H@iL2Gibb$ Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1726 Washington Settles Into New Team By Rich Campbell Special to Redskins.com June 15, 2004 Marcus Washington left some important things behind when he decided to leave the Indianapolis Colts last March and sign with the Redskins. The three-year starter parted with his house, of course, and had to say goodbye to many friends and acquaintances. Washington also departed a Super Bowl contender--the Colts fell one game shy of last year's Super Bowl after losing to New England in the AFC Championship game Despite the fond memories of his four years in Indianapolis, Washington now has designs on helping the Redskins become the type of playoff-caliber team he left behind. "It's going to be a change for the best," Washington said. "We've got coach [Joe] Gibbs, and we've got a lot of talent on offense and defense. I think I made a great choice in coming to the Redskins." Washington, a 6-3, 247-pounder linebacker, makes up one-third of the Redskins' revamped starting linebacker corps. The team released starters Jessie Armstead and Jeremiah Trotter this offseason. In 2004, Washington is expected to team with LaVar Arrington and free agent Mike Barrow to form a veteran linebacker trio. Washington said he expects to play mostly strong-side linebacker, with Barrow in the middle and Arrington at weak-side linebacker. "I think we have a pretty good group of linebackers," Washington said. "Mike is a guy who has been around for a while. Sometimes he sees things that he can point out to you. Sometimes he gets a quick read on a run or a pass. And LaVar is a guy who plays with a lot of emotion. He's a heck of an athlete. I'm excited to start playing with those guys." When asked if the trio could evolve into one of the top linebacker groups in the league, Washington wouldn't shy away from the possibility. "I think we definitely have the potential," he said. "But potential isn't a whole lot until you go out and do it. I definitely think we've got a group capable of that." With the addition of Washington, the Redskins' linebackers should be a pass-rushing force. Like Arrington, Washington has a penchant for rushing the passer. In 2003, he led Colts linebackers and finished second on the team with six sacks. Pressuring quarterbacks is his favorite part of playing defense. "When you get to pin your ears back and go get em, that's exciting," he said, smiling. "I think every linebacker loves that." Washington's ability to rush the passer also appealed to assistant coach/defense Gregg Williams during free agency. Williams' defenses have had a reputation for being aggressive, so Washington appears to be a great fit for the Redskins' new scheme. Said Williams: "We think we can get some good rushes out of him. We think that he can be a really versatile football player that offenses have a tough time predicting what he's going to do." Washington may have the opportunity to rush the passer more with the Redskins than he did in Indianapolis. He said that the Colts' defense schemed to rely more on pass coverage than pass rush. "In this defense, I may get to blitz a little more," he said. "In Indy, we played a lot of Cover 2.' It helped me with my pass-covering abilities, but here they may turn me loose every now and then. I like that." Fellow linebacker Arrington also recorded six sacks last season. Both could find themselves meeting in the opposing backfield on occasion next season, Williams said. "You won't see LaVar and Marcus both off the field at the same time," Williams said. "They'll be on the field as much as possible and teams are going to have to try and predict where they're playing." The goal, Williams said, is to always keep offenses guessing. Said Washington: "When the offense doesn't know who is coming to rush the passer, you can surprise them. That can be a great tool." Added Arrington: "With Marcus Washington, that allows them to do a lot with me. He's a talent who's a force to be reckoned with on the field. He's not somebody who you can say, We're going to run right at him.'" Washington grew up in Auburn, Ala., went to Auburn High School and played his college ball at Auburn. He was a two-year starter in college and finished his senior season with a team-high seven sacks. He was selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the same draft class as Arrington, and learned from veteran linebacker Cornelius Bennett during his rookie year. Last season, Washington's 97 tackles (56 solo) ranked fourth on the Colts' defense as Indianapolis won the AFC South. He played in three postseasons during his four years in Indianapolis and believes that his playoff experience will benefit him as the Redskins seek to return to playoff contention this year. "I like to talk, but I prefer to lead by example," he said. "It's easy to talk, but football is about giving effort--going from the snap until the whistle blows, bringing your hard hat and your lunch pail every day and coming to work. "I'm a guy who plays with a lot of effort," he said. "You go from the snap until the whistle blows because you never know what's going to happen." As the Redskins' offseason progresses, Washington continues to settle into his role with his new team. With training camp on the horizon, he's keeping his focus on the future. "I'm so excited about the season," he said. "Just watching guys in practice, I can't wait to get started." