The Roster Final Five

The Redskins have made their initial rounds of cuts. There were some mild surprises as well such as Kevin Simon a 7th round pick this year and projected to be the main backup for Lemar Marshall and Robert Johnson the presumed 3rd Tight End as well as some predictable others. But with those cuts the Redskins roster is now reduced to 75 players.

But not all 22 players are battling for roster spots. In fact I think there are only 5 roster positions actually open for competition at this time. Many of these Redskins are fighting for practice squad births and barring that to show enough that another team may take a shot on them. I think the following players and positions are safe roster bets, barring catastrophic injury on Thursday night:

QB: Mark Brunell, Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
RB: Clinton Portis, TJ Ducketts, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
FB: Mike Sellers
TE: Chris Cooley, Christian Fauria
WR: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle-El, David Patten, James Thrash
OL: Chris Samuels, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen, Tyson Walters, Mike Puccillo, Spencer Folau
DL: Cornelius Griffin, Phillip Daniels, Renaldo Wynn, Andre Carter, Joe Salave’a, Cedric Killings, Anthony Montgomery, Demetric Evans
LB: Marcus Washington, Lemar Marshall, Warrick Holdman, Rocky McIntosh, Khary Campbell, Jeff Posey
DB: Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers, Sean Taylor, Adam Archueletta, Mike Rumph, Kenny Wright, Ade Jimoh, Pierson Prioleau,
LS: Ethan Allbright
K: John Hall
P: Derrick Frost*

*unless the redskins sign another Punter that lasts more then 6 freakin hours. Really 6 hours? I think I could last six hours on the team. It may be the last six hours of my life but I think I could do it. I am thinking the Redskins on 3rd and long should let Mark Brunell throw a high long bomb for an interception.

Usually it comes down to special team play for the last Five spots, but this year may be different. Many of the special teams Aces like Rock Cartwright & Khary Campbell are already sitting in the cat bird’s seat. So the final 5 roster spots will most likely be determined by how a player backs up the individual position as well as special teams play.

I think there are 12 players who legitimately can make claims to battling for the final 6 roster spots. Thos players are Nehemiah Broughton (FB), Manuel White (FB), Jasper Harvey (OL), Ikechuku Ndukwe (OL), Buck Ortega (TE), Kedrick Golston (DT), Spencer Havner (LB), Robert McCune (LB), Kenny Battle (CB), Christian Morton (CB), Reed Dougherty (S), Vernon Fox (S)

On the surface it looks pretty simple. There are in most cases 2 players battling each other at the same position. It is not as simple as it sounds. Will the Redskins go with youth who might grow into a better player, or will they go with a veteran hoping to sign the youth to the PS and keep both? And besides battling the guy in the same position as you are also competing against the other bubble players. Will the Redskins keep 9 or 10 OL? 6 or 7 LB? Will they need a 3rd TE or a 9th DL more? With Springs hurt do we keep an inordinate amount of corners and hope players like Rumph can back up Safety in a pinch?

We are all just guessing right now but I believe it will shake out as such:

The Redskins will keep Nehemiah Broughton as the backup FB not because he has out played Manny White, but because of his versatility and ability to play RB in a pinch. Manny White is gone as he is not eligible for the PS.

The Redskins will keep the third TE instead of the 9th DL and thus Buck Ortega makes the team. Why? Versatility. Sure Sellers can play an emergency TE but that would mean someone else would have to play FB. Also Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evan’s versatility will allow for the loss of the usual 9 GW likes to keep. Kedric Golston will have a PS spot waiting for him.

Keeping 7 Lbs Spencer Havner makes the squad. Havner can play special teams and contribute while McCune has been injured and losing stock. Robert McCune has an outside chance at making the PS but at 27 who knows whether the Redskins will decide to part ways.

Only keeping the traditional 9 offensive Linemen, Ikechuku Ndukwe will drive the equipment manager nuts but get the last spot. Jasper Harvey is a great young story but I think this is one of the cases where the Redskins risk his release so they can sign him to the PS. Ndukwe is not eligible for the PS.

The final spot goes to Christian Morton. I think Reed Dougherty will stay with the team on the PS and unfortunately Kenny Battle and Vernon Fox may not have enough time to really get in some work. With the injury to Springs, the injury history of Rogers, and the versatility of Prioleau and Rumph, this makes sense. Dougherty will be on the PS waiting to be activated in case of major injury.

So that is how it shakes out. Check out the Cherokee forum where I have put up a poll and you can try and figure out the permutations yourself.

A reaction to the first round of cuts.

See I could have just waited until after Monday morning and told you how brilliant I was and adjusted my list, but the Redskins announced some cuts today. Here they are with my reactions:

Tyler Jones K - Never had a chance at making the squad iof Hall remained healthy.

David Lonie P - I hope this is a pre-cursor to signing another Punter to compete with Frost or else I am just watching downs 1-3 for the redskins this year.

Robert Johnson TE - Mild surprise bnut as I wrote last night, his injury was a big detriment. If the Redskins do not sign a TE watch for Ortega to be the third TE.

Jon Alston OL - Only surprise here is it came in the first round of cuts. He was on the PS last year and I thought Chris Pino would go before him.

Jim Jones OL - Drank the kool aid.

Kevin Simon LB - Could never stay on the field. The first of our 2nd day draft picks to get the boot.

Chris Mineo DT - Who?

Karon Riley DE - Played well ion pre-season but the dline is stacked.

Aric Williams DB - Who again?

Antuan Edwards S - Former teammate of Arch...times 2.

Casey Bramlet QB - Never had a chance, never got a chance.

Calen Powell TE - Got injured early and was consistently outplayed by Ortega.

so with the cuts it seems 2 PS spots have opened up[. Ortega will take Robert Johnson's spot on the active roster, and Simon is out the door. the obvious in ym mind players to benefit here are Robert McCune, who can survive another year on the PS and takes Simon's place. If they sign a TE off the waiver wire he may go here, if not Jesse Lumsden and Joe Sykes seem to be fighting for that last spot.

Vision Quest: The Final 53 Post Patriots Game

The Panic Button.

I don’t know about you but I am a very visual person. When people use the term “Panic Button” I usually envision one of those buttons from 1980’s World War III movies. You know a big red plastic button with a Plexiglas case over it that must be opened with a key so that it can’t be hit accidentally. Once it is pushed all hell breaks loose and the world goes up in smoke.

Well after the New England preseason game yesterday, I am not ready to hit the “Panic Button” but the key has been inserted and the Plexiglas lid is about to come up.

Of course it is only pre-season. And even after a 41-0 loss to New England, that much remains true. This is the time top learn new techniques, try different combinations, play your reserves and hope that you can put together a few winning combinations to build on for the Regular season.

But the fact remains is that the third Pre-season game is the one you use to tune up for the Regular season. The one where your offensive and defensive first strings play the most and build upon that success in anticipation of the regular season. That most certainly did not happen in the shellacking on Saturday night.

However it never really was going to happen that way in the first place.

