Archive for August, 2010

Redskins could regret decision to not sign running back Brian Westbrook, who went to 49ers

August 18, 2010

Mike Shanahan and the Redskins walked away from a chance to sign running back Brian Westbrook, who signed with the 49ers. (Photo by Mike Frandsen)

The Redskins made a decision that might end up haunting them for years, letting Brian Westbrook sign with the San Francisco 49ers Monday despite the fact that Washington has no established third down running back.

In a passing league that necessitates a running back who specializes in catching the ball and getting yards after the catch, the Redskins will apparently go with Ryan Torain, who has played two NFL games, out of the backfield in third down situations.

The Redskins should have signed Westbrook.

It’s not as if Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson are awful at catching the ball. However, they are a far cry from the third down specialists that every successful team needs to have. Portis is a good blocker but has never distinguished himself as a good receiving back. Willie Parker is even worse. Parker had only nine receptions the last two seasons combined even though he carried the ball 308 times.

To read the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.

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Despite Grimm’s induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame, anti-Redskins bias still exists

August 10, 2010

Gary Clark cheers on Art Monk at the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony as Ricky Sanders looks on. Photo by Mike Frandsen.

Former Redskins guard Russ Grimm’s induction Saturday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame was long overdue. Grimm anchored one of the best offensive lines in history, the “Hogs,” who played in four Super Bowls, winning three.

Grimm and the Hogs blocked superbly for the Redskins’ running game and passing game for a decade, ultimately helping running back John Riggins and wide receiver Art Monk become Hall of Famers.

But Grimm was inducted into the Hall in his 14th year of eligibility. And it took Monk eight years, despite immaculate credentials. Why did it take so long?

An anti-Redskins bias remains among Hall of Fame voters. The Redskins aren’t considered as glamorous as the Dallas Cowboys or the Pittsburgh Steelers, who each have 10 players in the Hall of Fame from their Super Bowl winning teams. Meanwhile, the Redskins only have four players in the Hall from teams that won the Super Bowl (Riggins, Monk, Grimm, and cornerback Darrell Green).

To read the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.

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Former Redskins guard Russ Grimm first of “Hogs” inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

August 8, 2010

Former Redskins Hog Russ Grimm becomes the first Hog to make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Former Washington Redskins guard Russ Grimm is in Hog Heaven.

Grimm became the 18th member of the Redskins, and the fifth during the Joe Gibbs era, to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Saturday.

Grimm played 11 seasons for the Redskins, winning three Super Bowls and appearing in four. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls, was named a three-time All-Pro, and was selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s.

During his speech, Grimm thanked his fellow offensive linemen, the “Hogs.” He said, “I want to mention a few guys that made it possible for me to be here today. A group of guys that grew together, worked together, played together, raised families together, celebrated together, guys that I consider family, a group known as the Hogs.”

To see the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here.

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MRI on Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth shows no damage to knee

August 7, 2010

Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth underwent an MRI Thursday that found no damage to his knee. Haynesworth has complained of soreness in the knee after failing a conditioning test required by coach Mike Shanahan. Haynesworth has not participated in practices yet but is instead observing drills and worked with defensive coordinator Jim Haslett after practice Thursday.

After missing spring workouts in protest of the Redskins’ new 3-4 defensive scheme, Haynesworth has to catch up to learn the defense. The former All-Pro defensive tackle and 100 million dollar man has lost approximately 35 pounds since last season when he missed four games due to injuries.

Shanahan has made a point to prevent Haynesworth from practicing until he passes his conditioning test. Will Shanahan relent and allow Haynesworth to practice if he continues to fail the test? If Haynesworth doesn’t pass the test will it become a major distraction?

Here are some other training camp questions:

To see the rest of my article on Examiner.com, click here

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