NFC East: Keiland Williams
Washington Redskins cutdown analysis
September, 3, 2011
9/03/11
7:21
PM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Click here for a complete list of the Washington Redskins' roster moves.
Biggest surprise: The decision to keep Chris Neild as a backup nose tackle and release Anthony Bryant. There was some chatter in the offseason about Bryant's possibly being promoted to starting nose tackle if the Redskins focused their offseason energies on defensive end. But once they signed Barry Cofield, they didn't need two backups, and they liked what they saw from Neild, especially on special teams.
Running backs Evan Royster and Keiland Williams have apparently been released, victims of overcrowding in a Redskins running back field now headed by Tim Hightower. Ryan Torain will remain on the roster, along with Roy Helu, as a top option if Hightower should falter. And it's a bit surprising to see them keep eight receivers, including Brandon Banks, Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul and Donte' Stallworth.
No-brainers: They're only keeping two quarterbacks, John Beck and Rex Grossman, while cutting Kellen Clemens and Matt Gutierrez, but I don't think that's surprising. Those last two were only there to help take up preseason snaps when they needed to rest guys who might be their starters at any point this season. Rookie receiver Aldrick Robinson didn't do anything to help himself. And Artis Hicks has been squeezed out of the offensive line mix. They looked into trading Hicks Saturday but ultimately had to put him on waivers.
What's next: They could hit the market for a third quarterback, obviously, though that's not a major concern. I wonder if they'll still look for help at defensive end with Jarvis Jenkins out for the year. The Cowboys just cut Igor Olshansky, who's a name that will surely catch someone's attention.
Biggest surprise: The decision to keep Chris Neild as a backup nose tackle and release Anthony Bryant. There was some chatter in the offseason about Bryant's possibly being promoted to starting nose tackle if the Redskins focused their offseason energies on defensive end. But once they signed Barry Cofield, they didn't need two backups, and they liked what they saw from Neild, especially on special teams.
Running backs Evan Royster and Keiland Williams have apparently been released, victims of overcrowding in a Redskins running back field now headed by Tim Hightower. Ryan Torain will remain on the roster, along with Roy Helu, as a top option if Hightower should falter. And it's a bit surprising to see them keep eight receivers, including Brandon Banks, Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul and Donte' Stallworth.
No-brainers: They're only keeping two quarterbacks, John Beck and Rex Grossman, while cutting Kellen Clemens and Matt Gutierrez, but I don't think that's surprising. Those last two were only there to help take up preseason snaps when they needed to rest guys who might be their starters at any point this season. Rookie receiver Aldrick Robinson didn't do anything to help himself. And Artis Hicks has been squeezed out of the offensive line mix. They looked into trading Hicks Saturday but ultimately had to put him on waivers.
What's next: They could hit the market for a third quarterback, obviously, though that's not a major concern. I wonder if they'll still look for help at defensive end with Jarvis Jenkins out for the year. The Cowboys just cut Igor Olshansky, who's a name that will surely catch someone's attention.
I don't completely understand the phenomenon that is NFL cutdown day. More specifically, I don't understand the fans' fascination with it. But I recognize that said fascination exists, and that it's awkward for you all to be discussing this on yesterday's post. So here's a new post, written expressly for the purpose of providing you with a fresh comments section in which to discuss things like Kellen Clemens' release from the Washington Redskins. I hope you enjoy it.
Once the cuts are in, I will have a post for each team, breaking it all down. Meantime, based on various reports, we've heard:
And more, of course, as most of you know who are tracking these same reports. More later. I promise.
Once the cuts are in, I will have a post for each team, breaking it all down. Meantime, based on various reports, we've heard:
- That the Eagles have cut defensive tackles Derek Landri and Anthony Hargrove, meaning they'll go with four defensive tackles -- Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Antonio Dixon and Trevor Laws. Guess they expect Dixon to be healthy.
- That the Cowboys are cutting Igor Olshansky, which we'd seen coming because of the addition/emergence of Kenyon Coleman.
- That the Giants have picked Steve Weatherford over Matt Dodge as their punter.
- That the Redskins have cut Keiland Williams, over whom several running backs jumped in line this offseason, and defensive lineman Doug Worthington, which could mean they're looking to add at that position.
And more, of course, as most of you know who are tracking these same reports. More later. I promise.
