Kelly Gimpy Once Again?

[gregory smith]

What's up with Malcolm Kelly being limited in OTA's the last two days? Is it precautionary, or is there a problem? His comment about hesitating to lay out for a ball really concerns me too. He may be an awesome receiver if he can ever be healthy, but will he ever be healthy?

[Chris Luva Luva]

I've heard quite the contrary, he's been practicing fine...

And why is he comment worrying you? ALL players who have knee injuries take time to mentally recover.

No news here.

[Smithian]

Remember, he's the next Andre Johnson!

[gregory smith]

As of today the blog on extremeskins says he has been limited the last two days.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Yeah, I just read it. I stand corrected. However... It mentions nothing about swelling or a setback. They're just easing him in, which is a good precautionary measure.

"We want to be smart with what he is doing as well, but he will be practicing next week just the same as he did this week."

[SkinsFreak]

From Redskins.com today...

-- KELLY ON TRACK

Malcolm Kelly continues to progress in his return from a lingering knee injury.

He participated in practice every day this week, although he was limited the last couple days, Jim Zorn said.

“That’s just because we’re getting him right back into it,” Zorn said. “He’ll be practicing next week. There’s no setback.”

Zorn praised Kelly for his explosiveness coming off the line of scrimmage.

“The thing I see in him is that he is learning the elementary things that, had he been able to go last year, he would have down as second nature,” Zorn said. “Right now, he is in a learning mode.”

[Countertrey]

How is the sky supposed to fall when you keep propping the clouds up?

[skinsfan#33]

Remember, he's the next Andre Johnson!

I thought that was Devin Thomas

[1niksder]

We'll have 2 of them

[SkinsJock]

We'll have 2 of them

not that that's a bad thing

I am really hoping that Thomas, Kelly and Davis are all much improved over last year - I think some here were very biased against these guys because they were not as good as "they" wanted or expected. I also think that Zorn is very old school about preparing and practice behaviour and it would seem, from all reports that these guys did not handle their first year that well

That being said, I know that everyone (the players, the coach, the QB) would be a whole lot better if these 3 demonstrate that they can contribute here and become big-time NFL players.

If either Thomas or Kelly can become our #1 WR and allow Moss to be the #2 AND Zorn can utilize a 2 TE set with ey and Davis then we would see our offense start to work on all cylinders, both in the passing game and the run game. Hopefully, Campbell becomes a whole lot better, but, even if he doesn't, we would only have to get the offensive line fixed and a new QB to have an offense that can score a lot of points to go along with our great defense

[HanburgerHelper]

Bottom line is that all three receivers we took in the 2008 draft need to blossom or we'll be kicking ourselves for years about the guys at other positions we could have taken.

I generally liked the move to drop down for more picks, but at the time didn't think Fred Davis was a need or a big game changer for us. I wanted us to take Chad Henne, QB Michigan. Much better value in my opinion.

Malcom Kelly, I believe, was a boom/bust pick. I like safer moves myself but so much factors into draft picks that one could argue that there is no "safe" pick.

[SkinsFreak]

We'll have 2 of them

not that that's a bad thing

I am really hoping that Thomas, Kelly and Davis are all much improved over last year - I think some here were very biased against these guys because they were not as good as "they" wanted or expected. I also think that Zorn is very old school about preparing and practice behaviour and it would seem, from all reports that these guys did not handle their first year that well

That being said, I know that everyone (the players, the coach, the QB) would be a whole lot better if these 3 demonstrate that they can contribute here and become big-time NFL players.

If either Thomas or Kelly can become our #1 WR and allow Moss to be the #2 AND Zorn can utilize a 2 TE set with ey and Davis then we would see our offense start to work on all cylinders, both in the passing game and the run game. Hopefully, Campbell becomes a whole lot better, but, even if he doesn't, we would only have to get the offensive line fixed and a new QB to have an offense that can score a lot of points to go along with our great defense

There were many, many factors that played a role in the teams collapse down the stretch last year. One of which, which I believe is overlooked quite often around here, is that Zorn started expanding the playbook midway through the season and the entire offense struggled with the new plays and terminology. When starting something new, it's not uncommon to come out of the gate on fire and then take a step back at a later point, especially when a whole group of people are trying to implement something new.

