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Zorn wrote:"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."
-- 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.”
Smithian wrote:Remember, he's the next Andre Johnson!
1niksder wrote:We'll have 2 of them
not that that's a bad thing
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 SkinsJock wrote:1niksder wrote:We'll have 2 of them
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
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
"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.
There were many, many factors that played a role in the teams collapse down the stretch last year
HEROHAMO wrote:Andre is about two steps faster then Kelly. He is one step faster then thomas.
Zorn has been impressed with Kelly’s explosiveness at the line of scrimmage as well as his pass-catching ability.
Gibbs4Life wrote: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
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.
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.
CanesSkins26 wrote: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 wrote:CanesSkins26 wrote: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.
SkinsFreak wrote:HEROHAMO wrote: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.
SkinsFreak wrote:CanesSkins26 wrote: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.
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.
CanesSkins26 wrote:SkinsFreak wrote:CanesSkins26 wrote: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.
Sorry but Thomas isn't anywhere close to being in Andre Johnson's class when it comes to speed.
PulpExposure wrote:
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.