January 27, 2020

Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall gives praise, talks playoffs, and more

December 29, 2015 by

The Washington Redskins newest strong safety, DeAngelo Hall did not talk to the media following the NFC East clinching Philadelphia Eagles victory because he thought he had tore his calf. The veteran defender apologized for the non-availability and is happy to say it is much less serious than a tear as he has classified the injury as a strain and is already able to do some light jogging. If healthy enough to play, DeAngelo Hall would “gladly” take game reps to improve his comfort level in the new position; however, he trusts the coaching staff to make the best decision for him and his teammates.

As Kirk Cousins has also said, Hall also believes that Jay Gruden has grown as a coach as the year has gone on. That makes Hall and others “want to succeed and make him look good.” An underrated offseason acquisition on the coaching staff during last summer was defensive backs coach Perry Fewell. Hall called the former Giants coordinator the most detail oriented coached he has ever player for and can see him being a head coach in the future.

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Washington Redskins Waive Former Second Round Pick David Amerson

September 21, 2015 by

REDSKINS CUT TIES WITH FORMER SECOND ROUND PICK DAVID AMERSON

The big news out of Redskins Park today was that the Washington Redskins waived 2013 second round pick David Amerson in order to make a spot on the 53 man roster for defensive end Frank Kearse, who was sent down in order to make room for ILB Terrance Plummer. Amerson was due to make around $2.5 million over the course of this and next season but now will be a dead cap hit of just about $640 thousand. UPDATE: Amerson was claimed off of waivers by the Oakland Raiders just about 24 hours after he was released. It is not that Amerson cannot develop into a very good player as Gruden put it, but it was almost certainly not going to happen here.

In the first of two year without having a first round selection in the NFL draft due to the trade to draft Robert Griffin III, David Amerson as a second round draft pick (51st overall) was the Redskins top pick in 2013. The 2013 draft took place during a time of excitement as the Redskins had just won their first division title since 1999 behind the rookie of the year performance from RG3. There seemed to be little pressure on the Redskins to improve through the draft during the final year of the Shanahan regime with current President Bruce Allen acting as General Manager.

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Washington Redskins: Week 1 Friday Press Conference Wrap Up

September 12, 2015 by

For the last time before the Washington Redskins host the Miami Dolphins at FedEx Field, Jay Gruden spoke to the media and for the first time since early on in training camp second year offensive coordinator Sean McVay discussed expectations for the offense.

The breaking news came from team president Bruce Allen prior to Gruden’s media availability when he told WTOP radio that Robert Griffin III received written clearance from the league neurologist last night, three weeks removed from the concussion he suffered at the hands of the Detroit Lions pass rush. Gruden reiterated this news by telling the media that “Robert finally got cleared” and saying he will be listed as probable for Sunday’s game because he was still able to participate in non-contact practice, although not with the second unit. When asked about Colt McCoy‘s previous status as the backup quarterback, Gruden said that decision will be made when the team has to submit their 46-man active roster shortly before the game.

Although being demoted might bring on the worst feeling for a professional football player, Gruden has reiterated the feelings of others when saying Griffin has responded well to the situation and has not shown any frustration he may be feeling inside. McVay put it that Griffin “handled himself very maturely”, a credit to his character when faced with a “tough situation”. A full hour after practice concluded, Griffin was still putting in the work by running through drills with a team staffer.

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Washington Redskins: 2015 Training Camp Day 19 Observations

August 17, 2015 by

On the official last day of training camp (closed to the public), the Washington Redskins went through a light walkthrough before returning to a newly renovated Redskins Park in Ashburn. The day started with President Bruce Allen speaking to the media about camp in Richmond, new stadium talks, and what went into the signing of Junior Galette.

In a quick evaluation of what was accomplished in training camp, head coach Jay Gruden thinks a lot was accomplished and liked that the players came together as a team. Much of that coming together could have a lot to do with teammates sticking up for each other in their scrums with the Houston Texans. Despite tensions broiling over in Day 3 of the joint practices, Gruden reiterated that he will not hesitate to schedule them in the future as the pros greatly outweigh the cons that transpired this year.

