Camp opens devoid of drama

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Camp opens devoid of drama

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Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, above at mini camp in June, returns to the field today to begin training camp.


By John Keim, The Examiner

Ashburn - The starting spots are almost filled. The offseason injuries have healed. The lone remaining unsigned player is close to a deal.



The Redskins open training camp today more settled than they've been in years.

Even the one remaining issue appears to be resolved as rookie linebacker Rocky McIntosh has agreed to a four-year contract with the team. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.


The move is wise on McIntosh's part. He's in competition with Warrick Holdman for the starting weakside linebacker's job. This defensive staff has shown it's not prone to starting rookies, so it was imperative McIntosh arrive on time.


Thus, the Redskins appear to be in good shape as Gibbs' third training camp, Act II, begins today.


The quarterback position is solidified with Mark Brunell the clear No. 1. The coaching staff is a who's who of accomplished coordinators. The team is coming off a 10-win season and playoff berth.


"The problem is, anything can turn the tables on you," Gibbs said. "But obviously I feel much more comfortable than I did the first year." But, in his opening press conference Sunday at Redskins Park, that comfort level hasn't changed him. He's still wary (rightfully) of others in the division and their schedule.


"I don't see anyone picking us in the division," Gibbs said. "For us, you've got to earn it every single year. We didn't win the division last year. ... Teams are so close, it's topsy-turvy lots of times."


>>Gibbs said he expects everyone under contract to be able to practice today. Right tackle Jon Jansen likely will use a splint to protect his twice surgically-repaired thumb. Center Casey Rabach (leg) is fine and guard Randy Thomas (ankle) are fine. Thomas appears ahead of schedule as far as how well he's moving around. Brunell (finger) will practice as well.


>>Safety Sean Taylor is free of court woes, but the NFL still has not ruled yet whether or not he'll be suspended in violation of the league's personal conduct policy for pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges, stemming from his arrest after a fight in Miami.

The lack of pressing issues bodes well for a team coming off a good offseason (98 percent workout attendance) and playoff victory. But that brings other changes, too.


"The bad news is it changes the way everyone looks at you," Gibbs said. "You can get your block knocked off at any time. Last year doesn't buy us anything other than the confidence of knowing we can do it."


Talkin' about practice


>>The Redskins will only hold three two-a-day workouts.


>>Washington's first practice is at 4 p.m. today and is open to the public.


>>Second-year quarterback Jason Campbell is not expected to start any preseason games, but he likely will play more than anyone else at his position.