Richmond, Va. – The Washington Redskins training camp will be over in four days and the grind of the 2014 season will be underway in earnest. That is not to say that training camp is not a grind. But with the attendance of so many fans and with practices in full pads much less frequent than in seasons past, training camp has much more of a carnival atmosphere than the practices back at the training facility in Ashburn will have. The final day in Richmond is Tuesday August 12 and it is closed to the public.
One of the things to like about Jay Gruden’s philosophy is his belief that all of the players — whether starters or rookies or back up free agents — should get as many reps as possible and get those reps with both starters and backup players. It makes absolute sense and makes me wonder why more coaches don’t do it. Otherwise, how can a player be properly evaluated? If a talented rookie wide out is trying to catch passes from a less-than-excellent passer, how well can he showcase his ability?
Gruden’s willingness to let his players get so many reps is one reason to hope that the Redskins will finally have some serious depth at the skill positions in 2014… and it will hopefully pay off when the regular season arrives. This was evident in Thursday’s preseason win over the New England Patriots when so many rookies and new free agent members of the team saw the field and showed what they can do. Guys like free agent linebacker and special teams’ ace Darryl Sharpton, rookie cornerback Bashaud Breeland and rookie running back Silas Redd played well against Patriots players with supposed similar experience. Both the offense and the defense showed promise under Gruden with his offensive coordinator Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.
Here are a few brief thoughts (along with some photos) on the Redskins as their 2014 training camp winds down.
The success and failure of the 2014 begins and ends with quarterback Robert Griffin, III and there’s every reason for RedskinsNation to believe that 2014 will be successful if he stays healthy. Thursday night against the Patriots he did look very fluid and his decision making was sound. During the couple of series he was on the field, it was obvious he was going through his progressions which is something Gruden has preached throughout training camp. In his first pass attempt, Griffin had pressure from one side and his first choice — in this case, tight end Jordan Reed — was being covered. He ended up finding tight end Logan Paulsen for a short gain (although it looks on the film like he might have been going for FB Darrel Young) after clearly counting down his progressions.
Gruden and President and General Manager Bruce Allen have done a good job of both keeping a majority of the team intact (bringing consistency) and providing Griffin with plenty of offensive weapons to aid in his growth and give the team depth. That depth was evident against the Patriots as many non-starters played well. Here is receiver Santana Moss facing off with Patriots’ veteran cornerback Kyle Arrington just before the 11-on-11 scrimmage last Tuesday.
The special teams must get better in 2014. Last season’s unit was a debacle best left behind and there is currently a tight race in camp for return specialists. They may have found their man in wide out Andre Roberts who is both willing and able to return punts and kicks. This is a plus for the Redskins.
A huge emphasis for the defense this training camp has been to improve the horrific tackling from 2013 and there was improvement during the game against the Pats. In the photo you can see that rookie cornerback Bashaud Breeland is wrapping RB Roy Helu, Jr. nicely during drills. The Clemson alum had a good game versus New England, logging seven tackles and generally being everywhere on the field.
Almost every day after practices, players have graciously spent time signing autographs and chatting with fans. Here linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins sign and chat with folks on Fan Appreciation Day. There won’t be any more fun and games, however, once they get back to Ashburn.
As the end of training camp gets closer, Gruden will be thinking more and more about his final roster. By August 31, he’s going to have to have reduced the roster from some 90 players to 53 men. Once the team gets back to Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. he will not have to be so concerned with all of the things that accompany being in Richmond for training camp. Plays will be installed, eventually game planning will begin and things will get much more intense.
The Jay Gruden era has begun.
Hail.