Yardbarker: Jon Jansen

Springs and Taylor Both Unlikely to Play vs Eagles

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:06:13 -0500

It appears the road to 4-1 will be even tougher now for the Redskins, as it looks as if both Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor will not be able to go Sunday in Philly vs the Eagles.A Springs sat out today's session with a strained calf muscle.A Taylor remains out, and it was said today that he underwent emergency surgery to drain blood near his ankle last week, and had a checkup today.A Back to Springs, with him out, it appears that Carlos Rogers and Fred Smoot would be the starters at corner.A "Just with his calf, it's not responding well yet," coach Jim Zorn said. "The light is fading if we're expecting him to play on Sunday."A Right tackle Stephon Heyer is still sidelined with a sprained shoulder, and if he can't go, Jon Jansen will get the start.

Smoke Signals: Jansenless Edition?

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:02:08 -0500

As we reported yesterday, OT Jon Jansen, the longest roster Redskin who missed all of last season with a broken ankle, could see himself in a backup role. It really is not surprising. If you go back and review the pre-season games, it isn't hard to tell that 2nd year OL Stephon Heyer

Pyromania! [Jon Jansen can see the end]

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:30:17 -0500

As they say, all good things come to an end, but what whoever they are neglected to mention in that proverb is that the end of that good thing is usually accompanied by a big fat side of denial.

PREVIEW: 2008 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:07:28 -0500

by GMoney, The Money Shot

I'm not breaking any news here, but the 2007 Washington Redskins season ran the gamut of emotions. Obviously, we had the lows of Joe Gibbs managing games like an idiot, numerous season-ending injuries to starters, and the sad and senseless loss of the baddest muthaf*cka on the planet, Sean Taylor. Nobody would have faulted the team for folding up, playing out the rest of the season, and getting their minds right for 2008. But that didn't happen. Todd Collins surprisingly came in and looked like a stud. The Skins won their last 4 games to make the playoffs. And although they were defeated in the first round, the season still felt like a success to at least this Redskins fan. Honestly, and I was in attendance at Super Bowl XXVI for their last Super Bowl win, I've never been more proud of my Redskins in my entire life as a fan.

But those days are over. It was time to move on a long time ago. Without further ado, the 2008 Epic Carnival Preview for YOUR Washington Redskins:

OFFENSE:
What's to like?
--Jason Campbell looks REALLY good. Just ask Peter King. This could be his breakout season.
--Clinton Portis is apparently as focused as ever. He's in an offense that once made Shaun Alexander an MVP, he should be a monster this season.
--Chris Cooley is the coolest (pun intended) player in the league...and he's pretty damn good, too.
--The offensive line is healthy; well, at least it is now.
--The offense is being described as Joe Gibbs running game mixed with the West Coast passing game...could be lethal.

What's not to like?
--The WR's are still a mess. Both rookies are banged up. Santana Moss blows. James Thrash is still around for some reason.
--Jon Jansen has been moving around like a corpse this preseason. It could be the beginning of the end for him.
--While the offense looks in synch thus far, you never know what to expect when going against a first team defense.
--Shaun Suisham is about as erratic as it gets when it comes to kicking field goals and kickoffs.

DEFENSE:
What's to like?
--The pass rush off the ends should be amazing with Andre Carter and Jason Taylor.
--London Fletcher is one of the best leaders in football and is a tackling machine.
--LaRon Landry is quickly developing into one of the best safeties in the league. --Greg Blache is going to continue the style that Gregg Williams ran to near perfection with blitzes from all over the field.

What's not to like?
--The tackles are either inexperienced or injury-prone (Cornelius Griffin).
--Marcus Washington and Rocky McIntosh have MAJOR health problems and that's not good when they are counted on to start as outside linebackers.
--Shawn Springs is getting old and Carlos Rogers is still trying to come back from a blown-out knee.
--They didn't even remotely try to replace Sean Taylor at safety. Reed Doughty just isn't going to cut it. Springs has been getting some reps at safety which could be interesting.
--Chances are pretty good that rookie Durant Brooks will win the punter job and who knows what you will get from a rookie. But he ahs to be better than Derrick Frost, that guy sucked.

