redskins blog: Haynesworth presser

The Redskins blog has an interesting piece about how the team is prepping for the Haynesworth press conference.

Seems like a waste of time and money, to me. But it's interesting.

Haynesworth, Hall craziness

Free agency opened today, and wouldn't you know it, the Redskins led the way again.

The team signed Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and re-signed DeAngelo Hall.

ESR take: I think it's a little too early to say whether or not these are wise signings. I do think $100 million might be a bit much to give to Haynesworth, a guy who has played just one complete season and has had motivation issues.

Hall played well for the team last season, no doubt. But now that he got paid, who knows.

As others have said, both of these contracts are huge gambles. Especially Haynesworth.



So far, the team has made a lot of effort to shore up the defense, when it was the offense that was the team's weakness last season.

I think it's pretty obvious now that the team will be looking hard at an offensive lineman with its first-round draft pick.

Other news: The team released Shawn Springs.

I'm sure they'll be more free agent news soon, so check back later.

Redskins apparently like Suisham?

The team tendered a contract with the kicker. Which basically means that they can match any offer they get for him.

Suisham, if you'll recall, was ranked dead last for regular kickers in field-goal percentage last season.

So, that pretty much tells you anything you need to know about him. The team seems to think he has potential. I'm not convinced.

The team needs to bring in someone new. And I'm not sure Dave Rayner is that someone.

Other news and notes (other than possible Haynesworth signing)

Check below for the possiblity of the Redskins breaking the bank for signing Albert Haynesworth.

Catching up on the news that was (the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora is doing a remarkable job this week):

• Reed Doughty (right) will become a free agent, marking yet another failed Redskins draft pick. The only thing I'll remember him for was making a crap-ton of money off jerseys. He sold No. 37 to Shaun Alexander when he signed. Then sold No. 23 to DeAngelo Hall when he signed. I believe he was on injured reserve all of that time, as well. Happy trails.
• Chris Samuels and Cornelius Griffin will restructure their deals, giving the Redskins more cap room. I'm assume this will help the team give inordinate amounts of money to Haynesworth and/or Hall.
• Redskins might be interested in former U.Va. and Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty. To be honest, I don't know a whole lot about Canty as a player. But he was a Cowboy. So that's ... something.

The Redskins WILL sign Albert Haynesworth ...?

Listening to that cash money

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Redskins will sign Albert Haynesworth to a mammoth contract.

"My source tells me to look for a contract that could break $100 million with an average of $15 million to $16 million per."

Too much. It's too much. He can't possibly be worth it.

If those numbers are true, it's a bad move. Horrible move.

You can quote me on that.

adios, mr. washington

Always smiling

The Redskins parted ways with Marcus Washington today, opening the door for another starting outside linebacker next season.

As far as Washington goes, I can't say I'm surprised. As I mentioned in my 08 linebackers lookback, Washington hasn't quite been himself recently. Hopefully his injuries have nothing to do with the steroid suspicions that were made known a few years ago. (Wouldn't surprise me though)

One thing I will always remember about Marcus Washington that he was always dancing. He made a good play, he danced. The team made a good play, he danced.

Observe:




ESR take: As much as I liked him, I don't think it hurts the team too much. There was a time when he was the best linebacker in D.C. Not anymore. The team can't keep using roster spots on older, injury prone veterans. (See: Entire offensive line).

The question now is: How do the Redskins replace Washington?

Some think that the team will bring back Jason Taylor as an outside linebacker. First off, who knows if Taylor can even play linebacker? I'm no expect by any means, but has he done it much? Maybe someone can fill me in there. Second off, that'll cost a pretty penny for a guy who the team doesn't even know can play OLB.

H.B. Blades has started a few games at outside linebacker, but I don't think he'd be a wise plug there. He failed several times late last year trying to cover NFL tight ends and (god help me) slot receivers. What Blades does well is stop the run. He's not a coverage guy. Keep him a backup at middle linebacker.

There are a few guys the team could draft. Refer to my linebacker rundown for some considerations.

Either way, it'll do good to get a younger, less always-injured-all-the-time guy there.