Breakfast links: The lockout's final day
July, 22, 2011
7/22/11
8:00
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Good morning, all. Yes, in spite of the hang-wringing and incredulous impatience of last night, I really believe today is the day. I think the players didn't like the way the NFL handled things last night, don't want to be forced into re-establishing their union if they don't want one and honestly felt they needed time to look over the deal the owners handed them before agreeing to it. I think all of this is reasonable. And from all I've been told, I have no reason to think any of it will hold up the deal beyond today. Could the players vote no and surprise me? Sure. But I think (a) this is a really nice deal for them and (b) they all want to get back to work. So, in the spirit of justified optimism, we link:
Dallas Cowboys
Skip Bayless and Chris Broussard debated on "First Take" on Thursday whether this is a "make or break" season for Tony Romo in Dallas. Skip says it is. Chris says he's nuts. Chris is right. If Romo throws for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns and the defense gives up the second-most points in the league again and they miss the playoffs, how exactly would that be Romo's fault? Said it before, say it again: Romo is the least of the Cowboys' problems.
Calvin Watkins' "Old School" series checks in with Nate Newton, who thinks, among other things, that the Cowboys should have designated Doug Free as their franchise player before the lockout began.
New York Giants
Mike Garafolo listened to Ahmad Bradshaw do an interview with a Miami radio station and couldn't figure out which way he was leaning -- Giants or Dolphins. On the heels of Drew Rosenhaus' comments about Bradshaw and the Dolphins earlier this week, Bradshaw sounds like a guy who wants and expects to be back with the Giants but is trying to use the Dolphins' potential interest as leverage for the best possible deal. Of course, the Dolphins really could use him and could make an offer to lure him away. It was Dolphins versus Giants last year for Antrel Rolle, and Miami was upset to lose out. Revenge?
Giants.com asks who was the Giants' best free-agent signing of the past 15 years -- Kerry Collins, Michael Barrow, Shaun O'Hara, Antonio Pierce, Kareem McKenzie or Plaxico Burress? Honestly, given where they were at quarterback before he signed, I might go with Collins here.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are ready to begin training camp next week if the players sign off on the deal, and they still expect to have it at Lehigh.
And we have this latest entry on why it would be better for the Eagles to sign a cornerback who's not as good as Nnamdi Asomugha than it would be for them to sign Asomugha himself. It's twisted logic every time I read it, and yet it's become something of a consensus. Fine. You guys want Ike Taylor, go get him. You just won't be as good as you could have been. I mean, jeez. If Asomugha doesn't fit into the defense you're planning to run, but you can afford him and he wants to sign with you ... maybe you should be running a different defense.
Washington Redskins
Jason Reid says the Redskins will be one of the teams most affected, in a negative way, by the lost offseason: "The accelerated schedule poses problems for ballclubs relying on inexperienced quarterbacks and those envisioning significant roster turnover, both of which describe the Washington Redskins' situation." I'll add that I also think they're hurt because this second year of Jim Haslett's 3-4 is a critical one in that transition, and they really didn't get to have the offseason I'm sure Haslett wanted to have with it.
Mike Jones lists Kevin Barnes, Keiland Williams, Graham Gano, Perry Riley, Anthony Armstrong and LaRon Landry as potential "breakout" players for the Redskins in 2011. Mike has written on Barnes a lot this offseason, wondering if the Redskins will indeed make him a starting cornerback and address other free-agent needs instead. Worth watching.
All right. More later. It's Friday, so you know we have plenty. But right now I have to go vote on a proposed bowl of cereal, pending the addition of a glass of orange juice.
Dallas Cowboys
Skip Bayless and Chris Broussard debated on "First Take" on Thursday whether this is a "make or break" season for Tony Romo in Dallas. Skip says it is. Chris says he's nuts. Chris is right. If Romo throws for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns and the defense gives up the second-most points in the league again and they miss the playoffs, how exactly would that be Romo's fault? Said it before, say it again: Romo is the least of the Cowboys' problems.
Calvin Watkins' "Old School" series checks in with Nate Newton, who thinks, among other things, that the Cowboys should have designated Doug Free as their franchise player before the lockout began.
New York Giants
Mike Garafolo listened to Ahmad Bradshaw do an interview with a Miami radio station and couldn't figure out which way he was leaning -- Giants or Dolphins. On the heels of Drew Rosenhaus' comments about Bradshaw and the Dolphins earlier this week, Bradshaw sounds like a guy who wants and expects to be back with the Giants but is trying to use the Dolphins' potential interest as leverage for the best possible deal. Of course, the Dolphins really could use him and could make an offer to lure him away. It was Dolphins versus Giants last year for Antrel Rolle, and Miami was upset to lose out. Revenge?
Giants.com asks who was the Giants' best free-agent signing of the past 15 years -- Kerry Collins, Michael Barrow, Shaun O'Hara, Antonio Pierce, Kareem McKenzie or Plaxico Burress? Honestly, given where they were at quarterback before he signed, I might go with Collins here.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are ready to begin training camp next week if the players sign off on the deal, and they still expect to have it at Lehigh.
