Healthy Barrow, Team Are Optimistic After Minicamp Drills
By Nunyo Demasio Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, June 20, 2005; E04
For linebacker Mike Barrow, the Washington Redskins' minicamp was a chance to prove he is healthy. The 35-year-old's performance in individual drills -- under the watch of trainers -- increases his chances of remaining with the team.
"He did everything that we asked him in the three days," Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday, "and we'll continue to work with him. As far as I can tell right now, he's well on his way back."
The development decreases speculation that the 12-year veteran will be released; he didn't play a down last season because of acute tendinitis in his left knee.
Barrow is the only experienced middle linebacker on the roster after the departure of Antonio Pierce, and is well versed in coordinator Gregg Williams's defense.
"If they wanted me to practice I think I could have practiced," Barrow said. "I did everything that I couldn't do last year."
Barrow has visited roughly 25 massage therapists and a handful of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists and neurologists. "They really didn't know what was wrong, but I was lucky to come across a guy good in diagnostic ultrasound," Barrow said. "And he told me exactly what was wrong: It was just scar tissue in my leg. And I got my breakthrough."
After the Redskins acquired linebacker Warrick Holdman last month, Barrow seemed destined to be released; especially because the move would save the team $1.74 million in cap space this year.
No Rest for Springs
The Redskins held their final practice of the offseason yesterday. Players -- who aren't due back until July 31 for training camp -- talked about their plans for various relaxing activities. But coming off a strong season, cornerback Shawn Springs said he doesn't intend to let up in his offseason regimen. Last offseason, because of a knee ailment, Springs wasn't able to practice until April.
"Since it's six weeks off, I'm going to work out at least four of them to stay sharp," Springs said. "I want to expand on last season. Last year, I was just now getting in the groove physically. But I've been healthy the whole offseason so I expect a big year."
Springs's plans before training camp include participating in a cornerback camp July 2 run by his position coach, DeWayne Walker, at Mount San Antonio College. Walker conducts the camp each season for high school players.
"It has some of the top DBs in the state," Springs said. "I like to see some of these young guys coming up. I like going to those types of camps during the offseason."
'Sean Taylor Fan'
Even while Sean Taylor was the only unexcused Redskin missing voluntary workouts, Williams publicly remained his biggest advocate in the organization. Despite Taylor's recent legal troubles, Williams hasn't backed away from his public support.
"I'll still say this: I'm a Sean Taylor fan," Williams said. "There are a lot of things behind the scenes that you don't know that I do know. I'll just leave it at that."
Williams added: "He is the best athlete I've ever coached at any level and it's not even close. Ability alone doesn't make you a great player. He's a good teammate, too -- when he's here. He just needs to be here." . . .
Linebacker LaVar Arrington, recuperating from two knee surgeries, has begun a running program. But it remains uncertain whether Arrington will be healed in time for training camp. "He's got a lot of work to do in the next 41 days," trainer Bubba Tyer said. . . .
Wide receiver Santana Moss was back after missing Saturday for family reasons.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
Linebacker LaVar Arrington, recuperating from two knee surgeries, has begun a running program. But it remains uncertain whether Arrington will be healed in time for training camp. "He's got a lot of work to do in the next 41 days," trainer Bubba Tyer said. . . .
yea, like a bs contract hearing. i'm sure if he wins, he'll make it back by camp, if he doesn't, i'm sure there will be yet another unfortunate setback with the knee.
THN's resident jerk.
Glock .40 Model 22 - First* line of home defense.... 'ADT' is for liberals.
^^ no he doesn't know how to play football hes only a veteran whos been doing it for a long time and basically got a break to let his old body heal, may even be better than he was for the giants because of that
" But you should've seen Joe (Gibbs) when they said he couldn't coach anymore...his chest puffed out and said..i dont care what it takes, were not leaving here without another ring." Coach Joe Bugel
gay4pacman wrote:i hope barrow still knows how to play football . Its been a while
Yea, even though he was in a coaching role last year, it'd still be really easily to forget a scheme that you've played in before and taught to the younger guys...
It would be nice to see Barrow platooning and schooling the likes of McCloone for a year or two. He has got some duckets to earn this year after riding the pine/IR last year. I hope he is hungry for a Lombardi.....and good luck to him.
Over! Nothing is over until we say its over. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor! Hell no! -- Future Sen. Blutarski.
Despite speculation that his days with the Redskins were coming to an end, linebacker Mike Barrow impressed the coaching staff with his individual workouts at the team's recent minicamp. "If they wanted me to practice I think I could have practiced," Barrow told the Washington Post. "I did everything that I couldn't do last year." Barrow missed the entire 2004 season due to acute tendonitis in his left knee.
OUR VIEW
Safety Sean Taylor is in serious legal trouble, and linebacker LaVar Arrington is still recovering from a pair of knee surgeries, so it's good to hear something positive about the Redskins defense for a change. Barrow is the only experienced middle linebacker on the Skins' roster, so team officials are hoping he can bounce back and reclaim his starting role this season.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
[quote="someone at fanball"]...it's good to hear something positive about the Redskins defense for a change.[/color]
Ain't that the truth! I'm glad to hear that Barrow was able to pinpoint the problem in his knee. It sounds like this man is dedicated to getting back in shape to play for THIS team.
It was great the way he "coached" last year, despite being unable to participate. He hasn't generated any negative publicity, but was the victim of an unfortunate setback. If he can get back in shape in time, he will bring some added depth, plus experience to the MLB position. Let's go Barrow!
yea, like a bs contract hearing. i'm sure if he wins, he'll make it back by camp, if he doesn't, i'm sure there will be yet another unfortunate setback with the knee. 