Having a full year under their belts and an entire offseason should make a world of difference. Here's a few comments from the coaches this week...

The Redskins wrapped up a week of OTAs on Thursday with head coach Jim Zorn extolling the team’s tempo during practice.

It’s something that Zorn has emphasized since last year.

Zorn’s version of the West Coast offense relies on setting a tempo and establishing a rhythm among quarterbacks and receivers.

He does not want any wasted motion or energy during practices.

“I used the word ‘slow’ last year at this time, because that’s what we were,” Zorn said. “This year we are so much further along. The guys who know it, the guys who have been here immediately know what to do when they line up.

“They’re using much better thought process, they’re using their speed, and they’re using their brains. Our QBs understand the rhythm and the tempo that we want. We’re not there yet, but it’s like night and day.”

Sherman Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts

Redskins Coach Jim Zorn and his staff have now had more than a full calendar year to install their offensive system -- based in the old West Coast principles made famous by the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s -- with the current personnel. Though the offseason workouts that conclude today for this week -- and continue with four more sessions next week -- are held without pads, offensive coordinator Sherman Smith said the team is much more adept at running the system now than it was at this point a year ago.

"It makes it better, easier," Smith said Wednesday. "And I think it's better for the players because they understand. You go out and call a play, and they understand the play -- the quarterback in particular. So I think everybody just understands. They're moving faster, not thinking as much. It's going to show itself during the season."

Even during the 2008 season, Zorn spoke frequently about his desire to see the Redskins run plays at a high speed. That, perhaps, is the biggest change in a year's time.

"They're doing it now, because they understand a lot better," Smith said. "When you're not thinking, you can just go out and play, then you play fast. So the guys are playing faster, because they're processing a lot better. They can visualize what we're doing, what we're talking about. Z-Man said something to me at practice today. He said, 'Man, we're so much further ahead.' I can tell that because of how we're moving."

That does not mean, however, that the Redskins will move on and begin learning more plays. Given how the offense sputtered most of the season and contributed mightily to a 2-6 collapse that left Washington out of the playoffs, the idea, Smith said, is to get better at what the Redskins already know.

"We're going to perfect what we have," Smith said. "Honestly, we don't have another playbook somewhere where we're saying, 'OK, let's go get this other playbook.' Here's what we have. Here's what we do. Let's go do it now."

I asked Smith who, after one previous set of organized team activities and a mini-camp, stands out to him offensively.

"The guy that's been standing out to me is Ladell Betts," Smith said of the running back who serves as Clinton Portis's backup. "To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me.

"Chris ey, I mean, he's Chris ey. He's a football player. There's a difference between a guy who plays football and a football player. He's a football player. I love him."

"Malcolm," Smith continued, speaking of second-year receiver Malcolm Kelly. "Just seeing Malcolm running around, boy that's better. And no question, the quarterback. No doubt. His game is taking off. And what he went through this offseason, my respect for him, I can't even measure it."

The message: Jason Campbell will be better, Smith believes. And don't be surprised to see Betts get more carries this year, easing the burden on the heavily used Portis.

[Deadskins]

Is the season here yet? I want to see some football!

[Gibbs4Life]

There were many, many factors that played a role in the teams collapse down the stretch last year

Most of all our O-line sucked

[HEROHAMO]

Andre Johnson? I sure hope so. Andre is about two steps faster then Kelly. He is one step faster then thomas. Andre is also bigger and stronger then both. Man I can only hope one of the two turns out to be close to Andre Johnson.

[SkinsFreak]

Andre is about two steps faster then Kelly. He is one step faster then thomas.