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Washington could end up being the surprise acquisition of the 2004 offseason when we look back on the upcoming season. His addition wasn't given a lot of press with Brunell and Portis taking up most of the headlines around the NFL, but Washington is a guy with pro bowl talent that seems to have the work ethic to match Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 By Rich Campbell Special to Redskins.com June 15, 2004 Marcus Washington left some important things behind when he decided to leave the Indianapolis Colts last March and sign with the Redskins. The three-year starter parted with his house, of course, and had to say goodbye to many friends and acquaintances. Washington also departed a Super Bowl contender--the Colts fell one game shy of last year's Super Bowl after losing to New England in the AFC Championship game Despite the fond memories of his four years in Indianapolis, Washington now has designs on helping the Redskins become the type of playoff-caliber team he left behind. "It's going to be a change for the best," Washington said. "We've got coach [Joe] Gibbs, and we've got a lot of talent on offense and defense. I think I made a great choice in coming to the Redskins." Washington, a 6-3, 247-pounder linebacker, makes up one-third of the Redskins' revamped starting linebacker corps. The team released starters Jessie Armstead and Jeremiah Trotter this offseason. In 2004, Washington is expected to team with LaVar Arrington and free agent Mike Barrow to form a veteran linebacker trio. Washington said he expects to play mostly strong-side linebacker, with Barrow in the middle and Arrington at weak-side linebacker. "I think we have a pretty good group of linebackers," Washington said. "Mike is a guy who has been around for a while. Sometimes he sees things that he can point out to you. Sometimes he gets a quick read on a run or a pass. And LaVar is a guy who plays with a lot of emotion. He's a heck of an athlete. I'm excited to start playing with those guys." When asked if the trio could evolve into one of the top linebacker groups in the league, Washington wouldn't shy away from the possibility. "I think we definitely have the potential," he said. "But potential isn't a whole lot until you go out and do it. I definitely think we've got a group capable of that." With the addition of Washington, the Redskins' linebackers should be a pass-rushing force. Like Arrington, Washington has a penchant for rushing the passer. In 2003, he led Colts linebackers and finished second on the team with six sacks. Pressuring quarterbacks is his favorite part of playing defense. "When you get to pin your ears back and go get 'em, that's exciting," he said, smiling. "I think every linebacker loves that." Washington's ability to rush the passer also appealed to assistant coach/defense Gregg Williams during free agency. Williams' defenses have had a reputation for being aggressive, so Washington appears to be a great fit for the Redskins' new scheme. Said Williams: "We think we can get some good rushes out of him. We think that he can be a really versatile football player that offenses have a tough time predicting what he's going to do." Washington may have the opportunity to rush the passer more with the Redskins than he did in Indianapolis. He said that the Colts' defense schemed to rely more on pass coverage than pass rush. "In this defense, I may get to blitz a little more," he said. "In Indy, we played a lot of 'Cover 2.' It helped me with my pass-covering abilities, but here they may turn me loose every now and then. I like that." Fellow linebacker Arrington also recorded six sacks last season. Both could find themselves meeting in the opposing backfield on occasion next season, Williams said. "You won't see LaVar and Marcus both off the field at the same time," Williams said. "They'll be on the field as much as possible and teams are going to have to try and predict where they're playing." The goal, Williams said, is to always keep offenses guessing. Said Washington: "When the offense doesn't know who is coming to rush the passer, you can surprise them. That can be a great tool." Added Arrington: "With Marcus Washington, that allows them to do a lot with me. He's a talent who's a force to be reckoned with on the field. He's not somebody who you can say, 'We're going to run right at him.'" Washington grew up in Auburn, Ala., went to Auburn High School and played his college ball at Auburn. He was a two-year starter in college and finished his senior season with a team-high seven sacks. He was selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the same draft class as Arrington, and learned from veteran linebacker Cornelius Bennett during his rookie year. Last season, Washington's 97 tackles (56 solo) ranked fourth on the Colts' defense as Indianapolis won the AFC South. He played in three postseasons during his four years in Indianapolis and believes that his playoff experience will benefit him as the Redskins seek to return to playoff contention this year. "I like to talk, but I prefer to lead by example," he said. "It's easy to talk, but football is about giving effort--going from the snap until the whistle blows, bringing your hard hat and your lunch pail every day and coming to work. "I'm a guy who plays with a lot of effort," he said. "You go from the snap until the whistle blows because you never know what's going to happen." As the Redskins' offseason progresses, Washington continues to settle into his role with his new team. With training camp on the horizon, he's keeping his focus on the future. "I'm so excited about the season," he said. "Just watching guys in practice, I can't wait to get started." