Redskins News

For Skins' Williams, slimming down is a weighty matter
Comment
June 28
Washington Times
 
"Enisha Williams only noticed the change in her husband, Mike, around Christmas when she looked at some pictures and had a means of comparison. It was both a shock and a revelation. "He's not a blubbery guy," she said, "but in his face, you could just see it." Mike Williams, a retired NFL offensive lineman at the time, had become obese. Even when carried on a 6-foot-6 frame, 450 pounds is way too much - blubbery by any standard. "He was not in a good place," Enisha said. "I almost cried [when I heard how much he weighed]. My heart just hurt. I felt I was slowly but surely killing my husband." Williams, who is working with a personal trainer in Arizona as he prepares for training camp ..."
Haynesworth: Bucs offered more money
Comment
June 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Some interesting news about the Bucs in an interview that Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had on Sirius NFL Radio. Haynesworth, the biggest jewel in this season's free-agent crop, chose the Redskins over an offer from the Bucs, apparently giving up money to do so. Here's the juicy parts: Host Adam Schein asked if money was the No. 1 issue in him choosing the Redskins, and Haynesworth said "No, I could've made more money with Tampa Bay if I really wanted to." Asked why he chose the Redskins -- who finished last in the NFC East last season and went 8-8, one game behind the 9-7 Bucs -- here's what Haynesworth had to say: "They offered me a whole lot more, and even with their tax ..."
Position Battles the Sequel: Quarterback
Comment
June 26
Washington Post
 
"As was established yesterday in our running back discussion, not all of these "Position Battles" involves starting roles. That is the case again today as we take a look at quarterbacks, everyone's favorite position to discuss. Plus, we'd be remiss if we were in Washington in late June NOT talking about the backup quarterbacks. QUARTERBACK If the season opened today the starter would be: Jason Campbell, despite the efforts of the Redskins front office this offseason. There certainly was plenty of action surrounding the signal caller during the spring, as Campbell had to deal with the Redskins' pursuit of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, who ended up being shipped from Denver to the Chicago ..."
Zorn Joins Gibbs for a Day at the Races
Comment
June 24
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Wise
"Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn stood in the rain, waiting for a NASCAR race to start as the downpour came. Until last month at Lowe's Motor Speedway outside Charlotte, the retired-for-good Redskins coaching icon and the man who succeeded him had never really spent time together. They talked family and Washington and football, which meant they also talked Jason Campbell. "Just like anybody else would, like two armchair quarterbacks," Zorn said, quickly adding, "With maybe a little more knowledge." "Good conversation," Gibbs said. "We talked a little bit about everything. Not personnel, but more general talk between coaches." Asked if he felt Campbell was mistreated by an organization that ..."
Changes coming to parking, tailgating at FedEx
Comment
June 23
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Redskins announced a series of new policies Monday relating to parking and traffic, including rules that will restrict many tailgaters to the back of lots at FedEx Field. The team said it has added 3,000 new parking spaces for fans on FedEx Field property from the addition of a new "Gray Lot" located off Landover Road and has instituted a series of changes to allow traffic to flow more easily in and out of lots on game days. The changes are specifically designed to allow some fans to tailgate while making parking easier for fans who don't. "We expect to have more tailgaters than ever," Redskins chief operating officer Mitch Gershman said in a statement. "Those who want to ..."
Redskins Push Large Tailgates to Back of Lots
Comment
June 23
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins will restrict large tailgate parties in the FedEx Field parking lots this season, limiting tailgates using more than one parking space to "the back" of parking lots, the team said in a statement. The team also said that drivers of all vehicles will be directed to specific areas of the lots instead of being allowed to choose their own. "The most significant new procedure will have parking attendants directing fans who wish to tailgate in more than one space to the back of lots, where they will be allowed to occupy two spaces until required for additional vehicles," the team said. "Fans who wish to only park, or tailgate within their single parking spot, will be ..."
An answer to Dixon's prayers
Comment
June 19
Washington Times
 
