NFL FanHouse

Colt Brennan Plans to Prove in the Preseason That He's a Starting QB

Michael David Smith — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

To veteran NFL players, the preseason is a necessary evil, a four-game stretch in which they get paid peanuts (relatively speaking) and just hope they don't get hurt. But to young players trying to prove themselves, the preseason can represent a major opportunity. And Redskins backup quarterback Colt Brennan says he's going to make the most of that opportunity.

In fact, Brennan -- who played very well in the 2008 preseason but never saw the field in the regular season -- sounds like he thinks that with another good preseason in 2009, he could be ready to take the starting job (currently held by Jason Campbell) in 2010.

Here's what Brennan said on Sporting News Radio's The Monty Show (via PFT):

"I gotta step in this year," Brennan said. "They've already made it clear that they're going to play me a ton in the pre-season and we gotta play four very talented teams and talented defenses and that's going to be my test. ...

"Right now it seems like it's in everyone's hands," Brennan said. "For Jason Campbell it's his last year, it's in his hands to go out and earn that second contract and earn that for him. And for me in the preseason it's my chance to go out there for the second year and prove that I belong and have a great preseason and show that I belong and maybe could be a starter one day."

I think Campbell is the Redskins' quarterback of the present and of the future, so I don't think there's a whole lot Brennan can do in the preseason to become the starter in Washington. But I do think Brennan can parlay some impressive preseason performances into an opportunity to start elsewhere, much as Matt Hasselbeck did when he was stuck behind Brett Favre in Green Bay. Brennan has the right attitude toward preseason preparation.

Colt Brennan Plans to Prove in the Preseason That He's a Starting QB originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Cooley Burns a Dead Cow, Blogs About the Experience

Matt Snyder — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

In "news" sure to get someone's panties in a bunch, Chris Cooley posted an interesting, we'll say, entry on his personal blog recently. Apparently on his land in Wyoming, the Redskins tight end stumbled upon a cow carcass. Naturally, he and his cohorts set the already-deceased animal on fire to "get rid of it." Cooley has teased a video of the fire, but it's not yet posted. Update: He has decided to not post the video.

My first reaction to this was, "Oh great, now a bunch of people are going to be all up in arms about how disgusting this was." Frankly, I am surprised he posted it on the Internet, what with all the wackos around who will stir up controversy over just about anything nowadays. I guess he doesn't care if it does ignite controversy, so kudos to him for that.

For the record, Cooley did post a message he received on Facebook in his blog's comments section to explain a very reasonable stance:

As the Director for adoptions for a rescue, an animal rights activist, a Vet Tech and a member of the HSUS this is not an act of cruelty. It all rights burning the corpse of a dead farm animal is the right thing to do to stop the spread of disease.

As an animal lover yes it is hard to see it but it was the right thing to do to save the other animals around.

I hate that I feel this way, but it seems like someone is going to complain about this. I don't know who or why, but it's a gut feeling. I sincerely hope I'm wrong because this doesn't seem like anything to be worried about. In fact -- and I'll admit to being a "city boy" and knowing nothing about dead animal procedure -- it seems as though they did the proper thing.

My only other response would be that my second thought -- as a big-time steak-lover -- was the loss of all that great meat. What a shame.

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Dallas Cowboys player Marc Colombo performs with his band, Free Reign at the House of Blues, Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Dallas Cowboys players Marc Colombo, center, Leonard Davis, right, and Cory Proctor perform with their band, Free Reign at the House of Blues, Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Chris Cooley Burns a Dead Cow, Blogs About the Experience originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haynesworth: Bucs Would Have Given More Money

JJ Cooper — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:47:00 EST

Filed under: Buccaneers, Redskins, Titans

When Albert Haynesworth signed his seven-year, $100 million contract with the Redskins he immediately became the highest paid defensive player in the league.

But now he's told Sirius radio (as relayed by the Bucs Beat) that he could have actually earned a lot more if he was willing to become a Tampa Bay Buc. Instead, he wanted to go to Washington because he wanted to be part of a team in a big market--something that disqualified both the Titans and Bucs in his mind.

"They offered me a whole lot more, and even with their tax situation, it could have been 20 percent more. But you look at Washington, they've got a lot of the pieces together. They're right there. They're in a huge market. It's one of the largest markets in the world. You've just got a large, huge media outlet and it can be life beyond football. Going to Tampa, I mean, great city. Looking at it from the off-season standpoint, I love the water. I love to be out in the sun. It's just awesome, but it would've been like another Nashville. Tampa doesn't have that big market and they don't have a huge fan base like the Washington Redskins do, so I think it was just a choice just to look at it that way."

The Redskins do have arguably a larger fan base than the Bucs or Titans, but does it really help to lob a grenade at the fans of another team in the same conference?

But more notably, this is just a further reminder that either there was some tampering going on or the first hours of the free agent signing period was amazingly busy, as Haynesworth's agent managed to field a massive offer from the Redskins, take down the details of an even bigger offer from the Bucs (and work out the tax ramifications), decide to go back to the Redskins and work out the parameters of a deal and nail it down, all in the first couple of hours after teams could legally talk to free agents.

Haynesworth: Bucs Would Have Given More Money originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Gibbs (Kind Of) Questions Jason Campbell's Toughness

Matt Snyder — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Coaching

In Mike Wise's Washington Post column from this morning, you'll find a story about Jim Zorn and Joe Gibbs hanging out and shooting the proverbial, uh, well, you know. In it, you'll find discussions ranging from charity work to Zorn's admiration about the legacy Gibbs left as a great coach for the Washington Redskins.