EXPECTATIONS:
The Redskins lost ZERO starters from the team that made the playoffs last year while adding one of the best pass rushers in football. While they are still learning the new system, everything coming out of Redskins Park thus far has been extremely positive. The early schedule is tough as they have to go on the road to each rival in the NFC East in the first 6 weeks. But, if this team can stay relatively healthy (which hasn't happened in years) and Jason Campbell is as good as advertised, I don't think that it is a stretch to predict a 10-6 season. A return to the playoffs should be a strong probability as long as Jim Zorn and Company catch a break or two. I think the Cowboys will win the division, but don't be surprised if the Redskins put some pressure on them.

Screw it, I say it every year and I'll say it again..."WE GOIN' TO THE SUPER BOWL!"

Jansen returns--but is he back?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:40:50 -0500

In today's Richmond Times-Dispatch, there is a Paul Woody article about Washington Redskins tackle Jon Jansen. At the top, there is a four-column black and white picture of Jansen

Jansen returns--but is he back?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:40:50 -0500

In today's Richmond Times-Dispatch, there is a Paul Woody article about Washington Redskins tackle Jon Jansen. At the top, there is a four-column black and white picture of Jansen

Jason Taylor treats Jon Jansen like a wet rag

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:55:37 -0500

Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn says WR Antwaan Randle-El and CB Carlos Rogers will both be game-time decisions for this Saturday's preseason game against the New York Brett Favres Jets. Randle-El is recovering from a strained hamstring and Rogers is battling back from a devastating knee injury from last season.

Right side of Redskins' line back to normal

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:09:11 -0500

Washington Redskins center Casey Rabach likes what he sees when he lines up and glances to the right. Next to Rabach this training camp are guard Randy Thomas and tackle Jon Jansen, back after each missed most of last season to injuries. "It's a reassurance to look over there and see those two on my right side," Rabach said. "They bring a different element to the game: their experience, their tenacity, their toughness and their smartness." Jansen and Thomas have anchored the right side of the Redskins' line since Thomas joined the team in 2003. Jansen went down with a season-ending ankle injury in last year's opener, and Thomas missed 13 games with a triceps injury. Both are back in place this training camp, bringing a familiar look to the offensive line. "It's such a good feeling, because it's a close-knit group," Jansen said. "Randy and I have played together for a long time, and whether I'm out or he's out or we're both out, it's never quite the same without him in there." So far in training camp, Jansen appears to be slightly further along than Thomas. Coach Jim Zorn said Thomas became fatigued in Saturday's scrimmage. "He tried to push himself, and his legs didn't answer the call in a few situations," Zorn said. "But I think he's a warrior, I think both he and Jansen are excited to be back, and they kind of create a little more stability for us on the right side." Just being back is a relief to Thomas. "It was miserable," he said. "I never want to do that. In my profession, you get paid to play. Not to get out on that field, you've almost got to show what you can do again. It's almost like another tryout." For Jansen, the year off did have one silver lining -- while the ankle kept him out of action, the rest of his body had a chance to heal. "I haven't felt this good in a long time," Jansen said. The only missing element of the offensive line so far has been left tackle Chris Samuels, who has been held out of contact drills after offseason elbow surgery. Samuels said Sunday he expects to test the elbow in drills early this week. "Believe me, we'll welcome him with open arms," Thomas said. When Samuels is back to full strength, the Redskins' entire starting offensive line will**o them is going to do during a play, something that's hard to pick up with new faces coming in and out. Even though Jansen and Thomas were missing for most of last year, it hasn't been a problem fitting in. "If it had been our second or third year, there may have been a feeling-out process," Jansen said. "But you're talking about guys that have been in the NFL 10, 12 years. It's easy to step back in and pick up where you left off." Now that the line is healthy, the key is to stay that way. "It's a matter of luck," Thomas said. "It's nothing we can predict or unpredict. Just hopefully we're in a good position where we won't have anybody fall down on our legs." Notes: RB Eric Shelton did not practice due to a shoulder stinger. ... DT Anthony Montgomery said he expects to be out two to four weeks after breaking a bone in his hand during Saturday's scrimmage. Montgomery will have surgery Monday. ... The Redskins canceled Sunday's afternoon practice, and had a short practice Sunday morning that lasted about 75 minutes. ... The Redskins signed DT Zarnell Fitch and G Fred Matua, and waived DE J.T. Mapu and G Kerry Brown on Sunday.

