Monkeydad
05-27-2010, 10:30 AM
Redskins Insider - Shanahan says Westbrook is still in the mix (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/albert-haynesworth/the-washington-redskins-comple.html?wprss=redskinsinsider)
Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that free agent running back Brian Westbrook has not determined where he will play, although Washington remains a possibility. It could help the Redskins that brother Byron Westbrook plays for Washington.
"I'm trying to talk to his brother a little bit, trying to get in good with him," Shanahan said. "I'm not sure it's helped a whole lot, but I'll keep on trying."
Shanahan added that Westbrook provides a specific value on third downs with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and block.
Shanahan also was supportive of the entire running back corps when asked about Larry Johnson's progress.
"We have some healthy competition," Shanahan said. "We have some guys with a lot of ability. I'm looking forward to when the pads are on, show us what they can do in game situations."
The Redskins completed another week of organized team activities (OTAs), again without the services of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Safety LaRon Landry, linebacker Andre Carter and punter Josh Bidwell also missed practice Wednesday with excused absences.
"Every once in a while there's going to be guys who are excused or [have] a problem," Coach Mike Shanahan said. "I won't get into all the scenarios, but that's typical of OTA days. And hopefully we don't have too many of those."
Shanahan also said it would take "some time" to build a rapport with quarterback Donovan McNabb similar to the one McNabb had with Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid. But Shanahan said he is looking forward to spending time with McNabb during the off-season.
"I love the way he's handling himself thus far," Shanahan said. "I know he's enthused, ready to go, and I look forward to continue to work with him."
Shanahan said he's satisfied with the depth of the defensive line after the Redskins bolstered the position during the offseason. He praised veteran lineman Vonnie Holliday, whose career Shanahan has followed. Shanahan said Holliday is "pretty impressive as a person" and "fits in" with the Redskins' schemes.
The smallest player on the field, wide receiver Brandon Banks, has caught Shanahan's attention. At 5 feet 7 and 150 pounds, Banks is dwarfed by his teammates, but Shanahan complimented his return skills.
"Obviously not very big, but very fast," Shanahan said. "We ran him in the 40, and he broke 4.4 when he ran, and he's catching the ball...as a wide receiver. So, he's competing right now, and we'll let time take care of itself and give him the opportunity in the preseason games to show what he can do."
Shanahan did not elaborate on a New York Post report that a Brooklyn stripper, Silvia Mena, is suing Haynesworth for $10 million, claiming that she's carrying his child but is receiving no financial support from him.
"We're going to talk about the people that are here," Shanahan said. "Of the situation you're talking about, I think it would be inappropriate of me to make a comment on something like that when I don't have the facts."
Tight end Chris Cooley was holding kicks on Wednesday in Bidwell's absence. "It's probably the first time I've ever been around Chris when he looked a little nervous, something he's not comfortable with," Shanahan said. "I'm not sure he's ever done it before. But Chris has got excellent hands. We wanted to take a look in our OTAs to see if he could, how he handled the ball obviously as a holder, and I thought he did a good job."
Shanahan said he hopes FedEx Field can host a Super Bowl, now that New York/New Jersey has been awarded the 2014 game. Shanahan said he does not think it is a major factor if a Super Bowl is played in bad weather because both teams deal with the same conditions. "It does open an opportunity for possibly us getting a Super Bowl in the future," Shanahan said.
The Redskins return to OTAs Tuesday. Their next OTA open to reporters is Wednesday.
Interesting points bolded.
Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan said Wednesday that free agent running back Brian Westbrook has not determined where he will play, although Washington remains a possibility. It could help the Redskins that brother Byron Westbrook plays for Washington.
"I'm trying to talk to his brother a little bit, trying to get in good with him," Shanahan said. "I'm not sure it's helped a whole lot, but I'll keep on trying."
Shanahan added that Westbrook provides a specific value on third downs with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and block.
Shanahan also was supportive of the entire running back corps when asked about Larry Johnson's progress.
"We have some healthy competition," Shanahan said. "We have some guys with a lot of ability. I'm looking forward to when the pads are on, show us what they can do in game situations."
The Redskins completed another week of organized team activities (OTAs), again without the services of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Safety LaRon Landry, linebacker Andre Carter and punter Josh Bidwell also missed practice Wednesday with excused absences.
"Every once in a while there's going to be guys who are excused or [have] a problem," Coach Mike Shanahan said. "I won't get into all the scenarios, but that's typical of OTA days. And hopefully we don't have too many of those."
Shanahan also said it would take "some time" to build a rapport with quarterback Donovan McNabb similar to the one McNabb had with Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid. But Shanahan said he is looking forward to spending time with McNabb during the off-season.
"I love the way he's handling himself thus far," Shanahan said. "I know he's enthused, ready to go, and I look forward to continue to work with him."
Shanahan said he's satisfied with the depth of the defensive line after the Redskins bolstered the position during the offseason. He praised veteran lineman Vonnie Holliday, whose career Shanahan has followed. Shanahan said Holliday is "pretty impressive as a person" and "fits in" with the Redskins' schemes.
The smallest player on the field, wide receiver Brandon Banks, has caught Shanahan's attention. At 5 feet 7 and 150 pounds, Banks is dwarfed by his teammates, but Shanahan complimented his return skills.
"Obviously not very big, but very fast," Shanahan said. "We ran him in the 40, and he broke 4.4 when he ran, and he's catching the ball...as a wide receiver. So, he's competing right now, and we'll let time take care of itself and give him the opportunity in the preseason games to show what he can do."
Shanahan did not elaborate on a New York Post report that a Brooklyn stripper, Silvia Mena, is suing Haynesworth for $10 million, claiming that she's carrying his child but is receiving no financial support from him.
"We're going to talk about the people that are here," Shanahan said. "Of the situation you're talking about, I think it would be inappropriate of me to make a comment on something like that when I don't have the facts."
Tight end Chris Cooley was holding kicks on Wednesday in Bidwell's absence. "It's probably the first time I've ever been around Chris when he looked a little nervous, something he's not comfortable with," Shanahan said. "I'm not sure he's ever done it before. But Chris has got excellent hands. We wanted to take a look in our OTAs to see if he could, how he handled the ball obviously as a holder, and I thought he did a good job."
Shanahan said he hopes FedEx Field can host a Super Bowl, now that New York/New Jersey has been awarded the 2014 game. Shanahan said he does not think it is a major factor if a Super Bowl is played in bad weather because both teams deal with the same conditions. "It does open an opportunity for possibly us getting a Super Bowl in the future," Shanahan said.
The Redskins return to OTAs Tuesday. Their next OTA open to reporters is Wednesday.
Interesting points bolded.