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet. Devin does not yet possess the skill-set of Andre Johnson, but based on the reports coming out of Redskins Park, it appears that Devin is a man on a mission this year. Hopefully he'll have a breakout season and his speed can be showcased.

While Kelly may lack top-end straight-line speed, he is very explosive off the line-of-scrimmage and in short bursts, a highly touted skill-set for a West Coast receiver. And just for the record, Kelly has a knack for shedding defenders and making the tough catch down the sidelines.

Zorn has been impressed with Kelly’s explosiveness at the line of scrimmage as well as his pass-catching ability.

[skinsfan#33]

There were many, many factors that played a role in the teams collapse down the stretch last year

Most of all our O-line sucked

Combine that with Moss not being 100%, elliminating the need for deffense to respect the deep ball and Campbells inability to make quick decissions and the O was running in sand while they were play top notch Ds.

[Smithian]

I was just repeating what Albert Haynesworth said.

[CanesSkins26]

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet.

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

While at Miami, Johnson also ran for UM's track and field team. In 2002, he won the Big East 60 meter dash (6.83 seconds) at the Big East Indoor Championship and followed that up by winning the 100 meter dash (10.29 seconds) at the Big East Outdoor Championships. He won 3 track Championships and in 2003 was the fastest man in college track.

ootball was not enough for Andre Johnson, and he also ran track for the Miami Hurricanes. Recognized as one of the fastest men in the entire NCAA, Andre Johnson racked up many track trophies for the Miami Hurricanes as well.

[SkinsFreak]

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet.

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

While at Miami, Johnson also ran for UM's track and field team. In 2002, he won the Big East 60 meter dash (6.83 seconds) at the Big East Indoor Championship and followed that up by winning the 100 meter dash (10.29 seconds) at the Big East Outdoor Championships. He won 3 track Championships and in 2003 was the fastest man in college track.

ootball was not enough for Andre Johnson, and he also ran track for the Miami Hurricanes. Recognized as one of the fastest men in the entire NCAA, Andre Johnson racked up many track trophies for the Miami Hurricanes as well.

Everything I can find says he runs a 4.40 or higher in the forty. If you can find an official 40 time showing a quicker time, I'd love to see it.

This page shows Andre's time at a 4.40.

SI.com has him listed at a 4.43

Even though Devin received an official time of 4.40, he did make a pass at 4.34.

[Deadskins]

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet.

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

While at Miami, Johnson also ran for UM's track and field team. In 2002, he won the Big East 60 meter dash (6.83 seconds) at the Big East Indoor Championship and followed that up by winning the 100 meter dash (10.29 seconds) at the Big East Outdoor Championships. He won 3 track Championships and in 2003 was the fastest man in college track.

ootball was not enough for Andre Johnson, and he also ran track for the Miami Hurricanes. Recognized as one of the fastest men in the entire NCAA, Andre Johnson racked up many track trophies for the Miami Hurricanes as well.

Everything I can find says he runs a 4.40 or higher in the forty. If you can find an official 40 time showing a quicker time, I'd love to see it.

This page shows Andre's time at a 4.40.

SI.com has him listed at a 4.43

Even though Devin received an official time of 4.40, he did make a pass at 4.34.

Please! How can you go by official timings, when someone can just tell one person is faster?

[HEROHAMO]

Andre is about two steps faster then Kelly. He is one step faster then thomas.

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet. Devin does not yet possess the skill-set of Andre Johnson, but based on the reports coming out of Redskins Park, it appears that Devin is a man on a mission this year. Hopefully he'll have a breakout season and his speed can be showcased.

While Kelly may lack top-end straight-line speed, he is very explosive off the line-of-scrimmage and in short bursts, a highly touted skill-set for a West Coast receiver. And just for the record, Kelly has a knack for shedding defenders and making the tough catch down the sidelines.

Zorn has been impressed with Kelly’s explosiveness at the line of scrimmage as well as his pass-catching ability.

I still think Andre Johnson wins in a foot race.

