Yardbarker: Derrick Blaylock

Fifth Quarter: Jacksonville Jaguars

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:24:15 -0500

Surrounded by trade rumors, Mark Brunell played in Jacksonville for the first time since joining the Redskins, and on Thursday night he made his case for taking a spot on the final roster. The Jaguars struggled early against the Redskins, but a consistent passing attack and a solid defense by the Jags in the second half led to a blowout-like score of 31–14. The good news for Skins fans is that the first and second string players established a lead of 14–3 near the end of the first half, when the 3rd string defenders began to see the field. Overall, the Redskins looked good, and now fans have only a week and a half to wait for the start of the season. Here are the Fifth Quarter rankings, which are based on a scale of 1 to 5 Quarters: Click the link below for the rest...

B. Lloyd Keeps His Eyes On The Prize; Redskins News and Notes

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:16:51 -0500

No one on the Washington Redskins was more disappointed in the way last season went than Brandon Lloyd. Lloyd came from a re-building team in San Francisco to a Super Bowl contender from the year before dreaming of chance to help put that team over the hump and into the big dance. That chance never happened, as the offense entered a transitional period under a new coach and playbook, and the defense failed to return to the dominant form of the year before. The result was a 5-11 season and watching all of the other NFC - East teams make the playoffs. This is a new season; new for the Redskins and new for Lloyd, who spent the off-season working out and training to do what he can to help himself and the team. He added 10 pounds of bulk in the off-season to improve his explosiveness, strength and speed. Now in camp, with a year under his belt in the Al Saunders offense, he is working on translating the self-improvement off the field into improvement on the field as a wide receiver. "I'm focusing on the small things of being a receiver," Lloyd said, adding, "I'm focusing on the technical stuff, from releases to running my routes, coming out of my routes and catching the ball." That technical focus has shown on the practice field. Lloyd's routes have been crisp and his transition to the slot has shown immediate dividends. His first reception -in open practice, anyway - from the slot was a 15-yard buttonhook that Lloyd took untouched into the end zone. Part of the reason the move inside has worked is the attitude that Lloyd displays towards it: "The only statistic I'm worried about is winning games, and if the number three position helps me make catches and score touchdowns to help the team win, then I'm all for it." That sounds like the kind of attitude a championship team requires of its players. News and Notes: At the time of this interview, Brandon Lloyd was suffering from shin splints and was being held out of practice to rest. He has since returned to the field. Will Whitticker, one of the reserve linemen that had generated quite a buzz over the last few months suffered a high ankle sprain in practice on Monday and has since been released. NFL Europa MVP Casey Bramlet was also released following Saturday's scrimmage. Minor injuries consistent with training camp keep mounting, most notably in the corps of running backs. Portis is still sitting out with knee tendonitis; Ladell Betts jammed his neck after Marcus Washington pummeled him in blitz pick-up drills. Mike Sellers is also battling soreness in his knee, and Derrick Blaylock is practicing through an ankle injury. While these guys heal, the Redskins signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back Dee Brown. -Scott Hurrey