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63494 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63494 My fault, I did a search, nothing came up, thats what I get bidding on e-bay and reading at the same time. Sorry, Please merge or delete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. S Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 The way Washington was talked about earlier, I dont know why a lot of people were bashing us for paying him, even though his contract isnt as large as some of the other FA's we got this year. Washington seems to be the type of talented guy who goes unrecognized, like Jansen and Thomas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bnacpa Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Pittsburgh wanted him and tried to keep him from leaving town to meet us, but he came here and we gave him the big money (comparatively) to get him in DC. Pittsburgh's offense is very questionable from year to year, but their LB evaluation has been tremendous over the past decade. The fact that they don't have a lot of money and have a lot of needs to fill on the offense says something about the caliber of linebacker they think Washington is. Usually they draft their stud LB's out of college. I think that with all the hype regarding Arrington and his role as a down lineman on passing downs ... we may have some plays where Arrington lines up on the line of scrimmage and drops in to coverage as Washington Blitzes from the LB position on the side that is already occupied by D-Lineman. This would have the impact of creating a blitz situation of pressure on one side of the line, when in total, only 4 players are rushing the passer ... Based on how he turned around the season against the Panthers with Marty, Arrington can intercept the ball on occasion and it is fun to see him take it to the endzone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 "I think we definitely have the potential," he said. "But potential isn't a whole lot until you go out and do it. " He hit the nail on the head. This is the story of the Redskins over the last couple of years. Let's see if they can finally play to their potential. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom [Giants fan] Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 I'm confused, I thought Arrington was going to be blitzing from the strong side? He is going to be the weakside LB? Redskins | Washington to Play on Strong Side - from www.KFFL.com Tue, 15 Jun 2004 20:36:53 -0700 Rich Campbell, of Redskins.com, reports Washington Redskins LB Marcus Washington will be utilized almost exclusively at strong-side linebacker this season, where he will get the opportunity to blitz opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
China Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Originally posted by Tom [Giants fan] I'm confused, I thought Arrington was going to be blitzing from the strong side? He is going to be the weakside LB? Redskins | Washington to Play on Strong Side - from www.KFFL.com Tue, 15 Jun 2004 20:36:53 -0700 Rich Campbell, of Redskins.com, reports Washington Redskins LB Marcus Washington will be utilized almost exclusively at strong-side linebacker this season, where he will get the opportunity to blitz opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. That's correct. When they released Armstead and signed Washington, they decided Arrington could be best utilized by moving him to weakside and having Marcus Washington stay at strongside where he has played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrfriedm Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Originally posted by H@iL2Gibb$ "I like to talk, but I prefer to lead by example," he said. "It's easy to talk, but football is about giving effort--going from the snap until the whistle blows, bringing your hard hat and your lunch pail every day and coming to work. [/b] Thats a great Quote!! I think I might have to change my signature. Tell me this isn't the type of player Joe Gibbs wants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 Arrington is the prototype weakside linebacker. I agree with Doc Walker that you are not going to see the best of LaVar until he gets the coaching he has lacked AND he gets moved to his natural position. Walker said that last season and lo, behold.............it has all happened in ONE offseason :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 Originally posted by bulldog Washington could end up being the surprise acquisition of the 2004 offseason when we look back on the upcoming season. His addition wasn't given a lot of press with Brunell and Portis taking up most of the headlines around the NFL, but Washington is a guy with pro bowl talent that seems to have the work ethic to match Agreed, I was watching the Chefs / Colts playoff game and was like, "Who is THAT guy (Washington)". He can move like LaVar, the dude has some wheeels AND intensity. If we ever get some DL-men that can absorb the O-Line, the rest of the D can do some damage! Hopefully, Ill be pleasently surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfdc Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 What I noted about Washington when he was with the Colts, was only Dwight Freeney matched him in intensity in Dungy's defense, both last season and the one before. If there was a third player, we grabbed him too (Harris -CB). Washington's enthusiasm and intensity are contagious and he's as strong in the second half, as he is in the first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 Originally posted by Tom [Giants fan] I'm confused Good! If you are, then Kurt/Eli will be as well. :nana: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GURU Posted June 17, 2004 Share Posted June 17, 2004 There was a 46 defensive alignment when Buddy Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Bears where the entire defensive line would shift to one side and outside linebackers Wilber Marshall AND Otis Smith would line up over the opposite offensive tackle and blitz. Anyone think Gregg Williams might include that package in his defense? Imagine LaVar and Washington doing the same thing. In '85, Wilber Marshall seemed to get more of the hype (similar to LaVar), but Otis Wilson was second on the team in sacks (behind Richard Dent) with 10.5. Maybe Washington can have a similar impact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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