And we have this latest entry on why it would be better for the Eagles to sign a cornerback who's not as good as Nnamdi Asomugha than it would be for them to sign Asomugha himself. It's twisted logic every time I read it, and yet it's become something of a consensus. Fine. You guys want Ike Taylor, go get him. You just won't be as good as you could have been. I mean, jeez. If Asomugha doesn't fit into the defense you're planning to run, but you can afford him and he wants to sign with you ... maybe you should be running a different defense.
Washington Redskins
Jason Reid says the Redskins will be one of the teams most affected, in a negative way, by the lost offseason: "The accelerated schedule poses problems for ballclubs relying on inexperienced quarterbacks and those envisioning significant roster turnover, both of which describe the Washington Redskins' situation." I'll add that I also think they're hurt because this second year of Jim Haslett's 3-4 is a critical one in that transition, and they really didn't get to have the offseason I'm sure Haslett wanted to have with it.
Mike Jones lists Kevin Barnes, Keiland Williams, Graham Gano, Perry Riley, Anthony Armstrong and LaRon Landry as potential "breakout" players for the Redskins in 2011. Mike has written on Barnes a lot this offseason, wondering if the Redskins will indeed make him a starting cornerback and address other free-agent needs instead. Worth watching.
All right. More later. It's Friday, so you know we have plenty. But right now I have to go vote on a proposed bowl of cereal, pending the addition of a glass of orange juice.
Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson examines the running backs of each NFC East team. Today: Washington Redskins
Washington fans think I have a vendetta against their beloved Skins, but I can assure them that I am looking at the roster with the utmost objectivity. The Redskins just consistently fall short of their divisional foes in positional rankings such as these.
To be frank, Washington is well behind the other three NFC East teams at the running back position, especially if Ahmad Bradshaw returns to New York.
Forgive me, Redskins fans, but I think Ryan Torain is the definition of “just a guy.” I am the first to admit that Mike Shanahan doesn’t need Hall of Fame talent in the backfield to have an extremely productive running game. Torain is a very good fit for what Shanahan needs from the position. But he is a runner only. He doesn’t have make-you-miss abilities or the breakaway speed to create big plays. Torain is a grinder and a volume runner who brings little else to the table.
There is a guy though in this backfield that I want to see more of -- Keiland Williams. Torain runs harder, but Williams can do more things. He is intriguing as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. I still don’t think either player is a legitimate starter in this league, but with all the needs in Washington, this is probably who they will open the season with.
One more thing to note: Clinton Portis is gone now, and the pass blocking and blitz pickup from the running back spot will probably deteriorate drastically. That is a big deal for any team, but even more so for one that could be starting a rookie quarterback behind a very suspect offensive line. Just callin’ it like I see it.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
Washington fans think I have a vendetta against their beloved Skins, but I can assure them that I am looking at the roster with the utmost objectivity. The Redskins just consistently fall short of their divisional foes in positional rankings such as these.
To be frank, Washington is well behind the other three NFC East teams at the running back position, especially if Ahmad Bradshaw returns to New York.
Forgive me, Redskins fans, but I think Ryan Torain is the definition of “just a guy.” I am the first to admit that Mike Shanahan doesn’t need Hall of Fame talent in the backfield to have an extremely productive running game. Torain is a very good fit for what Shanahan needs from the position. But he is a runner only. He doesn’t have make-you-miss abilities or the breakaway speed to create big plays. Torain is a grinder and a volume runner who brings little else to the table.
There is a guy though in this backfield that I want to see more of -- Keiland Williams. Torain runs harder, but Williams can do more things. He is intriguing as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. I still don’t think either player is a legitimate starter in this league, but with all the needs in Washington, this is probably who they will open the season with.
One more thing to note: Clinton Portis is gone now, and the pass blocking and blitz pickup from the running back spot will probably deteriorate drastically. That is a big deal for any team, but even more so for one that could be starting a rookie quarterback behind a very suspect offensive line. Just callin’ it like I see it.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
I finally escaped Chicago O'Hare and have arrived home in Dallas. Now let's take a look at the fallout from the Washington Redskins' 17-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings:
- Quarterback Donovan McNabb thought he'd be able to lean on a running game in Washington, but that hasn't exactly panned out. Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that the Skins simply didn't have enough plays in the second half (21) to establish the running game, and he's partly right. He wanted to give James Davis more of a chance, but the Skins weren't able to extend drives long enough for that to happen. And it looks like Shanahan gave up on Keiland Williams prematurely against the Vikings. The Redskins finished with 29 yards rushing on 13 carries. It was the second-worst rushing performance since 1994. The running backs combined to have nine carries. The Skins' rushing attack is so awful right now that the return of Ryan Torain would be a huge boost for this offense. When there's absolutely no threat of the running game working, it takes away from what McNabb can do in the play-action game. I was probably too criticial of McNabb's play Sunday. He had at least five drops and his key interception came on a ball that deflected off Santana Moss' shoulder pads. This team entered the season without enough weapons at running back and wide receiver. It's hard to imagine the Redskins pulling the upset at New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday, but we're planning to show up and document the game anyway.