Skins Kick Off 07 In Baltimore

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:00:38 -0500

With temperatures hovering around 100 degrees in the stands and 120 on the field, the heat was on for the Washington Redskins, as they faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in their annual scrimmage. The scrimmage, taking place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, was the first chance for the inexperienced players on the roster to make an impression on coaches in a simulated game environment against a real opponent. Redskins fans came out in droves, especially for a scrimmage. Amongst the 25,000 plus in attendance, the burgundy and gold were well represented on the team's sideline, with fans showing support throughout the day. The scrimmage began with special teams drills from both teams, starting with Derrick Frost punting to Baltimore followed by the Ravens punting to the Redskins. Antwaan Randle El, who attracted plenty of "boos" from the anti-Steeler crowd, was the first to receive punts. Rookie cornerback Byron Westbrook received the third and fourth punts, fumbling the first and struggling to pick up the second punt after bouncing off the ground. No tackling was allowed but the gunners from both teams were very physical when trying to speed past their assigned double teams. Next came kickoffs and kickoff returns. Wide Receiver Jason McAddley, cornerback John Eubanks, and running back Derrick Blaylock all received reps as kickoff returners. Eubanks showed excellent speed and good vision on his return. Next came 7-on-7's and offensive/defensive line 1-on-1 drills. Jason Campbell and Mark Brunell split time at quarterback during these drills with Campbell seeing most of the action. Wide receiver James Thrash appeared to be Campbell's favorite target, catching several passes including a touchdown that drew cheers from the Redskins faithful. Tight end Chris Cooley, Blaylock, and running back Ladell Betts saw plenty of action. Blaylock and Betts caught mostly swing passes and short passes down the middle. Fred Smoot provided the biggest defensive highlight, picking off a Steve McNair pass. Brunell led off the 11-on-11's, mostly throwing short passes and handing off on short yardage running plays. The plays were very vanilla, which is Gibbs' calling card for offensive schemes in pre-season games. Running back Marcus Mason, a rookie out of Youngstown State, showed promise in 11-on-11's. He ran 12 times for 34 yards. Wide receiver Burl Toler hauled in the only Redskins touchdown during 11-on-11 drills, a 24-yarder from sixth-round pick Jordan Palmer. The Redskins defense appeared to be closer to returning to their 2005 form, with both starters and reserves aggressively swarming towards the ball on several occasions. Thanks to a Matt Stover field goal and a rushing touchdown from running back P.J. Daniels of the Ravens, the final score of the scrimmage was 10-7. Miscellaneous: - Those who sat out: Running back Clinton Portis, left tackle Chris Samuels (knee), wide receivers Brandon Lloyd (shins) and Mike Espy (knee), cornerback Jerametrius Butler (hamstring), fullback Pete Schmitt (shoulder), linebacker Dallas Sartz (hamstring) and tight end Tyler Ecker (groin). - Although Espy did not play in the scrimmage, he received plenty of attention from the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band before the action started. While exercising and performing calisthenics in the end zone, the band counted off every sit up and bicycle kick completed by the second-year receiver. Once he finished each exercise, the band gave him a loud cheer and a round of applause. - Former Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn signed autographs for fans prior to the scrimmage. Throughout training camp, Wilburn has been observing the Redskins defense, specifically the secondary, as a part of the NFL's minority coaching program. - Safety Sean Taylor and Ravens wide receiver Devard Darling got into a scuffle when Darling used his palm to push off Taylor's helmet and take him down in what was apparently revenge for a hit from the 2005 scrimmage. - Jake Russell