The Redskins have struggled in the special teams phase of the game for years now. A lot of that has to do with the lack of an explosive return presence. Last year Andre Roberts was “consistent” as Gruden put it but far from electrifying or providing a spark for the offense. Today Gruden noted that before Jamison Crowder got hurt, he was about to outright win the return man job from Roberts, which is indeed an open competition. The Redskins will continue to experiment with the position while Crowder is sidelined with Chris Thompson, Trey Williams, and Rashad Ross in addition to the incumbent Roberts.

Additional Need to Knows:

  • Gruden said his lone regret of training camp was the injuries throughout the secondary, which prevented the defensive backs like Baushad Breeland and David Amerson from developing chemistry with the new safeties DaShon Goldson and Jeron Johnson.
  • TE D.J. Williams has played in similar offenses to the Redskins’ in the past so Jay Gruden believes the transition will be a little bit smoother, relatively to Ernst Brun who was also signed yesterday to fill the gaping depth issues.
  • When asked about if Robert Griffin III will begin to ascend as a quarterback the way his draft classmates of Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson have, Gruden responded with “that is the goal”. The head coach also made it clear that the team has to keep him healthy and playing to begin with, which can be correlated to his recent struggles.

Injury Updates:

  • Jamison Crowder (hamstring) “will probably be out” for Thursday’s preseason game vs. the Lions.
  • DeSean Jackson (shoulder) is out as expected this week though Gruden provided the positive news that the deep threat has regained full range of motion.
  • After hurting exiting yesterday’s practice early with a toe injury, DeAngelo Hall sat out of today’s walkthroughs though an x-ray on the area was negative. Gruden is listing him as day to day giving him a chance to go against the Lions. Hall commented the injury occurred when he jammed his toe but is hopeful that the swelling and pain go down so that he can play Thursday because he “needs the reps”.

Important Dates:

  • Host the Detroit Lions for the second preseason game in 3 days on 8/20 at 7:30 PM.
  • The final cuts to a 53 man roster will take place over the next 19 days by 9/4.
  • Season and home opener against Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 13 in 28 days.
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Washington Redskins: President Bruce Allen Speaks to Media Culminating Training Camp

August 17, 2015 by

The Washington Redskins will hold one quick walkthrough in Richmond, VA (not open to the public) before heading back north to Redskins Park in Ashburn for a full practice tomorrow.

Before leaving the state capital, President Bruce Allen spoke to reporters on a number of subjects.

Allen opened by thanking the mayor, governor, and fans for the time they spent in the third year at the Bon Secours facilities. He later noted that the team is still expecting to fulfill their 8 year contract in Richmond even though attendance has been down. Allen explained the drop off in fan support due to the poor season and effects of new location wearing off.

Last year, Allen was crucified by many for his repeated statements that the Redskins were winning off the field after a pitiful 4-12 season. Today Allen again brought up the topic of doing good off the field briefly by announcing the building of a second Play 60 playground. Thankfully he stopped there and discussed improvements on the field. Specifically, Allen stated that “on the field I have liked what we have seen, there is a hunger”.

On to talks about the development of a new football stadium even though FedEx Field is now just 18 years old, Allen discussed that everything is in a preliminary phase. The team is simply trying to get ahead of the “15 year process” that the 49ers just completed going through with the move to Levi’s Stadium.

Allen did not give away if the team was leaning toward DC, Maryland, or Virginia but said they are listening to feedback from the fans; the audience they are building the stadium for in the first place. Allen had a blunt “no” response to a question on reconsidering a name change in order to avoid political barriers that would prevent the team from returning to the District.

Allen gave complimentary remarks about the man that succeeded him as general manager, Scot McCloughan by saying he “is doing exactly what we have hoped for, very consistent in his approach”.

