Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

Thought maybe we could get a fresh thread going. If you're at Fan Appreciation Day report your thoughts here

For those that aren't, for now if you go to the Redskins Facebook page and click on the UStream tab you can see live video right now

I think the cameras will shut off at Noon though once official practice begins

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

Line already around the field for autographs I see :-D

[QUOTE=RGIII;928523]Line already around the field for autographs I see :-D[/QUOTE]

U folks in the dc area are so lucky!

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

When I was a kid we used to get autographs at a sporting goods store in Leesburg.
Cant remember the name of it though.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

Got a ton of video. Will try to post if possible.

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I expect a record breaking crowd attended.

I guess not. Are they just using the fan invitations to count heads?

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/crowd-of-24650-shows-up-for-redskins-fan-day/2012/08/04/4327ffd8-de5f-11e1-af1d-753c613ff6d8_blog.html]Crowd of 24,650 shows up for Redskins’ fan day - The Insider - The Washington Post[/url]

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

I would think that's how they're doing, but I remember the one time I went they had the little counter things to walk through (forget what they're called). I suppose they may not be doing that anymore.

Either way, from photos/videos I've seen, I'd be almost inclined to say there were less than that amount.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

Haven't seen is posted, but according to ESPN/Sports Center there were 2 fights during camp today. Anyone have any info on that?

[QUOTE=hagams;928539]Haven't seen is posted, but according to ESPN/Sports Center there were 2 fights during camp today. Anyone have any info on that?[/QUOTE]

Good!

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[quote=hagams;928539]Haven't seen is posted, but according to ESPN/Sports Center there were 2 fights during camp today. Anyone have any info on that?[/quote]

Yeah London Fletcher got in a fight with Will Montgomery and Niles Paul got into a fight with Markus White (I think it was fight, not positive)

Perry Riley and Trent Williams also got into it

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

couple of fights but overall not impressed with rg3 yet but hes a rookie so ill give him time. i wanted to see him really air it out and he only threw a few times and took off and ran the rest

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[quote=redskins forever;928561]couple of fights but overall not impressed with rg3 yet but hes a rookie so ill give him time. i wanted to see him really air it out and he only threw a few times and took off and ran the rest[/quote]

From what I saw, they ran him too much -- almost exclusively ran him in their redzone package.

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Didn't realize just how much bulk Paul put on this offseason.
[IMG]https://p.twimg.com/AzLao0LCYAIPSgT.jpg:medium[/IMG]
[IMG]https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/630798444.jpg?key=19442592&Expires=1344159358&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=leuKFss62PTY2kEFks2FCMiZLhsY6q~wswNMuwP5th6iNoUc~Hd1QP1RL-LEcfcim9s3r8bu0Mtqp2WSo9YRWXCcdt7eQ1PxhSD0ftiGp7K0tLcMMESILbDXrZCnpOHmUGgVggWOMq0hL2XxKVuC7kzjxPx0-Q4NxsQhvQHZO1Q_[/IMG]

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[quote=redskins forever;928561]couple of fights but overall not impressed with rg3 yet but hes a rookie so ill give him time. i wanted to see him really air it out and he only threw a few times and took off and ran the rest[/quote]

The reports of him holding on to the ball to long and trying to win an Emmy on play action fakes are honestly scaring me.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

What about Fred Davis? Have been reading the training camp notes, and don't hear his name called too often. Had expected him to have a huge year this year, but I usually only hear about Garcon, Hankerson, and Moss...

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[url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/redskins-practice-report-aug.-4/article/2504023]Redskins practice report: Aug. 4 | WashingtonExaminer.com[/url]

[url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/rgiii-report-aug.-4/article/2504019]RGIII Report: Aug. 4 | WashingtonExaminer.com[/url]

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

I was there.

It was HOT, but we found a spot in the shade luckily, since we had our kids along.

Son LOVED the cheerleaders, was into them more than the players it seemed. Proud of the boy. Have a great photo of him with a cheerleader on each of his shoulders and a big sloppy smile on his face. I believe one of them is the calendar cover girl actually. Wow.

As for the players, we were able to get up right behind the players "bench" when they moved our side across to the edge of the first field near the end.

Two player fights! Not Westbrook-like but these guys seem ready to play. I think the first was Niles Paul and Marcus White...I also saw Will Montgomery come out of a scuffle without his helmet. It looked like Cofield was breaking one up, I don''t think he was involved. I couldn't see past the players to see exactly what happened.