Invariably, the subject of the Redskins' polarizing quarterback came up. Gibbs was specifically asked about how Jason Campbell handled the situation this offseason where the Redskins tried to replace him, not once, but twice. Alas, Jay Cutler is in Chicago and Mark Sanchez is in New York. The Redskins are "stuck" with Campbell and his big arm.

The following excerpt, including Gibbs' quote after he was asked if Campbell was mistreated, grabbed my eye.

"I have a different outlook on that," Gibbs said of shopping the quarterback he had plucked from Auburn. "At some point you're going to have to take the team down the field in a driving hailstorm to win the game. If you get all uptight about stuff as the quarterback -- if [trade rumors] is something that bothers you -- you're in the wrong position."

Translation: Buck up, Jason.

"You gotta realize an NFL quarterback is going to go through a lot -- all the ones I coached did," Gibbs added through that shrill laugh of his. "If it wasn't [Mark] Rypien getting benched in the middle of a season, it was Joe Theismann technically going to get benched. Or it was Doug Williams going through two teams and coming here when everybody thought his career was over."

I'm left scratching my head over the entire block. Did Gibbs really indirectly say Campbell needed to "buck up" as Wise states with the middle paragraph?

First of all, Campbell didn't pull a Cutler. He took his medicine and moved on as the leader of the team. He said he wanted to leave the past behind him when someone asked him if he was upset the team tried to replace him. Secondly, he did said he would demand a trade if they acquired another starter, but that's because he wants to be a starting quarterback, not because he's a baby. That actually shows some fire, in a "if you don't want me, I'll kick your ass" kind of way.

Gibbs simply said if trade rumors bother you, you're in the wrong position. Campbell took them in stride and said he's ready to concentrate on 2009. Is this simply a case of fanning the flames by a columnist?

Not completely.

In the second paragraph of quotes from Gibbs, it does seem like he's at least somewhat jabbing at Campbell. So what to make of all this?

Really, it's all part of being a quarterback. You're in the spotlight. When the team wins, you get the credit, even if it's undue (hello Eli Manning). When the team loses, you catch the blame, even if it's undue (hi, Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler).

It's a big year for Campbell. He's under a bigger microscope than ever, because most of the rest of the team seems to be a playoff caliber roster. Should they fail to make it, he and Zorn will be the most likely scapegoats.

And it looks like a line is already forming to at least kind of question Campbell's toughness -- starting with the great Joe Gibbs. In June.

Good luck, Jason.

Joe Gibbs (Kind Of) Questions Jason Campbell's Toughness originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Portis Says 'There's No Beef Between Me And Coach Zorn'

Ryan Wilson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Fans, NFL Rumors

Late last season, as the Redskins were slipping in the standings, frustrations began to mount. After a 6-2 start, Washington lost five of six, and first-year head coach Jim Zorn was not only the target of criticism, there was speculation that his job might be in trouble.

The latter proved to be just a rumor, but running back Clinton Portis was partly responsible for the former. During a Dec. 2008 appearance on the John Thompson show, he told the former Georgetown coach that, "We got a genius for a head coach, I don't know, I'm sure he on top of things. He's got everything figured out. Hey, that's up to him. All I can do is when he calls a play is go out and try to execute to the best of my ability."

In case it's not obvious, Portis was being sarcastic. Zorn later responded and was surprisingly diplomatic given the circumstances.

Portis and Zorn eventually worked things out and everybody lived happily ever after. Well, until last week, when Pro Football Talk reported that "Multiple sources have advised us that Portis shows little or no respect to coach Jim Zorn, and that the situation bubbled over at least once during the team's OTA sessions, with Portis telling the coach off in front of other players."

The Washington Times' David Elfin caught up with Portis this week to get his reaction to the news that he's a team cancer.

"How this story came about, I have no idea," Portis said. "There's nothing going on. There's no beef between me and Coach Zorn. We're on good terms at this present moment. There's no problem." ...

"I don't know why people have that in their mind," Portis said. "Me and Coach [Joe] Gibbs had a great relationship. We talked more than me and Coach Zorn do, but lately me and Coach Zorn been talking, trying to get on the same page. Things been going good. He understand me and I understand him."

To be fair, Portis can be outspoken, so it's not a completely insane notion that he might sometimes say things he shouldn't. That doesn't mean he's unmanageable or ignores authority. It just means that he occasionally talks too much. He's been in Washington since 2004, missed just nine games, and rushed for more than 1,200 yards four times. And he's universally loved by fans. There are better examples of guys who aren't team players.

Meanwhile, Terrell Owens, who can divide a locker room like nobody's business, is working on his third club. So, yeah, relatively speaking, maybe Portis isn't that bad.

Portis Says 'There's No Beef Between Me And Coach Zorn' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Redskins Tailgating Rules Generate Plenty of Discussion

Matt Snyder — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Fans

Many Washington Redskins fans have recently received what they deem to be very bad news. Fortunately, the news does not involve the team in any direct way, but it does affect fans who like to arrive early, set up shop and tailgate until kickoff. According to a letter recently mailed to some Redskins' suite holders, tailgating around FedEx Field will now be limited to "the last few rows of each lot." Tailgating is flat-out barred in Platinum Lots.

Team spokesmen, of course, are putting a much different spin on the situation. They have announced there will be a new parking lot opened up, which adds about 3,000 spaces. They have also reworked traffic patterns and parking policies -- in an effort to better handle the flow of incoming and outgoing traffic before and after the game.

"We expect to have more tailgaters than ever," said Mitch Gershman, the Redskins Chief Operating Officer. "Those who want to meet with their friends will have more space, and those who want to simply park will find it easier to do so."

