You can reach me by email at rtandler@comcast.net
Note: Only those with premium access can listen to
the audio clips.
It was relatively cool and cloudy at Redskins Park on
Tuesday afternoon as the Redskins took the field in half pads for a lively
session that focused on the passing game. Several Redskins sat out the
practice, including guard Ray Brown. Trainer Bubba Tyer gave us an update,
sort of, on Brown and on Santana Moss.
As the drills progressed, Patrick Ramsey showed both his great
potential and some flaws in his game. One of the flaws was a knack for following his primary
receiver down the field with his eyes, giving the defense a big tipoff as
to where the ball is going. It’s a flaw that has been an issue ever since he
came into the league and if he is going to take the proverbial next step, he’s
going to have to look the defenders off if not on every pass then often enough
to keep them honest.
Later on, Ramsey showed the good and the bad on consecutive
plays. One play he threw a perfectly-timed pass to Darnerien McCants, releasing
the ball just as the receiver made his break. Unfortunately, the ball sailed
over the head of the wide-open McCants. As I was describing
that play, Ramsey stepped up into the pocket and, lofting the ball artfully
over the defenders dropped a pass into the hands of James Thrash, who snared it
about 25 yards downfield.
Ladell Betts is having his best training camp as he enters
his fourth year in the league. That’s not really much of a bold statement as he
has spent a good chunk of the time in his three previous camps injured. He’s
developing into a solid
North-South runner who hits the holes with authority. After practice I talked to Betts
about his camp and asked what his role in the offense will be this year.
One player who continues to impress everyone is David Patten. While Ramsey and the other quarterbacks occasionally have trouble
getting the ball to him, the man gets separation
and catches the ball play after play, in pitch and catch, in seven on seven and
in full scrimmages. From the first minute of the first interview he gave back
at minicamp, the view here was that he would be a fan favorite because of his intensity.
Thus far, he’s proving that to be true.
Jason Campbell looked good running the
ball on one play and Nehemiah Broughton showed some good burst.
On the defensive side of the ball, with Shawn Springs sitting out and Carlos Rogers not seeing any action yet, Ade Jimoh got considerable action at
cornerback.
After practice, LaVar Arrington seemed to be in good spirits
after his encouraging workout earlier in the day.
