News & Notes: DBs Get the Good Hands Treatment

[Zhouse]

The Redskins continue to find inventive ways to end the trend of dropped interceptions.

After Thursday’s practice at Redskins Park, the defensive backs gathered at midfield to catch a series of rapid-fire passes from quarterbacks.

The defensive backs had to stand with their backs to the quarterback and then abruptly turn around to catch the ball from 10 yards away.

Not easy.

Defenders had to adjust quickly as each ball came their way at varying speed. Jason Campbell’s passes were strong and fast, while Todd Collins’s throws had more touch.

In the Redskins’ 16-7 loss to the New York Giants on Sept. 4, defensive players had at least three chances to pick off Eli Manning passes. Each time, the ball slipped through their fingers.

Dropped interceptions have plagued the Redskins--and particularly Carlos Rogers--in recent years.

Turnovers can be game-changing plays and the Redskins need to grab these opportunities when they come their way.

“If we don’t, then we will be flirting with disaster,” defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. “It’s rare when quality quarterbacks give you that opportunity. When you pass them up, the football gods go against you.

“If they want to keep the football gods happy--and keep the coaches happy, too--then they better catch those balls.”

So how did the defenders do in the drill?

For Shawn Springs, Rogers, LaRon Landry and Leigh Torrence, it was no problem.

But Fred Smoot dropped three--that’s right, three--balls.

Smoot took the ribbing from his fellow cornerbacks afterwards. Visibly frustrated, he went to the back of the line to do the drill again.

Second time around, Smoot caught every ball.

Ironically enough, Smoot was the only Redskin to record an interception in the Redskins-Giants game.

“It was interesting to see how they competed with each other,” head coach Jim Zorn said. “They didn’t want to drop anything in front of their peers."

He added: "I think it’s a pretty realistic drill. When they turn their backs, and then have to turn around and catch the ball when it’s right on you, those are the realistic things that happen to you.”

Regarding Smoot, Zorn said: “He loves to win and he gets mad. But he didn’t walk away. He came back and caught every one.”

WASHINGTON’S STATUS UNCERTAIN

Marcus Washington sat out practice for the second day in a row on Thursday due to a hamstring injury. His status for this Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints is uncertain.

Jim Zorn indicated that Washington’s availability could be a game time decision.

“He’s working his way back,” Zorn said. “I’m hoping he plays, so we’ll see. I suspect he’s going to be there, but it’s going to be wait-and-see up until the end.”

Washington missed four games last season due to a hamstring injury.

If he is unable to play against the Saints, then Alfred Fincher or H.B. Blades could draw the start.

Khary Campbell has a thigh injury and his availability for Sunday’s game is also uncertain.

“I’m expecting Khary to step up, but it’s all going to be about his [thigh] and whether he can play or not,” Zorn said. “I’m always the ultimate optimist about our guys, I really am.”

Zorn said there were no immediate plans to call up rookie linebacker Curtis Gatewood from the practice squad.

PATTEN OPENS EYES

Remember David Patten?

He signed with the Redskins as an unrestricted free agent in 2005 and spent two injury plagued seasons in Washington.

In 14 games, Patten caught 23 passes for 242 yards with the Redskins.

Patten, a 12-year NFL veteran who won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots from 2001-04, moved on to New Orleans and has re-emerged as a force in the Saints’ offense.

He caught 54 passes for792 yards and three touchdowns for the Saints last year.

“He has become a home run guy for them,” Greg Blache said. “He has great speed and the knee injury that was bothering him here is well. He is playing with confidence and is one of the top deep threats that they have. He has resurrected his career.”

With Marques Colston sidelined with a hand injury, Patten could get extended playing time on Sunday.

COOLEY LIMITED

Chris Cooley was limited in Thursday’s practice as he continues to work through soreness in his quad.

Cooley has said he expects to play against the Saints this Sunday.

“We’re just taking a precautions with him as far as his quad irritation goes,” Jim Zorn said. “I suspect he’ll be fine.”

Ladell Betts missed Thursday’s practice due to a death in the family. He traveled home and was expected to return to Redskins Park for Friday’s session.