The chief source of fan complaints on message boards thus far has been the portion of the letter sent to ticket holders which addresses where people park. In the past, spots were basically given on a first-come, first-served basis. As we understand it, in the past, people could arrive at the crack of dawn and take up several spots in the front row closest to the stadium.

No more, because now each vehicle will be directed to a specific spot by a parking attendant.

Moving forward, fans who wish to just park in a single spot and walk into the game will be given spots closest to the stadium. Fans who wish to nab several spots and tailgate for hours will be sent to the back of the parking lots.

"Everyone who wants to tailgate should be able to tailgate. We absolutely believe that," Gershman said. "This is designed to improve the experience for fans who want to tailgate."

"Our outside consultant analyzed the flow on roads and in the parking lots at FedEx Field, with cameras recording the traffic patterns. What we found was that when tailgaters spread into multiple spaces, it caused congestion in the lots, and resulted in inconvenience to everyone - the fans tailgating and the fans who were just looking to park in their assigned lots."

Obviously, two natural sides to the discussion appear immediately.

The pro-tailgaters will likely cry foul that they are being relegated to the back of the lot like some sort of nuisance. If you go to the effort of waking up at 5 AM, they'd argue, why can't you park right next to the stadium and be able to walk the shortest distance into the game once game time strikes. After all, it's an American football tradition to show up hours before a game, fire up the grill, crack open a few drinks and toss the pigskin around.

On the flip-side, some tailgate parties can get out of control and are not conducive to a family atmosphere. People who are annoyed or disgusted by some tailgate parties would likely to be extremely happy to hear they won't have to deal with this headache when attending Redskins games in the future.

Thus, there are some quite animated arguments across the internet on message boards and talk-radio lines in the DC area are buzzing. This will likely continue for a while.

As we could see in the above quotes, the Redskins are doing everything they can to try and accommodate both groups. You aren't always going to make everyone happy, and the big-time tailgaters are the ones disappointed here, even if the Redskins say they expect more tailgaters than ever.

FanHouse has contacted some Redskins' public relations personnel with the hopes of having a few more questions answered, and we'll update the story should any more information come to light.

New Redskins Tailgating Rules Generate Plenty of Discussion originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaRon Landry Fake Numbered Jim Zorn

Chris Burke — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Training Camp

ASHBURN, Va. -- Just a week ago, Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn expressed his disappointment over LaRon Landry's absence from OTAs (organized team activities). Zorn admitted he had been trying to get in touch with Landry, but the third-year safety had not returned any of his calls or texts.

On Thursday, after Washington's last team workout before training camp, we found out why.

Landry gave Zorn the ol' fake-number sliparoo.

"Several texts came back to me, and I thought, 'You know, I don't really have the right number,' " Zorn said.

It's the oldest trick in the dating playbook, but who knew it would work in the professional sports world? A little credit for Zorn, though, who refused to become one of those desperate stalker-types -- after a few attempts to reach Landry failed, Zorn gave up so completely that he had no idea Landry would join in Thursday's practice.

"I was surprised, pleasantly surprised and glad that he was able to participate in even one practice," Zorn said. "I really do think anytime you have everyone here, it's a positive. So I'm pleased."

And just to make sure that Landry doesn't vanish into thin air again?

"I said [to Landry], 'What phone number do I have, and what phone number do you really have?' " Zorn said.

Easy, coach. You're coming on a little strong.

In all seriousness, though, Landry's one-day-only appearance at Washington's voluntary OTA proved that his absence might not have been that big of a deal after all. Landry jumped right back into the mix, lining up with the Redskins' top defensive unit, paired with Chris Horton at the safety positions.

During a practice-ending passing drill, Landry stepped in front of a Colt Brennan toss and picked it off -- while his teammates ribbed him with calls of "Fresh legs! Fresh legs!"

"I was staying in shape," Landry said. "I came out and realized I have a couple things to catch up on in the playbook, but as far as my ability and endurance, it's all there."

Landry stressed that he had been working out on his own -- though he refused to get more specific than smiling and saying he was working on "football things" when asked about his offseason routine. He also promised he'd be back for the start of training camp in July, saying that the big deal made about his OTA absence bothered him.

"It hurt me personally, but I had to deal with it," Landry said. "It wasn't mandatory, but I knew when I came back, I would be in shape and I wouldn't let them down."

LaRon Landry Fake Numbered Jim Zorn originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Thrash Headed for PUP List?

Chris Burke — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Training Camp

Update (June 12): The Redskins decided not to wait any longer to determine Thrash's future -- the team announced today that it has released the veteran wide receiver after he failed to pass a physical. Both owner Dan Snyder and coach Jim Zorn expressed hope that Thrash would retain some sort of non-playing positive within the Washington organization.

ASHBURN, Va. -- There has been speculation throughout the Redskins' offseason workouts that wide receiver James Thrash may retire due to a lingering neck injury. If he opts to continue attempting to rehab instead, with designs on eventually returning to the field, Washington may be forced to place Thrash on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP).

It's a move that could come sooner rather than later. Thrash has, thus far, missed all of Washington's offseason workouts, and head coach Jim Zorn does not anticipate him returning for training camp in July. If that's the case, Zorn said, the Redskins will have to take action.

"He's got a situation where it's not improving -- we've got a little time, but certain decisions will have to be made as we go along here," Zorn said. "He was in my office today. We were talking about the plan, and we're just trying to work that plan."

Thrash saw action in all 16 Redskins games last season, starting five. He's sought out multiple opinions on the bulging neck disc that's causing him problems, but surgery would almost certainly force him to retire.

The Redskins must have their roster down to 80 players by July 30 when training camp begins, so they will probably try to make some sort of executive decision on Thrash's future by that point.

