53-man roster nearly settled

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:31:24 -0500

Tell me again why we need so many preseason games?

Supposedly, the reason for playing 16 quarters—20 in the case of the Washington Redskins—of full-dress football that doesn't count is to help the coaches decide who will and who won't be on the final 15-man roster.

THE JERSEY DINER MORNING NEWS

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:56:38 -0500

1. FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE "I have a lot of familiarity with the other two players," Nolan said of quarterbacks Alex Smith and Shaun Hill. "J.T. O'Sullivan has done a very good job as the other guys have, but yeah, more than anything else, I want to see him in a game situation."

Mike Nolan talking about why he is going with JT. JT is the one that Mike Martz loves and wants to be the guy. Time and reps are critical for the 49er quarterbacks. Nolan has never seen Smith or Hill in a game situation play in the Martz system. So, it is clear to me, that JT is the guy Martz feels gives him the best chance to run his offense. What does that say for the guy that was the first pick overall in the draft?

2. FROM THE NY DAILY NEWS…"The 5-11, 228-pound Derrick Ward certainly appears to have earned a part in the offense. A former seventh-round pick of the Jets (2004), Ward had career highs last season in carries (125), yards (602), touchdowns (three) and yards per carry (4.8) - despite missing half of the regular season, including four early games when he was out with an injured ankle and groin. Plus, he started in four of the five games that Jacobs missed, and in those games Ward rushed for 418yards on 84 carries. That's 104.5 yards per game and five yards per carry numbers that will be hard for the coaching staff to ignore. For now, though, all Ward can do is try to get healthy. "You know what? I don't know if I should tell you this, but two or three weeks after I had surgery I was trying to walk, trying to psyche my mind out saying, 'Oh, I could play right now,'" Ward said. "Really, I couldn't. But I knew coming into the off season workouts I would be ready to go."

With his size and speed, if he gets the reps, Ward would be a 1000 yard rusher. His durability worries me, but he can flat out play. In Denver he would be a star.

3. FROM TAMPA BAY ON LINE As Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia passed by a group of reporters on his way to practice Wednesday, one asked him if he was walking the green mile."Yeah," Garcia responded. "Dead Man Walking." Not anymore.

It might be time to get the Garcia contract fixed now. I can promise you, Steve Baker the agent for Garcia is all over Bruce Allen today for his deal. All over him. And this flirting with Favre will not play well in the Bucs quarterback meeting room.

4. DERRICK HARVEY and the Jags.

Harvey is the remaining hold out left in the first round and don't expect any resolution to this deal coming anytime soon. I have talked too many in the know and they are far apart on my issues and there does not seem to be an urge from either side to close the gap. The biggest problem lies with the huge deal Vernon Gholston's received from the Jets, that was handled by CAA, the same firm that handles Harvey. This may take a while.

5. FROM THE MIAMI HERALD "This particular pass grazed the extended hands of Dolphins wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., who made a nice cut toward the ball but couldn't stretch long enough to pull it in. Would it be ruled a drop? Maybe not. Could it have been caught? Depends who you're asking".

Ginn has a history of drops and he is very inconsistent with his ability to show great quickness and burst. He has long speed and will make plays down the field, but he does take a moment to get going. He is not very sure handed and he has very weak wrists. The ball never stops softly in his hands and he is always bending his wrist to make the catch. This is not a good trait for wide receivers to possess.

6. FROM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE If Pennington is released as expected, he will be free to sign with any team and the Bears need to at least give him something to consider. He's a veteran known more for his accuracy than his arm strength, but the combination of his intangibles and experience would make it necessary for the Bears to consider him as a third quarterback.

Pennington would be similar to what the Bears currently have on their roster. Someone that you have to manage the game around and cannot make others around him better. I am sure Pennington will want starting money once he is released. Is Pennington better then what the Bears have? Mentally yes, physically no.

7. FROM THE BUFFALO NEWS Rookie wide receiver James Hardy returned to practice Wednesday, his first since last Thursday when he injured his left hamstring. He said he is sore but hopes to play Saturday when the Bills open the preseason against the Washington Redskins.

Hardy is a big wide out with very good speed and power. He builds speed and he can take a five yard slant and make a huge play. He has soft hands and can really be a very productive player for the Bills this year, if he is healthy.

