Rookie head coach Jim Zorn caught people by surprise by choosing not to use one of his allotted mini camps, having no bed check or curfew for rookies during mandatory mini camp and holding no team activities prior to the draft (opting not to evaluate any existing talent within his new system before filling out the roster via the college ranks). The way the Redskins are utilizing their OTA days is unusual too, and a dramatic departure from the way it was done under Coach Joe (that's Nascar Joe Jackson Gibbs for the newcomers out there).
There has definitely been some chatter among players and coaches at Redskins Park about the recently concluded mini-camp/start of OTAs. The Redskins had essentially done nothing all offseason save for the workout program and the quarterbacks throwing some to the receivers, then hit the field for 6 straight days - highly unusual even for the dogdays of training camp - and conducted 8 practices in that span. Again, very unlike the past and how most teams do it.
The Redskins are in general trying to avoid the muscle strains that were so common in 2007, and thus skipping a mini camp and using just 11 OTA days is aimed at limiting the offseason attrition. But it's how Zorn has divided up his sessions that has some puzzled. Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell and Antwaan Randle-El all suffered ouchies during the just completed sessions, and privately some inside the building are wondering if it may have been unwise to stack so many practices together without any respite in between (like rather maybe going 3 straight days, taking a day off, then going 3 more).
Spoke to some veterans who said the number of reps they got overall during the mini camp was not too harsh and about normal, but going for six straight days certainly struck some as odd. Gibbs, as you all remember, was fanatical about the offseason regimen, meeting with players to gauge what made sense to them, altering the program each year, conducting medical studies to see if certain routines seemed to work best to prevent injuries.
Over the last two years of his regime things were cut back in the offseason, and after studying different programs Gibbs and his staff decided that they would never go more than three straight days of OTAs, and wanted to build in at least two recovery days in between those clusters, according to team sources. That philosophy is obviously out the window.
The Cerrato Skins went 6 straight days as we mentioned, and then take a prolonged break from on-field activities, off from May 7 to June 2. However, when they reconvene for the final 8 OTA sessions they will be practicing 8 times in an 11-day span.
The Redskins will practice four days in a row each of the first two weeks in June. In the past the Skins would use 3 OTA days per week for four straight weeks, in the end deciding that Tues-Thurs each week made the most sense. I spoke to officials with other teams that are also using 4 OTA days within a week, but in general those clubs will not go four straight days, instead practicing on consecutive days, then taking a day off, before going twice more to finish the week.
No one way to skin this cat, but the Skins' schedule is unusual, with the large break between sessions, starting as late as they did and for the quantity of practices in a condensed period of time. With so much effort being put into avoid groin and hamstring problems, and given some of the overt depth issues at some positions, the rest of the staff will be watching closely to see how the players come through the next round of OTAs.
Can we determine whether Hastings and his staff had any input to the recent mini-camp and OTA schedule? I didn't see any mention of those guys in CanesSkins 26 post. Another thought, might it be possible that Zorn and company needed the time in-between May 7 and June 2 to assess the Team (players and coaches) and Team needs (ie, make a run on a FA or two)?
I always thought the Hamstrings came from NOT practice enough in the offseason. Then once the season came around, the were not used to the abuse of playing that much. Also, I would rather them pull something in offseason than to pull something during the season. I have always thought the harder they go in the offseason, the easier the season will be.
BnGhog wrote:I always thought the Hamstrings came from NOT practice enough in the offseason. Then once the season came around, the were not used to the abuse of playing that much. Also, I would rather them pull something in offseason than to pull something during the season. I have always thought the harder they go in the offseason, the easier the season will be.
Hamstring pulls are from improper conditioning. Sprinters strengthen their quads much more than their hams, this impalance results in hamstring pulls. A good conditioning program that emphasizes proper strength ratios & streching greatly reduces the occurance of ham pulls.
Skins fan since '55
"The constitution is not a suicide pact"- Abraham Lincoln
Pull injuries are generally associated with overuse, and lack of flexibility. It can also become a problem when too much focus is placed on strength building and not enough corresponding stretching. Weight lifting builds compact bulky muscles which are obviously more prone to pulls. Stretching exercises elongates those compacted muscles helping to minimize those problems.
BnGhog wrote:I always thought the Hamstrings came from NOT practice enough in the offseason. Then once the season came around, the were not used to the abuse of playing that much. Also, I would rather them pull something in offseason than to pull something during the season. I have always thought the harder they go in the offseason, the easier the season will be.
Hamstring pulls are from improper conditioning. Sprinters strengthen their quads much more than their hams, this impalance results in hamstring pulls. A good conditioning program that emphasizes proper strength ratios & streching greatly reduces the occurance of ham pulls.
This is also why a lot of ametuer gym enthusiasts also hurt their backs. A lot of emphasis on chest and stomach and little focus on their backs. Improper strength balance.
...any given Sunday....
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
GSPODS:
The National Anthem sucks.
What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
A couple of thoughts. First, JLC always searches for, and exaggerates, any negative connotation to be sought in anything unfamiliar to him. So what does he do? Rather than try to find out why the Skins are doing something, or what might be the benefits sought by the coaches to this approach, which I'm sure was thought out and strategized, he immediately anticipates and emphasizes the worst scenario.