In other injury news out of Washington's OTA, offensive lineman Mike Williams sat out Thursday's workout. Zorn said that Williams is dealing with a pulled quad, and his absence had nothing to do with the minor knee injury he suffered earlier this week.

James Thrash Headed for PUP List? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaRon Landry Returns to Redskins, Next Stop: Super Bowl

Ryan Wilson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:50:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Fans

Thank God. LaRon Landry has returned to the Redskins' loving bosom. Search and rescue teams have been called off because Landry, who missed voluntary workouts last week and didn't return calls or texts from head coach Jim Zorn, showed up for work today. Disaster averted.

Last Thursday, Zorn told reporters that Landry's absence was "disappointing to his teammates as well" although "I fully expect him to be ready in training camp and go hard and have a great year."

Totally agree with that last bit, but I'm pretty sure Landry's teammates aren't losing sleep over him skipping organized team activities. You know, because unlike most of us who write about this stuff, the guys who actually play football for a living seem to understand that veteran starters familiar with the scheme aren't really missing much during the shorts and t-shirts portion of the summer schedule.

Take Chris Cooley, for example, who talked about Landry's absence on John Thompson's radio show earlier this week. Via the Sports Bog:

"Well, I think it means different things to different players," [Cooley] said. "And I know that sounds funny. But if I don't show up obviously it's gonna be in the media and it's gonna be discussed, but I'm not getting released from the team and I'm probably not putting my position in jeopardy at all. Obviously for the young guys and anyone drafted and anyone coming up trying to earn a spot, it's not voluntary. This is one of your only chances to show coaches what you can do, show coaches that you're a dependable person, and so young guys get a lot out of this work.

"A lot's been made out of LaRon Landry missing, and I don't think that's as big a deal [among] our players and in our locker room as it's been made in the media. We all know LaRon's in great shape, and we know two days into training camp that he'll come back and no one will remember that he missed. So I think a lot of the voluntary word depend on what your role actually is on the team."

So to recap: it's June, training camps are still six weeks off, and unless you're the Jets (OTA Super Bowl champs!), this time of year doesn't make or break the upcoming season.

That said, if the Redskins should happen to win the Super Bowl, we'll all look back on this Thursday in mid-June, knowingly nod our heads and quietly agree that Landry's decision to join his teammates was the difference. If only somebody had explained that to Dan Snyder a decade ago.

LaRon Landry Returns to Redskins, Next Stop: Super Bowl originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redskins' Keith Eloi: Better YouTube Jump Than Jarron Gilbert?

Michael David Smith — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

Bears rookie defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert became a YouTube star when the video of him jumping out of a pool was viewed more than 1 million times. But now Redskins rookie wide receiver Keith Eloi has a video making the case that he -- and not Gilbert -- deserves the title of best YouTube jump by an NFL rookie.

Above is Eloi's jump, from the ground into the back of a pickup truck, complete with commentary from a friend of Eloi's who accuses Gilbert of faking his jump: "Dude that jumped out of the pool ain't got nothing on my dog, man. That's fake. This real right here. No mirrors, no nothing."

Les Carpenter of the Washington Post reports on how the pickup truck jump came to be:

"I was definitely not trying to look like a fool," the Redskins wide receiver said yesterday afternoon, with a mournful shake of his head. "Instead of, 'Oh, wow, that's the guy who jumped in the truck' it would be 'Oh . . . he beat up his face right before his pro day.' "

But desperation can make a young athlete do a lot of mindless things in the name of getting noticed and after a San Jose State defensive tackle named Jarron Gilbert gained instant fame before this spring's draft by posting a video of himself leaping from a swimming pool, the players working out with Eloi suggested he do something to show off his vertical leap, which has been measured at 44 inches....

He has been told that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato had seen the YouTube video, though he has no idea if it made an impression on them. All he knows is that on the morning of the final minicamp practice, as he walked between fields, Cerrato pulled him aside and said, "We really like what we've seen of you, and we're going to sign you this week."

I believe Gilbert's jump is real, and I believe it's more impressive than Eloi's jump. Gilbert's jump is below; you can be the judge.

Redskins' Keith Eloi: Better YouTube Jump Than Jarron Gilbert? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drew Rosenhaus: Redskins Want to Win, Restructure Santana Moss Deal

Michael David Smith — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

The Washington Redskins have re-structured the contract of wide receiver Santana Moss, giving him a new guaranteed payment of $6.28 million in the process. As you might expect, Moss's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is pleased.

And as everyone who's following Rosenhaus on Twitter (like me) would expect, Rosenhaus has taken to expressing his pleasure in 140-character increments.

But I think Rosenhaus may have given the Redskins something of a backhanded compliment in these tweets:

I'm glad we were able to restructure Santana's deal. It was a win-win. More guaranteed $ for Santana and more cap room for the Redskins.

Santana restructured his contract with the Redskins in order to guarantee and front load the next two seasons. This will also improve his...

...chances of getting a new contract extension after the 09 season. The Redskins are one of the best teams to work with - they want to win.

Yes, as Rosenhaus says, the Redskins want to win, and they're easy to work with. At least, they are if you're the agent for a star player and you want to get that star player some cash.

I think the Redskins' problem, however, is that they're too easy to work with when signing new contracts for star players, and as a result they don't save enough salary cap space to build the nucleus of their franchise. For every Moss or Albert Haynesworth who gets showered with money by the Redskins, there's a mid-level player they can't afford to fit under their cap.

Rosenhaus works hard to make sure his clients make a lot of money, and that's why I don't think NFL teams should feel good about having Rosenhaus praising their spending habits.

