The Warpath's Minicamp Coverage

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by joecrisp

There's definitely a different vibe this year. There's an overriding sense of genuine, resolute confidence in the team that exudes from the players. The consistent and repetitive expression of solidarity from all levels of the organization certainly gives any observer the impression that this is a team with one vision, one soul and one goal: restore the Redskins to glory. You can truly sense the bold spirit and temerity of this coaching staff in the positive demeanor of the players.

Last year, there was certainly excitement surrounding Gibbs's return, but there was also an undertow of anxiety and doubt that lurked beneath the surface. This year, it's almost the opposite: for all the outward appearances of tumult and chaos that have characterized the Redskins' offseason, there's this inner peace and stoic resolve that indicates this team will forge ahead undaunted-- and perhaps stronger than many would expect. Maybe this offseason's well-documented battles with the media are the perfect example of this underdog-like, "us against the world" mentality that seems to have hardened the will of this organization.

I couldn't be happier hearing this.

There has been such a "the game has passed Gibbs by" vibe (primarily a media driven creation) out there that you worry the players are going to buy into it. I'm glad that rather than complain or resign themselves to mediocrity, these guys want to show everyone how wrong they are about their team, their coach, and themselves.

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

I'm hotlinking that thing and bragging about you guys on my site if any weird urls are grabbing it.
http://www.boastingrights.com/sutra10267.html#10267

I can remove it if needed.

Great work Joe!

[JWsleep]

Joe, you are one of the people that make this site the best skins site on the web. As always, a completely professional job, combined with a fan's passion and curiosity. (And SOOOOO much better than the washington post's skins coverage.)

THANKS!!!!

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Joe,

How does Jansen look? Who do you see as the "sleeper player?"

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

I know a lot of people say that we shouldn't get hyped up about McCune just because he's big and fast, but I think he's going to be a stud because he has amazing speed, is strong as any linebacker on our roster, is an EXTREMELY hard worker, fell considerably in the draft just because of his age, and has good instincts.

Joe, what can you say about McCune?

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by Ramseyfan

Joe,

How does Jansen look? Who do you see as the "sleeper player?"

Jansen looks perfectly healthy, he's moving well, and he's very upbeat. He's anxious to get started with training camp and start hitting people, so apparently the achilles is doing fine.

Sleeper players-- there could be a number of them, but if I were to pick out one in particular, it's probably McCune, which leads me to your next question. The guy is an unbelievable physical specimen-- he's on a whole other level physically than any of the other linebackers who were out there. He's got quick feet, good change of direction, and a super burst, and from what Gregg Williams has said about him, he's a pretty sharp fellow, too. I'm excited to see what he can do in live conditions. I'd imagine he packs a pretty nasty wallop when he makes contact with somebody.

Of course, with some of the early hype that's building around McCune already (yes, I know, I'm guilty of propagating this hype myself), maybe you can't call him a true sleeper. That tag might be more appropriate for someone like Antonio Brown, a guy most people would assume is relegated to strictly returning punts and kicks, but whom Gibbs spoke quite highly of today-- saying he's been impressive as a receiver in practice, catching as many deep passes as anyone else, and proving that he's much more than just a "speed guy"-- he's a football player. So maybe that's an indication that Gibbs is starting to get excited about this year's prospects for the deep, speed-oriented passing game. It sounds like Antonio might be getting some solid work in training camp and the preseason as a receiver, and not just as a return man. So that's something to look for in August that could have an impact in September.

[SmootSmack]

Hey Joe, what players out there have disappointed you (for lack of a better term)? Anyone stand out that seem to be a step behind the rest?

Also, how do Harris and Wilds look? And how's the hotel?

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

Hey Joe, what players out there have disappointed you (for lack of a better term)? Anyone stand out that seem to be a step behind the rest?

Also, how do Harris and Wilds look? And how's the hotel?

I wouldn't really say there's anyone that's been disappointing. It's hard to get a real sense of how anyone is performing at this point in relation to anyone else, since we don't get to watch the 9-on-9s or full-squad stuff. We don't really have the context to evaluate anyone until training camp, when we can see the units working together in full practice situations.

That being said, all I can really tell you about Harris and Wilds is that they both look good in positional drills. They both probably got a lot of work during the full-squad stuff this weekend, since Rogers was out the last two days with a minor leg injury. During positional drills, Harris was working in tandem with Springs. The coaches said they've been impressed with Wilds and Jimoh at cornerback so far, and that they're feeling comfortable with the depth at that position.

The hotel here has been great. Apparently, it's good enough for Shawn Springs, whose car is parked outside. I was a little surprised he was staying here, since this isn't exactly a four-star hotel. But as far as I go, the Warpath donations have definitely made my accomodations pleasantly comfortable this weekend, and I truly appreciate everyone's generosity.