Washington Redskins returned to the practice field Saturday after defeating the Buffalo Bills Thursday, 7 – 6. Practice wasn’t really much of one, as the team worked with no pads – just shells. The focus seemed to be goal line, kick-off/punt coverage, and intermediate routes. A few things and players stood out, and we’ll discuss that below in our player notes.
1. Robert Griffin III looked off at times, but he also had a few “wow” moments. Until Monday, Griffin had yet to throw a ball over 30 yards in camp, which is interesting. Monday Griffin connected with Leonard Hankerson on a “Hail Mary” play during a “2 second” drill. The coaches have seemed to focus on his ability to throw “anticipation routes.” If there was a weakness in Griffin’s game that scouts felt he needed to work on, it was anticipation routes. These are intermediate – timing routes that you must anticipate and lead your receiver in order to maximize the play. We already know Griffin has a cannon and can throw a 9 route, but it is interesting that Washington has yet to practice deep routes with Griffin as QB.
2. Mike Shanahan on absent Trent Williams: “He has a bone bruise. He’s pretty sore right now. We’ll have to play it day-by-day. I know it’ll be a few days.” Maurice Hurt also didn’t practice Saturday, Shanahan says, “He’s a little bit sore right now. I’m not sure he’s going to be able to practice on Monday. He’s got a tendon behind his knee that’s a little bit inflamed, but hopefully it won’t keep him out too much.” Both players practiced individually Monday. Trent says he feels better, but it’s totally up to Shanahan on when he’ll fully return.
3. Jarvis Jenkins was out with the flu, but was back Monday.
4. Jordan Black started at left tackle with Trent Williams out. However, an interesting note I’ve taken is the amount of times Washington practices QB sweeps with Griffin to the right side – behind Tyler Polumbus. They seem to have confidence in his ability with Jammal Brown injured.
5. Kirk Cousins has a live arm. Kirk threw two darts downfield to Aldrick Robinson and Sam Kirkland, which both resulted in long TD’s. Really impressed by his ability to throw downfield.
6. On one defensive snap nose tackle Chris Baker played zero technique and Barry Cofield play 5 tech – defensive end. Thought that was interesting.
7. Niles Paul’s hands were solid after dropping quite a few balls during last Thursday’s game. Of course, he now needs to translate that to actual games.
8. With Josh Morgan back, Leonard Hankerson continues to start opposite of Pierre Garcon. Unless something happens between now and week 1, Hankerson will be a starter.
9. Tristan Davis continues to impress in practice. It will be interesting to see if he gets a shot during pre-eason games.
10. Hugh Douglas, former Philadelphia Eagle, was at practice and we had an opportunity to chat during live action. He said after watching Griffin last Thursday he had to come out and see him practice. Douglas said he’s never seen a QB this well put together and he’s excited for Griffin’s future.
By Emmanual Benton