Practice update:
The Redskins conducted a walk-through so they didn’t
practice. The only injury concern is receiver James Thrash, who
re-aggravated his high ankle sprain in his left foot. He wants to try
and practice Thursday, but that could be iffy.
Locker room topic No. 1:
Washington’s defense. The eighth-ranked
Redskins’ D has maintained a high level of play in part because of
Gregg Williams’ schemes. In fact, Phillip Daniels said he deserves 90
percent of the credit for his willingness to change and adapt to his
talent. The Redskins have used less three-man lines than last year and
have used their safeties different. Also, they used a Cover 2 a lot
early but became more aggressive when that didn’t work (and when
injuries forced them to change). "He really trusted," Daniels said,
"and trusted our defense that we could just go out and line up and
play well and not have to trick anybody with all the packages." Make
no mistake, they have the packages and against Minnesota they used 10
different personnel packages; that’s twice as many as normal.
Locker room topic No. 2:
2005 vs. 2007. The Redskins, probably to a
man, say they’re much better than when they played Seattle in the first
meeting. For starters, they’re probably healthier, a funny thing to say
given what’s transpired this season. But most of the reserves have been
starting for a while now. The receiving corps is in much better shape.
And the passing game is ten times better with Todd Collins at
quarterback than it was with Mark Brunell. Defensively, a healthy Shawn Springs is a big difference. The D-line is also healthier than it was
at the end of that season. Seattle is not as good as in 2005.
Joe Gibbs says:
On young players and playoffs: "The danger with young
guys is they think it will go on forever and, ‘Hey, we’re in the
playoffs; we’ll be in the playoffs every year.’ The veteran guys know
that’s not the case; the young guys are happy to be on the team
sometimes. I noticed some veteran guys [Tuesday] who were here the
longest in meetings themselves. They realize how important it is. You
worry more about the young guys."
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