Some other Redskins links from the past few days:

• Phillip Daniels' contract has been voided ... and he's now a free agent? What? Well ... he is 36, and coming off major surgery. Do the Redskins re-sign him? Dun dun dun!
• Zorn is at the combine. Alert the police. I'll have more on this soon, but he says the team will be "active" in free agency. Question to ponder: does his mean active Redskins-style, or active regular NFL-style. Because those are two different things. Zorn also said that he expected both DeAngelo Hall and Pete Kendall to go to free agency.

Quick update: Demetric Evans wants a raise, and more PT .. and a NEW CAR!

Dance, dance, revolution

Up until now, Demetric Evans has been a dependable backup (and sometimes starter). He's been paid as such.

Well, NOW, as free agency approaches, Evans wants to be a starter. And perhaps rightfully so. He's been very dependable. He's had his moments of awesomeness. No doubt.

ESR take: The Redskins are looking like they'll either take an offensive tackle or defensive end in the first round of the draft. They'll want that player to become a starter very quickly.

The Redskins have Jason Taylor (for the moment) and Andre Carter. They also have Phillip Daniels, who is coming back from an ACL tear. They also have Rob Jackson, who they drafted last season, and who looked pretty good in limited action. Let's also mention Chris Wilson here. Wilson has always looked decent, but he may be little more than a speed pass rusher.

Evans is a decent fellow, but if he wants to be starter, Washington may not be the place for that. And if he wants money, well, he won't find it in D.C.

08 Lookback (Linebackers edition)

We've got a little less than six months to go until any NFL football. Since I can't wait that long, and because I'm interested in evaluating the team (as best as I'm able), I'm going to take a look at each unit and see how the Redskins stand, depth wise and talent-wise.

I'm going to start with the defense, and I'll take a look at the linebackers firstly.

LINEBACKERS
If there was one player on last year's team which really stood out, London Fletcher was that player.

Remember that goal-line stand against Cleveland?

Fletcher was, perhaps, the biggest contributor on the 2008 Redskins team. The heart of the defense, no doubt.

He was all over the field in the first half of the season. Towards the end, admittedly, he seemed to wear down, but he still made big plays.

The other two linebackers, Marcus Washington and Rocky McIntosh, I'm not too sure about. There was a time when I'd have said that Washington was the best linebacker in Washington, but now, truthfully, I feel like he's a shell of his former self. His injuries have taken their toll. He's been slowed.

Likewise, McIntosh has seen his fair share of knee injuries. He didn't play quite a bit in the last few games. It's especially sad about McIntosh because Rocky was just drafted a few years ago, and he had a great future ahead of him, if not for his knees.

To have one linebacker with chronic injuries is one thing. A team might be able to plug some depth in there and be okay. But when two starting linebackers are missing significant time, it'll hurt.

That's why I see the Redskins making at least one change with the linebacking corps. this offseason, whether it's to draft someone like this guy:



Rey Maualuga hits hard. It's a shame he's an inside linebacker. Though sad to say, Fletcher won't be around forever.

Brian Cushing (also at USC) is a possibility. Obligitory highlights package:



Or to sign a free-agent linebacker. A guy like Darryl Blackstock might be interesting. He's semi-local (went to U.Va.). Karlos Dansby will be a FA (if the Cards don't re-sign him soon). Bart Scott of the Ravens might be available.

The guy who looks like the eventual successor to Fletcher is H.B. Blades. Blades is the son of former Pro Bowler Bennie Blades.

To be honest, H.B. (short for Horatio Benedict) hasn't impressed me too much. He started a few games last season and got burned pretty much every time I saw him. But he started in an outside linebacking spot, and he was horribly out of place. He looks like a good MLB (5-foot-10, 250 lbs.), but is definitely lacking in speed. Troubling.

In their search for a replacement at OLB, the Redskins could turn to a backup. Perhaps Alfred Fincher (who's also an upcoming FA). Fincher impressed me in the preseason. He looked solid. Though I'd like to see a lot more of him in the future. Hopefully the Redskins re-sign the guy.

Khary Campbell (another FA-to-be) has been decent on special teams. He's survived on the team because of his usefulness there. It doesn't seem like the team has Campbell in their long-term plans, especially as a full-time linebacker.

Either way, I think it's a pretty safe bet that Marcus Washington, London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh will not be your three starting linebackers next season.