Drew Rosenhaus: Redskins Want to Win, Restructure Santana Moss Deal originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orakpo Still Adapting to Linebacker

Matt Snyder — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

So, why did a team who ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense draft a defensive player in the first round?

Because Brian Orakpo fell to the 13th pick, was one of the most versatile defensive players in the draft, and improves an area where the Redskins were lacking. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache doesn't blitz, but that doesn't mean the Redskins couldn't use some pressure on the quarterback. That's (presumably, though we can't really be sure with Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder at the helm) why they coughed up a second-round draft pick for Jason Taylor. With injuries hampering Taylor, the Redskins managed only a paltry 24 sacks.

Enter Orakpo.

The chiseled 6-foot-4 260-pound specimen brings an added dimension to the Skins' defense for 2009. He's fast enough to handle short pass coverage and speed rusher, while also strong enough to take on blockers from either the defensive line or outside linebacker. During OTAs, Orakpo has been working with both defensive ends and linebackers. Head coach Jim Zorn has stated that Orakpo will be used at linebacker on presumed running downs and end on presumed passing downs. Getting after the passer shouldn't be an issue, that's what Orakpo does. The transition to outside linebacker, though, is still an ongoing process.

"I'm still trying to get acclimated to [linebacker], but I'm doing okay right now," Orakpo said. "I know I can do better at pass drops and reading coverages better and stuff, but that just all comes over time. So once OTAs get going and come training camp I should be full go."

It would be pretty unreasonable to expect Orakpo to simply step in and fill the outside like he's Lawrence Taylor -- though I'm sure Washington fans wouldn't mind that happening. Plus, it's more than three months until the season begins. There's going to be a learning curve, but -- as Orakpo points out -- he's still a football player.

"I'm feeling the difference, but it is still football," Orakpo said. "If you know what you're doing, you can play fast. If you don't, that's when you kind of get left behind. But what I try to do is go in and know what I'm doing, study my playbook, study the plays that we put in that day and try to play fast."

In the end, I still firmly believe this was a solid draft pick for the Redskins and they'll consider themselves fortunate they weren't able to complete the trade for Mark Sanchez. Orakpo's got Pro Bowl talent and versatility.

Orakpo Still Adapting to Linebacker originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lions Quickly Pounce on Jon Jansen

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: Lions, Redskins, NFC North

The decision of the Washington Redskins to release veteran lineman Jon Jansen on Friday came as a bit of a surprise.

There was no question Jansen had plenty of struggles with injuries over his decade in the nation's capital, but he is still a pretty solid lineman. That, and his many ties to the state of Michigan, have led him to quickly come to terms with the Detroit Lions.

Jansen was born in Michigan, and he played his college football at the University of Michigan. He spoke to the Washington Times, and it seems like he's pretty pumped.

"I'm besides myself with excitement," said Jansen, who grew up in suburban Detroit and makes his offseason home three hours north in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

For the Lions, this had to be a slam-dunk. They were able to get an established veteran lineman for a low salary, and they have taken a huge step toward beefing up an offensive line that was an insult to leaky offensive lines in 2008.

Fellow former Wolverine Jeff Backus will man the left tackle position (assuming Ephraim Salaam doesn't beat him out for the job), and Jansen should be given every chance to start on the right side.

Jansen has 123 NFL games on his body, and he is obviously not the best long-term option at the position. He does give them a viable option for a year or two while 2008 first-round pick Gosder Cherilus continues to learn.

It's also a nice story for the Lions, who are able to brag about signing a solid lineman with Michigan roots -- and not that long after adding Detroit native and University of Michigan star Larry Foote. That might not sound like much, but when you're coming off an 0-16 season, even the little things can feel pretty good.

Lions Quickly Pounce on Jon Jansen originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 29 May 2009 19:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: Redskins Release Jon Jansen

Matt Snyder — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Free Agency

After 10 seasons and 123 NFL starts, right tackle Jon Jansen has been shown the door by the Washington Redskins. Jansen, a 6-foot-6 305-pound 33-year-old, was drafted in the second round of the 1999 draft by the Redskins out of Michigan. He became an immediate starter and put together a solid career in Washington.

Via press release from owner Dan Snyder Friday, the Redskins notified the media that they will move on. The full press release follows:

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA - The Washington Redskins announced today that they have released tackle Jon Jansen.

"This morning, Coach Zorn, Vinny Cerrato and I met with Jon," Redskins Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "I've developed a close relationship with Jon and his family over the last 10 years and I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player. He has been an important part of our organization for the past decade. We wish Jon and his family the very best."

Jansen originally entered the league as a second-round draft pick of the Redskins in 1999. He played in 126 games, with 123 starts, over the last 10 seasons.

"Decisions like this are difficult, especially with someone like Jon, who has meant a great deal to our organization and community," Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said. "Jon has been a fixture at the right tackle position for the past 10 seasons. He is a tough football player who played through injuries and displayed a great commitment to his teammates and coaches."

"We really admire Jon and the example that he set as a team leader both on and off the field," Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn said. "He is a professional who was a valuable part of this franchise for a long time. Jon worked hard, laid it on the line each week and on many occasions played with injuries. Though we have elected to move in another direction, we appreciate Jon's commitment, leadership and dedication to the Redskins organization."

"I had a great player-coach relationship with Jon," Redskins Offensive Line Coach Joe Bugel said. "He is one of the toughest guys that I have ever coached. He was a great competitor who prepared well for each and every game. We appreciate his commitment to the Redskins and wish him the very best."

The Redskins will likely move forward with annual pro bowler Chris Samuels and Stephon Heyer as their tackles, but they do have several other options in house, should they wish to go a different route. The gargantuan Mike Williams, for example, is a very reasonable option at right tackle, should the 'Skins wish to keep Heyer as a backup on both sides of the line.