The very idea that our first strings would play extensively was a false notion. On offense we were missing the lifeblood of our offense Clinton Portis. If you think we are actually seeing what our offense will be come opening day then you are fooling yourself. TJ Duckett has been with us less then a week, and LAdell Betts is no Clinton Portis (otherwise we would not have traded for TJ Duckett). The Defense was in even worse shape. Shawn Springs our best corner was out of the game along with starters Phillip Daniels and Cornelius Griffin.

So it would be simple to just say that the Redskins missing some key starters have given up on the pre-season and are running vanilla offenses and biding their time to get to the regular season. And while that statement would be true, it may be a little too simple as well.

The regular season starts in just a mere two weeks. If the Redskins play the way they did the whole pre-season then…..

Well, let’s just hope that we are all part of a master illusion and the Redskins we want to see will take the field two weeks from now.

5 Things We Now Know

With each Pre-season game we learn a little bit more about our Redskins. This week we learned the following:

.Todd Collins is a true #3 I hope the coaching staff Is done with this fascination with Todd Collins. He is a #3, plain and simple. Sure he looked good against 4th stringers last week, but put back as the #2 he was simply awful. I am not denigrating Todd Collins here, he is as good a #3 as you are going to find. But that is all he is and if he is taking regular season snaps we are pretty far behind.

The punting battle doesn’t matter. Because they both stink. Whether it is Frost or Lonie both are just as apt to shank a ball out of bounds after a whopping 25 yards when punting from our field and punt it into the end zone when at midfield. The Redskins better be looking at the waiver wires on August 29th because I can’t believe there aren’t better punters who might get cut around the league.

Our reserves better stay just that, reserves. I will take our starting lineups against any team in the league any day and twice on Sunday. I have reservations about our reserves though. It just does not seem like our depth is as good as a team like New England’s. But then again whose is? Still it seems as if we are remarkably shallow and already injuries are starting to take their toll.

We are going to miss Shawn Springs immensely His loss may be bigger then Portis, and of longer length. Not only will Carlos Rogers be forced to cover the opponents #1 receiver, but Kenny Wright or Mike Rumph will be brought in to cover the #2 and #3 receivers. GW may compensate by dropping our safeties and linebackers into coverage and not blitzing which will affect the pass rush. The domino effect could be significant. And with Springs likely to miss the first three games of the season and receivers like Koren Robinson, Terry Glenn, Terrell Owens, and Eric Moulds coming up it could be a very big issue indeed.

Joe Gibbs and the Redskins just treats the Pre-season differently from the rest of the NFL This is the third Pre-season in the Gibbs II era and it is the same thing every time. Vanilla offensive calls and apparent lackluster play abound again. The argument is that Gibbs is using the pre-season to evaluate talent more then build momentum, and that does have merit. We have to hope that this slow start will not ease into the regular season/

The Final 53

Three pre-season games down and now 1 more to go. However the first cut down date is upon us. On Aug 29th.a couple dozen former Redskins will be cleaning out their lockers and looking for other teams. The remaining 75 players face the final cut down on September 2nd. A lucky 8 players will go to the practice squad the rest will go onto other teams or fall back on their college degrees. Those on the “Outside Looking In” are my best guesses at who will be cut on Tuesday.

Here is how I see it at this juncture:

Quarterback
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Mark Brunell
Projected Backups: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
Outside looking in: Casey Bramlet

Despite looking rusty Brunell is the undeniable starter and our season rests on it. Campbell is impressive but will need at least one year as #2. Todd Collins is a decent #3 QB but not much else. Casey Bramlet, the bell tolls for thee on Tuesday.

Running Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 4
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Backups: TJ Ducketts, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Jesse Lumsden
Outside looking in AJ Harris, Johnathan Combs

Yep I changed the allotted Running back roster spot after the TJ Duckett’s trade. Why? Because Joe Gibbs said he is keeping all four running backs. Portis’ injury and the trade for TJ Ducketts will necessitate a change. Jesse Lumsden will probably survive the first cut, but is still a long shot at making the practice squad and forget about the roster. AJ Harris and Johnathan Combs were training camp fodder that never got a chance to earn a roster spot.

Full Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Projected Backup: Nemo Broughton
Outside looking in: Manny White

Mike Seller is going to be the main fullback and his role should not be diminished with the Duckett’s signing. Nemo will probably make the team as the backup fullback. Manny White will probably be cut Tuesday, if not he will get one last shot to unseat Nemo, but it is doubtful.

Wide Receiver
Allotted Roster Spaces: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd
Projected Backups: Atwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Mike Espy, Steven Harris, Richard Smith
Outside looking in: Jimmy Farris

Nothing has been surer then the top 5 wide receivers all season long. No one has made a case to crack the top 5 and no one will. Mike Espy’s stock has fallen and is looking like a Practice Squad addition each day. Harris and Smith are fighting in case the Redskins keep 2 WR on the practice squad. Farris is out of PS eligibility and most likely will be given the opportunity to latch on with other teams.

Tight End
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Backups: Christian Fauria, Robert Johnson
On the Bubble: Buck Ortega
Outside looking in: Calen Powell

Cooley and Fauria’s jobs and roles are set in stone. However Robert Johnson’s injury could open the door for Buck Ortega. The problem with Ortega is his weight and the Redskins may decide to put him on PS to give him a year to bulk up. Johnson will need to get healthy enough for the final game though.

Offensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Chris Samuels (LT), Derrick Dockery (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Backups: Mike Pucillo (G/C), Spencer Folau (T), Ikechuku Ndukwe (G), Tyson Walter (T/G/C)
On the Bubble: Keli Lefotu, Jasper Harvey, Jon Alston, Chris Pino
Outside Looking In: Jim Jones, Jim Molinaro

Ndukwe and Harvey are more then likely fighting for the 9th OLine spot. The advantage goes to Zeke who has played well but is out of roster eligibility. Harvey can go to the PS and be there for next year. Keli Lofuto and Jon Alston will probably fight it out for the last PS spot. Chris Pino may hang on for the last pre-season game, but Jim Jones is probably not so lucky. Jim Molinaro will most likely be another 2nd day draft choice I complain about next year.

Defensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 8
Projected Starter: Andre Carter (RE), Phillip Daniels (LE), Cornellius Griffin (DT), Joe Salave’a (DT)
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn (DE), Demetric Evans (DE), Anthony Montgomery (DT), Cedric Killings (DT),
On the Bubble: Kedrick Golston, Karon Riley, Joe Sykes, Vaka Manupuna, Chris Mineo
Outside looking in: Ryan Boschetti, Nic Clemons,

The most likely group that loses a roster space due to the addition of another running back is the defensive line. With the versatility of Evans and Wynn it makes sense. However with the injury history of Griffin and Daniels it is still a risk. Golston may have got himself a PS spot by actually playing on Saturday. Battling for PS with him are Riley and Sykes. Manupuna and Mineo most likely will be bodies in camp and in the last game. Nic Clemons will likely join his brother Chris in the unemployment line and onetime hopeful Ryan Boschetti will join him.