- Rookie Brandon Banks is the breakthrough player of the season for the Redskins. Banks could become what Devin Hester was four years ago. He has explosive speed and the ability to squirt through any hole with his slight frame. His 77-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter was wiped out by a needless block in the back on fellow rookie Perry Riley. I thought Mike Wise of the Post did a nice job of putting that play in perspective. Kyle Shanahan needs to continue looking for ways to get Banks involved in the offense. It was nice to see him on a couple of Wildcat plays early in the game, but the Redskins never came back to it. I'd try send Banks on a double move every now and then and see if he could be a poor man's DeSean Jackson. But you don't want to do anything to take away from his work in the return game. With a player that special on kickoff and punt returns, it can make up for a lot of deficiencies.
- It's a shame LaRon Landry's season has been affected by an Achilles' tendon injury. The Redskins strong safety was on his way to a Pro Bowl season, but he's missed the past two games. And Shanahan didn't sound all that optimistic about a quick return: "I can't tell you for sure until he gets out of the boot," said Shanahan on Monday. "When that's gonna be, I'm not really sure. We're gonna look at him and evaluate him day-by-day. We'd like him back as soon as we could. But, obviously, they're not gonna take him outta that boot until they feel like the Achilles makes some strides." I think there's a pretty good chance Landry will end up on injured reserve.
- It's time for Shanahan to go with Will Montgomery at right guard. Artis Hicks wasn't signed to be a long-term starter for the Skins. He's a decent backup, but he gets exposed when he's on the field for several games at a time. Montgomery appears to be somewhat comfortable in Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. I'd leave him in there as the starter the rest of the season. The Redskins' offensive line is suffering from years of neglect. You might as well try to find out if Montgomery has a little something.
- Carlos Rogers had some interesting thoughts about playing at home. Ryan O'Halloran of CSNwashington.com has the key quote: "Me and some of the guys were talking about that earlier,” said Rogers. “Sometimes you feel when you’re at home that you’re [playing] away because you get so bashed at home for any little mistake. We come to the sideline or the bench and it’s cussing, it’s this, it’s that and we’re just in the first quarter. We’re like, ‘Are we at home or are we away?’ I think we play better away because the fans are quieter." I think the fans would be a lot more supportive if the Skins mixed in a win or two at home. The Redskins have only had three winning records at home during the Dan Snyder era.
It was another eventful day in the NFC East. Three wins and a loss. Every Monday afternoon during the season, we break it all down in the Blitz:
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
- I watched Jerry Jones stand at attention as his interim head coach Jason Garrett addressed his team after the game in a moment that was captured by the Fox cameras. Garrett had told his players at halftime that they'd have to "look in the mirror" following the game to see if they'd done everything possible to win the game. As usual, Garrett was very impressive with his delivery. He walks and talks like a head coach and it's pretty obvious the players are responding to him. If the Cowboys can go 3-3 down the stretch and pretty much stay in every game, I think this is Garrett's job to lose. You could see the admiration in Jones' eyes as he observed the postgame scene. He's walking a tricky path because he knows this fan base is still upset about a lost season. Jones once again reminded reporters how disappointed he is about the season, but he's also thrilled about these two wins. If the Cowboys can upset the Saints at home Thursday, Jones will begin preparing to remove the "interim" tag from Garrett's name. Obviously, the Rooney Rule prevents him from doing that during the season, but we'll know in two or three weeks whether Garrett's the man for the job.
- This team also believes in Jon Kitna in a big way. At age 38, it's not like he's vying with Tony Romo for the starting gig. But he has a commanding presence that plays well with his teammates. His numbers Sunday weren't off the charts, but he didn't turn the ball over and he was accurate. And when he saw an opening late in the game, he raced for a 29-yard touchdown. Kitna is an extension of Garrett in this locker room right now. He reflects the coach's no-nonsense approach. I don't think young players such as Dez Bryant and Martellus Bennett could have a better mentor right now. They look at Kitna like a big brother, and that's no small thing. These players were begging for discipline, and Garrett and Kitna have delivered in a big way.
