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Observation deck: Samuels would be big loss
By Jeffri Chadiha
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: August 3, 2007
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ASHBURN, Va. -- Four observations from Washington Commanders training camp, gleaned from the team's practices:
1. Injury bug bites early
The Commanders have to be nervous about the knee injury that has sidelined Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels for a month. Last year, they watched running back Clinton Portis sustain a preseason shoulder injury, a setback that wrecked their hopes of jumping out to a good start.
If Samuels is out longer than expected -- he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on Monday -- the Commanders would have major issues protecting the blind side of quarterback Jason Campbell. The backup options include veterans Todd Wade and Jason Fabini, and undrafted rookie Stephon Heyer, who actually practiced with the first team this week because injuries required a personnel shuffle along the line.
The Commanders are also hoping the tendinitis in Portis's right knee doesn't become a bigger issue. He has missed practice time this week as well. As guard Randy Thomas said: "As long as I've been in this game, people have been getting hurt. You don't know the timing and you don't know what's going to happen every day. You have to prepare and try to get back. The guys behind you have to step it up."
2. Spotlight on the defense
It's no secret the Commanders need a better performance from their defense if they hope to return to the postseason. The unit ranked 31st in the NFL last season. The Commanders couldn't stop the run (opponents averaged 137.3 yards per game) or rush the passer (19 sacks overall). The defense simply couldn't provide much assistance for an offense that had plenty of problems.
The Commanders hope their offseason additions will help solve the issues that plagued the unit last season. The return of cornerback Fred Smoot provides the secondary with another defender familiar with the schemes of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
The addition of middle linebacker London Fletcher also gives the Commanders a reliable tackler at the heart of their defense. The defensive line still has some questions, as the group lacks a true difference maker, but there is at least some cause for optimism. "That side of the ball led us for the first two years I was back here," said head coach Joe Gibbs. "It feels like we're making strides to get back to that level."
3. Landry looks good
It is easy to understand why so many scouts rave about the potential of rookie safety LaRon Landry, who reported to camp on Tuesday after signing a five-year contract. He made an eye-catching interception while facing the first-team offense during Wednesday's morning practice.
When quarterback Campbell tried to complete a corner pass into the end zone, Landry broke quickly on the play and snatched the pass just before it reached the fingers of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. If that wasn't enough, Landry dragged his feet along the sideline and managed to stay inbounds on the play.
The pairing of Landry and Pro Bowl free safety Sean Taylor should give opposing offenses fits for years to come. The key is how quickly Landry can acclimate himself to Williams' blitz-heavy schemes. That system puts a lot of pressure on the safeties to get people lined up correctly, but once Landry and Taylor familiarize themselves with each other, they should form an imposing tandem.
4. Brunell will be big
Campbell knows the presence of backup Mark Brunell will help his growth this season. Campbell spent the last two seasons watching how Brunell, a 15-year veteran, handled himself in the offense. Campbell realizes he will benefit from Brunell's wisdom, whether it is pointing out weaknesses in the defense or talking Campbell through a game-changing mistake. The assistance that a veteran backup provides can be essential to a young signal-caller.
Campbell actually talked about this with Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Frye, when both men were on vacation in the Grand Cayman this offseason. "Charlie told me that it made a huge difference when he had Trent Dilfer backing him up (in 2005)," Campbell said. "But he had nobody there to learn from last season and it hurt him."
Jeffri Chadiha is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
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By Jeffri Chadiha
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: August 3, 2007
Comment
ASHBURN, Va. -- Four observations from Washington Commanders training camp, gleaned from the team's practices:
1. Injury bug bites early
The Commanders have to be nervous about the knee injury that has sidelined Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels for a month. Last year, they watched running back Clinton Portis sustain a preseason shoulder injury, a setback that wrecked their hopes of jumping out to a good start.
If Samuels is out longer than expected -- he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee on Monday -- the Commanders would have major issues protecting the blind side of quarterback Jason Campbell. The backup options include veterans Todd Wade and Jason Fabini, and undrafted rookie Stephon Heyer, who actually practiced with the first team this week because injuries required a personnel shuffle along the line.
The Commanders are also hoping the tendinitis in Portis's right knee doesn't become a bigger issue. He has missed practice time this week as well. As guard Randy Thomas said: "As long as I've been in this game, people have been getting hurt. You don't know the timing and you don't know what's going to happen every day. You have to prepare and try to get back. The guys behind you have to step it up."
2. Spotlight on the defense
It's no secret the Commanders need a better performance from their defense if they hope to return to the postseason. The unit ranked 31st in the NFL last season. The Commanders couldn't stop the run (opponents averaged 137.3 yards per game) or rush the passer (19 sacks overall). The defense simply couldn't provide much assistance for an offense that had plenty of problems.
The Commanders hope their offseason additions will help solve the issues that plagued the unit last season. The return of cornerback Fred Smoot provides the secondary with another defender familiar with the schemes of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
The addition of middle linebacker London Fletcher also gives the Commanders a reliable tackler at the heart of their defense. The defensive line still has some questions, as the group lacks a true difference maker, but there is at least some cause for optimism. "That side of the ball led us for the first two years I was back here," said head coach Joe Gibbs. "It feels like we're making strides to get back to that level."
3. Landry looks good
It is easy to understand why so many scouts rave about the potential of rookie safety LaRon Landry, who reported to camp on Tuesday after signing a five-year contract. He made an eye-catching interception while facing the first-team offense during Wednesday's morning practice.
When quarterback Campbell tried to complete a corner pass into the end zone, Landry broke quickly on the play and snatched the pass just before it reached the fingers of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. If that wasn't enough, Landry dragged his feet along the sideline and managed to stay inbounds on the play.
The pairing of Landry and Pro Bowl free safety Sean Taylor should give opposing offenses fits for years to come. The key is how quickly Landry can acclimate himself to Williams' blitz-heavy schemes. That system puts a lot of pressure on the safeties to get people lined up correctly, but once Landry and Taylor familiarize themselves with each other, they should form an imposing tandem.
4. Brunell will be big
Campbell knows the presence of backup Mark Brunell will help his growth this season. Campbell spent the last two seasons watching how Brunell, a 15-year veteran, handled himself in the offense. Campbell realizes he will benefit from Brunell's wisdom, whether it is pointing out weaknesses in the defense or talking Campbell through a game-changing mistake. The assistance that a veteran backup provides can be essential to a young signal-caller.
Campbell actually talked about this with Cleveland Browns quarterback Charlie Frye, when both men were on vacation in the Grand Cayman this offseason. "Charlie told me that it made a huge difference when he had Trent Dilfer backing him up (in 2005)," Campbell said. "But he had nobody there to learn from last season and it hurt him."
Jeffri Chadiha is a senior writer for ESPN.com.
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