"Many times Antonio Dixon wondered how so much could go so wrong for one kid. "I would always question God: 'Why are you doing this?' " Dixon says. "Stuff would get good and then it would turn bad, and when it turned bad, it would turn real bad." As bad as losing his father to a federal prison. As bad as seeing his mother develop a drug problem. As bad as calling homeless shelters home. As bad as not learning to read until the 10th grade. Foster homes, dyslexia, a severe stuttering problem, more schools in a few years than most people attend in a lifetime. The trials never seemed to end. Yet Dixon overcame it all and in doing so gave himself a chance to realize a dream playing in the NFL. ..."
NFL player gives back to his native Oakland
Comment
June 18
Contra Costa Times
 
"Washington Redskins defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander knows all about turning the improbable into probable. The former St. Mary's High School and Cal star was fortunate to get a lot of help from the community as a kid growing up in Oakland, staying on the right path to earn his football scholarship. Then, after going undrafted in 2005 and getting cut by the Carolina Panthers after one season on their practice squad, Alexander has become a key reserve for Washington the past two seasons. Alexander is well aware of his good fortune, and he wants to let other Oakland kids know it's possible for them, too. That's why he's started the Lorenzo Alexander ACES Foundation, a nonprofit enrichment ..."
With Thrash Gone, Which WRs Make the Cut?
Comment
June 15
Washington Post
 
"With the release of veteran James Thrash on Friday, room was made for a new face to win a spot on the Redskins' roster and on a receiving corps desperate for anyone to come in and produce immediately. The question now is: Who exactly is going to be the guy to step in and produce? I asked Jim Zorn last week whatever happened to D.J. Hackett, a veteran who knew Zorn's system from his time in Seattle and was offered a contract in May but turned it down. "He is still out there. Right now I'm pretty satisfied with the talent I see out here so I don't necessarily think I'm going to go for that," Zorn said. "But I know he's there, and he really does have talent, and he can come in here and on ..."
Snyder's Redskins: 10 years later
Comment
June 14
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"Dan Snyder celebrated his 10th anniversary of gaining control of the Washington Redskins recently. My how money flies even when not having fun. Let's take stock of what the Decade of Dan has brought the Redskins since Snyder was approved by NFL owners on June 10, 1999. For more than $1 billion in payroll, the Redskins have managed: » Six coaches. Bet you can't name them all. Norv Turner, Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn are easy. Did you remember Terry Robiskie finishing 1-2 in 2000? It would have been Pepper Rodgers had the staff not balked. » Three general managers/vice presidents. Charley Casserly lasted a week. Joe Mendes gutted out two years. Vinny ..."
Landry's back and in good shape
Comment
June 13
Washington Examiner
 
"Before practice started, LaRon Landry and Steve Jackson walked to the side of the field, chatting away. By the time they returned to the others, they were smiling and chuckling. Life was good again for the Redskins. Landry, on the last day of the voluntary Organized Team Activities, finally showed up to Redskins Park. He had been the only player not to participate in any of the sessions. Landry had missed the previous 10 workouts (another was cancelled when the team went bowling instead). Landry had split his time working out in Louisiana and Arizona. "I was dealing with a couple personal issues, but I was training and my teammates knew I'd come back ready to go," Landry said. "I stayed ..."
Redskins release Thrash following failed physical
Comment
June 13
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Redskins released veteran receiver and special teams standout James Thrash on Friday after he was unable to pass a physical because of a bulging disk in his neck. Thrash missed all of the team's on-field workouts this spring because of the injury, which surfaced in mid-March. Thrash, who played nine of his 12 NFL seasons with the Redskins, caught nine passes for 81 yards and a touchdown last year, and his 22 special teams tackles were second-most on the Redskins. The 34-year-old met with coach Jim Zorn on Thursday. "He's got a situation that's not improving," Zorn said after the Redskins' final organized team activity. In a statement Friday, Zorn said: "I talked with James, ..."
Thrash cut by Skins, may retire
Comment
June 12
Washington Examiner
 