- I wrote a column on Bryan McCann last Thursday for ESPNDallas.com and thought would be a one-time thing. But the former SMU Mustang once again made a game-changing play when he alertly picked up a punt that had been saved from the end zone by a Lions player and raced 97 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens have to be kicking themselves for letting McCann out of their grasp. They had him on the 53-man roster for about a week in September, but they cut him to make room for a struggling return specialist. McCann has been one of the main catalysts in the Cowboys' sudden return to relevance.
- I'm one of Eli Manning's biggest defenders, but the guy is making too many poor decisions this season. I've been told more than once that Manning is the smartest player on the Giants' roster. But you couldn't prove it by the way he decided not to slide after running for a first down late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Eagles. I realize that Michael Vick has sworn off sliding. But Superman gets a free pass because he doesn't think of himself as a quarterback when he's embarrassing safeties in the open field. Manning only embarrassed himself Sunday night when he crumpled to the ground and fumbled away a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter. He indicated that he was running too fast too slide, which made little sense. Manning's an excellent quarterback, but he has to do a better job taking care of the ball.
- Justin Tuck took over the game in the second half. Tuck was well aware that folks across the league thought Vick was pretty close to invincible. But he had confidence in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's game plan and he kept coming in the second half. Tuck finished with three sacks and he consistently beat double-teams. His strip sack of Vick early in the fourth quarter set up the Giants' second touchdown and allowed them to take a 17-16 lead. Tuck and safety Antrel Rolle gave Vick some problems with their constant pressure. It's still a bad loss, but I think the Giants' defense actually gained some confidence in this game.
- Jason Pierre-Paul made a huge mistake in the fourth quarter. Lost in all the talk of the Eagles' impressive fourth-and-1 play that resulted in a 50-yard touchdown run was the fact that the circumstances could've been much different. The Eagles faced a third-and-5 from their 45-yard line when Pierre-Paul was called for being offside. That put the Eagles in a much better situation, allowing them the luxury of trying to throw on third down. We may never have heard about "39 Crunch" if not for Pierre-Paul's mistake. How can a team coached by the ultimate disciplinarian make so many critical mistakes? It's a mystery to me, but the Giants once again had a double-digit penalty game. And this was after they only had six penalties in a loss to the Cowboys.
- Let's give offensive line coach Juan Castillo some credit for somehow holding this offensive line together. I realize the Eagles gave up three sacks to Tuck, but at least one of those was on Vick for holding onto the ball too long. On the "Crunch 39" play that McCoy took to the house in the fourth quarter, the much-maligned (by me) Jason Peters and Todd Herremans pulled to the left and engulfed two Giants defensive backs. Even before McCoy was at the Giants' 30-yard line, Herremans had already thrust his right arm into the air. Castillo designed the game-winning play and he doesn't receive nearly enough credit. He's recently inserted Nick Cole into the starting lineup at right guard -- and the Eagles haven't missed a beat. It's a little unfair to give Vick all the credit when he's able to camp out in the pocket for nearly four seconds on a routine basis. Some of that has to do with the guys up front.
- The Eagles continue to be a great first-quarter team. They've outscored their opponents in the first quarter by nearly nine touchdowns this season. And this was only the second time in the past six games the Eagles didn't score on their first drive. Not to worry, the Eagles had a seven-minute drive on their second possession and then Vick punched it in with one of the most exciting 4-yard gains you'll ever see.
- We had another scary moment in this game. Eagles cornerback Ellis Hobbs remained on the ground for about 10 minutes after his helmet-to-helmet collision with Dave Tollefson during a kickoff return. The league has addressed defenseless receivers, but I think there's more to be done with ballcarriers. Tollefson led with the crown of his helmet on the play. We're seeing way too many players spend time on the ground without moving. Some folks will argue that it's an inherent risk, but that doesn't mean the league shouldn't continue to be vigilant in its protection of players. I realize that's not supposed to be a penalty on Tollefson, but maybe it should be. Coaches are going to have to do a better job across the league teaching proper technique. Fortunately Hobbs had movement in his extremeties last night and x-rays were negative for a neck injury. Now, we'll see if an MRI reveals any damage.
- What an enormous win for the Redskins. Washington had to overcome all sort of injuries and setbacks in this game. But the Redskins persevered and got a huge win in Tennessee. The Redskins will be severely short-handed against the Vikings this Sunday, but no one really seemed to care in the afterglow of a 19-16 win in overtime.