Redskin Camp Report: July 31st

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:43:32 -0500

It was a beautiful day in Ashburn as the Washington Redskins took to the field for their third open practice of training camp. It was the first time the Redskins have been in full equipment at an open practice this year. Here are some observations from Tuesday's practice: 1) Laron Landry was suited up and had his first camp practice as a Redskin. He looked fairly comfortable, and doesn't look like it will take him long to get into the swing of things despite missing six practices. He was thrust right into the thick of it as he was lined up with Sean Taylor several times in the eleven-on-elevens. He didn't make any big notable plays, but he didn't make any big, noticeable mistakes either. He put in a surprisingly large amount of reps for his first day. 2) Perhaps the second most notable roster spot to watch on Tuesday was left offensive tackle. With Chris Samuels on the shelf for a few weeks, the Redskins will get a good opportunity to rotate through the incumbent back-ups and give them some time with the first string. The lucky recipient of Tuesday's honor of stepping into the role - rookie Stephon Heyer. Heyer took all the snaps with the first unit and performed very well. He didn't get beat badly in any incident and actually looked solid. 3) As a reward for being moved up to the big time, Heyer got to carry Jon Jansen and Casey Rabach's equipment off of the field at the end of practice. Such is the life of a rookie trying to make an NFL squad. It's always quite comical to see the veterans put the rookies through their paces every year. 4) Jason Campbell had a very solid day. He under threw a few passes, but all of his throws looked crisp. He also showed good mobility on a nice little run in the eleven-on-elevens on what was either a broken play, or a designed QB draw. 5) Todd Collins had a rough day. In fact, he threw more ducks than darts. With the emergence of Casey Bramlet in NFL Europa, and the seemingly logical assertion that the Redskins might be better off with a young quarterback that they can groom as the third string quarterback, Collins can't afford too many practices as sloppy as Tuesday. 6) Mike Sellers looked fine. Despite being injured on Saturday, he didn't look like he was laboring or struggling, and he participated in all drills. He's becoming almost as big a fan favorite as Chris Cooley is. 7) Derrick Blaylock had a nifty little run up the middle on a rare run play in the eleven on elevens. He ran into a big bunch up at the line, squirted out the other side and took the ball all the way to the end zone. 8) London Fletcher wasn't hard to pick out on the field. He was barking out directions to the defense and seemed to be very much in control. 9) Joe Salave'a looks to be in tremendous shape this year. He made a couple of nice plays as well. 10) Jerametrius Butler had a nice interception in the eleven-on-elevens, on a long pass from Todd Collins that was actually well thrown. 11) In the "completely unimportant category" - Carlos Rogers was wearing a pair of the brightest yellow socks that you'll ever see. On the injury front, Clinton Portis did not practice. He was on the field but without equipment. Apparently he has a little bit of swelling and tendinitis in his knee, so the Redskins would rather err on the side of caution and gave Portis the day off. Mike Espy also did not practice after injuring his knee in Monday's practice. Some good news on the injury front, Randy Thomas was in full equipment and seemed to be taking almost regular duty. The next open practice at training camp is Thursday, August 2nd at 4:00pm. Be sure to check the training camp section for all of the Redskins' practice dates. - Mark Solway Editor's Note: THN caught up with Shaun Suisham at the end of practice, so look for that article today or tomorrow.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Skins Offence