"One coach after another extolled his virtues, seeing the little things James Thrash added to the Redskins. They loved his consistency. They loved his work ethic. They loved his willingness to handle any chore. But Thrash's career with the Redskins, and possibly football, is over. After failing a physical Friday, the Redskins released the 13-year veteran receiver. The move is not a surprise. Thrash has battled a neck injury this offseason and did not participate in any of the May minicamp or the 11 organized team activity sessions. Thursday, coach Jim Zorn said Thrash's neck had not improved, starting the clock on his eventual departure. "He's been a tremendous asset to the Redskins ..."
What Falcons' release means for Vick's football future
Comment
June 12
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"The Falcons' expected release of Michael Vick puts him one small step closer to a return to the NFL. It doesn't necessarily mean, though, that he'll be suiting up this fall. While Vick is now free to negotiate a contract with all 32 teams in the NFL, he still must be reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell in order to play. Further, Vick must find a team willing to accept the risk of signing him and his accompanying baggage. Goodell indefinitely suspended Vick at the time of his federal dogfighting conviction. Goodell has said that he won't meet with him to consider reinstatement until after his sentence ends July 20. Teams are free to sign suspended players, but any team that ..."
Zorn: Horton to start
Comment
June 12
Washington Times
 
"Much will be made between now and the Washington Redskins' season opener about the competition between Chris Horton and Reed Doughty at strong safety. But the job isn't open. Horton is the starter, and Doughty will play a role on defense. "It's not the kind of battle that right tackle will be," coach Jim Zorn said after the Redskins wrapped up organized team activities Thursday. Doughty, who started Week 1 last year before his season was cut short by a neck injury, used minicamp and OTAs to gauge his physical readiness. "This was a time for me to get better and shake the rust off," he said. "That's Chris' spot right now, and I'm going to compete, but he's playing well. I really want to be ..."
On last day, Landry shows up
Comment
June 12
Washington Times
 
"Jim Zorn emerged from a staff meeting Wednesday at Redskin Park greeted by a surprise waiting outside his office. After being a no-show for the Washington Redskins' first 11 organized team activities, safety LaRon Landry came out of hibernation for a 20-minute meeting with Zorn, followed by his full participation in Thursday's final offseason workout. The third-year safety became the last healthy player to take part in the voluntary workouts. "I just wanted to come back and finish off with a good note and get back out there with my teammates," Landry said after the 1-hour, 45-minute session. "I was at home dealing with a couple personal issues, but I was training, and my teammates knew I ..."
Upon Arrival, Landry Declares, 'I Love It Here'
Comment
June 12
Washington Post
 
"Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry made a surprise appearance on the final day of organized team activities at Redskins Park, showing up for the team's last practice until training camp opens at the end of July after missing all of the previous voluntary workouts over the past two weeks. Landry's absence had drawn speculation that the third-year safety was unhappy in Washington and might be posturing for a trade, but yesterday Landry said he had missed OTAs to take care of "personal issues." "I was doing a couple personal things," said Landry. "And through the missed [practices], all that, I still stayed in shape and I came out today and I got a couple things to catch up with in the ..."
Redskins welcome Hall's skills
Comment
June 11
Washington Times
 
"As the owner of a new seven-year, $70 million contract, DeAngelo Hall expected whispers in the Oakland Raiders' locker room last offseason. Hall didn't expect the intensity of emotion and range of views that greeted him and the signings of Javon Walker and Gibril Wilson. "There were a lot of different emotions between the guys who were already there and us new guys," Hall said. "You could definitely sense the resentment and animosity." Hall's brief Raiders experience - locker-room politics, training-camp injury, brutal opening-game performance and a midseason release - was forgettable. His brief Washington Redskins experience - including a six-year, $55 million contract - has been the ..."
A Redskin Again, Dorsey Hopes to Stick
Comment
June 11
Washington Post
 
