986. Redskins coaching staffs have coached in the Senior Bowl six times, sporting a 3-3 record. The last Redskins coach to do so was Norv Turner in 1998."
Ex-Bucs coach Morris dines with members of Redskins staff
January 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"Two days after he was let go as head coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raheem Morris said he had no plans to sit around and sulk. "I'm a football coach, it's what I do,'' Morris said earlier this week. "I guess I just love to be miserable, so I'll get back in somewhere, if someone will have me.'' It seems someone may. According to a report on Washington D.C. radio station WTOP, Morris dined with members of the Redskins staff on Wednesday night. Morris is still close with former Bucs assistant coach and current Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, so the meeting may have been nothing more than a social gathering."
Redskins' logos still subject of court battle
January 6
Washington Times
 
"A years-long effort to cancel six Washington Redskins' federal trademarks is scheduled for trial next month before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, according to board documents. The petition by five Native Americans, Blackhorse vs. Pro-Football, Inc., asserts the team's name and logo are offensive. Filed in 2006, it's identical to an earlier case, Harjo vs. Pro-Football, Inc. In the Harjo case, started in 1992, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board canceled the six trademarks in 1999. That was overturned on appeal when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled the seven petitioners waited too long to file suit against trademarks"
Redskins talking to former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris
January 6
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins met this week with former Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris about joining their staff as a defensive backs coach, according to two people familiar with the situation. Morris, fired by the Buccaneers after a 4-12 season, met with members of Redskins management Wednesday, according to the two sources. But he was not hired because the 36-year-old also is drawing interest from at least one other team for a defensive coordinator's position and wants to continue exploring his options, one of those people said."
What are the Redskins' biggest needs for 2012?
January 6
Washington Post
 columnist Brian Burke
"As the offseason abruptly falls upon Washington, it's time to take inventory. Using Expected Points Added (EPA) as a measure of success at each position, we can see where the Redskins had their biggest holes and where their biggest needs are. Injuries and suspensions certainly played a role, but that in itself may indicate a lack of depth. And although none of this will surprise fans who closely follow the team, a sober and objective analysis can confirm subjective observations. Starting with defense, I compared the Redskins' production at each position to each of the other 13 defenses that primarily employ a 3-4 scheme. The best showing was from the linebacking corps, which ranked third"
Redskins talking to former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris
January 5
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins are considering former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris for an assistant coaching role, according to a league source. Morris, fired by the Buccaneers after a 4-12 season, met with members of Redskins management Wednesday, according to the source. Morris has experience as a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator. Washington's defense improved in its second season under coordinator Jim Haslett, going from 31st in the league last year to 13th in 2011."
Mike Shanahan encouraged by progress of Roy Helu, Evan Royster
January 5
Washington Post
 
"It was mid-November and with his offense sputtering Redskins coach Mike Shanahan was asked about the ineffectiveness of the running game, something that had always been a staple of his Denver Broncos teams, and the coach vowed that improvements would soon come. "We will get that running game back," Shanahan said. "I promise you. We've been doing it over 20 years, and that's our trademark." Production in the running game did return thanks to a pair of young backs."
Anthony Armstrong aims to apply lessons of 2011 season
January 5
Washington Post
 
"A year after emerging as the Washington Redskins' second-leading wide receiver in 2010, recording 44 catches for 871 yards and three touchdowns, Anthony Armstrong expected big things in his sophomore season in the NFL. The Redskins drafted three wide receivers and acquired two more veterans in Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth, but Armstrong still thought he would have a key role with the team. The season did start off on a promising note as Armstrong had two catches for 24 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the New York Giants. But things never advanced from there. Armstrong suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3, and missed two games. And after that, his production and opportunities"
Jammal Brown's future hinges on offseason rehab
January 5
Washington Post
 
