Burgundy and Gold Camp: 7.23.08

Ron Bailey, Publisher in conjunction with the SportsGroove

Following are notes related to today’s two a day practices at the Burgundy and Gold’s Ashburn, VA facility. Summer camp, which started Sunday, is in full swing.

Overview: The morning session was the second of back to back full contact work, with the pads hitting, though quarterbacks were not touched and running back’s legs were off limits. Starting middle linebacker London Fletcher had the hit of the day, popping TE Todd Yoder and dislodging the ball in the process.

In addition to full 11 on 11 work, nine versus nine and shell action occurred. Of course drills were a fixture, as well as situational development like two minute drill scenarios. The defense worked two deep stuff in addition to throwing in wrinkles like various blitzes.

Quarterback Jason Campbell had people pressuring him today.

Jim Zorn, the team’s new head coach gave the players a semblance of respite during the afternoon session, as he brought a West Coast convention east; the entire second practice was devoted to special teams. Resultantly, many starters were excused, while everyone’s bodies were given a break from the pounding.

Danny Smith, special teams coach, ran the evening session to perfection, utilizing the slightly over an hour time period expertly, not wasting a minute. Punts, pooch punts, on side fielding, wedge busting/slipping blocks, keeping tackling lanes and taking angles were all covered. If Smith could bottle his enthusiasm, Bill Gates and Paul Allen would have a run for their money.

“It’s a good change of pace, especially coming off those two-a-days like that” said second year veteran Matt Sinclair of the change. Later the former Illinois standout revealed despite running “a different kind of offense”, one that seemingly eschews a heavy reliance on power running plays “anytime you put on the pads, you have to get your body conditioned to it, and that’s what we’re going through now”.

Second year cornerback and D.C. area native Byron Westbrook agreed, stating “It think it’s a good thing (the special teams focus) …this is the way to make the team. I just learn from it, and hopefully I can find a way to make the team”.

Players worked under a drizzle of constant threat thereof.

Speaking of the O: If one can tell anything at all this early in camp, it’s that Zorn’s offense will be heavy on different formations, ranging from three wides, one back, one tight end to two backs, two wides and one tight end - and everything in between. Nevertheless, if you had to guesstimate what the base formation will be, expect three wide, one back, one tight end to be it.

So far, most of the running plays, as mentioned before, have not been the power football types, as Zorn et al have chosen to focus on quick hitters around the tackles, draw plays, and occasional outside runs. It’s unsure if counter-trey, the Burgundy and Gold’s signature running play of old has been scrapped though, as the line’s health and depth was a concern coming in. Consequently, players like Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels are not participating in full contact drills due to recent elbow surgery, and maybe, just maybe Zorn want to protect the unit’s health (John Jansen is also coming off surgery, and Pete Kendall has been banged up previously. Both have practiced).

Speaking of Banged up: Clinton Portis only participated in one full contact play, dropping a swing pass in the process. His ankle is reportedly dinged up, and Clinton will not play in the upcoming Hall of Fame game.

Linebacker Rocky Macintosh, a third year starting outside linebacker is being held out of most contact work to rest his surgically repaired knee, while Carlos Rodgers, a fourth year veteran cornerback is doing the same, based on a similar injury. Macintosh seems to wear a brace, while Rodgers doesn’t, as he claimed “that would cramp my style”.

Jason Taylor shows his agility and footwork in drills.

One player that sees a silver lining in starter-type players not getting reps due to being held out for precautionary reasons is Khary Campbell, linebacker and special teams standout. “It gives a lot of younger guys, who are linebackers on the team an opportunity to get more reps” said the seventh year pro after noting not having starters like Macintosh available all the time is not ideal. “There is a positive benefit”.

Speed on the Outside: With the recent acquisition of perennial pro bowler Jason Taylor, the Burgundy and Gold’s defensive ends are shaping up to be a talented, yet rather svelte tandem, given Taylor’s 255 pound frame and Andre Carter, the starter opposite Taylor, weighing in at 252 pounds.

To their credit, both utilize a blend of quickness and strength to nullify opponent’s girth, and both seem to have an attention to detail, which was displayed during morning drills. This should be an interesting sub-plot of the Burgundy and Gold’s season.

Best Of Action:

Hit: Fletcher’s hit on Yoder, dislodging the ball
Catch: Antwaan Randle El’s end zone, toe dragging nab during 11 on 11 two minute warning work
Block: Rookie TE Fred Davis sealed a defender, allowing a ball carrier a clear path to daylight. For his actions, Davis was lauded by the team’s offensive line coach, Joe Bugel. According to Davis, critics of his blocking have focused on technique as opposed to physical prowess, and as such he is determined to prove them wrong.