But, if you want to get technical. A forty yard dash is primarily used for high school, college and NFL football scouts to judge speed and quickness.

That does not necessarily mean it is the best race to determine quickness and speed.

The Olympic games feature the 100 meter and 200 meter dash. Those are the two races in which the best in the world take each other on. I think it is fair to say that the 100 meter and 200 meter are a better race to judge speed.

Andre Johnson was an accomplished college track sprinter. I am not sure Devin Thomas participated in college track. Yes Devin Thomas is fast. I am not sure he is Andre Johnson fast. We will see. I hope Devin Thomas is faster then Andre Johnson that benefits the Redskins. I just doubt it. I still say he is a half step to whole step slower then Johnson.

[CanesSkins26]

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet.

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

While at Miami, Johnson also ran for UM's track and field team. In 2002, he won the Big East 60 meter dash (6.83 seconds) at the Big East Indoor Championship and followed that up by winning the 100 meter dash (10.29 seconds) at the Big East Outdoor Championships. He won 3 track Championships and in 2003 was the fastest man in college track.

ootball was not enough for Andre Johnson, and he also ran track for the Miami Hurricanes. Recognized as one of the fastest men in the entire NCAA, Andre Johnson racked up many track trophies for the Miami Hurricanes as well.

Everything I can find says he runs a 4.40 or higher in the forty. If you can find an official 40 time showing a quicker time, I'd love to see it.

This page shows Andre's time at a 4.40.

SI.com has him listed at a 4.43

Even though Devin received an official time of 4.40, he did make a pass at 4.34.

One 40 time does not mean that they are equally as fast. As my previous post indicated, Johnson was also a track star at the U. Not only that, but he has run 40's that are faster than the 4.40 you listed.

ANDRE JOHNSON, WR, Miami, 6-2, 230, junior - Third-team All- American had 85 receptions for 1,720 yards and 19 TDs in two years as starter.

Strengths: A complete receiver with size and speed. Ran 4.28 40- yard dash.

He also ran a 4.32 40 during Miami's Pro Day.

[PulpExposure]

um... Andre Johnson and Devin Thomas both ran an identical 4.40 at the combine. Devin is actually pretty quick and I'm not sure folks recognize that yet.

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

While at Miami, Johnson also ran for UM's track and field team. In 2002, he won the Big East 60 meter dash (6.83 seconds) at the Big East Indoor Championship and followed that up by winning the 100 meter dash (10.29 seconds) at the Big East Outdoor Championships. He won 3 track Championships and in 2003 was the fastest man in college track.

ootball was not enough for Andre Johnson, and he also ran track for the Miami Hurricanes. Recognized as one of the fastest men in the entire NCAA, Andre Johnson racked up many track trophies for the Miami Hurricanes as well.

Everything I can find says he runs a 4.40 or higher in the forty. If you can find an official 40 time showing a quicker time, I'd love to see it.

This page shows Andre's time at a 4.40.

SI.com has him listed at a 4.43

Even though Devin received an official time of 4.40, he did make a pass at 4.34.

One 40 time does not mean that they are equally as fast. As my previous post indicated, Johnson was also a track star at the U. Not only that, but he has run 40's that are faster than the 4.40 you listed.

ANDRE JOHNSON, WR, Miami, 6-2, 230, junior - Third-team All- American had 85 receptions for 1,720 yards and 19 TDs in two years as starter.

Strengths: A complete receiver with size and speed. Ran 4.28 40- yard dash.

He also ran a 4.32 40 during Miami's Pro Day.

I don't really care either way, because this is a stupid conversation, but, let's go back to your original assertion:

Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.

4.32 and 4.34 at their pro days, and 4.4 at the combine sounds pretty close to me...certainly in the same class.

[Countertrey]

4.32 and 4.34 at their pro days, and 4.4 at the combine sounds pretty close to me...certainly in the same class.

Not if the class is only 0.01 seconds wide.