Allen would also divulge more into the process of signing troubled OLB Junior Galette by explaining that McCloughan, head coach Jay Gruden, himself, and “several of our [Redskin] players” met with Galette individually and guidelines were set for his expected behavior as a Redskin. A major prerequisite for the team was making sure the players already on the roster would accept him into the locker room. Galette is still not out of the woods with the league regarding a suspension although the civil suit against him was dropped. Allen said the league has promised to notify teams prior to the final roster cuts scheduled for September 4th.

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Washington Redskins: 2015 Training Camp Day 1 Observations

July 30, 2015 by

The Washington Redskins started training camp today with a relaxed walk through session at 10:35 AM, which will be followed by a practice at 3 PM without pads during the sweltering heat in Richmond, VA.

To start the day, it was promising to see offensive line guru Bill Callahan being the first guy out for the start of Redskins training camp. Moreover, Callahan made his unit work extra after practice had finished to try and whip them into a cog similarly to what he was able to do in Dallas. How quickly Callahan can develop the offensive line that was horrendous last year will have a lot to do with the success or lack thereof for the offense, Robert Griffin III, and quite frankly the entire team.

Trent Williams confirmed what head coach Jay Gruden noted yesterday by saying his ankle felt good. The Silverback is also proud that he kept the weight that he shed last suffer off, which in turn is making him faster. The Pro Bowl left tackle also said he was not worried about his contract situation after Ryan Kerrigan was the first Redskins first round selection to be extended since another great left tackle Chris Samuels.

Like Williams, DeAngelo Hall says he feels great. The veteran corner says he will line up with the first team and take as many reps as he wants while also listening to his body. Jay Gruden said that until proven otherwise Hall will be a starter for the team after suffering two tears of his Achilles tendon last season, but names like last year’s rookie sensation Baushad Breeland and/or free agent pick up Chris Culliver could push him for playing time in non-nickle or dime packages.

In Griffin’s post-walk through press conference, he was optimistic and excited because what they are going to continue training and preparing for the start of the 2015 season that they are working hard to turn into a success. The Redskins quarterback was asked about the same critics that Jay Gruden addressed yesterday as having little credibility with the idea that you cannot worry about anyone else because at the end of the day he plays for his teammates and the city. Also, contrary to what others have reported about Griffin’s insubordination in running certain plays, he said there is no middle ground needed between his skill’s and Gruden’s offense because “whatever Jay wants to run we’re going to run”. Nothing can be based on one practice, but RG3 was on a streak early where no balls were hitting the ground; 100% completion rate. Yes it was no contact, yes it was without pads, but his decision making seems to be sped up and his footwork looks more coordinated with his body.

A big story that was reported yesterday by NFL Network’s Albert Breer is that the Redskins are bringing in ex-Saints LB Junior Galette for a visit. Galette was arrested in January for allegedly assaulting a woman as she left his house. This woman was also amongst a group of others who were being hit with a belt by a man that resembles Galette. The talented pass rusher was also kicked out of Temple in college for additional off the field issues. The Redskins were noted to have taken certain players like Randy Gregory, La’el Collins, and others off of their draft board because of off the field baggage, but the 22 sacks that Galette has accumulated over the past two seasons is impressive.

Nothing is set in stone yet as Scot McCloughan and Bruce Allen will try to get a better feel for if they can avoid any off the field issues in the coming season with the 27 year old; it is still set to be decided whether Galette could face a suspension punishments from the NFL for the aforementioned assault allegations. Gruden went on to detail that although he has had some issues in the past, the Redskins would “like to draw our own conclusion”. The process is ongoing and still “very early” as the physical has not yet been administered, though it is planned to be conducted. According to ESPN’s John Keim, Galette is now expected to also meet with coaches while six other interested teams hope he leaves DC without a contract.

