Yardbarker: Randy Thomas

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.

Randy Thomas: the other Redskin for Life

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:25:49 -0500

Redskins writer Greg Trippiedi wrote "For just a moment, bask in the pure absurdity that is Randy Thomas' release fee. If Thomas got a career ending injury at some point during 2008, the Redskins would still be on the hook for $12-14 million in dead cap. "Yeah, Thomas is pretty much a Redskin until the day he retires."

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.

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.