Line Backer
Allotted Roster Spaces: 7
Projected Starter: Warrick Holdman (WLB), Lemar Marshall (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Backups: Rocky McIntosh (OLB), Khary Campbell (MLB) Jeff Posey (OLB), Spencer Havner (OLB)
On the Bubble: Kevin Simon
Outside looking in: Robert McCune

The top 6 linebacker spots are not really in doubt. Holdman, Marshall, and Washington will start, McIntosh will wait in the wings, Campbell will play special teams and Posey will be used in various 3-4 packages. Kevin Simon has not been able to get on the field all year and most likely will result in a lost of a roster spot. Spencer Havner seems to get the 7th LB spot by default. McCune’s recent injury likely will result in his release.

Defensive Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Shawn Springs (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Adam Archueletta (S)
Projected Backups: Kenny Wright (CB), Ade Jimoh (CB), Reed Dougherty (S), Pierson Prioleau (S), Mike Rumph (CB/S)
On the Bubble: Dimitri Patterson, Christian Morton, Kenny Battle, Antuan Edwards
Outside looking in: Curry Burns, John Eubanks, Aric Williams, Curry Burns

IF Kenny Wright saved his job last week, he could have lost it this week. However no one else stepped up either. Reed Dougherty played better but when you give up 41 points quite honestly no one played all that well. The best thing that can happen for this group is for Shawn Springs to attend a faith healing convention.

Specialists
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Derrick Frost (P), John Hall (K), Ethan Albright (LS)
On the Bubble: David Lonie (P)
Outside looking In: Tyler Jones (K)

Last week I wrote that there was a possibility watching Frost punt may kill me,. I am upgrading that too likely. Please, please, please scour the waiver wires on Wednesday and find someone, anyone who can understand you punt it out of bounds when you are trying to pin your opponent within the 20 and boom it when punting from your own 20.

Practice Squad Predictions:

DT Kedrick Golston: Sorry Lumsden fans but with 4 active RBs and 2 FBs there is no need for another runner on the PS. Golston is healthy finally and can be on the PS in case he is needed because of injury

OL Jasper Harvey & Keli Lofotu: Harvey and Lefotu can get a year of experience on the PS and be ready in case of injury on the OL.

TE Buck Ortega: Another U guy on the squad will make Moss and Portis happy. If Ortega can not unseat Johnson here he will find himself.

DB Dimitri Patterson & Christian Morton A repeat of last year. They will be ready to be activated if there are any more injuries to the backfield.

WR Mike Espy: I still like the kid and think this is his destination. But a really poor showing and he could be in trouble.

LB Kevin Simon: He may get an injury settlement or go on IR. If not he will end up here.

LB Philippe Gardent : I wonder if he knows any French soccer players who can tryout as a punter.

I identified 16 players that could get cut on Tuesday but the Redskins are only required to cut 13. Look for them to keep players in areas where there are injuries and they need to get through the next week.

Up next are the Baltimore Ravens. It will be interesting to see just how much the Redskins play their first stringers in an attempt to build momentum going into the regular season. It will also be a good way for us to see how far we have progressed since the scrimmage earlier this month.

Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Discuss it in THE CHEROKEE

Vision Quest: The Final 53 Post Jets Pre-Season Game

The Redskins proved this last week why it is so hard for outsiders like myself, and most fans, to predict a final roster in the pre-season. Not only do you have to figure in injuries and try to get a glimpse of players on pre-season games and not in practice, but the Redskins made a few roster moves to upgrade the team last week which could very well impact the final 53

Gone are Canadian Kerry Carter, the recently signed Ben Emmanuel, and last years pass rush specialist Chris Clemons all to injury settlements. The Redskins made a late trade sending the worthless Taylor Jacobs to San Francisco for Mike Rumpf who can play corner and safety and most likely will take a roster spot away from someone. Mike Rumpf will have company in the battle for a roster spot as CB Julian Battle a starter for woeful KC and S Antuan Edwards a former team mate of Arch, were signed as well in an obvious move to bolster the secondary depth.

Also being signed is Jeff Posey, the possibility of which I wrote about last week. He is going to give quality veteran depth to our LB corp. and will likely back up Marcus Washington. Also signed were OL Spencer Folau who will try and win a backup T spot and AJ Harris who might challenge for a practice squad spot.

The new additions don’t just affect the people they replaced, but the players the players that remain. Players like LB Spencer Havner, LB Robert McCune, DB Christian Morton, S Redd Dougherty, OT John Alston, and OT Jim Molinaro. Some might be pushed to the Practice squad, and some might be pushed off the cliff.

Time will tell if these veterans are able to win spots. It would be wise to keep in mind that they were for the most part without an NFL team at the time they signed with the Redskins and there were reasons for that. However it would also be wise to remember that the Redskins targeted them specifically and they must have something in mind for some of them.

5 Things We Now Know

With each Pre-season game we learn a little bit more about our Redskins. This week we learned the following:

.Jason Campbell will be #2 this year Any hopes of Todd Collins winning back the #2 job probably ended on Saturday. Campbell didn’t play lights out, but he played acceptably well. He built on his performance last week and will continue to do so all Pre-season. It would be best for the Redskins to end this battle now and anoint him as the eventual successor to Brunell. That way he can work both of the next two games as the backup and be ready for the Regular Season.

Danny Smith is the Pete Best of our Coaching Beatles. Ok follow me on this. Joe Gibbs is Paul McCartney the talented, grounded, leader of the band. Gregg Williams is the surly genius of John Lennon. Al Saunders has the stoic wisdom of George Harrison. Joe Bugel is the humorous fun loving Ringo Starr. If all that is true Danny Smith is Pete Best, the drummer that the Beatles left in London. Smith’s special teams choices are really starting to wear on this fan’s patience. It is not just Frost or Lonie, but that is a good example. Either Smith felt that the Punting situation was acceptable this off season or he was not able to get the Redskin organization to do anything about it. Either way the blame will be laid on his doorstep until the coverage units and punting units start playing up to par.

Antwaan Randle El will be involved in the offense. It was nice to see ARE catching a couple of decent passes Saturday. With Moss Lloyd and Cooley running routes ARE is going to have plenty of chances to take advantage of single coverage. He will be very productive this year for us, and that is pretty good indeed.

Marcus Washington is poised for a career year Ok I have been harping on this all Pre-season but all of a sudden Marcus Washington is everywhere on the field. He is blitzing, he is run stopping, he is altering throws and covering passes. Wherever the ball is MW will be there this year. He is easily the best free agent signing of the Dan Snyder era.

We will pay for our aggressiveness on Defense Whether it was the flea flicker in Cincinnati resulting in a touchdown or the reverse against NY, the memo is out on the Redskin's defense. We are ultra-aggressive and that will lead to a large number of big plays. But we are susceptible to the trick plays we have seen the last two weeks. Williams will have to account for this and preach to his linebackers and defensive backs to stay at home and not bite on fakes.