"He was a Redskin once before, in Tulare, Calif., where the biggest thing was the local high school football team. And for a time in the earlier part of this decade, the biggest thing on the Tulare Union Redskins was a tiny running back named Dominique Dorsey who broke area records for rushing yards and touchdowns. For a time, the school's logo looked almost like that of the Washington Redskins. And when Dorsey bought a letterman's jacket, it was black with leather sleeves in a striking shade of burgundy. All of this he remembered when the NFL team who shared those colors and insignia was suddenly the one to show the most interest in his potential this past February. "I'm a strong believer ..."
Latest Delay May Not Be Last in Taylor Murder Trial
Comment
June 10
Washington Post
 
"Chains around their hands, feet and waists jangled, announcing their arrival. Wearing baggy red jumpsuits inscribed with INMATE DCJ, four of the five men charged with killing Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor filed past an armed guard into a nearly empty wood-paneled court room Tuesday morning. The men slid into vinyl chairs as their lawyers assembled en masse in front of Circuit Court Judge Dennis J. Murphy for a hearing that lasted fewer than 15 minutes, featured not a word from any of the defendants, and included no members of Taylor's immediate family or close friends in the gallery. The only major order of business was pushing back the trial date for the third time. The new date, ..."
Safeties in Numbers For the Redskins
Comment
June 10
Washington Post
 
"Position battles are not determined in June during organized team activities -- with their non-contact drills and with the season opener still three months away -- so Washington Redskins safeties coach Steve Jackson resists assessment. Jackson knows no conclusive evidence of the strong-safety competition between Reed Doughty and Chris Horton will result from these two weeks of practice, but the two players are undeniably fighting for one spot. "Both of us are capable of going out there and starting," Horton said. "Who's it going to be?" Said Jackson: "It's not much of a battle right now. We don't have pads on." At this time two years ago, questioning the two safety positions seemed like a ..."
Skins not interested in taking Vick
Comment
June 10
Washington Examiner
 
"The Redskins might be a logical pick to pursue Michael Vick except for one problem: They don't want him. According to multiple league sources, the Redskins briefly discussed signing the ex-Falcons quarterback and came to a quick and unanimous conclusion. It would not work here. It's a message league sources say has been consistent since January. Vick is in house confinement until July 20 — and one league source said he's struggling to find time to work out, especially in a way to prepare for an NFL season. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still has not said if Vick will receive further punishment. The former Virginia Tech star served 19 months in prison for his role in running a dogfighting ..."
A little speed goes a long way
Comment
June 10
Washington Times
 
"As the fastest kid in his Denton, Texas, neighborhood, Anthony Alridge was always challenged, even by some little smart alecks riding bicycles. "And I beat 'em," he said. The stakes are higher now for Alridge, who is trying to earn a spot on the Washington Redskins as a running back in a crowded backfield. But he still might be the fastest kid in the neighborhood. "I wouldn't say that I'm not," he said. Any conversation about Alridge starts with his speed. A high school sprint star, he ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in 2008. But he reportedly clocked a 4.22 at his personal workout at the University of Houston, where he earned the nickname "Quick Six" for his sudden - and ..."
From homeless shelter to Redskins camp
Comment
June 9
Washington Examiner
 
"The little child sat in the homeless shelter, trying to figure a way out of this life. At that time, his answer was to pray. So he did it all the time. Little Antonio Dixon was hit by a grand slam of obstacles: he stuttered; had a learning disability; had a father in prison and was in and out of shelters. That beat him up on occasion. It didn't beat him down. And Dixon would make a constant vow to his mom. "He always used to tell me he would take care of me when he was older," his mom said. "And when he said he wanted to do something, he did it." He's on his way. Dixon is an undrafted rookie free agent practicing with the Washington Redskins, trying to make the roster at a stacked position ..."
From homeless shelter to Redskins camp
Comment
June 9
Washington Examiner
 