- Is anyone on the team healthy? From what I've been able to tell, 10 players left the game because of injuries and eight of them didn't return. Stephon Heyer has enough trouble playing offensive tackle, but he was asked to play guard for the first time in his career. He played really well and earned the respect of head coach Mike Shanahan. For the second consecutive week, the Skins lost a player in pregame warmups. Chad Simpson suffered a broken foot and then Clinton Portis re-injured his groin in the first half. Keiland Williams touched the ball 29 times in this game and he was an absolute workhorse. I'm not saying the Skins are destined for the playoffs, but this was certainly the type of win they can build upon. If they can beat the hapless Vikings on Sunday, they'll head to the Meadowlands with a 6-5 record the following week.
- I'd say that's a pretty good job on Randy Moss. By the fourth quarter, I'd forgotten that Moss was even on the field. Running routes for someone named Rusty Smith may have made Moss yearn for the buffet spread in Eden Prairie, Minn. It was a joke for Jeff Fisher to think that Vince Young and Moss would make a good pairing. They brought a chronic complainer to play with a man who attempts about 13 passes per game. Young tossed half of his uniform into the stands as he left the field in anger Sunday. It would be his most accurate throw of the afternoon.
- Donovan McNabb responded beautifully to that stink-o performance against the Eagles. He was brilliant during a two-minute drill at the end of regulation and then he once again made a big play on the game-winning drive in overtime. McNabb delivered a perfect pass to tight end Chris Cooley in overtime after eluding a defender and throwing on the run. Mike Shanahan joked that he wouldn't have to talk about the two-minute drill this week. For now, it appears that McNabb and the Shanahans are on the same page.
Some quick thoughts on the Washington Redskins' clutch 19-16 win over the Tennessee Titans.

What it means: This is an enormous win for a team that was thoroughly embarrassed by the Philadelphia Eagles Monday. The Redskins faced a lot of adversity in this game with at least eight players having to leave for some time due to injury. And it's not like Washington was at full strength at the beginning. Quarterback Donovan McNabb showed excellent poise in leading a two-minute drill at the end of regulation and then he again put the Skins in position to win the game in overtime. McNabb finished the game 30-of-50 for 376 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Playing behind a patchwork offensive line, McNabb used his feet to extend plays and deliver strikes downfield. He had the one bad interception in the first half, but I still think this was his best performance of the season.
McNabb's play of the game: With the Redskins starting from their own 13-yard line in overtime, McNabb avoided a sack and launched the ball to tight end Chris Cooley for a 26-yard gain on first down. The Redskins certainly had help on the game-winning drive with two 15-yard penalties on the Titans, but McNabb's throw to Cooley got things off to a good start. If Cooley was able to keep on his feet on the play, he had a chance at a touchdown.
Injuries everywhere: The Redskins can't even get running backs through pregame warmups without getting injured. The Skins were down to two running backs because Chad Simpson injured himself before the game. Clinton Portis got off to a quick start with 32 yards on five carries, but then he re-injured his groin and had to leave the game.You have to hand it to Keiland Williams, who ran the ball 23 times for 68 yards and also caught six passes.
The Redskins' defense continued to get the job done despite losing players to injuries. The Titans moved the ball with Chris Johnson on the ground, but they never punched the ball in the end zone against the Skins. Tennessee's only touchdown came on a punt return. Washington had 17 more first downs than the Titans and nearly 100 more total yards on offense. But the Titans win games like these, as the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys will attest. Of course, knocking Titans quarterback Vince Young out of the game in the third quarter didn't hurt the Skins' cause. Third-stringer Rusty Smith had one long completion to set up a field goal, but he threw a crucial interception to Phillip Buchanon and then struggled in overtime. I'll never understand why the Titans didn't simply keep feeding the ball to Johnson in overtime. Putting the game in Smith's hands after Johnson had opened with a 15-yard run was a baffling call by the Titans.
What's next: It's hard to believe, but the Skins (5-5) could hop right back into the playoff picture with a win at home over the struggling Vikings next Sunday. And then it's off to New Meadowlands Stadium to face the New York Giants. That's suddenly looking like a pretty good game Dec. 5.

What it means: This is an enormous win for a team that was thoroughly embarrassed by the Philadelphia Eagles Monday. The Redskins faced a lot of adversity in this game with at least eight players having to leave for some time due to injury. And it's not like Washington was at full strength at the beginning. Quarterback Donovan McNabb showed excellent poise in leading a two-minute drill at the end of regulation and then he again put the Skins in position to win the game in overtime. McNabb finished the game 30-of-50 for 376 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Playing behind a patchwork offensive line, McNabb used his feet to extend plays and deliver strikes downfield. He had the one bad interception in the first half, but I still think this was his best performance of the season.
McNabb's play of the game: With the Redskins starting from their own 13-yard line in overtime, McNabb avoided a sack and launched the ball to tight end Chris Cooley for a 26-yard gain on first down. The Redskins certainly had help on the game-winning drive with two 15-yard penalties on the Titans, but McNabb's throw to Cooley got things off to a good start. If Cooley was able to keep on his feet on the play, he had a chance at a touchdown.
