The Washington Redskins finished the 2007 preseason with a 2-2 record. In their preseason finale, the Redskins lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-14 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. In his limited action, which tested the condition of his bruised knee, Jason Campbell led the first-team offense to a touchdown on his only drive of the game. He exited the game after completing 5-of-5 passes for 54 yards, ending with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Antwaan Randle El.
The final game was the last chance for roster hopefuls to impress the coaches as roster cuts loomed, therefore both teams “sat” their projected starters.
Youth Movement?
The Redskins appear to be fielding a younger team in 2007 than last year, despite the fact that they signed veterans MLB London Fletcher, LB Randall Godfrey, and G Pete Kendall. Many of the older veterans were not re-signed (Troy Vincent, David Patten, Warrick Holdman, Jeff Posey, and John Hall), partly because of their age and partly because of the growth of the younger players on the roster, such as Reed Doughty and Rocky McIntosh, among others. Players new to the Redskins and the NFL include two draft picks, Safety LaRon Landry (the 6th pick overall) and Linebacker H.B. Blades (sixth round), and 3 undrafted rookies (T Stephon Heyer, TE Cody Boyd, and RB Marcus Mason). The Redskins also signed 3 first-year players (DE Lorenzo Alexander, DE Chris Wilson, and CB Leigh Torrence) that made the final rosters.
Fan favorite CB Fred Smoot was re-signed, but the fans also watched as LB Lemar Marshall, Joe Salave’a, Ade Jimoh and Renaldo Wynn were released. Marshall has since signed with the Bengals, and Wynn is reported to be talking to the Saints. The team added over a dozen new players to the roster, including nine with one year of less of NFL experience. Without much notice at all, the team known for getting players past their prime have put together a roster where 47% of team (67 total, including IR and the practice squad) has 3 years of NFL experience or less.
Up Next:
The Miami Dolphins, who also finished the 2007 preseason with a 2-2 record, will be the first team up for the Skins. For those not in the area, you can follow the game online. Former Redskins QB coach Cam Cameron will coach his first game as an NFL head coach with the Dolphins. His starting QB will be former Redskin Trent Green (the 3rd string QB when Cam was in Washington), who is also in his first year with the Dolphins. The Dolphins last visited FedEx Field in 1999 when the Redskins defeated them 21-10. The teams have played nine times in the regular season, with the Dolphins holding a 6-3 edge in victories, and they have met in the Super Bowl twice, with each team winning one of the contests.
5 Quotes to Note:
— Tight End Chris Cooley after signing his contract extension:
“I felt like this was such a great fit to be a part of the Redskins … My only concern was I wanted to be here forever. Just to know that I am – it’s seven more years, we extended it six years. I could play my whole career with the Redskins – that’s an unbelievable thing and it’s an awesome feeling.”
— Offensive Tackle Jon Jansen on his outlook for the 2007 season:
“I didn’t think that in season nine I would look back on my rookie year as as far as we’ve gone in the playoffs … But the thing that gives me hope is that there’s a lot of optimism this year, there’s a great feeling.”
— Outside Linebacker Marcus Washington on wearing a protective brace:
“I have pretty good movement and pretty good motion … It kind of adds a little cushion to it. The main thing is to not hyperextend it too much.”
— Safety Pierson Prioleau, on returning from last years season ending injury:
“I’ll be running out of the tunnel with tears in my eyes because it’s been a tough off-season, not being able to be available for my teammates last year … I love this sport and I don’t take it for granted. Not one day.”
— Defensive End Phillip Daniels on the state of mind of the D-line
“Last year, we slipped a little bit, and everybody points the finger at us. It’s good. We take it in stride. We know our backs are against the wall, and we like proving people wrong.”
Injury Report:
QB Jason Campbell Probable (bruised left knee)
Campbell had no problems after Thursday’s game and was able to practice fully on Monday.
RB Clinton Portis Probable (right knee tendinitis)
Portis took on a “full workload” during Monday’s practice.
LT Chris Samuels Questionable (sprained right MCL)
Samuels participated in a full practice on Monday.
LB Khary Campbell Probable (Hamstring)
Campbell did not participate in practice on Monday
LB Marcus Washington Probable (dislocated right elbow)
Washington is optimistic that he will play against Miami, but it will be a game-time decision.
WR Shaun Bodiford Questionable (Knee)
Bodiford was claimed off waivers from the Packers last week.
Injured Reserve:
FB Broughton, Nehemiah (Knee)
TE Ecker, Tyler (Groin)
WR Espy, Mike (Knee)
WR Harris, Steven (Knee)
WR McAddley, Jason (Hamstring)
OL Tucker, Ross (Neck)
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Bernie Marshall