Link: http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/News___Notes__DBs_Get_the_Good_Hands_Treatment_22452.jsp

I like that DB drill....hope it helps them catch some of those ball. Sucks that Washington might miss this game. But I'm looking forward to seeing Fincher if he plays. He has a knack of being around the ball.

[BigRedskinDaddy]

Not sure how much to read into that drill, Z. How many times in recent years have we heard about Los or Smooter making tremendous picks in TC or practice only to have them just ricochet off their hands in actual game situations? Still, it can't be fixed it you don't take steps to try to correct it, so points for proactive coaching.

[#98QBKiller]

Good thing they're aware of it and addressing the issue. If we had made all of those picks last week, we would've won that game.

[brandymac27]

I think it's time we all pitch in and get Smoot some super glue!

[Zhouse]

Not sure how much to read into that drill, Z. How many times in recent years have we heard about Los or Smooter making tremendous picks in TC or practice only to have them just ricochet off their hands in actual game situations? Still, it can't be fixed it you don't take steps to try to correct it, so points for proactive coaching.

I hear you....I'm just trying to be optimistic i guess. You either catch the ball well or you don't. Especially for seasoned veterans like Los, Smoot and Springs. But like you said at least they're working on it

[BigRedskinDaddy]

I think it's time we all pitch in and get Smoot some super glue!

That or maybe he could mash up a couple of those energy bars before a game and rub his hands down, kind of like pine tar in baseball lol...

[Zhouse]

I think it's time we all pitch in and get Smoot some super glue!

haha...Smoot had the ball hit him right in the hands in the first NY Giants drive. It looked like Eli was throwing to him.

[BigRedskinDaddy]

I hear you....I'm just trying to be optimistic i guess. You either catch the ball well or you don't. Especially for seasoned veterans like Los, Smoot and Springs. But like you said at least they're working on it

Very true. I think if SS was in the game last week we come away with 2 INT's we didn't have, because he would've been matched up on Plax for the most part, and Shawn can definitely catch the rock when it's in his vicinity. He plays a huge role in the Saints game IMHO. Blache has all but said he schemes differently with his best CB out there. I hope so -

[brandymac27]

That or maybe he could mash up a couple of those energy bars before a game and rub his hands down, kind of like pine tar in baseball lol...

OLS

Those bars are supposedly made from honey, so this might actually work!

[JetSkins]

carlos rogers needs stick'em on his gloves

[PennSkinsFanhR]

Between the last two season, I just don't think I have seen a team drops so many interceptions, and most of these are damn well right int he arms and chest.

[Darc Requiem]

I'm not sure how much it will help honestly. However, I am glad they are trying to fix the problem. It is the coaching staff's job to recognize and address a problem. It is the players job to execute.

[Saqs]

I hope SS is practicing on not getting beat on pumps and double moves.

[Thinking Skins]

I'll believe this when I see results. I thought that our DBs were dropping balls because they were thinking too much on defense - thats what I got from Blache's comments in the offseason. Now that the defense is simplified and we're relying more on their natural abilities, that excuse is no more. So now we're doing drills. But the thing about these drills is that the DBs EXPECT TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A PIC. So its not realistic.

They just need to get better at making plays on gameday. Otherwise, its just talk.

[tone_dubbz]

I'll believe this when I see results. I thought that our DBs were dropping balls because they were thinking too much on defense - thats what I got from Blache's comments in the offseason. Now that the defense is simplified and we're relying more on their natural abilities, that excuse is no more. So now we're doing drills. But the thing about these drills is that the DBs EXPECT TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A PIC. So its not realistic.

They just need to get better at making plays on gameday. Otherwise, its just talk.

Yeah I'm tired of hearing excuses about the lack of turnovers. Smoot dropped a pickle in the endzone, and Rogers let one go right through his hands on a rushed throw.

The only reason Smoot had a pick, was because Eli was rushed out the pocket and forced to throw a bad pass to no one........but Smooter.

And whats worse, Smoot talks all this smack but he ass gets lit up by PLex for 10 catches and 130+ yards.

[TheLongshot]

And whats worse, Smoot talks all this smack but he ass gets lit up by PLex for 10 catches and 130+ yards.

To be fair, some of that was on Carlos as well and not all on Smoot.

Jason

[Zhouse]

Yeah I'm tired of hearing excuses about the lack of turnovers. Smoot dropped a pickle in the endzone, and Rogers let one go right through his hands on a rushed throw.