Considering the amount of veteran offensive lineman around the league who find work even as their play deteriorates, logic would dictate that a hard-working veteran like Jansen won't be out of work for long.

Breaking: Redskins Release Jon Jansen originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 29 May 2009 13:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFL Opens Investigation on Redskins-Haynesworth Tampering Charges

Matt Snyder — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, Titans, AFC South, NFC East

Though it's been discussed occasionally over the course of the past several months, the NFL never really seemed to look into the charges that the Redskins illegally tampered with Albert Haynesworth before signing him away from the Tennessee Titans. Apparently, that is about to change. According to Yahoo! Sports, the league has opened a formal investigation and began conducting interviews with people closely associated with the signing.

The question at hand is whether or not officials from the Redskins contacted Haynesworth about signing before free agency officially began on Feb. 27. The Titans believe they didn't have a full opportunity to re-up with the gargantuan defensive tackle due to the Redskins' tampering.

If the NFL does find in favor of the Titans, the Redskins will likely face losing a draft pick. The recent precedent in place was the Niners' loss of a fifth-round pick when they tampered with Lance Briggs of the Bears. It wouldn't really be a huge penalty for a team who has a pretty nice foundation in place, but every draft pick counts. Still, I'm guessing if the Redskins had a choice between their 2010 fifth-rounder and Albert freaking Haynesworth, they'd take the big man.

Maybe the league needs to put a harsher penalty in place? From a purely speculative standpoint, a team could just take the chance they don't get caught while thinking, "yeah, if we do, he's worth more than a fifth-rounder." Seriously, who wouldn't have traded their fifth-rounder for him?

NFL Opens Investigation on Redskins-Haynesworth Tampering Charges originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 23 May 2009 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Redskins' Name Here to Stay

Bruce Ciskie — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East

The debate has raged in some circles for years: Should sports teams, at any level, use Native American terms or imagery as part of their branding?

The NCAA has struck decisively on this issue, forcing schools with such nicknames and/or mascots to retire them, get approval from local tribes, or risk not being allowed to host NCAA-sanctioned championship events.

As a result, a team with an 80-year tradition is now forced to forge a new identity. The University of North Dakota will be changing its longstanding nickname and logo by August of 2010 after a vote of the state's Board of Higher Education last week.

Pro sports leagues have not issued mandates, and they don't appear to have that intention anytime soon.

Longtime NFL writer Michael Silver sees a problem. He feels it's time for the Washington Redskins to take their branding in a different direction. He feels the term "Redskins" is derogatory, and as our society has evolved over the years, the name just doesn't fit a pro sports franchise anymore.

You can spare me the protestations about how the name is actually a tribute to Native Americans, or how other allegedly similar groups (Vikings? Really?) are also consigned to mascot status. You can skip the talk about the importance of the team name to its fans or the tradition that would be compromised were it to be changed.

I'm not hearing it, because if I close my eyes and think about where we are as a society and the fact that this name still exists, it's a complete travesty on both visceral and logical levels.

Full disclosure: I'm part Native American. However, I'm not here to push my views or my values as being representative of anyone but myself. I fully acknowledge that many Native Americans and non-Native Americans want to completely do away with nicknames of this type, and I can't say I agree with them.

There have been protests of Native American nicknames held at sporting events where the majority of attendees were white. Does that make the issue any less worthy of discussion? No, but it does give you some understanding of it.

Sports Illustrated published an interesting survey in 2002. In it, they asked Native Americans living both on and off reservations what they thought of nicknames or mascots that used Native American imagery. The results were very surprising for most. The majority of Native Americans involved in the survey just didn't see a huge problem. Numbers typically around 10-to-15 percent were opposed to the use of such nicknames, but a large portion of them either had no problem with it or didn't care either way. This was even the case when the survey asked about the Washington Redskins, a team name with a lot of history, but one derived from a word many find derogatory.

A big part of the anti-Redskins argument -- as noted by Silver -- is the often-derogatory connotation of that word.

... it's blatantly offensive, and don't bother trotting out the examples of certain Native Americans who regard it as a sign of great respect. The fact that even a handful of them were upset enough to sue to stop the name from existing, a legal fight that has gone on for 17 years and counting, should be enough to let decency prevail.

To be fair, one has to feel confident that there would be a "handful" of people of Irish descent offended by Notre Dame's choice of a nickname. Were someone to organize them and start a legal fight, would Silver support such an endeavor?

Some would try to argue that, if even one person were offended by these names, they should just go away. However, you'd have to take with you "Vikings," "Canucks," "Yankees," and many others that are terms used to describe groups of people.

Of course, once that happens, the cynic would say PETA jumps on board, and with the majority of remaining sports teams named after animals, it would be a bad thing if it got rolling on this topic.

In the end, it's not really worth the fight. Is the term "Redskins" derogatory? You can make that argument, but you can also make it about "Sioux," a term the NCAA is attempting to eradicate in its teams, an actual name given to Indian tribes. It must not be considered derogatory for everyone.

That's a huge part of the problem. Another part of it is that people with political motivations are taking a stance on this issue. There was no reason for the situation in North Dakota to escalate this far, and a big reason why it did was a 2005 editorial penned by NCAA head honcho Myles Brand. In this piece, Brand argued the NCAA was "correctly positioned as a catalyst for social change."

In the days after the NCAA Executive Committee made its decision concerning Native American mascots and imagery, critics proclaimed that the NCAA should stick with purely athletics matters and stay out of social affairs. I disagree.

