Redskins Confidential: Redskins notes and analysis 10/7/10

[Oldskool]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/redskins-confidential/Redskins-notes-and-analysis-10710-104533769.html#ixzz11ifHpgqu

By: John Keim

Examiner Staff Writer

10/07/10 7:37 PM EDT

1. You know it’s a dry day when the highlight is talking to a punter about a fake field goal attempt from last year. Um, just in case you’d forgotten the play, here it is. And try this one from a fan’s perspective.

2. But Hunter Smith was actually sort of funny about this play today. Said when he tried out for the New York Giants he told the coaches they did a good job “snuffing out the play.” After he was sarcastically asked how could the Giants have known the play was coming, Smith said, “Did you not know it was coming?” And would he be willing to run it again he said he would, “if they can find a way to fend off the guy that destroyed me.”

3. That was Jim Zorn’s decision to run it again, by the way. By that point, he knew he would soon be fired.

4. Incidentally, Smith’s wife delivered their third child, a girl, in March. So Smith said he’s been “changing diapers, working out.”

5. The Redskins signed Quinn Porter to the practice squad. This is a good story on him, from his rise as a former college cheerleader. Yes, you read that right. Oh, Porter was in camp with Green Bay. Hmmm. I know, it happens all the time. But they did need to sign another guy after losing Javarris James to Indianapolis’ active roster.

6. The Redskins placed Josh Bidwell on injured reserve. Last Friday a group of reporters spoke with Bidwell, who was in a good mood. He had learned a few days earlier that his hip was OK, ending fears that his career was not over. Then Sunday happened.

“He was hurting,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “You could tell by his facial expressions that something was wrong and by the way he punted.”

Hard to imagine him ever punting again in the NFL after missing last year with a hip injury as well.

7. Left tackle Trent Williams (knee/toe) again was limited in practice and limped afterward, as he has the previous two weeks when finishing his work. But Shanahan sounded cautiously optimistic that Williams would play vs. Green Bay on Sunday. “If he keeps on improving like he has over the last two days, he’ll be able to go,” Shanahan said. If I had to guess, I’d say Williams plays. He was still limping after practice (though not before).

8. Brian Orakpo is not keeping up with Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews, Jr., when it comes to sacks as Matthews has seven sacks to Orakpo’s two. However, Orakpo is having a big impact rushing the passer simply because of the five holding penalties he’s drawn. Orakpo is terrific getting into the blocker’s chest and then dipping around the edge, a combination of strength and speed. Orakpo could have a good game this week as Green Bay LT Chad Clifton has struggled vs. power rushers this season.

9. Green Bay is banged up. The Packers already have lost rookie safety Morgan Burnett. But five other players didn’t practice today, including right tackle Mark Tauscher, and two others were limited, including CB Charles Woodson (toe) and safety Nick Collins (knee). This is a good time to get them. I think.

10. LB Lorenzo Alexander played two seasons with Aaron Rodgers at Cal. “I never got to hit him in practice,” Alexander said. “Hopefully I can get after him a little bit.”

11. This is sort of cool. Alexander said of the hit in Philly: “You normally don’t hear nothing when you’re playing, but I heard, ‘oooooo’ by the whole crowd. It’s a great feeling.”

12. Alexander is no longer on punt return duty, a nod to his increased role from scrimmage. But he’s still on the coverage units. One thing I have to say about Alexander; the guy hasn’t changed one bit since he came here. Always humble; always willing to do whatever; always gracious with his time. Good to see guys like that rewarded.

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