Since this ISN'T just a Redskins blog (Julius Peppers edition)

So, if you didn't hear about it, four-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers wants out of Carolina. He's had enough, and he's definitely not going to take it anymore.

The thing about it is that not only does Peppers want to leave Carolina, he wants to go to a team that runs a 3-4 defense. Let's count the teams that run 3-4 defenses:

• Pittsburgh
• New England
• New York Jets
• Miami
• EDIT: Dallas also runs a 3-4. Doh.
  

Pittsburgh needs no new LB-DE combo guys. They're solid and deep there. And even if they did, they wouldn't pay the much-dinero that a guy like Peppers would cost.

New England lists some guy named Gary Guyton as a starting OLB. Hmm ... maybe the Patriots would be interested there. They still have Colvin, but he isn't starting (according to said depth chart).

The Jets just drafted a defensive end that they moved to OLB (Vernon Gholston - who apparently uhh, sucked, last season). But the Jets have a guy named Marques Murrell (who went to Appy State and is the younger brother of Adrian Murrell, who was a running back for the Cardinals and the Redskins) on the right side. These guys might want Peppers, but again, can they pay for him?

Miami is fairly strong with Joey Porter and Akin Ayodele (I think? Damned Dolphins don't publish a depth chart in the offseason).

ESR take: Doesn't matter where Peppers goes. I don't understand why a guy who has racked up 70.5 sacks in seven season would want to leave. It's not like the Panthers are terribad or something. He had 14.5 sacks last year (a career high) and wants to leave? How does he know how he'll play at OLB. Yes, he's athletic. But it's a different position.

I'd kill for Peppers. The Redskins need the pass rush, but it sounds like he's not worth the headache. Oh, and the Redskins don't run a 3-4 defense. Silly me.

If he goes to a 3-4 defensive team, I'd bet him going to the Jets or New England. If he wants a winner, the Patriots will get him.

A note about last season ... and a secret mascot?

I was going to do a wrap up of last season, but after giving it some thought, I've realized that last season was last season and it's been far too long since it ended to bring it up again.

In the meantime ... what the hell is this thing? He's from the 1995 Pro Bowl, I think.

I think he's hilariously racist. You can check out more "bizarre" mascots at Yahoo!'s blog.

Anquan Boldin - DO NOT WANT!

Remember when Clinton Portis was telling us that Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin was going to be a Redskin next season? No? Luckly I do.



That's all well and good. Boldin is an excellent receiver. He's big, fast, and best of all, he knows it.

But say it with me: HE IS NOT WORTH IT:

From the NY Daily News:

"So, how much is going to take to pry Anquan Boldin away from the Arizona Cardinals? (Agent) Drew Rosenhaus thinks it’ll cost four draft picks, including ones in the first and third rounds."

Let him go to the Eagles. Let him go to Baltimore. If the Redskins are looking for a receiver (and I don't think they should be), they can get just as much production from someone much cheaper. Receivers and running backs are like that.

In other news:

• Phillip Daniels wants to return to the team. The last time we saw Daniels, he was walking off the team's practice field with a torn ACL. Daniels is 36, but he still brings it. I like him.
  

The Pros and Cons of re-signing Ethan Albright

The Redskins brought back Ethan Albright. He's been with the Redskins for nine years, which, if you convert that to the football-world years, is like 30 years.

What interested me was that Albright has snapped for 11 different Redskins punters in those nine years.

Quite sad indeed.

But anyway, here are the ESR pros and cons of re-signing Ethan Albright:

Pro: He's a Pro Bowl snapper. Gosh darn it, I don't think I've seen him miss a snap. He's probably one of the best Redskins snappers of all time.

Con: He's got red hair. Who knows what he's capable of. Who knows what he's thinking. Look at those eyes. They give me the willies.

Pro: He's technically an offensive lineman. Maybe he could play left guard? He's been to the Pro Bowl. We know that he has strong arms.

Con: Dude's like 37. Plus he has red hair.

If you like Chris Cooley ... (pro bowl 09 edition)

... Apparently Larry Fitzgerald doesn't.



This is video from the Pro Bowl. This is the Hail-Mary-That-Works, somehow.