Intercollegiate athletics is very much a part of the social fabric of this country, and the NCAA should never shy from taking public positions that reflect the Association's and higher education's core values and principles.

No, Myles. The NCAA isn't a catalyst for anything. It's a sports organization. Do sports play an important role in our society? Yes, but it should never be so important as to attempt to lead social change. When social change comes as a result of sports, it can be a good thing. It's not a good thing when an organization sets out to create such change where that change isn't widely desired.

With Brand leading the way, the NCAA has practically forced selected schools to do away with years of tradition with regard to their choices for nicknames and mascots.

I have yet to see a single case in sports where my sensibilities were offended by how a team branded itself. Whether it's the Redskins, Blackhawks, Fighting Sioux, Indians, Braves, Seminoles, Chippewas, Illini, or anyone I didn't mention, these teams, schools, and organizations have represented themselves and the Native American community with honor and dignity. They don't abuse their nicknames or imagery, and they are -- in most cases -- teams who have built great traditions with their current names and logos.

Were a large, organized, vocal group of Native Americans to someday launch a serious effort to rid the sports world of these names, this argument would likely have to change. It simply wouldn't be worth the prolonged fight for the team or school. However, don't bet on this happening. Too many Native Americans look upon the use of these nicknames with either honor or apathy. As long as that is the case, and as long as the teams using such nicknames treat them and the traditions behind them respectfully, sweeping changes will remain highly unlikely.

'Redskins' Name Here to Stay originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeAngelo Hall Claims Al Davis Didn't Know Anything About Tom Cable

Ryan Wilson — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Raiders, Redskins, NFL Fans

Last season, the Raiders paid DeAngleo Hall $8 million for eight weeks of service before cutting bait. Not the best use of the salary cap, but it makes sense when put in perspective: Oakland has had four coaches, four quarterbacks and 16 wins in four years. Blowing $8 million on Hall is nothing.

Hall wasn't out of work long; he signed with the Redskins and played well enough to get a long-term deal (apparently, leaving Oakland is good for your career).

But even days after Al Davis released him, he had nothing but good things to say about Lane Kiffin's archnemesis, telling the Sports Bog's Dan Steinberg: "It wasn't so much that it didn't work. Al Davis is a great guy, he's an honest guy, and what he told me was, 'We're not as good as I thought we were as a team, so we need to try to clear up some [cap] room.'"

But during a recent radio interview on WJFK (Washington, DC), Hall stopped being polite and started getting real. Or something:

"Probably the funniest thing, I was pretty close to Lane Kiffin...and after they fired Lane and were about to announce who the next coach was - I don't know if you guys saw this in the media world, but I was actually sitting there live, me and a couple other players there in the back. And [Davis] went through this whole spiel of what happened...and said our next coach is Tom Cable, he's going to be our interim coach.

When everybody paused for Tom to come in, like a breakoff. [Davis] goes to the media guide and not even whispering says 'hey, anyone got any information on this Tom Cable guy, I don't know where he comes from.' That's just vintage Al Davis. Making a move, not really knowing why, no real justification for doing it. But just saying, 'hey, I want this guy, let's get him, I'll figure everything else out later.' And that's just how Al Davis is."

Yes, that's just how Al Davis rolls. No idea if it's true, but it certainly seems plausible. On the upside, maybe Davis hiring a guy he knows nothing about is the best thing for the organization. I mean, if every instinct Big Al has is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.

via PFT

DeAngelo Hall Claims Al Davis Didn't Know Anything About Tom Cable originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 19 May 2009 10:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thomas Jones Afraid of Getting Cut by Jets in 2010

Calvin Watkins — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Jets, Panthers, Redskins

Thomas Jones believes in the New York Jets. Wants to play for them. But he doesn't trust them.

Make sense?

Jones told people close to him he wants a new contract from the Jets because he might get cut in 2010, the final year of the deal.

Jones' concerns also have to do with two running backs, Leon Washington, who emerged last year as a quality backup with 448 yards rushing and six touchdowns, and third-round pick Shonn Greene from Iowa.

If Washington gets a new deal, which is expected because he's in the last year of his rookie deal, and if Greene can perform well, Jones' future is in question. Jets officials believe Washington can do more in the offense than Jones and there is plenty of upside with Greene.

That's a major reason why Jones wants a new contract.

He's made $13.1 million in the first two years of a four-year contract he signed in 2007. A source inside the Jets organization said Jones wanted a bulk of his money in the first two years and they were more than happy to do it. Now the Jets don't feel like they should give Jones a new contract especially after he received most of it already.

If Jones plays this season, he's scheduled to make $900,000. In 2010, he will earn a total of $6 million.

But Jones wants to get paid more because of what he accomplished in 2008. He led the AFC with 1,312 rushing yards. Compare that to some of the top running backs across the league and he finished fifth overall. He was behind Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams and Clinton Portis.

The problem with giving Jones more money is that three rookie running backs -- Steve Slaton, Matt Forte and Chris Johnson -- also rushed for at least 1,200 yards last year. The Jets have said all the right things about Jones in public. But the NFL has always wanted younger, fresher legs at running back. Washington and Greene bring that to the Jets.

Coach Rex Ryan isn't too concerned without having Washington and Jones at the offseason workouts right now. But when the team has a mandatory minicamp in the near future, things better change.

"Yes, because that word mandatory, I think would mean, to me, I'm not the smartest guy, but I think you should be here if it's mandatory," Ryan said on Thursday. "Heck yeah, I would expect him to be here. I expect Thomas here as well."

Thomas Jones Afraid of Getting Cut by Jets in 2010 originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 15 May 2009 14:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a Year as a Redskin, Jason Taylor to Re-Sign With Dolphins

Michael David Smith — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Dolphins, Redskins, NFL Free Agency

Jason Taylor is going back home.