The Final 53

Two pre-season games down and now 2 more to go. However only 1 game remains until the first cut down date on Aug 29th. It is tradition that the third pre-season game is used as a fine tuner for the first stringers and most of the players that will be cut after the game have already been identified. However there is still an opportunity for some bubble players to remain alive, even if it is just one more game. The final cut down looms on September 2nd and a reprieve for 8 players who go on the practice squad and avoid real work for one more year. Special Teams ability, versatility, and the ability to stay healthy will determine the outcome.

Here is how I see it at this juncture:

Quarterback
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Mark Brunell
Projected Backups: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
Outside looking in: Casey Bramlet

Nothing new here. Brunell is the starter. Campbell did nothing to lose the #2 spot and is the heir apparent. The only thing apparent about Todd Collins is that if he is taking a regular season snap then we are having some serious injury issues.

Running Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Jesse Lumsden
Outside looking in AJ Harris, Johnathan Combs

It looks more and more like the Redskins will stand pat with the three running backs they had last year, Portis, Betts, and Rock. Jesse Lumsden only got one carry and is more then likely looking at a practice squad birth. AJ Harris and Johnathan Combs did not see the field and are likely to be among the first cuts a week from today.

Full Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Projected Backup: Nemo Broughton
On the Bubble: Manny White

Mike Sellers showed that he can run the football and may be a decent short yardage option on thirds and short or goal line situations next year. Nemo fumbled this last week and that might open up a space for Manny White. However Nemo can also act as the 4th RB and White has yet to carry the rock in an NFL game. Unless Jesse Lumsden can prove he could be a backup fullback I can’t see this changing.

Wide Receiver
Allotted Roster Spaces: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd
Projected Backups: Atwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Mike Espy, Steven Harris, Richard Smith
Outside looking in: Ataveus Cash, Jimmy Farris

Mike Espy wherefore art thou going to go? Sure he had a couple of drops but he also showed flashes of brilliance returning punts, something ARE does not want to do. There is nothing that can get him to crack the top 5 and is most likely trying to convince the Redskins to keep 6 Wide Receivers. Not likely. Harris and Smith’s best hope is if Mike Espy makes the squad or goes to another team’s final 53 and they can get on the practice squad. Cash will be among the first cuts and Jimmy Farris will be a phone call away.

Tight End
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Backups: Christian Fauria, Robert Johnson
On the Bubble: Buck Ortega
Outside looking in: Calen Powell

Buck Ortega again looked impressive, but he is so small I can’t see him taking the spot of Robert Johnson on the final 53. The Redskins already have receiving Tight Ends in Cooley and Fauria. Ortega can spend a year on the PS trying to bulk up and be ready for next season.

Offensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Chris Samuels (LT), Derrick Dockery (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Backups: Mike Pucillo (G/C), Spencer Folau (T), Jasper Harvey (G/C), Tyson Walter (T/G/C)
On the Bubble: Keli Lefotu, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Jim Molinaro, Jon Alston, Chris Pino
Outside Looking In: Chris Pino, Jim Jones

I was very surprised that Molinaro was not offered an injury settlement and I will put him back on the bubble. I think Pucillo, Harvey, and Walters have all but assured themselves of a roster spot. The remaining spot, a backup tackle, will be battled for by Folau, Lefotu, Alston, Molinaro. Advantage to Folau who has real NFL Experience. I doubt Pino and Jones make the final squad here, or possibly anywhere.

Defensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Andre Carter (RE), Phillip Daniels (LE), Cornellius Griffin (DT), Joe Salave’a (DT)
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn (DE), Demetric Evans (DE), Anthony Montgomery (DT), Cedric Killings (DT), Kedric Golston (DT)
On the Bubble: Karon Riley, Joe Sykes,
Outside looking in: Ryan Boschetti, Nic Clemons, Vaka Manupuna, Chris Mineo

The question here is do they keep 8 or 9 DL. Given history of Gregg Williams and Joe Gibbs they will keep 9 DL and that is a break for Kedric Golston. However if a Mike Espy or Jesse Lumsden can convince the coaches to keep one more offensive player then Kedric could find himself on the PS or worse. Riley and Sykes are playing well, but not well enough to make the final 53 over a few draft choices and FA signings. More then likely one of them will end up on the PS. The bell tolls for Boschetti and Clemons on the first cut down.

Line Backer
Allotted Roster Spaces: 7
Projected Starter: Warrick Holdman (WLB), Lemar Marshall (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Backups: Rocky McIntosh (OLB), Khary Campbell (MLB) Jeff Posey (OLB), Kevin Simon (MLB)
On the Bubble: Spencer Havner
Outside looking in: Robert McCune

Jeff Posey’s addition will most likely bump someone out of the final roster spot. That someone is likely Spencer Havner who is not impressing anyone on the field. He most likely needs a year on the PS to mature. Robert McCune had some big time special teams mistakes and that is his only way to make the squad. Looks like the 27 year old rookie from last year will not be wearing Burgundy and Gold next year.

Defensive Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Shawn Springs (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Adam Archueletta (S)
Projected Backups: Kenny Wright (CB), Ade Jimoh (CB), Christian Morton (CB), Pierson Prioleau (S), Mike Rumpf (CB/S)
On the Bubble: Dimitri Patterson, Reed Dougherty, Kenny Battle, Antuan Edwards
Outside looking in: John Eubanks, Aric Williams, Curry Burns

Kenny Wright may have saved his roster spot this last week, starting for the injured Shawn Springs and playing well recording a sack and a pass defended. Mike Rumpf showed he had something left and can play both Corner and Safety giving Williams more versatility. Morton, Dougherty, Edwards & Battle are more then likely battling for the last db spot. Advantage right now to Morton. Patterson is playing for PS time while Eubanks, Williams, & Burns are looking in from the cold.

Specialists
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Derrick Frost (P), John Hall (K), Ethan Albright (LS)
On the Bubble: David Lonie (P)
Outside looking In: Tyler Jones (K)

There is a possibility I might kill myself watching Frost this year. At least Hall is looking better. Maybe the offense will be some good that punting won’t be as frequent as last year. David Lonie is not doing much to make the squad and Tyler Jones is still auditioning to be the first guy called if Hall is injured.

Practice Squad Predictions:

RB Jesse Lumsden: 1 run 6 yards against NY. With the first string getting a lot of work in the third game he may have to wait until the last pre-season game to impress coaches or he may not even make it here.

OL Ikechuku Ndukwe & Jon Alston: Zeke and Lofuto will provide guard and tackle depth and hone their skills for next year.

TE Buck Ortega: He needs to bulk up to be an NFL TE. Perhaps he can hang out with Randy Thomas next off season and get into some competitive eating events.

DB Dimitri Patterson & Reed Dougherty Patterson spends another year on PS to develop, but he is emergency depth at best. Dougherty will watch and learn how not to bite on every reverse and/or trick play in the book.

WR Mike Espy: Got to like this kid, but will he survive to be a Practice squad guy. I think he does.