Griffin looked great. it looked like Good Rex showed up too.

As mentioned, Niles Paul is ready for the TE role. He looks solid.

On D, whomever #31 was needs cut. He dropped so many balls and got burnt in coverage drills too.

Sav Rocca has an amazing leg...looked like he could hit the low-flying planes going over the field if he tried.


I was expecting 40,000 people if Rex and Beck brought in 29K last year and this was the last year in Ashburn, but the 25,000 crowd seemed light. Heat I guess? I have no explanation.


I'm glad I was able to make it down one last time before the move. This was my second Fan Appreciation Day, the other was when McNabb came to town. My son has wanted to play football since we came home...which is great. I'm glad he's getting into the game and team I've always loved.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

If anyone knows how to post video from an iPhone onto WP, I'll put up some videos I took at TC -- two minute offense, some Red Zone attempts, etc.

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Looked up #31...Merriweather. :doh:

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Just a little nugget for you all. Peter King of SI is going to skins training camp today.

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[quote=Monkeydad;928772]Looked up #31...Merriweather. :doh:[/quote]

LOL....he's probably going to be our starter.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[quote=Monkeydad;928769]I was there.

It was HOT, but we found a spot in the shade luckily, since we had our kids along.

Son LOVED the cheerleaders, was into them more than the players it seemed. Proud of the boy. Have a great photo of him with a cheerleader on each of his shoulders and a big sloppy smile on his face. I believe one of them is the calendar cover girl actually. Wow.

As for the players, we were able to get up right behind the players "bench" when they moved our side across to the edge of the first field near the end.

Two player fights! Not Westbrook-like but these guys seem ready to play. I think the first was Niles Paul and Marcus White...I also saw Will Montgomery come out of a scuffle without his helmet. It looked like Cofield was breaking one up, I don''t think he was involved. I couldn't see past the players to see exactly what happened.

Griffin looked great. it looked like Good Rex showed up too.

As mentioned, Niles Paul is ready for the TE role. He looks solid.

On D, whomever #31 was needs cut. He dropped so many balls and got burnt in coverage drills too.

Sav Rocca has an amazing leg...looked like he could hit the low-flying planes going over the field if he tried.


I was expecting 40,000 people if Rex and Beck brought in 29K last year and this was the last year in Ashburn, but the 25,000 crowd seemed light. Heat I guess? I have no explanation.


I'm glad I was able to make it down one last time before the move. This was my second Fan Appreciation Day, the other was when McNabb came to town. My son has wanted to play football since we came home...which is great. I'm glad he's getting into the game and team I've always loved.[/quote]

Here are some things I noticed:

1. Saturday was not Hankerson's best practice. He had a ton of noticeable drops -- during position drills and 11-on-11.

2. Dezmon Briscoe looked like someone who could make the team. Tall, agile. He caught and impressive ball at the back of the endzone, left side.

3. Garcon stood out to me as well. He made a few great catches and tossed one into the crowd. He could very well be the #1 WR we've been looking for.

4. Red zone drill utilized RG3's legs frequently. A bit too frequently quite frankly. We know that's a skill set he is very good at, they'd probably be better served to run a few more passing plays.

5. Unfortunately, Brandon Banks looks like he is playing himself onto the roster. He caught everything that came his way and looked as fast as ever. Got great separation and blew by DBs -- (Fry Meme) "Not sure if Brandon Banks is really good, or if DBs are really bad."

6. As mentioned previously, RG3 is holding onto the ball a bit too long. It would make sense (as SS noted earlier) that they are asking him to hang on a bit too long purposely so he goes through his reads, but either way, he was a bit slow.

7. As Monkeydad mentioned, the fights were between Niles Paul and Marcus White. Paul threw some pretty good punches which later resulted in a conversation with Mike Shanahan. Montgomery and Fletcher was the first fight. Nothing too serious, just pushing and shoving. I've heard this is nothing new for both as they got into it last year as well.

8. T. Jackson looks pretty good. Made a nice INT and could very well play his way into the starting roll.

9. Hall wasn't very noticeable to me, though I can recall him getting torched during a drill -- I think by Moss.

10. It was difficult to determine how bad the O-line really is. I couldn't see any 1-on-1 drills so it's tough to say. Alternatively, because RG3 was handing on to the ball so long, I'm not sure if who is really at fault.