Taylor, the defensive end who was traded from the Dolphins to the Redskins last year, will re-sign with Miami, The Sun-Sentinel is reporting. The move comes as something of a surprise, as Taylor and Dolphins front office boss Bill Parcells were widely believed to be at odds. But whatever differences the two had, they've apparently found a way to bury the hatchet. ESPN is reporting that Taylor agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. His contract with the Redskins would have paid him $8.5 million if he had played in Washington this season.

For the Dolphins, the acquisition of Taylor gives the team a solid veteran presence on the defense. He's not the same Jason Taylor he was in his prime a few years ago, but he should be a solid contributor.

Redskins fans, meanwhile, have to be wondering what the team was doing sending a second-round pick to Miami to get one year of Taylor's services. The Redskins cut Taylor during the off-season when he declined the team's request to show up to their off-season conditioning program.

Taylor, who will turn 35 before the season, is a six-time Pro Bowler who has 120.5 career sacks, including 3.5 sacks last year for the Redskins.

After a Year as a Redskin, Jason Taylor to Re-Sign With Dolphins originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Colt Brennan Live Up to the Hype?

Chris Burke — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Redskins

ASHBURN, Va. -- He is the man, the myth, the legend around these parts, the quarterback who will finally lead a hungry franchise back to the promised land. He is a fan favorite, a cult hero, a promise of a bright future.

And he has never taken a regular-season snap.

Colt Brennan finds himself in an intriguing situation as he enters his second season with the Washington Redskins. On the one hand, he'll once again be his team's third-string quarterback -- stuck behind oft-criticized Jason Campbell and 15-year veteran Todd Collins. On the other hand, a growing number of Redskins fans think he is the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

They want him in the lineup. Right now.

"It gives me something to play for, if there's that many people out there really supportive of me already, when I haven't even become a starter yet," Brennan told FanHouse on Thursday after Washington wrapped up its final practice of a four-day minicamp. "It feels good that there are a lot of people excited to see me.

"It motivates me, drives me to get out there and show them what I'm all about, that I appreciate the love."

The groundswell of love for Brennan has come at the expense of Campbell. In the 2005 NFL draft, Washington gave three picks to Denver for the No. 25 selection, then chose Campbell out of Auburn. By mid-2006, Campbell was starting full-time for the Redskins.

Now, just three years later, people are ready to run him out of town -- including some in Washington's front office. Earlier this offseason, Campbell was at the heart of trade rumors involving then-Denver QB Jay Cutler. Even though that deal fell through, the message was clear: the Redskins are not completely happy with Campbell's development.

"He's been the starter here and he's trying to build this team and lead this team to the playoffs," Collins said of Campbell, "and anytime you hear about maybe the organization not thinking highly enough to keep you there, that doesn't make you feel good."

Latest NFL Images

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Running back Thiomas Brown #27 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Thomas Brown

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Linebacker Tony Gilbert #51 of the Atlanta Falcons works out during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Gilbert

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Safety Thomas DeCoud #28 of the Atlanta Falcons returns an interception during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Thomas DeCoud

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: General Manager Thomas Dimitroff of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Thomas Dimitroff

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Safety William Moore #24 of the Atlanta Falcons works out during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** William Moore

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Wide receiver Brian Finneran #86 of the Atlanta Falcons breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Roddy White #84 during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Finneran;Roddy White

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder of the Atlanta Falcons during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian VanGorder

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Quarterback D.J. Shockley #3 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** D.J. Shockley

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Running backs Jerious Norwood #32 and Thomas Brown #27 of the Atlanta Falcons look on during instruction by running backs coach Gerald Brown during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jerious Norwood;Thomas Brown;Gerald Brown

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FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Quarterback John Parker Wilson #4 of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Parker Wilson

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For his part, Collins is the man stuck in the middle between Campbell and Brennan on the depth chart. Should Campbell falter in 2009, or suffer an injury, it would likely be Collins -- not Brennan -- who gets the nod. Collins' experience is a huge part of the reason why, but Brennan's also still very much in his developmental phase. An injury cost him much of last offseason, then he rode the pine all season.

Only now does Brennan feel comfortable as an NFL quarterback -- but feeling ready, and actually being ready to lead a team, are very different things.

"I'm throwing way better, way more confident," Brennan said. "There's so much you have to be responsible for, especially as a quarterback in the NFL. There's so many things this year, whereas I was thinking about them [last season], they're second nature to me now."

Brennan's ability to grasp the mental part of the NFL game has been as difficult -- perhaps even more so than taking steps forward physically.

"I walked up to him when he was on the line of scrimmage and said, 'Listen, we're telling you about all this technique and stuff, but eventually you've just got to play,' " Washington coach Jim Zorn said, recalling a moment from Thursday's practice. "It's about knowing those things, and just doing them naturally. He's got a ways to go, but he's progressing very fine."

Brennan came to Washington in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft as a bit of an unknown. There were questions about Brennan's arm strength, technique and decision-making. More than that, teams had concerns that Brennan's time in a wide-open spread offense at Hawaii would make it tough for him to move into a pro-style scheme.

"It's funny to see the bias about [spread quarterbacks], yet you look at the Patriots or Colts, how many times do you see them in shotgun slinging the ball around?" Brennan said. "There's a stereotype out there, but I'm not in the stereotype -- I can help break the barrier."

To smash those preconceived notions, though, he'll need to get a chance to play.

Misguided or not, the hope from plenty of Washington fans is that he'll have that opportunity very soon.

Can Colt Brennan Live Up to the Hype? originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 09 May 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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