Galette would likely be the ROLB, replacing Brian Orakpo as Ryan Kerrigan’s book end, but currently the competition is between the second round selections from the past two years: Trent Murphy and Preston Smith. Although much can change, Murphy is hinted to have the current edge in the competition possibly because of his work in the weight room to reshape his body.

Yesterday Gruden was asked about the conditioning of his players and said he would have to evaluate them once seeing them in practice. Today the Redskins finished practice with sideline to sideline sprints, a trick Gruden might have picked up from Patriot’s head coach Bill Belichick during last years joint practices between the teams.

For more updates about Redskins training camp come back and visit District Sports Page.

Important Dates:

  • Training camps is officially ongoing and will last until Sunday, August 16th. See a full schedule of the Redskins training camp practices here.
  • Travel to Cleveland for first preseason matchup against the Browns on Thursday, August 13 in 14 days.
  • Season and home opener against Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 13 in 45 days.

 

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Washington Redskins: Kerrigan gets Extended and Pre-Training Camp Press Conference Pointers

July 30, 2015 by

On the eve of the Washington Redskins start of training camp, the unofficial start of the 2015 season, head coach Jay Gruden and Pro-Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan were kind enough to speak to the media.

As was broken today, Ryan Kerrigan agreed to a 5-year/$57.5 million extension with a $16 million signing bonus. Kerrigan would have otherwise made $7.03 million this year before becoming a free agent next summer. After deciding to exercise the option of Robert Griffin III next year, General Manager Scot McCloughan has made his second big move in evaluating in-house talent by making Kerrigan the third highest paid outside linebacker behind Chiefs’ Justin Houston and Packers’ Clay Matthews.

Kerrigan thanked the upper management of owner Daniel Snyder, President Bruce Allen, and GM McCloughan as well as his agent Eric Schaffer. After acknowledging the vote of confidence, Kerrigan gave us the quote of the day to warm Redskins’ fans hearts by saying, “it’s my job to go reward the Redskins for the faith they put in me by playing well this year and for the rest of my career”. Kerrigan is excited to get back to work tomorrow in training camp after having to sit out OTAs and mini-camp due to a precautionary knee procedure. The defensive mainstay for the Redskins over the past years of turmoil was a major proponent in Kerrigan’s extension.

Jay Gruden’s Presser Need to Know Points

  • LT Trent Williams, TE Jordan Reed, CB DeAngelo Hall, LB Ryan Kerrigan, and backup RT Morgan Moses all medically cleared for camp
  • Gruden is excited and happy for Kerrigan because a “great kid” is living the dream, to play for his beloved childhood team
  • Only one question regarding Robert Griffin III today (out of 18); Gruden mentioned that any negative comments against Griffin during the offseason is from unnamed sources who are not reliably credible. Gruden thinks RG3 is mentally tough and is going to handle the adversity by getting better. The head coach went further into detail by describing how Griffin has put the work in, which has never been question, specifically by getting his body and mind  right.
  • Negotiations on a Trent Williams contract extension are still on-going. The Silverback will be owed $14.2 million this year including incentives before becoming on unrestricted free agent next summer after six years of burgundy and gold under his belt.
  • Per usual, second year head coach Jay Gruden was positive about anything and every aspect of the team he was asked about whether it be Scot McCloughan’s mentality to build a team of “big, tough guys”, new coaching staff personnel, and the roster additions particularly on defense.

Important Dates:

  • Training camps starts TOMORROW on Thursday, July 30. See a full schedule of the Redskins training camp practices here.
  • Travel to Cleveland for first preseason matchup against the Browns on Thursday, August 13 in 15 days.
  • Season and home opener against Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 13 in 46 days.
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Washington Redskins: President Bruce Allen’s Statement on Judge’s Trademark Decision

July 8, 2015 by

Today a federal judge ordered the cancellation of the Washington Redskins’ federal trademark registration. Below you can find Redskins’ Presidents Bruce Allen’s statement in response of the decision.