"The little child sat in the homeless shelter, trying to figure a way out of this life. At that time, his answer was to pray. So he did it all the time. Little Antonio Dixon was hit by a grand slam of obstacles: he stuttered; had a learning disability; had a father in prison and was in and out of shelters. That beat him up on occasion. It didn't beat him down. And Dixon would make a constant vow to his mom. "He always used to tell me he would take care of me when he was older," his mom said. "And when he said he wanted to do something, he did it." He's on his way. Dixon is an undrafted rookie free agent practicing with the Washington Redskins, trying to make the roster at a stacked position ..."
Cooley's project: A Hollywood start?
Comment
June 9
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"Chris Cooley hopes his latest effort draws boos. The Washington Redskins tight end is producing "Ghosts Don't Exist," an indie-film that could appear at fall festivals. Cooley helped raise the money on the ghost hunter flick while managing a cameo appearance. Maybe it's the next "Blair Witch Project." Perhaps it goes straight to video. It's the latest creative effort by Cooley that includes a blog and videos. "I feel like we made a good movie," Cooley said. "The hype is definitely bigger than I expected. I didn't know what to expect on how the media would take to it with my name. The excitement has been outstanding. "There's a need market for it. A lot of people want to see this type of ..."
Workouts intensify as offense gains traction
Comment
June 9
Washington Times
 
"A year ago, the Washington Redskins' offseason workouts were an exercise in simplicity. The passing game was new, and the defense was kept basic so the offense could catch up. Replace that with the scene Monday at Redskin Park: The organized team activity concluded with an up-tempo, 11-on-11, two-minute drill - a sign of how far the offense has come in Jim Zorn's system. "We're building off what we ran last year," quarterback Jason Campbell said. "We've been able to create different pass plays. We're able to build and explore more." Zorn estimated the offense is 30 percent ahead of where it was last year, meaning the Redskins will have a head start when they don pads for the first time ..."
YouTube Video Helps Eloi Get Jump on NFL
Comment
June 9
Washington Post
 
"He stood behind a pickup truck, his friends shouting, a video camera running, and for a moment, it occurred to Keith Eloi that this stunt of jumping from the ground into the back of the truck for the purposes of posting the feat on YouTube might not be the smartest thing he had ever attempted. What if he couldn't clear the upright tailgate? What if he fell? The camera would still be recording and what would everyone say? "I was definitely not trying to look like a fool," the Redskins wide receiver said yesterday afternoon, with a mournful shake of his head. "Instead of, 'Oh, wow, that's the guy who jumped in the truck' it would be 'Oh . . . he beat up his face right before his pro day.' " ..."
Haynesworth gets his day in court
Comment
June 8
Washington Examiner
 
"Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is expected to be in court Monday, finally facing misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and driving with an expired registration. The charges stem from a December accident that left a Tennessee man injured. Haynesworth also faces a $7.5 million civil lawsuit, filed by Corey Edmonson, who was hurt in the crash and claims that the accident was Haynesworth's fault. Haynesworth faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $500 fine. The expired registration charge is a Class C misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail and a $50 fine."
Tragedy motivates Henson
Comment
June 8
Washington Times
 
"On the surface, all seems wonderful in Robert Henson's life. Henson soon will receive a bonus of roughly $100,000 to sign with the Washington Redskins, who chose him in the sixth round of April's draft. He's just three hours shy of a degree in criminal justice from Texas Christian University. His wife, Sarah, the youngest daughter of renowned pastor T.D. Jakes, is expecting their first child in August. But that's just how things look on the surface, perhaps from a distance. A closer look reveals a tattoo on his upper right arm, and a sadder story starts there. The name "Rudy" is inked there, the nickname of Henson's younger brother, Nicholas, the driving force of his life. It was St. ..."
'Hurt Make You Better'
Comment
June 6
Washington Post
 