11. Kicker battle was pretty even. Nothing major to report.

two funny observations:

1. RG3 "dad" was at practice. So people in my section requested autographs. When they pulled back their signed objects, they came to realize it was only his uncle. Many disappointed fans lol. In all honesty, they look very similar.

2. I want NT Baker to make the team terribly. During kicking attempts, Baker would jump in front of Gano and Rackers and flash them his belly. The guys is a monster of a human being so it was hilariously comical.

Will post more if I remember it. Still trying to figure out how to post video. Reply with some tips if you've got them.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

Why is it unfortunate that Banks is playing well?

If he earns a spot and can contribute at WR, that's good for us.

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[quote=Mattyk;928815]Why is it unfortunate that Banks is playing well?

If he earns a spot and can contribute at WR, that's good for us.[/quote]

It's good in the sense we'll have a stronger WR corp, it's unfortunate in sense that I don't personally like him and will have to tolerate him for another year.

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I didn't make it, got a little banged up the night before.

When do the close practices, later this week? Tomorrow?

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Banks did look good but I still think our return man will be Aldrick Robinson in Week 1.

WR is just too deep and I don't think Banks will make it, however he is a fan favorite, at least with the crowd I was standing in. Everyone was talking about him and rooting for him.

I'm not sure Banks can physically make it as a full-time WR. As a returner, sure, but if we have to start sending him over the middle, his durability will really be tested. Robinson is just as fast and we won't have that concern.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[quote=Mattyk;928815]Why is it unfortunate that Banks is playing well?

If he earns a spot and can contribute at WR, that's good for us.[/quote]

That was the thing that stood out to me from his post too. Why would a player working hard and making the team be a bad thing?

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[quote=mooby;928836]That was the thing that stood out to me from his post too. Why would a player working hard and making the team be a bad thing?[/quote]

personal disdain on my part more than anything else.

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Eh. I could be willing to ignore the player off the field if he produced on it. But it's definitely a case-by-case basis. BB hasn't done anything particularly egregious to make me want to dislike him.

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[quote=Monkeydad;928826]Banks did look good but I still think our return man will be Aldrick Robinson in Week 1.

WR is just too deep and I don't think Banks will make it, however he is a fan favorite, at least with the crowd I was standing in. Everyone was talking about him and rooting for him.

I'm not sure Banks can physically make it as a full-time WR. As a returner, sure, but if we have to start sending him over the middle, his durability will really be tested. Robinson is just as fast and we won't have that concern.[/quote]

I will have to say that Banks had a TERRIBLE punt return. He caught the ball at the 35 yard line and was about to get nailed. Rather than take it at the 35 yard line, he attempted to back peddle in an effort so sidestep the three or four players coming to tackle him and ended up getting himself stuck at the 15 yard line for a 20 yard loss. Terrible play and the same sort of thing we've seen before.

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Yep, I saw that one...looked like a mini Randel El, going the wrong way.

Once you start going backwards as a punt returner, you usually stay backwards.

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/redskins-practice-report-aug.-6/article/2504200]Redskins practice report: Aug. 6 | WashingtonExaminer.com[/url]

[url=http://washingtonexaminer.com/rgiii-report-aug.-6/article/2504196]RGIII Report: Aug. 6 | WashingtonExaminer.com[/url]

Re: Redskins Training Camp Thread-Fan Appreciation Day Thoughts
 

[B][SIZE="4"]Rich Campbell ‏@Rich_Campbell

Orakpo on diversifying his pass rush repertoire: I'm a physical guy. I'm not a technician. #Redskins [/SIZE][/B]



:doh:


Translation: I'm a one trick pony who's capped out on his max potential.





Update:

[url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/redskins-watch/2012/aug/7/orakpo-backs-his-stated-desire-diversify-pass-rush/]Orakpo backs off his stated desire to diversify pass rush arsenal - Washington Times[/url]

[quote]"I can’t divert from my game," he said Tuesday morning. "I’m a physical guy. I’m not a technician. I use a lot of my ability to get to the quarterback. I’m not going to go out there and try to fake some stuff and not really play my game.[/quote]

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Nothing wrong with being a power rusher, that's what he is. Better that he knows and understands his game rather than trying to be something he's not.

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I'd like for him to diversify his arsenal, but if he's uncomfortable trying other things I'm not gonna expect him to. At least we have Kerrigan on the other side, he's got his own little arsenal too which will help.

