It was day two of Redskins training camp today in Ashburn, VA and needless to say the most welcome sight -- other than first round pick Brian Orakpo -- was the clouds and rain that cooled us off from yesterdays scorching 90 plus degree weather.
News & Notes: Brought to you by an unbiased and non politically correct observer of the game.
LaRon Landry: The third year veteran was one of the last to leave the practice field, "I'm definitely more comfortable out there, a lot of pressure, but less stress than my first time on the field."
Landry said he enjoys being a leader out there, he's there to help the young guys learn the game -- just like the older veterans are there to help him learn. "These guys out there are a big help to me, just like I'm a big help to them."
The former first-round pick discussed the pressure of being selected 6th overall was enormous at first, "you come out here and you feel you have to prove something to your teammates, coaches, and the fans." However, things have changed since then "I've calmed down, still have a lot to learn, but I'm calmer and more read now."
Landry looked like a polished veteran staing on the field discussing coverages with 2nd year safety Chris Horton who was beat on five consecutive single coverage drills.
Interesting sidenote, Laron plays with a piercing in his bottom right lip -- might not be the most hip fashion statement but -- "it doesn't cause me any trouble," Landry Says.
Jeremy Jarmon: I caught up with rookie defensive end Jeremy Jarmon after the morning practice, one in which he got his first taste of NFL life when OT Mike Williams put him on his backside. "An old coach of mine always told me it's not the speed of the game that matters, but the speed of your mind"
The 3rd supplemental pick joked about being handled by a veteran tackle, but said "I feel good, it's great to be playing football and great to be here."
Jarmon looked like a rookie at points -- having to go through some drills twice -- but the young guy looks like he has the build to stick around in D.C.
Jason Campbell: For the second straight day Campbell walked out to the loudest ovation (folks it wasn't even close) as the fans chanted CAMPBELL! CAMPBELL! The QB pumped his fist -- visibly happy to have the support of the fans -- at least for now.
Devin Thomas: The former Spartan didn't live up to his hype in his rookie campagin, catching only 15 balls for 12o yards -- but trust me when I say that is all about to change.
The Skins want to use Randle El in the slot (that's been "the plan" since he came to D.C. in 2006) and Thomas is the leading candidate to be the compliment to Santana Moss.
Keep your eyes peeled folks, this guy is the real deal, I'm yet to see him drop a pass in two full days.
Brian Orakpo: The 13th overall pick showed up after a one day hiatus, but it didn't take long for the hybrid defensive end and linebacker to suffer his first NFL "boo-boo" Orakpo was being stretched out with the athletic trainer about thirty minutes into practice.
Th next LaVar Arrington??
Quarterback Controversy?: Todd Collins looks old, and Colt Brennan looks young and fly with his sweet Oakley visor. Brennan's arm is stronger and might be the best overall arm in camp. Collins struggled hitting his fly routes -- missing wide open Roydell Williams and Marko Mitchell's on consecutive routes.
Don't be surprised to hear if (and in my opinion when) Brennan takes over as Campbell's backup sometime before the season starts.
Chase Daniels looks like he's grasping the system quickly -- but his size, listed as a generous six feet flat -- and being the new guy behind three veterans will all be working against him
Inclement Weather and Tomorrow: The hurricane like weather cancelled the scheduled practice of the day, but to the relief of the players -- who will be putting on the pads and going live for the first time since last January.
Regular practice will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a special teams only practice at 2 p.m. -- however only the morning session is open to the public -- gates open at 7:30
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Calling on Collins: Turn in your playbook
Almost everything in Ashburn, VA today was hot. The 90 degree weather, the national media (Adam Schefter and Peter King) the stellar performance of the Redskins young receiving core (a la Devin Thomas), and the group blond cheerleader wanna-be's working as the volunteer staff.
Everything was hot, well everything beside the timid performance of of 2nd string Quarter Back Todd Collins.
The 37 year-old back up isn't getting any younger, and with a pair of Heisman nominees Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel breathing down his neck this might be the end of Collins time in Washington.
Jason Campbell looked much improved, only throwing a few ducks, and leaving his nay-sayers scrambling looking for reasons to hate on him.
Brennan looked like a future star, and while Daniels didn't look spectacular he seemed to have a pretty good read of the Redskins offesne on this first day of Traning camp.
Let's put it this way, the Redskins are obviously looking to get younger, and those plans might not include Campbell. They're going to include Brennan and possibly Daniels.
Owner Dan Snyder is never one to shy away from the big checks (a la Albert Haynesworth) giving Collins the pink slip before the regular season could save the 'Skins nearly $6 million.
Only three more weeks of blaring heat and intense competition will tell -- we will see if Collins can stay in the kitchen.
Everything was hot, well everything beside the timid performance of of 2nd string Quarter Back Todd Collins.
The 37 year-old back up isn't getting any younger, and with a pair of Heisman nominees Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel breathing down his neck this might be the end of Collins time in Washington.
Jason Campbell looked much improved, only throwing a few ducks, and leaving his nay-sayers scrambling looking for reasons to hate on him.