I am surprised by the judge’s decision to prevent us from presenting our evidence in an open trial. We look forward to winning on appeal after a fair and impartial review of the case. We are convinced that we will win because the facts and the law are on the side of our franchise that has proudly used the name Redskins for more than 80 years.

The ruling does not force the Redskins to change their team name and they could sue on grounds of trademark infringement that Allen maybe be hinting at in his remarks. However, it will be difficult winning such a case because they lack the protections that come associated with a federally registered trademark.

Federal District Court Judge Gerald Bruce Lee’s ruling affirms the earlier decision by an administrative appeal board. You can find a full transcript of Lee’s opinion attached: Pro-Football, Inc. v. Blackhorse Opinion

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Washington Redskins GM Scot McCloughin media availability Jan. 9

January 9, 2015 by

The Washington Redskins introduced Scot McCloughin as their new general manager at Redskins Park today. The following is a complete transcript of the proceedings [courtesy Redskins media relations].

President Bruce Allen

Opening remarks: “Well, good morning, good afternoon. Welcome to Redskins Park. Today’s an exciting day for the franchise because we really feel today the Redskins are going to get better. Before we go forward, I want to just give you a little bit of the history with this young man to my left. I was fortunate to have worked with his brother and his father for a number of years with the Raiders. About 10 years ago, I was one of the people who called the 49ers to recommend him for his general manager job with the 49ers. [Read more…]

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Second Big Change of the 2015 Washington Redskins Offseason comes at General Manager

January 6, 2015 by

Less than a week after the organization “mutually” parted ways with Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett, the Washington Redskins made a big splash in the management department. Last week, Bruce Allen said “it’s not too much on his plate” to serve as both President and General Manager, but something must have changes as the Washington Redskins are on their way to hiring talent evaluating guru Scot McCloughan as their 14th General Manager in franchise history (after they meet the terms of the Rooney rule).

After rumors swirled that former San Diego Charger President and GM A.J. Smith would be given a promotion in the organization, McCloughan was reportedly meeting with owner Daniel Snyder for six hours. Although an official press conference will come later this week, McCloughan is believed to have been given a four-year deal.

So far this looks like an excellent move by the franchise in a possible long chain of massive overhauls to rebuild the organization. It must have taken a lot for Bruce Allen to swallow his pride and hand over full power over the personnel department including adding or subtracting from the actual evaluators, but it was a move than needed to be done after another brutal season.

Although McCloughan spent last year out of football because of problems he had with alcohol, it is reported that he has handled those demons and ready to make contenders out of a third NFL franchise. Fans should be excited about the track record he brings to the Redskins and that Snyder was able to lure him here as he also had rumored talks with the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets.

In 2005 McCloughan was named vice president of player personnel in San Francisco and was general manager from 2008-2010 before moving on. He subsequently served as Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider’s right-hand man from 2012 to 2014. McCloughan has been credited with hitting on late-round picks such as Richard Sherman while he was in charge and is also believed to be a catalyst in turning the respective franchises into Super Bowl contenders and powerhouses.

The Redskins have been in dire need to enhance their personnel department during the recent years of Dan Snyder’s ownership and adding an individual such as McCloughan with a true scouting background might do the trick –or at least start the process. Since McCloughan ran a private scouting service that the Redskins were clients of last year he should be able to immediately help as soon as the upcoming draft in late April into early May.

McCloughan’s eventual hire might play in the role of deciding who will fill the vacant opening at defensive coordinator the Redskins have, whether it be former Dallas Cowboys’ Head Coach Wade Phillips, current San Francisco 49ers’ Secondary Coach Ed Donatell, or current San Diego Chargers’ linebacker coach Joe Barry, as well as possible firings at lower level assistants on both sides of the ball.

Moreover, this will most probably have an impact on the expanded role A.J. Smith is planning to have as he is scheduled to meet with upper management on Sunday. All in all, if the Redskins are planning on returning to prominence in the recent future, they need to continue to make moves that make logical football operations sense like this one moving forward.

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