Second, we heard more rumblings, from the players, regarding Gibbs' strenuous offseason approach. I don't hear much complaining from the players this year. As a matter of fact, just the opposite, as most guys seem to be motivated, excited and eager to get to work. Portis wouldn't practice much under Gibbs and tried to stay out of preseason games. He's out there in full force this year. What does that tell ya? We also have a pretty good training staff, so I'm not overly concerned at this point.
I'm an admitted fan of redskinsinsider blog, but yeah I thought there was some unnecessary handwringing in JLC's post.
So Zorn does the offseason differently than Gibbs. So?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You can't do epic **** with basic people." - DJax "We're on the rise, man, whether you're on the train or not." - Josh Norman
riggofan wrote:I'm an admitted fan of redskinsinsider blog, but yeah I thought there was some unnecessary handwringing in JLC's post.
So Zorn does the offseason differently than Gibbs. So?
Well its something, he had to have something to write about. I find the fact that he does things differently than most all 32 teams, (Though somethings he could have left out), interesting.
I'm Hopping for success, and anxious to see the results.
riggofan wrote:I'm an admitted fan of redskinsinsider blog, but yeah I thought there was some unnecessary handwringing in JLC's post.
So Zorn does the offseason differently than Gibbs. So?
Well its something, he had to have something to write about. I find the fact that he does things differently than most all 32 teams, (Though somethings he could have left out), interesting.
I'm Hopping for success, and anxious to see the results.
JLC could write an Iliad length novel on the amount of his "reporting" that he pulls out of his ass. While reporting is almost never 100% factual, having a few facts helps. In JLC's case, one fact would be an improvement over his usual op-ed columns.
Well its something, he had to have something to write about. I find the fact that he does things differently than most all 32 teams, (Though somethings he could have left out), interesting.
I'm Hopping for success, and anxious to see the results.[/quote]
Zorn is doing things his way. After all, it is he that will be judged by wins and losses. Besides you can't be an innovator if you follow everyones scripts.
Regardless of how Zorn does things, compared to the other 31 NFL teams, there's one paramount and significant factor that's evident in Sellers' comments, as well as other comments made by Redskins players.
That happens to be the almost immediate respect Zorn has earned from the players, the organization and the fans alike. That speaks volumes in my opinion. I'm not sure how many guys could step in a garner such respect so early. Zorn is a class act and it's beyond apparent that the players are buying into his approach and philosophy. There is nothing more important at this point. The X's and O's will come and be judged later, but getting people to follow you from the start is what it's all about. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with Zorn, and listening to Sellers, it appears the players are as well.
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
...any given Sunday....
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
GSPODS:
The National Anthem sucks.
What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
Sellers still wanted the ball mroe than he got it, though....
...any given Sunday....
RIP #21 Sean Taylor. You will be loved and adored by Redskins fans forever!!!!!
GSPODS:
The National Anthem sucks.
What a useless piece of propagandist rhetoric that is.
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
Sellers still wanted the ball mroe than he got it, though....
Perhaps he should have worked on his game more then. Dropping important passes (last series of loss to the Giants) isn't exactly the best way to convince the coach to get you the ball more.
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
He didn't get opportunities to run the ball till Saunders came.
Skins fan since '55
"The constitution is not a suicide pact"- Abraham Lincoln
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
He didn't get opportunities to run the ball till Saunders came.
He hasn't been all that effective carrying the ball so I'm not sure he has much of a gripe with regard to how many carries he's received as a Redskins. However, it was in Gibbs' offense that he caught more td's in one season (7) than he had in his entire career combined up to that point (6).
Zorn's coaching has some Redskins feeling more free
May 16, 2008
Make no mistake, there was a very loyal faction of Joe Gibbs supporters in the locker room when he tendered his resignation this offseason. Many players grew fond of Gibbs, especially in the wake of the Sean Taylor tragedy, when some feel Gibbs supplied some of his best leadership, coaching and mentoring. But there also remained a group of players that disliked what they perceived as Gibbs' lack of trust, in the form of the coach's highly managed style and overly regimented system. The problem for others was consistency — the disconnect between Gibbs and some of his assistants became tangible and obvious, and it created locker-room tension. So far, the players appear to like the laid-back approach of new head coach Jim Zorn, who has allowed the players the freedom to learn the offensive system and self-govern throughout the early stages of the process. It has created, for some, a lighter atmosphere around the team. "We don't have people watching us constantly and telling us what to do like we're little kids," FB Mike Sellers said. "He puts it on ourselves. We're being treated like men."
We can only speculate on what's going on in the locker room. There can be backlashes or Zorn giving an inch, players taking miles. I hope this analysis is correct, but only time can deem it the right way.
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that Sellers would me making comments that come across as critical of Gibbs' coaching style. Before Gibbs' return, Sellers was hardly used as a player.
He didn't get opportunities to run the ball till Saunders came.
He hasn't been all that effective carrying the ball so I'm not sure he has much of a gripe with regard to how many carries he's received as a Redskins. However, it was in Gibbs' offense that he caught more td's in one season (7) than he had in his entire career combined up to that point (6).
38 of his 40 career carries have been the last 2 yrs. His 3.4 yds/carry isn't that impressive, but he isn't expected to be a breakaway threat. I'm not saying he has a legitimate gripe, but I think he likes to carry the ball. More chance to run over people.
Skins fan since '55
"The constitution is not a suicide pact"- Abraham Lincoln