Brennan looked like a future star, and while Daniels didn't look spectacular he seemed to have a pretty good read of the Redskins offesne on this first day of Traning camp.
Let's put it this way, the Redskins are obviously looking to get younger, and those plans might not include Campbell. They're going to include Brennan and possibly Daniels.
Owner Dan Snyder is never one to shy away from the big checks (a la Albert Haynesworth) giving Collins the pink slip before the regular season could save the 'Skins nearly $6 million.
Only three more weeks of blaring heat and intense competition will tell -- we will see if Collins can stay in the kitchen.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A holiday for this Halladay
Roy Halladay might just be the must snubbed pitcher in the Majors. I'd be willing to bet that Toronto's lousy offense, and inept bats have withheld nearly 30 wins from Halladay over the last five seasons.
There's no reason that this perennial all-star and sure fire Ace should not have already eclipsed the 200 win plateau (he currently stands at 141.)
Halladay will be the first to tell you it's not the bats, but that's the kind guy talking, inside he has got to be thinking, "Sweet mother of pearl! What does a man have to do to get some wins around here?"
The answer: get traded, to any other team, with the exception of the Mets and Nationals who just can't seem to manufacture runs at any point in a game.
J.P. Riccardi has opened up his ears to offers from all other 29 clubs, and with trading season officially under way here's the top 5 destinations for 'Doc' Halladay.
1) New York Yankees: At the All-Star break the Bronx Bombers lead the league in runs scored with 495. The Yanks have the money and the resources to land Halladay -- now it's up to Toronto to decide if they want to face their soon to be former ace during the regular season.
2) Tampa Bay Rays: They're second in the league in runs scored and they might just have the most bountiful farm system for Toronto to pick from. Again the problem arises, will the Jays really trade Halladay within their division?
3) Los Angeles Dodgers: Warm weather. Weak division. Best team in baseball. Need I say more? Halladay would give the Dodgers that extra 'umph!' that could have them playing into deep October.
4) Philadelphia Phillies: There's still a chance the defending champs make a run even though they've recently signed Pedro Martinez. Halladay would take the pressure off Cole Hamels as the ace, and if Halladay dominates the AL bats just imagine the damage he would cause to the weaker NL hitters.
5) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Their team ERA of 4.64 is 11th in the AL so there's no doubt that Halladay would be welcomed there, if great pitching wins games then he just may be the perfect fit for a rotation that is mightily struggling. The Angels rank in the top 10 of nearly all offensive categories, so the production to garnish some more victories is definitely there -- it doesn't hurt that LAA has won their division for of the last five years.
Honorable mentions: Mets: they could use him but their better off focusing on hitting. Chicago White Sox: don't be shocked if he goes there -- they were willling to give a lot up for Peavy -- they'll be players again. St. Louis plenty of major and minor league depth they could give up here, wouldn't a Halladay + Carpenter 1-2 punch in a 5 game series be lethal?
Questions, comments, feelings holla at me: SAYoungberg@gmail.com
There's no reason that this perennial all-star and sure fire Ace should not have already eclipsed the 200 win plateau (he currently stands at 141.)
Halladay will be the first to tell you it's not the bats, but that's the kind guy talking, inside he has got to be thinking, "Sweet mother of pearl! What does a man have to do to get some wins around here?"
The answer: get traded, to any other team, with the exception of the Mets and Nationals who just can't seem to manufacture runs at any point in a game.
J.P. Riccardi has opened up his ears to offers from all other 29 clubs, and with trading season officially under way here's the top 5 destinations for 'Doc' Halladay.
1) New York Yankees: At the All-Star break the Bronx Bombers lead the league in runs scored with 495. The Yanks have the money and the resources to land Halladay -- now it's up to Toronto to decide if they want to face their soon to be former ace during the regular season.
2) Tampa Bay Rays: They're second in the league in runs scored and they might just have the most bountiful farm system for Toronto to pick from. Again the problem arises, will the Jays really trade Halladay within their division?
3) Los Angeles Dodgers: Warm weather. Weak division. Best team in baseball. Need I say more? Halladay would give the Dodgers that extra 'umph!' that could have them playing into deep October.
4) Philadelphia Phillies: There's still a chance the defending champs make a run even though they've recently signed Pedro Martinez. Halladay would take the pressure off Cole Hamels as the ace, and if Halladay dominates the AL bats just imagine the damage he would cause to the weaker NL hitters.
5) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Their team ERA of 4.64 is 11th in the AL so there's no doubt that Halladay would be welcomed there, if great pitching wins games then he just may be the perfect fit for a rotation that is mightily struggling. The Angels rank in the top 10 of nearly all offensive categories, so the production to garnish some more victories is definitely there -- it doesn't hurt that LAA has won their division for of the last five years.
Honorable mentions: Mets: they could use him but their better off focusing on hitting. Chicago White Sox: don't be shocked if he goes there -- they were willling to give a lot up for Peavy -- they'll be players again. St. Louis plenty of major and minor league depth they could give up here, wouldn't a Halladay + Carpenter 1-2 punch in a 5 game series be lethal?
Questions, comments, feelings holla at me: SAYoungberg@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