LB Spencer Havner: Jeff Posey’s signing pushes the youngster onto the PS.

LB Philippe Gardent : How do you say tacking dummy with legs in French?

Up next are the New England Patriots. Watch for the first string to use the first half to develop continuity and rhythm. Not many chances to avoid that first cut and this time next week our team will really start to take shape.

Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: The Final 53 Post Bengals Pre-Season Game

Injuries.

The Bane of an NFL veteran in pre-season games and a particular problem with the Redskins in recent years. Injuries are a part of football. The can and will happen at any time. But is especially disconcerting when it happens on the second series of the first Pre-season game. Even worse when it is a potentially severe injury to your star Running back and arguably the most valuable player on your team.

Throw in he was making a tackle when he did it and it is enough to talk about curses and bad Karma.

However initial reports are that Portis should be back for the opening weekend after suffering a partially separated shoulder. Not so lucky is Kerry Carter a reserve running back whose career may be over with a damaged MCL and ACL. Chris Clemons sprained ligaments in his knee possibly ending his quest to make the roster this year and new arrival S Ben Emmanuel, who replaced the injured S Dennard Wilson, left Cincinnati on crutches.

So much for staying healthy.

5 Things We Now Know

With each Pre-season game we learn a little bit more about our Redskins. This week we learned the following:

Saunders likes to attack. Mini-posts and downfield patterns are going to be seen in abundance this year. Don’t expect us to throw many 5 yard out patterns (unless Collins is in the game, more on him later). Saunders is going to stretch the field like a Speedo on Rush Limbaugh and unlike the metaphor I just used that will be a very good thing.

Todd Collins is no #2. Sure he had a horrible line in front of him, but he just looked horrible out there. There is a reason he has been in the league for 12 years and has thrown only a couple of dozen passes. Whether throwing it into an opposing player’s hands or taking a safety he just made bad decisions and worse, played scared. He may be a good teacher but at best he is the third string QB.

Jason Campbell is the future. This kid throws a beautiful ball and shows poise and decent decision making skills. He is still raw and needs one more year to develop, and maybe more importantly consistency and the same offensive scheme 2 years in a row. If he gets it, watch out.

Mr. Redskin is Mr. Washington This off season I replaced my Lavar Jersey with a Chris Cooley jersey but I thought heavy on a Washington one. And know I am going to go out and buy a second. Marcus is the real deal. He displayed a spin move that would make Dorothy Hamill sick and got a sack last night that was unreal. John Madden said that GW is thinking about bringing Marcus more this season. All I got to say is gang way here comes the hurt.

Our Front 4 can play The Defensive line is playing real well. That is an understatement. It is playing with passion and persistence. First unit against first unit last night they were consistently 5 yards in the backfield on almost any running play. I know Carson Palmer was out, but with that kind of penetration Jesus could not throw a pass and Vishnu would have a hard time running up the middle, despite 2 extra appendages to stiff arm with.

The Final 53

On \e pre-season game down and now 3 more to go. However only 2 remain until the first cut down date on Aug 29th. After that 22 lucky players will get a one week reprieve, and just one game to prove their worth, as the final cut down looms on September 2nd. 8 players will then go on parole keeping their NFL dreams alive on the practice squad the next day. Injuries to starters can affect numbers for many players and some vets may find themselves on the outside looking in.

That’s the NFL, it’s a cruel world baby.

Here is how I see it shaping up:

Quarterback
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Mark Brunell
Projected Backups: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
Outside looking in: Casey Bramlet

The only thing that happened here is Jason Campbell will probably be the #2 going into next week vs. the Jets. If he can show poise and confidence he will relegate Collins to 3rd string duty.

Running Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Jesse Lumsden
Outside looking in Kerry Carter, Johnathan Combs

It is premature to speculate that the Redskins will now automatically keep 4 running backs because of the Portis injury. However if Jesse Lumsden can heal and show a reason to keep him and if Portis’ injury lingers over the next couple of weeks things could change. They also could use their backup fullback, possibly NEMO, as a reserve running back as well. Kerry Carter will likely go on IR or get an injury settlement later this week. Johnathan Combs looks like a first cut because despite being decimated by injury he did not see the field at all.

Full Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Projected Backup: Nemo Broughton
On the Bubble: Manny White

On the other hand Clinton Portis’ injury could effect the backup fullback position more then the RB position when it comes to roster space. Manny White looked good last night catching and operating in space. However Nemo showed some blitz pickup ability as well and did run block well also. Nemo may get the edge since he can likely be a backup emergency running back.


Wide Receiver
Allotted Roster Spaces: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd
Projected Backups: Atwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Mike Espy, Steven Harris, Richard Smith
Outside looking in: Taylor Jacobs, Ataveus Cash, Jimmy Farris

Mike Espy is going to be one of those cuts that really really hurt. I just don’t see the Redskins keeping more then 5 wide receivers and if they keep an extra skill player it will probably be at running back. Espy’s strong showing could prompt a trade of David Patten, but not likely unless some O-line help is offered. Espy will be offered a PS spot but with a few more performances like last night he may not be around to accept it.

Tight End
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Backups: Christian Fauria, Robert Johnson
On the Bubble: Buck Ortega
Outside looking in: Calen Powell

Buck Ortega showed some decent catching abilities, but the Redskins have three pass-catching TEs ahead of him already. With Cooley and Fauria on the roster the third TE should be a big slobber knocker type TE. Robert Johnson fits that mold more then Buck Ortega. Buck can spend a year on the PS though developing and be ready for next year.

Offensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Chris Samuels (LT), Derrick Dockery (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Backups: Mike Pucillo (G/C), Chris Pino (T), Jasper Harvey (G/C), Tyson Walter (T/G/C)
On the Bubble: Jonta Woodard, Keli Lefotu, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Jim Jones, Jon Alston
Outside Looking In: Jim Molinaro,

Jim Molinaro was removed from the second team unit and likely will be one of the first cuts. What are backups lack in ability they may make up for in versatility as most of them can play 3 or 4 positions on the line equally well. Unfortunately that is not very well at all. Here is hoping only one of our linemen miss action at the same time otherwise it could be a very long season.

Defensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Andre Carter (RE), Phillip Daniels (LE), Cornellius Griffin (DT), Joe Salave’a (DT)
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn (DE), Demetric Evans (DE), Anthony Montgomery (DT), Cedric Killings (DT), Kedric Golston (DT)
On the Bubble: Vaka Manupuna, Joe Sykes,
Outside looking in: Ryan Boschetti, Nic Clemons, Karon Riley, Chris Mineo

Joe Sykes is playing well, having bested Jon Jansen in practice, making his presence known in Baltimore, and racking up a sack last night. We are stacked at Defensive End though and Sykes will probably earn a way onto the PS if he keeps playing well. If the redskins decide to go down to 8 DL and keep either an extra RB or WR, Golston could be the odd man out.