"When the chemotherapy treatments began last summer, and her coffee-brown locks began to bunch around the shower drain, Nancy Cooley drove to her eldest son's home and walked downstairs to the utility room. Chris already had a stool, newspaper on the floor and an electric razor waiting. "I knew she was worried sick, so I tried to make it as humorous as possible," said Chris, the Pro Bowl tight end of the Washington Redskins. "I tried to goof around a lot. To be honest, a little comedy was the only way I could handle something that stressful." A week before Chris's wedding in May 2008, Nancy Cooley was told she had a three-inch, aggressive tumor inside her right breast, medically known as an ..."
Redskin faces learning curve
Comment
June 5
Washington Times
 
"Marko Mitchell has the size. He's 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds. He has the speed. He runs 40 yards in about 4.4 seconds. He has the hands. He caught 114 passes for 2,270 yards and 18 touchdowns during his final two seasons at Nevada. "He's got the tools," veteran receiver Antwaan Randle El said. But none of that means the seventh-round draft pick will become the productive, big receiver the Washington Redskins have longed for. In 2007, the Redskins hoped former NFL starters Kevin Dyson and Todd Pinkston still had something left and that Anthony Mix, who played with Jason Campbell at Auburn, could team up effectively with the quarterback again. Dyson and Pinkston didn't make it out of training ..."
Zorn: Landry Hasn't Returned Calls
Comment
June 5
Washington Post
 
"Safety LaRon Landry is now the only Redskin who is unaccounted for during this round of offseason workouts. Linebacker London Fletcher and fullback Mike Sellers - who declined comment as they left the field today - both returned to work out earlier this week after missing Monday and Tuesday. "I think each one of those guys, they have their plan," Coach Jim Zorn said today. "They're working their plan. Talking to London, he planned on being back. He planned on participating. He's working his plan. I think Mike's doing the same thing. "The thing I was excited about both those guys just got right into it and started practicing hard. They've got a lot of recall themselves." Landry, though, is ..."
Redskins Rookie Has the Tools, But Still Faces an Uphill Climb
Comment
June 5
Washington Post
 
"Marko Mitchell was a basketball player who discovered football late in high school, coming to the Washington Redskins by way of two junior colleges and the University of Nevada. He was the wide receiver who turned heads by running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds at the NFL combine. He was the prospect gifted with a 6-foot-4 frame that casts a shadow over most cornerbacks. But Mitchell, a seventh-round pick, is still relatively unknown and unproven outside of Redskins Park. He has physical tools -- his size and speed attracted Washington, which graded him highly entering the draft -- but he lacks a football pedigree and is still learning his position. And because he played in the Western ..."
Thrash pondering whether to retire
Comment
June 4
Washington Times
 
"Washington Redskins receiver James Thrash is considering whether to undergo surgery on his injured neck and attempt to play again this season or decline the surgery and retire from football. Multiple sources told The Washington Times that Thrash, who has missed all the club's offseason workouts because of the injury, might choose to quit football rather than have the operation to play a 13th season, in which he would be used largely as a backup. Thrash, 34, has played 118 games for Washington, more than any other active Redskins player except Pro Bowl offensive tackle Chris Samuels (136) and snapper Ethan Albright (128). However, the one-time rookie free agent from Division II Missouri ..."
Big Men on Campus, Low on Depth Chart
Comment
June 4
Washington Post
 
"Eighteen months ago, Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel shared a stage in New York City during college football's Heisman Trophy presentation. Brennan had just completed one of the most prolific quarterbacking careers in division I history. Daniel was in the process of doing the same. They finished third and fourth, respectively, in the voting, then continued their night together, going out to a Manhattan club with several of Brennan's friends. "We ended up just having a blast the whole night," Brennan said this week. Now, having shredded the record books and earned near-constant attention at their schools -- Brennan at Hawaii and Daniel at Missouri -- the two are teammates with the Redskins, ..."
Stability afoot for Redskins
Comment
June 3
Washington Times
 