The only reason Smoot had a pick, was because Eli was rushed out the pocket and forced to throw a bad pass to no one........but Smooter.

And whats worse, Smoot talks all this smack but he ass gets lit up by PLex for 10 catches and 130+ yards.

To Smoot's defense, Plex lit up whoever was defending him for those 10 catches. Carlos & Smoot primarily. But those INT drops really hurt us especially in a game that ended 16-7.

[Thinking Skins]

Yeah I'm tired of hearing excuses about the lack of turnovers. Smoot dropped a pickle in the endzone, and Rogers let one go right through his hands on a rushed throw.

The only reason Smoot had a pick, was because Eli was rushed out the pocket and forced to throw a bad pass to no one........but Smooter.

And whats worse, Smoot talks all this smack but he ass gets lit up by PLex for 10 catches and 130+ yards.

Yeah, I so agree. I don't think all those yards were against Smoot, but if Smoot coulda got that first pic then that first TD doesn't get scored and we're looking at an entirely different ballgame.

I was glad to see the pressure by Carter. Hopefully we can do similar things this week with both Carter and Taylor and try to get some more pics from Bledsoe, but I'm not counting on it.

What I know is we have guys who can do well in man converage and who won't get "beat". They'll always be able to have proper position, challenge the WR, and at least make the tackle after the catch, and for that we're not gonna get torched through the passing game. But we need to be able to do more than just knock the ball down. We need to be able to take it away. Thats what separates the elite CBs from the just mediocre ones.

I want to have CBs that QBs are afraid to throw against...like it was when we had DG and Champ. As long as Carlos keeps dropping picks, nobody's gonna be afraid to test him, so he'll never get to that elite level.

[Stophovr6]

Yeah I'm tired of hearing excuses about the lack of turnovers. Smoot dropped a pickle in the endzone, and Rogers let one go right through his hands on a rushed throw.

The only reason Smoot had a pick, was because Eli was rushed out the pocket and forced to throw a bad pass to no one........but Smooter.

And whats worse, Smoot talks all this smack but he ass gets lit up by PLex for 10 catches and 130+ yards.

I'm pretty sure I saw Carlos covering Plax too. And oh yeah, IT'S PLAXICO BURESS.

Your Smoot bashing is getting old. He's a nickel corner nothing more. He's a Redskin, so drop it.

[Stophovr6]

Yeah, I so agree. I don't think all those yards were against Smoot, but if Smoot coulda got that first pic then that first TD doesn't get scored and we're looking at an entirely different ballgame.

I want to have CBs that QBs are afraid to throw against...like it was when we had DG and Champ. As long as Carlos keeps dropping picks, nobody's gonna be afraid to test him, so he'll never get to that elite level.

On your first point, while I believe momentum to play a big part in a game, our offense was putrid. We should have come out in the second half swinging on offense, but we didn't. So I really don't think you were going to get an entirely different ballgame. The Giants would've still found a way to score in the first half.

On your second point, I agree. Carlos will always be a good #2 not elite. We need a new #1 after this season because as much as I admire Springs, he's just too fragile and old.

[REDSKINZ-RIDEORDIE]

I think it's time we all pitch in and get Smoot some super glue!

I think its about time that Smoot stopped being on joke time all day. I watched the drill and after dropped he some of the passes, he was over in front of the camera laughing and joking with Carlos Rogers. I'd rather hear him saying "yeah, I have to continue this drill until I get it right. There is no reason that I should be dropping these passes", but instead he's laughing it up. Not to be all serious, cause we know how Smoot is, but these dropped INTS shouldnt be taken lightly, that could be the difference between losing and winning games, as we saw against the Giants. I was actually kind of piss that everybody found it funny.......

[TD_washingtonredskins]

From a coaching standpoint, that's all we can really do. These mistakes are completely up to the players to correct.

If we had our hands on 4 potential INTs, then our coaching staff did a great job of either putting our DBs in position or generating enough pressure on Eli for him to make some bad throws. In addition, it also means that the DBs did a good job of breaking on the ball, etc.

The last aspect is 100% in the CB's control though...maybe a little more concentration to secure the ball before trying to figure out how to make a return?