Line Backer
Allotted Roster Spaces: 7
Projected Starter: Warrick Holdman (WLB), Lemar Marshall (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Backups: Rocky McIntosh (OLB), Khary Campbell (MLB) Spencer Havner (OLB), Kevin Simon (MLB)
On the Bubble: Robert McCune
Outside looking in: Chris Clemons

McIntosh played well but most likely not start the season. Look for him when the leaves start changing color and snow is on the ground in late October early November. Chris Clemons injury may give Spencer Havner a shot at the roster. It will be short lived though if the redskins sign Jeff Posey, which looks more likely now. They need an experienced backup at SAM and Posey is a GW favorite from his Buffalo days.

Defensive Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Shawn Springs (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Adam Archueletta (S)
Projected Backups: Kenny Wright (CB), Ade Jimoh (CB), Christian Morton (CB), Pierson Prioleau (S), Reed Doughty (S)
On the Bubble: Dimitri Patterson, Curry Burns, Chris Hawkins, Aric Williams
Outside looking in: John Eubanks, Ben Emmanuel

Reed Doughty looked lost out there and if Curry Burns could get healthy he might be able to surpass him. Kenny Wright looked horrible but will make the squad. The question is whether Morton becomes the nickel. A more likely scenario is that Prioleau will be the first DB off the bench in nickel situations and Morton and Wright will come in on dime and Quarter packages. Eubanks and Emmanuel looked horrible and that was before the latter’s injuries. If I were jerry Gray I would think about moving Jimoh to S and try to keep Dimitri Patterson sending Dougherty to PS.

Specialists
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Derrick Frost (P), John Hall (K), Ethan Albright (LS)
On the Bubble: David Lonie (P)
Outside looking In: Tyler Jones (K)

Bad news for Lonie is he was not doing kickoffs in the second half. The Punter will have to do kickoff duty in addition to punting. Apparently for now Frost will continue to boom punts from the 50 into the endzone and shank it when punting from our 20.

Practice Squad Predictions:

RB Jesse Lumsden: If he was healthy he may be able to give the Redskins a reason to spend another roster spot at running back. For now he looks like a good PS guy who can be activated if needed.

OL Ikechuku Ndukwe & Jonta Woodard: Zeke and Woodard will provide emergency depth and take another year of tutelage to become NFL depth worthy.

TE Buck Ortega: Eventual replacement for Fauria…but not yet.

DB Dimitri Patterson & Chris Hawkins Patterson spends another year on PS to develop, but he is emergency depth at best. Hawkins may not be even that.

WR Mike Espy: Man I hope he sticks around. A local product that probably needs another year to unseat Thrash or Patten.

LB Robert McCone: Robert McCune is only here if Jeff Posey does not sign, otherwise he joins so many other 2nd day draft choices for the Redskins in UFA hell.

LB Philippe Gardent : What kind of football name is Philippe? NFL Europe is making him wear the Burgundy and Gold so he gets a year of dress up before being sent back to France.

Up next come the Jets, otherwise known as the Redskins factory outlet store. I am still hoping on the first play Sean Taylor will level Coles on a crossing pattern on a high pass from Ramsey. Arch will pick up the interception and return it for a touchdown but Taylor won’t notice as he is in the stands having sex with the Toe’s girlfriend.

Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: The Final 53 Post Ravens Scrimmage

The Redskins and Ravens renewed their rivalry this last Saturday by scrimmaging against each other for the second straight year, this time at Fed Ex. Big deal right? It is only a scrimmage who will watch that? Not only did over 47 thousand fans show up to watch the scrimmage the NFL Network carried it on tape delay later that night. By the lack of mullets and felony convictions in the crowd along with the virtual sea of Burgundy and white we can assume mostly Redskin fans were there. The crowd was so lively and so numerous that Brandon Lloyd, our new Wide Receiver from San Francisco remarked that it was better the regular season crowds at his former NFL home.

Yes sir we love those Redskins.

The Redskins ran special teams drills, 7 on 7 drills, and full on 11 on 11 drills. And even though the scrimmage was controlled and mainly the backups played we did learn a few things about our Redskins:

The Saunders offense sure does benefit the TE. We now know that Tony Gonzales is a good TE, but he definitely benefited from the Saunders offense. If you look at the way the TEs were thrown pass after pass in both the 7 on 7 or 11 on 11 drills it’s almost unfair. Whether it is Cooley, Fauria, or Johnson LBers are going to have a tough time covering them and our wide receivers.

The Canadians are fighting for the same spot. Gibbs decided not to run Portis, Betts, or Cartwright in the 11 on 11 drills. That means there most likely is NOT a competition for the third running back spot as believed by many fans. More likely is that Carter and Lumsden are battling for the fourth RB spot. Whether that will be on the PS or the full roster remains to be seen.

The Defense is going to be huge this year Baltimore simply could not run the ball against our starting unit and when they passed they were under constant pressure resulting in Marcus Washington’s Interception for a TD. They simply were all over the place and will be a formidable unit against any offense.

Marcus Washington is the undeniable leader of the defense Speaking of Marcus Washington, he was simply everywhere in the scrimmage. Whether he was laying hits or congratulating teammates he is the heart of the championship team we hope to build.

? Taylor is playing with a mission If Washington is the heart of the defense, Taylor is the soul. Taylor did much more then give Baltimore’s Mike Anderson a concussion by hitting him on two consecutive plays so hard that his children won’t be able to do math tomorrow. He sent a message to the league. There will be a price for running up the middle against the Redskins, and that price’s # is 21.

There is one date the players are focusing on. That’s Aug 29th, the day when NFL teams must cut down to 75 players. That leaves just the 3 pre-season games to prove your worth. And for the lucky players remaining leaves another deadline, September 2nd, when teams cut down to their final 53. One day later 8 lucky players will get named to the practice squad and avoid the end of their NFL career. This is how I see it at this point:

Quarterback
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Mark Brunell
Projected Backups: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
Outside looking in: Casey Bramlet

Nothing happened here in the scrimmage to change a thing. Mark Brunell is the unchallenged starter and is looking confident in that role. Todd Collins and Jason Campbell are battling for 2nd string with Campbell the presumptive lead. Casey Bramlet showed no reason to even spend a PS spot on him.

Running Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Jesse Lumsden, Kerry Carter,
Outside looking in Johnathan Combs

The top 3 from last year, (Portis, Betts, and Cartwright) remain in place. Jesse Lumsden and Kerry Carter are both turning heads in practice and the scrimmage but they most likely are battling for a single Practice squad spot. Johnathan Combs absence from the field on Saturday speaks volumes about his place on the depth chart. The former practice squad player is probably gong to be among the first cuts.

Full Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Projected Backup: Nemo Broughton
On the Bubble: Manny White

Mike Sellers showed some good blocking on Saturday and will continue to hold the top spot in his grasp. Nemo Broughton showed skills in the fullback and running back position and could be a good combo back and emergency tailback. Manny White is on the Bubble though and will be battling Nemo for the 2nd spot the whole way.