"Plackemeier, Brooks, Frost, Groom and Tupa is not a high-powered D.C. law firm. It's also not the long-winded name of a late 1960s rock band. No, Ryan Plackemeier, Durant Brooks, Derrick Frost, Andy Groom and Tom Tupa are the punters whom the Washington Redskins have employed since Danny Smith became their special teams coach in 2004. Include Bryan Barker, Craig Jarrett, Tommy Barnhardt and Matt Turk, and that's nine punters the Redskins have used during the decade that Hunter Smith filled that role for the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Redskins believe they finally stopped the musical chairs at the position when they signed Hunter Smith to a veteran-minimum contract April 24. The ..."
Redskins' Other Hybrid Must Grow Into New Role
Comment
June 3
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins' Chris Wilson is no stranger to long odds. His journey to the NFL has taken him from Flint, Mich., to Northwood University, a Division II program in his home state, to the Canadian Football League before finally landing him in Washington two years ago. So this week during organized team activities at Redskins Park, as he continues the process of learning a new position, outside linebacker -- and despite Washington selecting Texas's Brian Orakpo in the first round of this year's NFL draft to fill the same hybrid role he has been asked to play -- Wilson has remained focused only on what he can control. It's a lesson he said he learned as he made his way to Washington. ..."
Heyer Aims to Be Worthy Heir
Comment
June 3
Washington Post
 
"Late yesterday morning, Stephon Heyer performed the duties offensive linemen perform at this time of year. He jumped over bags someone had placed on the ground. He hit a bag someone else was holding. He even stretched a green cap over his Washington Redskins helmet and impersonated a defensive lineman so other members of the offense could run a play. Yet as the Redskins went through the first of what will be eight offseason workouts stretched over the next two weeks, his world was decidedly different than just four days earlier, an extension of how much his life has changed in the two years since he went without his name being called in the NFL draft. On Friday, the Redskins released ..."
Kelly hopes to catch a break
Comment
June 2
Washington Times
 
"Malcolm Kelly tried to make Monday no big deal. It was just an organized team activity, and Kelly has caught passes in NFL games. And he had been running routes on the Redskin Park fields the past few weeks, testing his oft-repaired left knee. But there were still smiles when the second-year receiver from Oklahoma participated with everyone else as the Washington Redskins resumed OTAs. Kelly hadn't juked a cornerback since his injury-marred rookie season ended in December with only three catches for 18 yards in five games. On orders from Redskins owner Dan Snyder and executive vice president Vinny Cerrato with input from team doctors and trainers, Kelly had the knee scoped in January for ..."
Plan for offensive line has its share of holes
Comment
June 2
Washington Times
 
"To use one of Jim Zorn's favorite words, the Washington Redskins "absolutely" have a Plan A for their offensive line, one that wasn't on display during Monday's workout but will be unveiled when they don the pads July 30. But even before the release of starter-turned-likely-reserve right tackle Jon Jansen last week, the Plan was fraught with gambles and assumptions - risks that veterans have overcome major injuries and hopes that young and new players can perform well in their roles. All of these potential miscalculations could impact whether quarterback Jason Campbell is allowed the best chance to succeed in proving to ownership he shouldn't be run out of town. The Redskins didn't draft ..."
Smoot getting wiser with age
Comment
June 1
Washington Examiner
 
"The young turk has become the tribal elder. Fred Smoot, the smack-talking locker room jokester, didn't berate rookie Kevin Barnes during minicamp when the latter mentioned Smoot was getting old. In the old days, Smoot would have skewered Barnes with non-stop taunts that sent teammates scurrying in past years. Smoot is the old man in the secondary as the Washington Redskins continue OTAs on Monday. He turned 30 in April, a milestone when speed starts to fade and coaches start looking for fresh legs like Barnes. A 2001 second-rounder, Smoot is now a third wheel that's still valued during multi-receiver sets. He's working harder in the offseason weight room to keep from suddenly fading away. ..."
Smoot getting wiser with age
Comment
June 1
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"The young turk has become the tribal elder. Fred Smoot, the smack-talking locker room jokester, didn't berate rookie Kevin Barnes during minicamp when the latter mentioned Smoot was getting old. In the old days, Smoot would have skewered Barnes with non-stop taunts that sent teammates scurrying in past years. Smoot is the old man in the secondary as the Washington Redskins continue OTAs on Monday. He turned 30 in April, a milestone when speed starts to fade and coaches start looking for fresh legs like Barnes. A 2001 second-rounder, Smoot is now a third wheel that's still valued during multi-receiver sets. He's working harder in the offseason weight room to keep from suddenly fading away. ..."
Jansen says release from Redskins 'hurts'
Comment
May 30
Washington Times
 