"When the Washington Redskins re-signed right tackle Jammal Brown in July to a five-year deal worth $20.25 million, the hope was that two years removed from hip surgery, he would regain the form that made him a Pro Bowl player in 2006 and 2008 with the New Orleans Saints. But it quickly became apparent that Brown still hadn't fully recovered, and he remained hobbled for a second consecutive season. Now the seven-year veteran's future hinges on a strong offseason and his ability to return to 100 percent, Coach Mike Shanahan says."
For Redskins, Mike Shanahan is not new and not yet improved
January 4
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Wise
"Daniel Snyder's meddlesome ways have been pilloried for much of the last decade. Stop being a player personnel director. Most of the disenchanted fan base pleaded for the Washington Redskins owner to sign the checks and butt out. So now that it has been almost two years since Snyder turned over complete control of all things football to Mike Shanahan and benched himself as a talent evaluator, it's worth asking the burgundy and gold legions: How's that working out? Snyder is so uninvolved now he has yet to issue a statement of support for Shanahan, whose 11-21 record in Washington is a victory off Jim Zorn's 12-20 mark in 2008-09 — after which the Zornado was fired."
Redskins sign four players to futures contracts
January 4
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins on Tuesday signed three of their 2011 practice squad players and one other player to futures contracts. The team inked quarterback Jonathan Crompton, running back Tristan Davis and safety Travon Bellamy — all of whom had been on the team's practice squad — as well as guard Nevin McCaskill. By signing the players to the futures contracts, Washington controls their rights through the offseason, and the players will be able to take part in OTAs."
Chris Cooley certain he'll be back with Redskins
January 4
Washington Post
 
"Tight end Chris Cooley played in only five games this season and finished two of the past three seasons on injured reserve. Still, he has no questions about his future in Washington. "I have no doubt that I'll be here," he said. "I'm excited to continue to be a part of this team and to continue playing the game that I love." One year ago Tuesday, Cooley underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The knee kept him sidelined through the preseason and still bothered him once the regular season was underway. In October, after consulting with orthopedist James Andrews, the Redskins decided to put Cooley on injured reserve so he could rest the joint."
Tim Hightower: 'I know what I bring to a football team'
January 4
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins rushed for more than 100 yards in each of their final six games – something they hadn't done even once in their previous six games. During that span, rookie Roy Helu ran for 100 yards three times, and fellow rookie Evan Royster did so twice. Watching all this on television? Veteran Tim Hightower, who began the season as the starter but was lost for the season after he tore ligaments in his knee in a Week 7 loss at Carolina. "They've done great with what they've been given, and with the talents that they have," Hightower said of Helu and Royster. "But in the same sentence, I know who I am. And I know my capabilities and what I can do, and I know what I bring to a"
Some see progress in Redskins despite 5-11 record
January 3
Washington Times
 
"A paradox floated around Redskins Park on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers and departed for the offseason. The Washington Redskins finished 5-11, one game worse than last year in coach Mike Shanahan's first season, but many insist progress is clear. "It does feel different," defensive end Adam Carriker said. "We have one less win, but you can see the team getting better." Shanahan believes that, too. "I knew it wasn't going to happen overnight, but I know we're headed in the right direction," he said. "We've got a lot more depth. We've got some young guys. We've got some older vets, but we've got the people, I feel, that give you a chance to make up something special. That's"
Mike Shanahan leaves Redskins' final team meeting to troops
January 3
Washington Post
 
"When players filed into the auditorium at Redskins Park for a final time Monday, they spotted a man at the front of the room who was about to share quite a story — one that had nothing to do with the disappointing season, an offseason that promises plenty of change or what the next year might hold for a beleaguered franchise. Each NFL organization handles its final team meeting of the year differently. In St. Louis, Steve Spagnuolo said goodbye to his Rams players and was fired Monday. In New York, the Jets' Rex Ryan broke into tears addressing his squad. In Washington, Coach Mike Shanahan wasn't even in the room, choosing to watch the meeting on a screen in his office."
Mike Shanahan: Dan Snyder has been 'very, very supportive'
January 3
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said last week that he had no doubt he would return to the team next season, and on Monday, the coach expressed appreciation for the support he has received from owner Daniel Snyder throughout the 5-11 season. Shanahan spent much of Monday beginning the review process for the 5-11 season that ended Sunday. He said he has spoken to Snyder and that he and the owner are on the same page regarding the Redskins plans going forward. "The owner of the football team, you constantly keep him updated on the direction you plan on going with free agency and the draft," said Shanahan, whom Snyder signed to a five-year, $35 million contract in December of 2010."
Mike Shanahan challenges Trent Williams, sees change in Fred Davis
January 3
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan issued a public challenge Monday to left tackle Trent Williams, saying the 2010 first-round draft pick needs to continue his on-field development and demonstrate improved commitment and maturity following his drug-related suspension. The coach also said he sees a change in tight end and /free-agent-to-be Fred Davis, who also ended the season on a four-game suspension for failing multiple drug tests. Williams was the first draft pick of Shanahan's tenure as head coach of the Redskins. Washington selected him fourth overall out of Oklahoma, and Williams this season was picked as one of the team's offensive captains."
Brian Orakpo has a strained pectoral muscle
January 3
Washington Post
 
"Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said linebacker Brian Orakpo's injury is a pectoral strain as previously believed, but he doesn't yet know how long it will take to heal. Receiver Leonard Hankerson's target date for return to full-speed action is April 1, Shanahan said. Hankerson is recovering from a torn labrum in his hip. Shanahan said that as of now, there are no other players scheduled for offseason surgeries."
Final chapter written on latest Redskins' season of despair
January 2
Washington Times
 columnist Dan Daly
"The Washington Redskins put the 2011 season out of its misery Sunday. Before (just guessing here) 40,000 occasionally interested fans at Lincoln Financial Field, they were pounded 34-10 by the Philadelphia Eagles — who also had nothing to play for, but had better players to do it with. The game was replete with a blocked field goal attempt (Graham Gano's fifth of the season), a breakdown in the secondary that resulted in a long touchdown pass, a pair of senseless 15-yard penalties by two veteran receivers who should know better (Santana Moss, Donte Stallworth), a shanked punt — all the special touches you'd look for from a 5-11 team that's shutting it down for the year. In a lot of ways,"
Redskins short on points, playmakers
January 2
Washington Times
 
"The disparity between the Washington Redskins and their NFC East division counterparts became painfully clear - for the umpteenth time this season - in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, one of the fastest and most explosive players in the NFL, ran past double coverage to catch a 62-yard touchdown pass that quarterback Michael Vick zinged with a simple flick of his wrist. The Redskins, as their 5-11 record shows, lack players capable of consistently making such game-changing plays, the ones that make you say, "Wow!" for the right reasons. For as much as head coach and top personnel decision-maker Mike Shanahan believes in"
Lack of consistency recurring theme for Redskins throughout year
January 2
Washington Times
 
"Even as the Washington Redskins' offense sputtered, holding a potent Philadelphia Eagles team down for three quarters was an encouraging sign. But the fourth quarter was a discouraging end to a season that could be described using the same vocabulary. After limiting the third-ranked offensive team in the NFL to just 13 points and 200 yards through three quarters, the Redskins collapsed in the final 15 minutes. The Eagles rolled up 190 yards and 21 points, turning a tight game into a 34-10 rout. "Things just got out of hand," linebacker Ryan Kerrigan said. It speaks to a season's worth of defensive breakdowns, as this was the fifth time the Redskins allowed 33 or more points."
Redskins stumble for three quarters, unravel late in blowout loss to Eagles
January 2
Washington Times
 
"Mike Shanahan furrowed his brow Sunday afternoon while explaining the latest batch of mistakes made by his Washington Redskins. There was the botched field goal attempt as time expired in the first half, the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by one of the team captains and the 190 yards allowed by his defense in the fourth quarter, to name a few. They all showed on his face. "You can't go on the road and win games like that," he lamented. Shanahan now has a 5-11 record to prove it. The Redskins stumbled their way through the first three quarters against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday before falling apart in the fourth quarter en route to a 34-10 loss. Their largest defeat of a dreadful"
Brian Orakpo's frustrating season ends with injury
January 2
Washington Times
 
"Brian Orakpo was frustrated. Strength exercises at halftime and all, he and the Washington Redskins training staff couldn't figure out a way to get him back in the game. He suffered a left pectoral muscle injury late in the first half of the Redskins' season-ending 34-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and he couldn't come to grips with his inability to return. "I was just very disappointed I couldn't finish this game," Orakpo said. "Normally when I get banged-up or whatever, I'm always the guy that can shake it off and get back in there. But this time, it just wasn't able to happen." Orakpo fell awkwardly on his left side when sacking Michael Vick and causing a fumble late in the second"
Redskins plagued by erratic kicking to the end
January 2
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Redskins practice rushed field goals every week, and on a normal occasion they have no problem setting up and snapping the ball with room to spare. Then there was Sunday, when a series of problems cost them dearly. First it was a headset malfunction, and then a series of unfortunate events, and the result was the clock hitting zeros instead of the Redskins cashing in on a valuable opportunity at the end of the first half. "I don't know," quarterback Rex Grossman said. "I don't need to drill that point home: It was obviously mismanagement by the headset, myself and we couldn't get the field goal." It was a fitting moment of incompetence for the Redskins in their season-ending"