Wide Receiver
Allotted Roster Spaces: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd
Projected Backups: Atwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Steven Harris, Mike Espy, Richard Smith
Outside looking in: Taylor Jacobs, Ataveus Cash, Jimmy Farris

The top 5 remain the top 5. Taylor Jacobs and Ataveus Cash did nothing to move into the 5th WR spot and barring a big couple of games in the pre season will be among the first cuts. Espy, Harris, and Smith all had nice catches and ran pretty good routes. They most likely are battling for one or two Practice squad spots.

Tight End
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Backups: Christian Fauria, Robert Johnson
On the Bubble: Buck Ortega
Outside looking in: Calen Powell

Cooley, Fauria, and Johnson all had a productive scrimmage. Johnson though had a couple of drops and one would be fumble. Still the top 3 probably won’t be unseated. Buck Ortega could make a case as he has had some good practices but will need to show up in the preseason games. Calen Powell needs to show something as well.


Offensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Chris Samuels (LT), Derrick Dockery (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Backups: Mike Pucillo (G/C), Jon Alston (T), Jim Molinaro (T) Tyson Walter (G/C)
On the Bubble: Jonta Woodard, Keli Lefotu, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Jim Jones, Chris Pino

Again more changes. I think we saw who the coaching staff sees as the reserve group of linemen. Pucillo and Walter the off season additions as well as Alston and Molinaro seem to have a heads up in the final 9. Zeek most likely will battle for a PS spot with Lefotu, Woodard, and the rest. However any stumble over the next 3 weeks and a roster spot could open up quickly.

Defensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Andre Carter (RE), Phillip Daniels (LE), Cornellius Griffin (DT), Joe Salave’a (DT)
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn (DE), Demetric Evans (DE), Anthony Montgomery (DT), Cedric Killings (DT), Kedric Golston (DT)
On the Bubble: Manaia Brown, Vaka Manupuna, Joe Sykes,
Outside looking in: Ryan Boschetti, Nic Clemons, Karon Riley

Not much change here. Brown, Manupuna, and Sykes may be looking to impress coaches enough to warrant a PS spot. Boschetti, Clemons, and Riley are out of PS opportunities and would need to unseat one of the 9 ahead of them. Not likely.

Line Backer
Allotted Roster Spaces: 7
Projected Starter: Warrick Holdman (WLB), Lemar Marshall (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Backups: Rocky McIntosh (OLB), Khary Campbell (MLB) Chris Clemons (OLB), Kevin Simon (MLB)
On the Bubble: Spencer Havner, Robert McCune

Warrick Holdman simply looked horrible in the scrimmage. The only time I noticed him was when he was being blocked 15 yards down the field b y a wide receiver. He will have to do better or McIntosh who seemed to be around the ball a lot when he was in will win the starting spot, rookie or no. Campbell and Simon both played well. Havner looked lost at times but Clemons did as well. McCune was not really seen at all.

Defensive Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Shawn Springs (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Adam Archueletta (S)
Projected Backups: Kenny Wright (CB), Ade Jimoh (CB), Christian Morton (CB), Pierson Prioleau (S), Reed Doughty (S)
On the Bubble: Dimitri Patterson, Dennard Wilson, Curry Burns, Chris Hawkins, John Eubanks, Aric Williams

Reed Doughty seemed to play the run well but got lost in pass coverage. However Pierson Prioleau lined up at a variety of positions, including corner. In fact he could be our nickel back if Wright does not work out. Morton did not play entirely well but no one stepped up to overtake him either.

Specialists
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Derrick Frost (P), John Hall (K), Ethan Albright (LS)
On the Bubble: David Lonie (P)
Outside looking In: Tyler Jones (K)

Lonie shanked a couple of punts in the scrimmage and Frost looked pretty good. You would have to be crazy to think that he is ahead right now. But it is a long pre-season and anything could happen. Hall seems to be firmly entrenched as the kicker despite going 1/3 and Jones is just auditioning for the first phone call if Hall goes down to injury.

Practice Squad Predictions:

RB Jesse Lumsden: Another strong showing by Lumsden. But Carter had a pretty good showing as well. Lumsden is fast but Carter seems to make people miss. This one will come down to the first mistake made by either of the Canadians

OL Ikechuku Ndukwe & Jasper Harvey: Harvey looks good but he is third at Center right now. Zeke will take another year at PS and develop into a decent reserve.

TE Buck Ortega: Buck is behind the top 3 and will spend the year prepping to be ready in case of injury.

DB Dimitri Patterson & Dennard Wilson: No real reason to put them here besides there probably will be two DBs on the PS and these guys seem to stand out over the rest.

WR Mike Espy: Another strong practice and a strong scrimmage. This kid is raw but could be very good someday.

LB Spencer Havner: Havner looks to be lost at times and spending a year on the PS getting used to the NFL will be invaluable.

LB Philippe Gardent : NFL Europe put him here, and here he will stay till the end of the year, or the end of NFL Europe….whatever happens first.

On to Pre Season football where we play Cincinnati this Sunday. It should give our rookies a chance to show what they got.


Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!

Vision Quest: 53 Man Roster Opening of Training Camp 2006

Can you smell it? The air smells with the odor of freshly cut grass. The lines are being placed on the field and the pads are being pulled out of the locker. It’s time for Training Camp baby and the Redskins take the field. So now it is time for us to come out of our summer slumber and root on our boys in Burgundy & Gold.

This time of year is used to evaluate talent and start filling out Depth Charts. While the first cut downs won’t happen for some time, decisions are being made now that effect who will stay on the roster. As the coaches line up their guys in one on one drills they are also deciding playing time in the preseason where most personnel decisions will be made. With that in mind it is time to update my predictions for the final 53 man roster.

Barring any major injuries it is my belief the Redskins will revert to a more standard roster breakdown this year. New will be the fullback position gone will be the H-back. At the end of the day the Redskins will probably have the following Roster breakdown: 3 QBs, 3 RBs, 2 FBs, 5 WRs, 3 TEs, 9 OL, 9 DL, 7 LB, 9 DB, 1 P, 1 K, 1 LS for a total of 53 spots.

It’s early enough for anyone to make the roster though and the battle for the last 5 roster spots is going to be fierce.

Quarterback
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Mark Brunell
Projected Backups: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins
On the Bubble: Casey Bramlet

No change here from July. The only interesting thing is Gibbs assertion that Campbell will get the majority of Pre-season snaps. Sounds like the #2 job is his for the taking. Campbell will have to fail miserably in those outings for Saunders and Gibbs to give the backup QB position to Todd Collins, a career 3rd stringer.

Running Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Clinton Portis
Projected Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright
On the Bubble: Jesse Lumsden, Kerry Carter, Johnathan Combs

Again no change from July. Clinton Portis will be the starter, Ladell Betts the primary backup, and Rock Cartwright the emergency back who specializes in special teams. While the message boards and even some other Redskin sites are ablaze with Lumsden mania, I am still not buying it. I think Lumsden has enough talent to get to the Practice squad, but that is all for now. Kerry Carter and John Combs may have something to say about that in the long run as well.