"Offensive tackle Jon Jansen, a longtime rock of the Washington Redskins, was cut Friday after declining an offer from owner Dan Snyder to retire with the team. "It hurts," Jansen said. "If I had been here three, four, five years, it might not have been so emotional, but I've been here for a decade and made so many friends. I thought I would have the opportunity to compete during training camp, but I wasn't in their plans." Jansen, 33, came to Washington as the team's second-round choice in the 1999 draft - the last one before Snyder assumed control - and didn't miss a snap in practice or a game during his first five seasons. Injuries marred each of the next five seasons and gradually wore ..."
Redskins Release Lineman Jansen
Comment
May 30
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Redskins, in desperate need of improved play on the offensive line for the 2009 season, yesterday released tackle Jon Jansen, the 10-year veteran who once anchored that unit but whose performance had declined over the past two seasons as injuries and age wore on him. The move means the Redskins will take a roughly $6 million hit under the NFL's salary cap and will be without their longest-tenured player, a 33-year-old who had been with the franchise during the entirety of owner Daniel M. Snyder's stewardship. Coach Jim Zorn and a group of offensive assistants -- led by offensive coordinator Sherman Smith and offensive line coach Joe Bugel -- reached the decision about ..."
Skins Release Jon Jansen
Comment
May 29
Washington Post
 
"The Redskins have released offensive lineman Jon Jansen, the team announced this afternoon. "This morning, Coach [Jim] Zorn, Vinny Cerrato and I met with Jon," owner Daniel M. Snyder said in a statement released by the team. "I've developed a close relationship with Jon and his family over the last 10 years and I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player. He has been an important part of our organization for the past decade. We wish Jon and his family the very best." Jansen, 33, was drafted out of Michigan by the Redskins in the second round of the 1999 draft, taken 37th overall. He played in 126 games, starting in 123, for the team."
Redskins cut Jansen
Comment
May 29
Washington Examiner
 
"Washington Redskins offensive tackle Jon Jansen was released on Friday in a surprising move that costs the team nearly $900,000 against the salary cap. The senior Redskin, the 1999 second-round pick lost his starting job during the 2008 preseason only to regain it when replacement Stephon Heyer was injured. The Redskins signed former first-rounder Mike Williams over the offseason to compete with Heyer for the job this summer."
Where's the love for the Skins?
Comment
May 28
Washington Examiner
 
"The Redskins love to fancy themselves a certain way, trotting out Super Bowl trophies for news conferences (after removing the 18 years of dust, of course), talking about things like Redskins grades for draft picks. That's their reality. Then there's that of others, who naturally view a franchise that hasn't won more than 10 games in 18 years in a different way. Look at a couple offseason ratings of players by position. The Redskins don't rate highly. In some cases the ratings are comical. In other cases they're telling. Take one that appeared on Sports Illustrated's Web site Tuesday, ranking the backfields of all 32 teams. Washington, with Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis, checked in at ..."
Tampering often tough to prove
Comment
May 28
Washington Times
 
"The Tennessee Titans may have a hard time convincing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that the Washington Redskins improperly talked to their best player or his agent before the Feb. 27 start of free agency. Such cases are much easier to make than actually win in the NFL, which still operates under an "everybody does it" mentality when it comes to tampering, according to multiple league sources. "No question we lost players over the years because of tampering, but it's really tough to prove," former Redskins and Houston Texans general manager Charlie Casserly said. The NFL is investigating the Redskins for their involvement with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth after the Titans, for whom ..."