bubba9497 Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 Redskins Forge Ahead At Mini-Camp By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1631 Despite a steady rainfall, day two of Redskins mini-camp went on as scheduled on Saturday, with the team shifting its practice to the Astroturf field at Redskins Park. The offense, defense and special teams got in their full workload before breaking for the afternoon a few minutes early. "We had some good work today," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "It's hard to give an overall evaluation of the team until you start playing the games and players get their pads and start hitting. But right now, I think players are working hard. I couldn't ask for much more as far as attendance and work ethic." Through all of the practices and workout sessions of the last few weeks, coaches and players are starting to develop camaraderie and team chemistry. With more than 30 new players on the roster, it'll certainly take time for the team as a whole to mesh, linebacker LaVar Arrington said. "I think we're on pace to become a close-knit team," Arrington said. "As far as being on the same page, I think we're getting there." Added wide receiver James Thrash: "Team chemistry is so important and it's something that takes a little time. We'll get there. When you take a look back at 1999 when we made the playoffs, the chemistry on that team was unlike anything I'd ever been a part of. "Cory Raymer and I were talking about it a few days ago. Every team has different personalities, but that year when we came out on the field, we had one purpose: don't let your teammate down and hold each other accountable for everything you do." Gregg Williams, assistant head coach-defense, agrees that a team-wide personality is starting to emerge. It started with the coaching staff, with their attentiveness to detail, hard work and discipline, and has trickled down to the players. It's even evident in the players the front office has acquired this offseason. In recent days, coaches have praised wide receiver James Thrash, middle linebacker Michael Barrow and defensive linemen Brandon Noble and Phillip Daniels as among the team's hardest workers. "The players are learning about themselves," Williams said. "We have required a steep learning curve and we have to get them up to speed as fast as possible. By having the spirited workouts and the tremendous cooperation this offseason, hopefully we'll start training camp ready to go. We won't be behind." Redskins mini-camp continues through Sunday afternoon. Note: The mini-camp is closed to the public, but you can follow all of the action here on Redskins.com. Be sure to check back throughout the weekend for news, Q&A interviews, quotes, photo galleries and more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luca Brasi Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 "Added wide receiver James Thrash: "Team chemistry is so important and it's something that takes a little time. We'll get there. When you take a look back at 1999 when we made the playoffs, the chemistry on that team was unlike anything I'd ever been a part of." I love this quote. Despite Thrash being a part of an Eagles team that went to the playoffs the last three years, he still makes reference to the '99 Redskins team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimster Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 yes, I like having Thrash and Raymer back.- it helps the "tenured" guys like Arrington and Jansen see the way it was before the constant turnover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 I love the fact that Gibbs isn't griping about needing an indoor practice facility when it is raining. He wants the weather to toughen players up since they may face less than ideal situations during the season. Thrash was a very good acquisition. Philly should not have let him go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-Town Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 I like to see that Noble is mentioned. I hope he is healthy enough to play this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 Originally posted by bnacpa I love the fact that Gibbs isn't griping about needing an indoor practice facility when it is raining. He wants the weather to toughen players up since they may face less than ideal situations during the season. Thrash was a very good acquisition. Philly should not have let him go. We should have never let him go! I was thinking the same thing about the field. SS was snivelling last year. Note to Steve: The facilities were good enough to win 3 Lombardis! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kappaluvacee Posted June 6, 2004 Share Posted June 6, 2004 What a difference solid leadership can make. We were talking about chemistry well into last three seasons. We are now talking about a team identity prior to training camp. The Danny got this one right. No matter what the skins do on the field, the front office looks to have finally gotten ahead of the curve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.