Injuries everywhere: The Redskins can't even get running backs through pregame warmups without getting injured. The Skins were down to two running backs because Chad Simpson injured himself before the game. Clinton Portis got off to a quick start with 32 yards on five carries, but then he re-injured his groin and had to leave the game.You have to hand it to Keiland Williams, who ran the ball 23 times for 68 yards and also caught six passes.
The Redskins' defense continued to get the job done despite losing players to injuries. The Titans moved the ball with Chris Johnson on the ground, but they never punched the ball in the end zone against the Skins. Tennessee's only touchdown came on a punt return. Washington had 17 more first downs than the Titans and nearly 100 more total yards on offense. But the Titans win games like these, as the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys will attest. Of course, knocking Titans quarterback Vince Young out of the game in the third quarter didn't hurt the Skins' cause. Third-stringer Rusty Smith had one long completion to set up a field goal, but he threw a crucial interception to Phillip Buchanon and then struggled in overtime. I'll never understand why the Titans didn't simply keep feeding the ball to Johnson in overtime. Putting the game in Smith's hands after Johnson had opened with a 15-yard run was a baffling call by the Titans.
What's next: It's hard to believe, but the Skins (5-5) could hop right back into the playoff picture with a win at home over the struggling Vikings next Sunday. And then it's off to New Meadowlands Stadium to face the New York Giants. That's suddenly looking like a pretty good game Dec. 5.
Larry Johnson has left the building
September, 22, 2010
9/22/10
9:55
AM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan raised eyebrows in the offseason by building his running game around backs who peaked in 2006. Now only the team's favorite social commentator, Clinton Portis, remains on the roster after former Kansas City star Larry Johnson was released Tuesday.
Johnson, who seemed like an odd fit from the start, didn't make much of an impact in the running game. In fact, his 10-yard loss on a run in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans may have sealed his fate. It was obvious that Shanahan didn't have any faith in Johnson's ability because he only gave Johnson five carries in two games. The Skins are apparently comfortable going with undrafted rookie Keiland Williams out of LSU as Portis' primary backup.
"We were caught completely off guard by it," said Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer. "It was not something that we were expecting. I was told by the Redskins that this was a short-term situation brought on by the need to have a special-teams running back, that they cannot afford the luxury of two starting running backs for this week."
The Redskins have the option of bringing Johnson back into the fold soon if he's not signed by another team, but I think Shanahan probably wants to see how Williams performs. The Redskins have a one-cut approach to the running game that doesn't really fit with Johnson's lumbering style.
To his credit, Johnson had accepted his limited role and hadn't caused any problems in the locker room.
Now we'll return to our regularly scheduled Michael Vick programming.
Johnson, who seemed like an odd fit from the start, didn't make much of an impact in the running game. In fact, his 10-yard loss on a run in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans may have sealed his fate. It was obvious that Shanahan didn't have any faith in Johnson's ability because he only gave Johnson five carries in two games. The Skins are apparently comfortable going with undrafted rookie Keiland Williams out of LSU as Portis' primary backup.
"We were caught completely off guard by it," said Johnson's agent, Peter Schaffer. "It was not something that we were expecting. I was told by the Redskins that this was a short-term situation brought on by the need to have a special-teams running back, that they cannot afford the luxury of two starting running backs for this week."
The Redskins have the option of bringing Johnson back into the fold soon if he's not signed by another team, but I think Shanahan probably wants to see how Williams performs. The Redskins have a one-cut approach to the running game that doesn't really fit with Johnson's lumbering style.
To his credit, Johnson had accepted his limited role and hadn't caused any problems in the locker room.
Now we'll return to our regularly scheduled Michael Vick programming.
Will Shanahan improve run game?
August, 13, 2010
8/13/10
1:00
PM ET
By Scout Inc.'s Matt Williamson | ESPN.com
Can Mike Shanahan make something of the Redskins’ running game?
Shanahan consistently makes chicken soup out of lackluster ingredients. Historically, he has not dedicated many resources to his running backs and has cultivated great offensive line play from late-round draft picks who did not meet the size and bulk criteria that most teams desire. Instead, Shanahan covets smart, mobile linemen who will cut out a defensive lineman’s knees without a second thought.
