The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

The Redskins managed to get an hour-long practice in on Monday afternoon after a rainstorm had passed over the team's training facility. The storm left some rather large puddles at various spots around several practice fields, including the Astroturf field.

Despite the shortened practice, the Redskins squeezed in plenty of work, including special teams drills and a red-zone scrimmage.

"We had some good work on the turf and we tried to get what we could get out of it," Gibbs said afterwards. "The only thing you can point to right now is good attitude and hard work. I think guys will start to separate themselves little by little."

One player who has alrady separated himself is wide receiver Laveranues Coles, who had an impressive afternoon at camp.

First he made an acrobatic catch on a deep pass to the corner of the end zone, leaping over Rashad Bauman for the catch. Later, Coles dove for another deep pass, but it bounced off his hands. He landed in a puddle of water, drawing applause from fans for his efforts.

One of the subplots of training camp has been Coles' right toe injury. He injured the toe in Week 2 last year, but it lingered into the offseason. Coaches limited some of his off-season workouts, but with training camp here, it's full speed ahead. He now wears a protective sole in his shoe.

"Once you get started and get into a ball game, it is the last thing on your mind," he said. "I don't want to keep harping on it because I don't want it to be an excuse. Guys play with nagging injuries all the time. That's just part of the sport."

Meantime, Redskins players marveled at a dedicated group of fans who stayed through the storm to watch the shortened practice and get autographs.

"The fans here today are out in hurricane-like weather to support us," cornerback Shawn Springs said. "You know you are in the right place when you see that."

Here are some of the highlights from Monday afternoon's practice:

Play: Matt Bowen saved the best for last. On the final play of practice, Bowen leaped in front of tight end Walter Rasby for an interception in the end zone. Bowen's forward progress landed him in a puddle, but Rasby quickly extended a hand. Shouted Rasby: "I'll get you next time, Matt Bowen."

Player: Earlier in the practice, Rasby caught a pass from Patrick Ramsey and ambled upfield, would-be tacklers glancing off him. The 10-year veteran is known more for his run-blocking skills, having tutored under Don Breaux when both were in Carolina in the mid-1990s. But Rasby will always welcome more of an involvement in the passing game. For his career, he has caught 59 passes for 532 yards and five touchdowns.

Quote: "Of course I am excited. I mean, who wouldn't be? Joe Gibbs can start a show. It seems like we have got more fans out [at training camp] for him than we get at games. He is the man." -- Laveranes Coles, on the team's prospects for 2004

Atmosphere: Among fans, today was for the die-hards. The sudden rainstorm sent most scurrying for cover. Most fans left, believing that practice would be canceled. When the Redskins started to come out onto the field, there were plenty of suggestions from fans as players tried to figure out a way across a large puddle blocking the way to the Astroturf field. After practice, Chris ey, Darnerien McCants, Robert Royal, Shawn Springs and Laveranues Coles were among players who signed autographs.

Notes:

-- Taylor Jacobs missed the afternoon practice with a groin injury. Mike Sellers also sat out practice, giving his sprained ankle another day of rest.

-- Reminder: There will be no practices open to the public on Tuesday. The next practice open to the public is Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m.