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[quote=mooby;929073]I'd like for him to diversify his arsenal, but if he's uncomfortable trying other things I'm not gonna expect him to. At least we have Kerrigan on the other side, he's got his own little arsenal too which will help.[/quote]

Kerrigan isn't much different from Orakpo. They both as more power rushers. Kerrigan has a non stop motor. Orakpo, not that he doesn't have a non stop motor, but he's more of a 'Where's the holding call?' kind of guy whether he is or isn't being held midway through the play, thats when he kind of half-ass's it, where as Kerrigan is still going after the QB just as fast as he was at the snap.

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[quote=Mattyk;929068]Nothing wrong with being a power rusher, that's what he is. Better that he knows and understands his game rather than trying to be something he's not.[/quote]


I don't buy that crap. What he excels at doesn't mean he should limit himself to that, but that's exactly what he does. If he were to incorporate some finesse with his power, he would pretty much be unstoppable. As it is, it doesn't take too much to game plan around him because you know he is going to do one move and he's going to go wide. That's what separates the good (Orakpo) players with the great (Ware/Matthews).

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[quote=CultBrennan59;929075]Kerrigan isn't much different from Orakpo. They both as more power rushers. Kerrigan has a non stop motor. Orakpo, not that he doesn't have a non stop motor, but he's more of a 'Where's the holding call?' kind of guy whether he is or isn't being held midway through the play, thats when he kind of half-ass's it, where as Kerrigan is still going after the QB just as fast as he was at the snap.[/quote]

Yeah but Kerrigan's also got a spin move that we saw a couple times last season, and he is also effective on the inside of the tackle whereas Rak only tries to bullrush the tackle or go around the outside, which is where he gets held at. I'm not saying Kerrigan's an elite pass rusher, but his arsenal has more moves than Rak's.

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[quote=NC_Skins;929076]I don't buy that crap. What he excels at doesn't mean he should limit himself to that, but that's exactly what he does. If he were to incorporate some finesse with his power, he would pretty much be unstoppable. As it is, it doesn't take too much to game plan around him because you know he is going to do one move and he's going to go wide. That's what separates the good (Orakpo) players with the great (Ware/Matthews).[/quote]

Well he did say he's working on other moves.

I think his point is at the end of the day his strength as a pass rusher comes from his physicality, and that's how he's going to continue to play.

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Here is the quote and snap analysis form Campbell

[quote]Obviously, there’s some stuff I would like to work on, some counter moves and stuff like that to get some more sacks, some more pressures. But at the end of the day, I’m not going to divert from my game. I’m a physical pass rusher, and I like to get into tackles, and I like to get after it."

So that's a bit vexing. The interesting thing is that Orakpo has continued to try inside moves and moves involving misdirection during training camp. That leaves us a bit unsure of what we'll see in games.

Orakpo likes to rush based on feel and reaction, not a predetermined move, so it's possible he'll get into game action and use some of the newer moves he's been working on. Given his mixed comments on the subject, we'll just have wait and see.[/quote]

There is nothing wrong in playing to his strengths - physicality and speed. It just a question of how to diversify while doing so. I think he is simply saying - "I have to be true to myself and trying use specific 'moves' for the sake of using moves isn't my strength."

For example - different styles work for different folks. I do my job in a diversified way - lots of different ways to get from A -> C in the court room. However, at 6'2", 270 lbs., with a shaved head and voice that has a naturally built in megaphone - the quiet, introspective lawyer approach would appear fake to a jury and is simply not the way for me to go. I know this and make sure that, however I present, it remains true to my natural abilities, etc. (I'm brilliant in so many other ways).

Misdirection and counters can be done with physicality and strength. To me, from what he is saying [I]and[/I] doing in practice, it seems to me that Rak is simply trying to find ways that allow him to less predictable but, at the same time, don't require him to "be someone else" when he rushes the passer.

R. White developed his "trade-mark" swim move b/c it worked for him. It fit White's abilities and his style of play. White did other moves, but they all came from his power and less from his speed. The man was a bull rusher first and foremost and his swim and spins worked from that. Rak's physicality is different (White=pure overwhelming power; Rak=power/speed) from that of White's so a "Patented R.White" swim move may not be what works for him - that doesn't mean he isn't looking to develop (as R.White did) things that play to his strengths and help him be a better pass rusher.

At least, that's what I am hoping Rak is saying.

Let's wait and see what he comes up with.