Full Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 2
Projected Starter: Mike Sellers
Projected Backup: Manuel White
On the Bubble: Nemo Broughton

Once again no change from July. Mike Sellers will be the type of full back Portis will love to run behind and be a red zone pass catching threat. Manuel White gets the edge here because Nemo is switching position while White is a natural fullback. This will be a fierce competition for the backup spot and it will come down to special team play as well as proficiency at the position.

Wide Receiver
Allotted Roster Spaces: 5
Projected Starters: Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd
Projected Backups: Atwaan Randle El, David Patten, James Thrash
On the Bubble: Taylor Jacobs, Ataveus Cash, Steven Harris, Mike Espy, Jimmy Farris, Richard Smith

No change from July. This is about as give me as it gets. Unless the Redskins suffer a pre-season injury necessitating keeping 6 WR or worse yet someone goes on IR I doubt any of the Bubble guys make the roster. That is really bad news for Jacobs, Cash, & Farris who will have to look for another team. Espy, Harris, And Smith most likely are looking for a PS spot.

Tight End
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: Chris Cooley
Projected Backups: Christian Fauria, Robert Johnson
On the Bubble: Buck Ortega, Calen Powell

Chris Cooley’s move back to TE crowds up the field at one of the most productive positions in Saunder’s offense in Kansas City. Add to that the addition of Fauria in the off season and the rest are fighting for one TE spot. Rob Johnson is the odds on favorite being as big as a house and having some skill as well. Buck Ortega is from Miami and we all know how well Miami guys do in Washington, he will probably spend a year on the PS ala Rob Johnson last year. Calen Powell is most likely camp fodder.


Offensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Chris Samuels (LT), Derrick Dockery (LG), Casey Rabach (C), Randy Thomas (RG), Jon Jansen (RT)
Projected Backups: Jonta Woodard (T), Keli Lefotu (G/T), Mike Pucillo (G/C), Jasper Harvey (C)
On the Bubble: Jon Alston, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Jim Jones, Jim Molinaro, Tyson Walter, Chris Pino

Some slight changes here. The starting five remain the same and will gel with a second year of working together will no doubt improve teamwork and protection schemes. Word out of mini camps and Redskins.com is Jasper Harvey and Jonta Woodard are having awesome camps. I am moving them up to roster spots considering Tyson Walter saw little action in 2005 with the worst team in football (the Houston Texans) and Jim Molinaro has not produced much with us despite being needed several times over the last two years. Line depth continues to be a question and it is anyone’s guess who will make the squad.

Defensive Line
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Andre Carter (RE), Phillip Daniels (LE), Cornellius Griffin (DT), Joe Salave’a (DT)
Projected Backups: Renaldo Wynn (DE), Demetric Evans (DE), Anthony Montgomery (DT), Cedric Killings (DT), Kedric Golston (DT)
On the Bubble: Ryan Boschetti, Nic Clemons, Manaia Brown, Vaka Manupuna, Chris Mineo, Joe Sykes, Karon Riley,

No change here since July either. Andre Carter will start at RE and Phillip Daniels at Left End, Cornellius Griffin and Joe Salave’a at the tackle spots. This unit should provide us with a pass rush from the front four for the first time in years. Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evqans versatility will allow them to sub in and have a good rotation at both the ends and the tackle spots during passing downs. Killings, Montgomery, and Galston can provide needed rest and sub in if Griffin and Salvea get injured this year. On the outside looking in are two guys who made the squad last year, Boschetti and Clemons. It will be interesting to sse if they push any of the two young DTs to the practice squad.

Line Backer
Allotted Roster Spaces: 7
Projected Starter: Warrick Holdman (WLB), Lemar Marshall (MLB), Marcus Washington (SLB)
Projected Backups: Rocky McIntosh (OLB), Khary Campbell (MLB) Spencer Havner (OLB), Kevin Simon (MLB)
On the Bubble: Chris Clemons, Robert McCune

A lot of change has happened to this position since July but two things are constant. Lemar Marshall and Marcus Washington. However due to Rocky’s injury and the apparent resurgence of Warick Holdman it looks as if at least for the time being Holdman will start at WLB and Rocky will backup. I still believe Holdman will need to start the season as the #1 WLB to retain a job, I just think he has a fairly good chance at doing so. The not so good news for Chris Clemons is his move to SAM. He will be competing with Spencer Havner for a roster spot. Khary Campbell and Kevin Campbell will also compete for the MLB. The last spot will come down to special teams play as the losers of the SAM and MLB battle will duke it out with Robert McCune for the sole remaining spot.

Defensive Back
Allotted Roster Spaces: 9
Projected Starter: Shawn Springs (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Sean Taylor (S), Adam Archueletta (S)
Projected Backups: Kenny Wright (CB), Ade Jimoh (CB), Christian Morton (CB), Pierson Prioleau (S), Reed Doughty (S)
On the Bubble: Dimitri Patterson, Dennard Wilson, Curry Burns, Chris Hawkins, John Eubanks, Aric Williams

No change since my July predictions here. Springs and Rogers start at corner, Taylor and Arch at Safety. Pierson Prioleau is our first safety off the bench and Kenny Wright is our nickleback. Ade Jioimoh and Christian Morton provide depth at corner and Doughty at S. Dennard Wilson and Curry Burns will have to compete with Doughty for the backup S spot. Patterson, Eubanks and Williams have outside chances of beating out Christan Morton but more likely are competing for a Practice squad placement.

Specialists
Allotted Roster Spaces: 3
Projected Starter: David Lonie (P), John Hall (K), Ethan Albright (LS)
On the Bubble: Derrick Frost (P), Tyler Jones (K)

I am not backing off my prediction that Lonie will beat out Frost for the Punter spot. It is my contention he simply was one of the worst pounters in the league last year and anyone with a live leg can beat him out. Hall will come back for another year but if tyler Jones looks good in pre-season he will be only 1 phone call away. Ethan Albright is a machine and one of the best long snappers in the NFL

Practice Squad Predictions:

RB Jesse Lumsden: Lumsden has had a good mini camp and a good training camp can get him a PS spot. There is no need to carry more then 3 RBs when you could always promote a guy from the PS in case of injury. This is Lumsden best hope of being with the Redskins next year barring injury to Rock, Portis, or Betts

OL Ikechuku Ndukwe & Jon Alston: They spend one more year on the PS and serve as decent backups for injuries.

TE Buck Ortega: B uck will use Robert Johnson as a role model if he can’t beat him out on the practice field.

DB Dimitri Patterson & Dennard Wilson: If they stay injury free and there are no injuries to those ahead of them then these guys can get a year to grow and learn the GW defense.

WR Mike Espy: Can return kicks in a pinch as well as using a year to mature and learn the Saunder’s system.

LB Robert McCune: McCune better hope Clemons does not beat out Havner or Simon for a roster spot otherwise he may be off the roster completely.

Training camp will change this for sure but this is my best guess for now.


Until next time Hail to the Redskins!!!!