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:04:35 -0500

QB's 1.Todd Collins: He could be a possible backup considering he has been with Al Saunders for the pass 6 years. 2.Mark Brunell: Although he is getting old he can always come in and rarely have a bad game. Last year he didnt do bad at all but he wasnt productive but I think hes a got the spot for the # 2 QB. 3.Casey Bramlet: Although no NFL experience, he won the Super Bowl in NFL Europa and he has set records at Wyoming, he reminds me of a Jeff Garcia. I think its between him and Todd Collins as the # 3 QB. 4.Jason Campbell: Took over halfway through the season due to Brunell not making it happen, I think he will be the number 1 QB, in 2004 took Auburn through a undefeated season and when he played last season for the Redskins he threw 10 tds. and only 6 int. Sure he didnt play like Tony Romo but he was consistent didnt really have any bad games, I see a good future for him with the skins. 5.Jordan Palmer: Brother of Carson Palmer, since theres so much talent at QB for the Redskins I dont think he will recieve a spot for the team but I think he will easily make the practice squad but who knows he is 13th in all Division 1 schools history books for throwing TDs, 88 to be exact with just 46 starts pretty darn good in my opinion. 6.Sam Hollenbach: A rookie prospect that played for Maryland, i dont have much to say about him sure he won MVP for his bowl game but other then that hes just a so so QB that wont last long in the NFL. Overall I would give the QB's rating a B RB's 1.Marcus Mason: Marcus was a star in AA ball with a school record of 23 TDs and 1,847 yards hes a possible prospect to make the skins line of backs. 2.Clinton Portis: Portis has achieved so much already in his career back to back 1,500 yards for his first two years only 2 other players have done that. Dispite that fact he was injured for most of the year last year I think he will be amazing this year possibly as good as LT, LJ, and Steven Jackson. 3.Rock Cartwright: Hes a good backup i really hope he makes the team considering he was our main return man last year and he knows the offence very well hes been there for 5 years and probably will be his 6 year this year. 4.Ladell Betts: He will be the number 2 back without a question, great hands and took over last year when Portis was injured. 5.Derrick Blaylock: He could be a possible backup considering in 2004 he had 8 TDs and 539 yards. Overall the RBs are a A WR's 1.James Thrash: Joe Gibbs loves him he will be a reserve back and since he was 2nd in tackles for special teams he will probably start there as well. 2.Jason Willis: Was a walk on for Orgeon but did remarkably well but I have a feeling since they have so many talented backs that he will get cut. Unless he shows amazing skills in pre season. 3.Mike Espy: I like him, he could be a part of the special teams and get a few catches has great hands. 4.Ryan Hoag: I think he will be apart of the practice squad but wont play any real games. 5.Carl Berman: Im not sure if he will make the practice squad or not, hes a question mark in my view. 6.Cedric Bonner: Possible but not much of a chance for him to make it in my opinion considering his past. 7.Kyle Brown: He shouldnt even make the practice squad in my opinion. 8.Jason McAddley: I think he could possible be a reserve that could get some receptions. 9.Santana Moss: No question about it hes the # 1 reciever they got, amazing player but needs to be a bit more consistent or they just need a QB that loves to throw it to him, because he needs the ball. 10.Brandon Lloyd: He was a # 1 reciever for the 49ers..I think its a guarantee for him to make the team as the # 3 reciever. 11.Dan Melendez: Cut thats all I have to say. 12.Antwaan Randle El: He is a amazing reciever and returner he will have the number 2 spot. The overall rating for the WR's would be A- have 2 good ones and 1 decent FB's 1.Pete Schmitt: Decent Full Back that could be a possible starter, as long as he can play like he did in college. 2.Mike Sellers: Hes been with the organization for a while I think he will be the starter but who knows. Overall for FB's is a B- but FB's dont have too much say on whether they go to the playoffs or not. TE's 1.Brian Bell: Practice team but no more as of this year I think. 2.Tyler Ecker: Same as above. 3.Eric Edwards: I like him he will make the depth chart. 4.Chris Cooley: One of the best in the game as of right now and led in receptions last year for the skins. 5.Todd Yoder: Hes a Solid backup he will make the team. Overall for TE's id like to say A OL 1.Casey Rabach: Starter 2 seasons straight played all games as Center and can also play guard if he needs to. 2.Randy Thomas: He started all year last year and will this year, very strong guy. 3.Chris Samuels: Him and Jansen are the best duo in my book and he started all 16 games last season. 4.Jon Jansen: Him and Samuels are the best duo thats all I got to say and he started all 15 games last year. 5.Calvin Armstrong: A solid backup to Thomas and Jansen. 6.Stephon Heyer: Started for the Terps 37 games I think he could emerge as one of the backup's. 7.Ethan Albright: The best Long Snapper in the game alot of experience hes got a automatic spot on the team. 8.Jason Fabini: Hes got skills I think he will easily be part of the team. 9.Kili Lefotu: Great size he will be a backup most likely. 10.Mike Pucillo: Good backup for Guard and Center so I think he will make the team. 11.Ross Tucker: I think its between him and Mike Pucillo for backup spot for Center maybe both will make it. 12.Todd Wade: Played one game last year for injured Jansen possible backup. 13.Taylor Whitley: I think he has a shot of making the team but in reality all of them do. 14.Will Whitticker: started 14 games for the Packers he should make the team because hes young and a quick learner. Overall the O Line is unstoppable I think one of the best so I give it a A+ Overall the whole offence as a team they will put up alot of points and will be one of the best offences this year.

Lee Suggs Traded to the Jets

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 21:18:12 -0500

The Browns receive Derek Strait in return. Looks like a good deal for the Jets, who not only get a potential every down back, if he can stay healthy, but also a very different type of back than the others already on the roster. If Curtis Martin has to sit or is forced to retire, the Jets now have a downhill runner in Lee Suggs. Despite cutting into their carries, both Cedric Houston and Derrick Blaylock should be more effective with the Jets new addition as they can now be used as change of pace backs. Look for Eric Mangini to get all of his RB's involved.