Anyway, Fitz catches the pass, then as he's celebrating, he heads right past Cooley (47) to go celebrate with his Cardinals teammate Boldin. I guess Cooley was kind of annoyed. Or something. He's kinda weird.

From his excellent blog:

I'm pretty damn excited and as he caught the ball I had made my way down into the end zone. I just ran a seam route on the other side of the ball from Larry and as he came stumbling along the goal line I would be the first one to get to him. I'm not very big on celebrating, but he was coming right for me and I was pumped, so something was going to have to happen. For some reason I think I was a little awkward because I'm not really a big fan of the jumping side bump and that is what seems to be the common buddy celebration, but I headed nonchalantly toward him waiting for him to initiate some kind of celebration. As he got within five yards I started to raise my hand and even got ready for a little jumping action, right before I left my feet he actually made a sort of juke move and quickly moves around me leaving me hanging. I'm sure on TV it appeared as if he avoided me like some kind of crazy fan in the end zone, not even looking towards me as he passed. Then before I even get fully turned around he is soaring into full chest jumping, loving action with Anquan Boldin. He left me stranded and alone with nothing to do but put my head down and feel like a total ass. I mean what do I do at that point? Go find some lineman running down the field and share an Icky Shuffle with him, I don't think so. At least it was in the end closest to the locker room and I was able to walk straight in.

To be, or not to be, D. Hall

According to ESPN.com, the Redskins are apparently attempting to keep DeAngelo Hall, whom they signed midseason.

Before Hall was signed, the Redskins were 6-3.

After Hall was signed, the Redskins were 2-5.

The ESR take: I don't think they need spend a whole lot of money here. Hall wasn't the problem (more on that soon), but it's not like he's absolutely stunning. Apparently he wants to get Oprah-rich again. I liked him when he was cheap. And the Redskins have far more pressing matters (more on this soon, too).

Plus, Hall has been nicknamed "MeAngelo." Take that for what it's worth.

If the Redskins don't resign Hall, here are other free agent cornerbacks who I think the Redskins should look at (but probably won't):

Nnamdi Asomugha (UFA) - Oakland (would be a steal .. but only for the right price).
Domonique Foxworth (UFA) - Atlanta
Eric Green (UFA) - Arizona
Jabari Greer (UFA) - Buffalo
Ricky Manning Jr. (UFA) - St. Louis
Bryant McFadden (UFA) - Pittsburgh
R.W. McQuarters (UFA) - NY Giants
Deltha O'Neal (UFA) - New England
Keiwan Ratliff (UFA) - Indianapolis
Dunta Robinson (UFA) - Houston (what happened to this guy? Dropped off the face of the earth)
Allen Rossum (UFA) - San Francisco (return skills)

Minor moves

The Redskins made some minor moves Thursday that will no doubt be talked about to extremes.

They signed Anthony Alridge, a running back, off the Broncos roster. I have no idea who the guy is and I doubt he'll make the team, but if he sticks around until the preseason it should be interesting. Apparently he is quick. Clinton Portis (not what he used to be) and Ladell Betts (never was) aren't terrible, but they've both taken a crap-ton (technical term) of hits and Betts still seemed to be getting over his injury last season.

Anyway, I have added some links below for his youtube stuff from Houston. He looks decent. Can return kicks. So does Dominique Dorsey, whom the Redskins signed a week ago out of the CFL.

I'm not sure that either Dorsey or Alridge will make the team, but they are both interesting backs who could make some noise.

It's the offseason. Whatchu gonna do.

Some Alridge highlights ahoy:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs7HUBL4Q5s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPW61dJaFi4

First

Welcome to the first posting of Eat Sleep Redskins (or ESR, for short). This will be updated fairly frequently (hopefully at least once a day).

By way of introduction, my name is Sean. I live in Newport News, Va. In this blog, I'm going to attempt to give my honest take on the Redskins. Who they are, what they do. What they don't do. And scream like hell when they don't do something.

Maybe I can also provide some thoughts on the rest of the NFL, and a little about society (TV, movies) and other frivolous stuff.

In the coming days, I will be trying to talk a little about my thoughts on last season (oh, the disappointment), what the Redskins should do in the draft (THE LINES! ...?), the offense, the defense and more.

I'm not sure that anyone will care about my thoughts, but hopefully I can provide a fun, thoughtful look at the team.