Post by The President on Jun 27, 2007 7:51:32 GMT -5
www.nfl.com/news/story/10234177
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
(June 22, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Washington Redskins' offseason moves: They took solid steps to address the next-to-last-ranked defense in 2006.
The biggest was first-round draft pick LaRon Landry, an exceptionally talented safety from LSU. The Redskins had more pressing needs elsewhere, especially on the defensive line. However, they could justify selecting Landry because he was simply too good a player to pass up. With his excellent pass-coverage skills and run-stopping ability, he is capable of handling a variety of responsibilities and, therefore, taking some pressure off the front seven as well as the rest of the secondary. Landry and Sean Taylor should promptly form a top-flight safety pairing. A bizarre accident -- Landry sustained a groin injury from a paintball shot during a June 13 team-building outing -- caused him to miss some offseason work, but he should be fully ready to participate in training camp.
The Redskins, who had a mere 12 takeaways in 2006, further helped their secondary by signing free-agent cornerbacks David Macklin (formerly of the Arizona Cardinals) and Fred Smoot (Minnesota Vikings). At the very least, they should provide some much-needed depth behind Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers. Springs was slowed by three injuries last season.
Free-agent middle linebacker London Fletcher, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, has a thorough understanding of the defense, which he learned when Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams coached the Bills. Fletcher has lost a bit physically, but his intelligence and savvy should still allow him to be more than a marginal factor. If nothing else, he will make certain that everyone on defense is where he is supposed to be at all times.
There has been every indication through the offseason that running backs Clinton Portis -- who is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from shoulder and knee injuries -- and Ladell Betts will co-exist nicely in one of the best running back combinations in the league.
After Landry, the Redskins didn't have a draft choice until the fifth round, where they selected linebacker Dallas Sartz from USC. Sartz and the rest of Washington's draft picks are decent and should provide help in the not-too-distant future.
This is what concerns me: Jason Campbell performed well enough during the seven games he played last season to secure the starting quarterback job. However, beyond his impressive poise and strong passing arm, he still had to work on some key areas, such as leadership and consistent accuracy on short and intermediate routes.
Santana Moss is Washington's top game-breaking threat at wide receiver, but it remains to be seen whether Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El can raise their performance levels high enough to help with Campbell's development and make the offense better.
It also is uncertain whether the Redskins can find an adequate replacement for offensive guard Derrick Dockery, who signed with the Bills in free agency.
By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
(June 22, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Washington Redskins' offseason moves: They took solid steps to address the next-to-last-ranked defense in 2006.
The biggest was first-round draft pick LaRon Landry, an exceptionally talented safety from LSU. The Redskins had more pressing needs elsewhere, especially on the defensive line. However, they could justify selecting Landry because he was simply too good a player to pass up. With his excellent pass-coverage skills and run-stopping ability, he is capable of handling a variety of responsibilities and, therefore, taking some pressure off the front seven as well as the rest of the secondary. Landry and Sean Taylor should promptly form a top-flight safety pairing. A bizarre accident -- Landry sustained a groin injury from a paintball shot during a June 13 team-building outing -- caused him to miss some offseason work, but he should be fully ready to participate in training camp.
The Redskins, who had a mere 12 takeaways in 2006, further helped their secondary by signing free-agent cornerbacks David Macklin (formerly of the Arizona Cardinals) and Fred Smoot (Minnesota Vikings). At the very least, they should provide some much-needed depth behind Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers. Springs was slowed by three injuries last season.
Free-agent middle linebacker London Fletcher, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, has a thorough understanding of the defense, which he learned when Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams coached the Bills. Fletcher has lost a bit physically, but his intelligence and savvy should still allow him to be more than a marginal factor. If nothing else, he will make certain that everyone on defense is where he is supposed to be at all times.
There has been every indication through the offseason that running backs Clinton Portis -- who is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from shoulder and knee injuries -- and Ladell Betts will co-exist nicely in one of the best running back combinations in the league.
After Landry, the Redskins didn't have a draft choice until the fifth round, where they selected linebacker Dallas Sartz from USC. Sartz and the rest of Washington's draft picks are decent and should provide help in the not-too-distant future.
This is what concerns me: Jason Campbell performed well enough during the seven games he played last season to secure the starting quarterback job. However, beyond his impressive poise and strong passing arm, he still had to work on some key areas, such as leadership and consistent accuracy on short and intermediate routes.
Santana Moss is Washington's top game-breaking threat at wide receiver, but it remains to be seen whether Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El can raise their performance levels high enough to help with Campbell's development and make the offense better.
It also is uncertain whether the Redskins can find an adequate replacement for offensive guard Derrick Dockery, who signed with the Bills in free agency.