8. FROM THE ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION Jerious Norwood is moving from receiver, to tailback, to being used in the same backfield with Turner. Norwood's willingness to play all roles makes him even more valuable, coaches said. "He's showing the speed and explosiveness that you know that he has," Coach Mike Smith said. "He's going to be an exciting guy. When you put him in there in a rotation with Michael Turner, you've got two guys that really can cause some problems."

I love Norwood's talent and his play making ability. He does not score enough for his talent level, but that was more a product of the offense he was working in. Norwood is tough and can really be an asset to the offense if he can blend with Turner. When your bad in the OL, like the Falcons, you need a back that can make people miss and make some plays on his own.

9. FROM THE WASHINGTON POST Reserve tackles Todd Wade and Stephon Heyer will each miss at least two weeks with injuries they suffered in the Washington Redskins' first preseason game Sunday, leaving the team with few veterans available at that position.

I know everyone is excited about the Skins. I have read all the Post Cards from everyone who has been through the Skins practices writing about how well Jason Campbell looks and how the Skins can make a Super Bowl run this year. But I don't see it and what I don't see is an offensive line that can handle the rigors of the NFL from a health standpoint. A line that is old in both starters and back ups. For me, it's always about the offensive line and I am not impressed with the Skins talent.

10.FROM THE CAROLINA GROWL Going to certain sides and everything, that's what we're working on right now," said Stewart, the 13th overall pick in this year's draft. "... The whole explosiveness, some of that stuff is kind of limited because of my toe."Stewart doesn't seem too worried.He just keeps reminding himself that he's only been practicing for 12 days. He had surgery in March and didn't participate in any of the team's mini camps, so it's still early. When asked if doctors have given him an idea of when he might be 100 percent, Stewart said, "I really don't know. I hope soon. I'm pretty sure it's going to be soon."He's optimistic about playing in Saturday night's preseason opener against Indianapolis, but isn't sure if he'll be cleared by the medical staff to participate. Coach John Fox said that decision hasn't been determined."I'm just kind of antsy about going out there and just playing again to my full potential," Stewart said. "It's been since November (when he first injured it) since I've been able to do that. I'm feeling kind of antsy, but patience is a virtue we all desire."

I would rest Stewart for as long as I needed to rest him this summer and limit his reps in the first game. He will need reps in game two and three and very few in game four and should be ready for the season.

Todd Wade is Not Exactly the Ideal Tackle

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:15:45 -0500

Redskins writer Greg Trippiedi wrote "[Todd] Wade proved to be up to the challenge physically, in the rare event he could find the man he was supposed to block. The hits on Jason Campbell skyrocketed when compared to last year, and Wade was the main culprit. The English language does not have a term to describe what a linebacker, Mike Vrabel, did to him when they met in Week Eight."

On the Line with Todd Wade

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:29:35 -0500

TheHogs.net is proud to introduce On the Line with Todd Wade, a weekly article with the eighth-year veteran offensive lineman who is in his second season with the Washington Redskins. On the Line will preview each weeks game, specifically, Todd's weekly assignment. It will give fans a first-hand perspective from a Redskins offensive lineman, something that is very exciting for a site inspired by the greatest Redskins offensive line ever. This week, Todd is coming off of a strong offensive performance in which the offensive line led the way to a season high 296 yards rushing against the New York Jets. He also gives us his thoughts on facing Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jevon Kearse and what gets him prepared for game day.

Skins Wash Out Ravens

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 07:41:16 -0500

For those that thought the preseason match up between the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens would be a game of intensity and defensive will, the two quarters of football played at soggy FedEx Field was what it was billed to be. Unfortunately for those fans in attendance, Mother Nature was the most dominant player on the field. Amidst torrential downpours, bolts of lightning, heavy claps of thunder and an hour late start, these two powerhouse defensive teams showed their respective power on the field. For the Washington Redskins, no one proved more devastating than rookie LaRon Landry...

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.

Yardbarker: Todd Wade

53-man roster nearly settled

THE JERSEY DINER MORNING NEWS

Todd Wade is Not Exactly the Ideal Tackle

On the Line with Todd Wade

Skins Wash Out Ravens

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Skins Offence