The Redskins’ offensive line was a massive liability in 2009 but Washington -- which opens its preseason Friday night at home gainst Buffalo -- has aggressively revamped the front five. First-round pick Trent Williams is an extremely talented rookie but first-year offensive tackles often struggle. His skill set fits what Shanahan wants from his blockers, even though he doesn’t have a ton of experience at left tackle. I would still consider Williams an upgrade for 2010 and certainly a fine long-term prospect. On the right side, Washington added Jammal Brown via trade. His reputation might exceed his production and he is switching tackle spots from his time with the Saints. But as with Williams, Brown can’t be looked at as anything but an upgrade. Former Viking Artis Hicks, who is expected to start at right guard, is also a move in the right direction. While Washington might not have an elite offensive line, it should be good enough -- especially considering the coaching.
Donovan McNabb can move an offense and provides an upgrade over what Washington had. But without breaking down every wideout, I will generalize that position by saying that I am less than impressed. Tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis appear formidable as receivers but not as run blockers. The Redskins wisely will employ a ton of double-tight end sets. Overall, I don’t think most defenses are going to fear this passing game enough to create a lot of space for this stable of old runners.
Willie Parker looks finished. He no longer has the speed that made him famous and never was much help in short yardage or in the passing game. Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis are once-great running backs who are held together with duct tape and have very few explosive traits left. Neither break tackles nor inflict punishment like he once did. Johnson has never offered much as a receiver and Portis’ receiving skills have quickly faded. Either might perform well for a game or two, but I don’t trust them to hold up over a long stretch. Johnson could only muster a 3.3 yards per carry average behind an excellent run-blocking line in Cincinnati last year. Still, he looked to have more left in the tank than Portis. While Portis is only 29 years old, he entered the league at a young age and doesn’t have the big body to withstand the type of punishment he has endured. Concussions, ankle problems and other ailments have plagued Portis in recent years.
Ryan Torain or Keiland Williams could take Parker’s job. Torain runs hard, but he takes a ton of big hits and can’t stay healthy. But Williams has an intriguing size-speed ratio and could be an unheralded player who Shanahan quietly develops. Keep an eye on Williams this preseason.
No team in the league got fewer rushing yards from their running backs in 2009. That will improve, and I expect Shanahan will manufacture a decent run game. Just don’t expect massive improvement.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
Shanahan consistently makes chicken soup out of lackluster ingredients. Historically, he has not dedicated many resources to his running backs and has cultivated great offensive line play from late-round draft picks who did not meet the size and bulk criteria that most teams desire. Instead, Shanahan covets smart, mobile linemen who will cut out a defensive lineman’s knees without a second thought.
The Redskins’ offensive line was a massive liability in 2009 but Washington -- which opens its preseason Friday night at home gainst Buffalo -- has aggressively revamped the front five. First-round pick Trent Williams is an extremely talented rookie but first-year offensive tackles often struggle. His skill set fits what Shanahan wants from his blockers, even though he doesn’t have a ton of experience at left tackle. I would still consider Williams an upgrade for 2010 and certainly a fine long-term prospect. On the right side, Washington added Jammal Brown via trade. His reputation might exceed his production and he is switching tackle spots from his time with the Saints. But as with Williams, Brown can’t be looked at as anything but an upgrade. Former Viking Artis Hicks, who is expected to start at right guard, is also a move in the right direction. While Washington might not have an elite offensive line, it should be good enough -- especially considering the coaching.
Donovan McNabb can move an offense and provides an upgrade over what Washington had. But without breaking down every wideout, I will generalize that position by saying that I am less than impressed. Tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis appear formidable as receivers but not as run blockers. The Redskins wisely will employ a ton of double-tight end sets. Overall, I don’t think most defenses are going to fear this passing game enough to create a lot of space for this stable of old runners.
Willie Parker looks finished. He no longer has the speed that made him famous and never was much help in short yardage or in the passing game. Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis are once-great running backs who are held together with duct tape and have very few explosive traits left. Neither break tackles nor inflict punishment like he once did. Johnson has never offered much as a receiver and Portis’ receiving skills have quickly faded. Either might perform well for a game or two, but I don’t trust them to hold up over a long stretch. Johnson could only muster a 3.3 yards per carry average behind an excellent run-blocking line in Cincinnati last year. Still, he looked to have more left in the tank than Portis. While Portis is only 29 years old, he entered the league at a young age and doesn’t have the big body to withstand the type of punishment he has endured. Concussions, ankle problems and other ailments have plagued Portis in recent years.
Ryan Torain or Keiland Williams could take Parker’s job. Torain runs hard, but he takes a ton of big hits and can’t stay healthy. But Williams has an intriguing size-speed ratio and could be an unheralded player who Shanahan quietly develops. Keep an eye on Williams this preseason.
No team in the league got fewer rushing yards from their running backs in 2009. That will improve, and I expect Shanahan will manufacture a decent run game. Just don’t expect massive improvement.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
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