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Hasselbeck Has Caught Gibbs's Eye

Throughout the Washington Redskins' training camp, Tim Hasselbeck has felt like the odd man out in the quarterback competition. When the Redskins acquired veteran Mark Brunell in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March, Hasselbeck figured it would be a two-man race between Brunell and Patrick Ramsey, who started 11 games for the Redskins last season.

Despite his solid performance in Monday night's 20-17 victory over the Denver Broncos in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, Hasselbeck doesn't think much has changed. But at least he has caught the attention of Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs, who has complimented the former Boston College star throughout training camp.

"As far as I know, he's going to make the decision whether Mark or Patrick is going to be the starter," Hasselbeck said. "But that's not going to change the way I prepare for practice. I've just kind of prepared myself to how I need to approach it."

Hasselbeck, who threw for 1,012 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games last season, was impressive in the second half of Monday night's game. He completed seven of 10 passes for 118 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown to Gari Scott. After Denver tied the game at 17-17 with 1 minute, 26 seconds left, Hasselbeck drove the Redskins down the field to set up Ola Kimrin's game-winning, 39-yard field goal.

"[Gibbs] has come up to me and said, 'Listen, I know we've talked about the other guys a lot, but you're doing a great job,' " Hasselbeck said. "That makes you feel good when you hear that from your coach, and it makes you feel better when your coach is Joe Gibbs."

Gibbs wouldn't say much about the quarterback competition after yesterday's practice. Brunell and Ramsey largely struggled against the Broncos, combining to throw for only 30 yards on 7-for-16 passing in about 2 1/2 quarters. Ramsey will start against the Carolina Panthers in Saturday night's exhibition game at FedEx Field, and Brunell and Hasselbeck will both see action.

"I think we're just competing out there," Gibbs said. "We'll work it out as we play."

Still on Second Team


Despite his two interceptions against the Broncos, including one that was returned for a touchdown, rookie free safety Sean Taylor continues to work with the second-team defense. Former Tennessee star Andre Lott was still the first-team safety in yesterday's practice. But Gibbs sounded like it will only be a matter of time before Taylor is promoted.

"He makes a lot of good plays," Gibbs said. "Last week, he practiced good and played good. If he keeps doing that, he's going to be okay. What he does is he covers a lot of ground and he's very aggressive. All those things make for a good safety."

Playing Possum?


Starting right guard Randy Thomas said he isn't overly concerned about the offense's sluggish performance against the Broncos. Thomas, who didn't play in the game because of swelling around his knee, said Gibbs isn't showing much of his offense during the preseason.

"We've got a lot more to go," Thomas said. "I don't think we're going to throw out everything in the preseason."

Thomas also suggested that the media's presence at practice is preventing Gibbs from installing much of his offense. Yesterday's practice was the last session open to the fans and media.

"It's open practice," Thomas said. "You guys are out there."

Injury Report


Several injured players who missed Monday night's game returned to practice yesterday, including defensive end Phillip Daniels (abdominal strain), receiver Taylor Jacobs (abdominal strain), defensive tackle Brandon Noble (broken hand), Thomas (swollen knee) and linebacker Chris Clemons (sprained ankle).

Among those players joining the walking wounded were wide receiver Jafar Williams (unknown), cornerback Shawn Springs (hamstring), linebacker Khary Campbell (unknown), linebacker Kevin Mitchell (unknown), linebacker Devin Lemons (unknown), center Ben Nowland (unknown), offensive tackle Jim Molinaro (unknown), defensive tackle Cedric Killings (unknown), defensive end Nic Clemons (unknown) and defensive tackle Norman Heuer (unknown).

Running back Ladell Betts (hamstring), linebacker Mike Barrow (knee), tackle Brandon Winey (ankle) and receiver Cliff Russell (hamstring) remained sidelined.

--By Mark Schlabach