Washington Redskins Offensive Line Analysis

Sat, 17 May 2008 15:16:29 -0500

This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season.

The Enigma that is Jon Jansen

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:57:26 -0500

Jon Jansen is still somewhat of an unknown commodity despite all of the years he has played in Washington. He's an injury prone tackle in his 30s, and I don't think the team should have lost sight of that when they were discussing his future here. It is hard to deny though that Jansen is in the team's plans for the immediate future, writes Redskins writer Greg Trippiedi.

Hog Wire: Clinton Portis' Knee; News and Notes

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:30:07 -0500

All the news and notes you need to know going into the Washington Redskins' week 5 match-up with the upstart 3-1 Detroit Lions.

The Fifth Quarter - Miami Dolphins

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:07:03 -0500

Shaun Suisham made a clutch kick in overtime that capped an ugly win by the Washington Redskins over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Ugly or not, however, the Redskins sit at 1–0, and if they continue to put away winnable games like they did yesterday, no one will complain – even if it isn't pretty. On to the Fifth Quarter rankings, which are based on a scale of 1 to 5 Quarters: For the rest, visit the link below...

Hog Wire: Youth Movement; Cooley Extension; More

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:07:36 -0500

The Washington Redskins finished the 2007 preseason with a 2-2 record. In their preseason finale, the Redskins lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-14 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. In his limited action, which tested the condition of his bruised knee, Jason Campbell led the first-team offense to a touchdown on his only drive of the game. He exited the game after completing 5-of-5 passes for 54 yards, ending with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El. The final game was the last chance for roster hopefuls to impress the coaches as roster cuts loomed, therefore both teams "sat" their projected starters. Youth Movement? The Redskins appear to be fielding a younger team in 2007 than last year, despite the fact that they signed veterans MLB London Fletcher, LB Randall Godfrey, and G Pete Kendall. Many of the older veterans were not re-signed (Troy Vincent, David Patten, Warrick Holdman, Jeff Posey, and John Hall), partly because of their age and partly because of the growth of the younger players on the roster, such as Reed Doughty and Rocky McIntosh, among others. Players new to the Redskins and the NFL include two draft picks, Safety LaRon Landry (the 6th pick overall) and Linebacker H.B. Blades (sixth round), and 3 undrafted rookies (T Stephon Heyer, TE Cody Boyd, and RB Marcus Mason). The Redskins also signed 3 first-year players (DE Lorenzo Alexander, DE Chris Wilson, and CB Leigh Torrence) that made the final rosters... Click the link below for more...

Casey Rabach Has Huge Balls

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:54:51 -0500

This has to be one of the strangest things I've heard in a long, long time. During an interview, Redskins OT Jon Jansen said C Casey Rabach has one of the biggest ballsacks he has ever seen. He also said that Rabach had been working hard to increase the size of his sack. Here is a little sample of what the interview was about "They go in there together in between practices and do undesirable things...Rabach has a penchant for showing off his nuts in the locker room and did so while we were talking to them.. Larry asked about Rabach's "brain," to which he explained how much work he has put into increasing the size of his ballsack.. Jansen agreed that Rabach has one of the largest ballsacks he's ever seen...Rabach also was mooning the Fox Morning Show live shot yesterday, which apparently could be seen visibly but from a long distance and you'd have to have known what you were looking for.. Rabach and Jansen admit they are always looking for ways to get their ass on TV"

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.