Post (Newsletter): Young DB's Land on Practice Squad

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 2:05 pm

Young Defensive Backs Land on Practice Squad

It was not surprising that the Redskins chose to sign two young defensive backs to the practice squad, because the cornerback position could become an area of concern this season. Washington kept only four corners on its 53-man roster and injuries could be a major factor in that spot.

Walt Harris, projected as the nickel back, is coming off of major knee surgery and was limited through much of the preseason. Shawn Springs, one of the starting corners along with Fred Smoot, has a history of injury problems as well and has not played a full season since 2000. Reserve cornerback Ade Jimoh has had a difficult time of it in the NFL thus far and some were surprised that he made the team over Rashad Bauman, a former third-round pick who was cut and quickly signed by Cincinnati.

Washington could turn to the waiver wire during the season to add a cornerback or safety, and the progress of two rookies on the practice squad will surely be monitored closely as well. Defensive backs Garnell Wilds and Rufus Brown were impressive during training camp, and Coach Joe Gibbs said he intends to call on players from the practice squad at some point. Brown and Wilds are both natural corners who played for strong college programs, and while the cornerback position is among the most challenging in sports -- particularly for an inexperienced player -- it stands to reason that one or both of them could be on the active roster in a reserve spot.

Tampa Still Stresses Defense

Tampa Bay, the Redskins' opening-day opponent at FedEx Field on Sunday, parted ways with star lineman Warren Sapp and safety John Lynch, but remains one of the premier defensive teams in football with players such as defensive end Simeon Rice, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers finished the preseason ranked first defensively.

"They have a great scheme," said Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense. "[Defensive coordinator] Monte Kiffin has been there probably a hundred years. You want to talk about a guru on defense, Monte Kiffin is the epitome of that. They fly to the football. They've got 11 guys committed. I'll tell you what, it's going to be a tremendous match-up."

Rice said he does not expect Gibbs's 11-year layoff from coaching to affect Washington's performance. "That doesn't matter," Rice said in a conference call with Washington reporters yesterday. "The guy has been a success in anything he's done from coaching football to car racing, NASCAR. So whatever he's done, it's kind of like his M.O. is success."

-- Jason LaCanfora

Texas Hog · Post by **Texas Hog** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 3:09 pm

I really enjoyed what I saw of Rufus in the preseason. I didn't see any of Wilds however. Is he pretty good?

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 3:12 pm

Rice said he does not expect Gibbs's 11-year layoff from coaching to affect Washington's performance. "That doesn't matter," Rice said in a conference call with Washington reporters yesterday. "The guy has been a success in anything he's done from coaching football to car racing, NASCAR. So whatever he's done, it's kind of like his M.O. is success."

This one of the more intelligent comments I've heard about Gibbs. Too many people focus on his football success, if you look at the bigger picture football is not his only success, he has been a success at life as a whole. Success is Joe Gibbs, why should it stop now?

skinsfaninroanoke · Post by **skinsfaninroanoke** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 5:46 pm

actually racquetball too - was his age group's national champion before coming to the Skins...

Chris Luva Luva · Post by **Chris Luva Luva** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 6:37 pm

As far as the DB's are concerned I'm very interested in Wilds, that guys is a gem. I bet in a year or two he'll be our #1 corner.