THN: I think the one positive (I don’t know if positive is the right word for this) I could take from the last two games is Jason Campbell’s courage and toughness he displayed after getting hit and knocked around so much. What does his ability to come back and keep fighting say to the rest of the team? He could easily say “You know what? Ownership doesn’t want me, the season’s a lost cause and there is only one games left after this” but he doesn’t and he keeps fighting for the team. What do you think every time you see him get roughed up but keep coming back despite the pain he’s in?

AC: It takes a lot of heart for a man to come back from being battered like that. However, it’s no surprise to me coming from Jason. He has always been a tough player.

THN: Last week Jason said he felt some of the players quit during the Monday night game against the Giants and it looked as if not many others showed up on Sunday night so I’m sure he felt the same way after losing to Dallas as well. Without naming names or calling anyone out, would you agree with Jason’s assessment, especially based off of the overall performance of the team the last two games compared to the previous four?

AC: It’s so tough to say because I am in the zone focusing on winning. I have to have confidence in my teammate that he feels the same way. We can’t always worry about the man next to us tapping out or not. We have to have faith and try to win.

THN: Do these types of big moves before the season ends and the fact that there will likely be no salary cap next offseason force players to think about themselves and where they will be next season as opposed to working as a cohesive unit on a team when game time comes? Is selfishness a reason for the lack of production on the field?

AC: I really don’t feel it’s selfishness. Even though there is no salary cap next year, that particular topic hasn’t been a constant discussion since the season has been winding down.

THN: The last two games were not a very good way to show off the talent on the roster to a new general manager. After the loss to the Giants on Monday night, DeAngelo Hall said if he was the GM, he would just scrap the whole team and start from scratch in 2010. If you were in Bruce Allen’s shoes as the team’s new general manager, what would be going through your mind witnessing these first two games and how would you assess the team?

AC: If I was Bruce Allen I would say, “There is plenty of talent on this team but a lot of work needs to be done.”

THN: The pass rush had improved immensely earlier in the month but was stopped by the Giants and Cowboys line pretty well the last two weeks. Why were opposing offensive lines able to stop the rush even with Haynesworth back in the lineup for these matchups?

AC: We have been unsuccessful in first and second down. We have been in 3rd and 4-5 situations instead of 3rd and long. When New York and the Cowboys have passed the ball they max protect with seven players in the box.

THN: What have you and your teammates said to each other late in the last two games when the Giants and Cowboys fans outnumbered Redskins fans and they both essentially turned into Giants and Cowboys home games?? I know you like to be even-keeled and mild-mannered but that had to infuriate you to see your home stadium taken over, did it not?

AC: All I can say is “Wow.” We need to win more games. I have never experienced that situation and it can be frustrating because it’s on our home turf.

THN: Will the wear and tear of a second cross-country road trip in one month be a factor in the team’s conditioning at all or will San Diego’s consistently beautiful weather cheer everyone up to the point where it won’t matter?

AC: Man, it’s San Diego. Great football weather in December. We will be ready to go.

Matt Teri had some great quotes from Jones today at the Redskins Official Blog:

“Today was a real good day,” Jones told me. “I mean, I feel good about the plays; I’m not worried about gettin’ out there and playin’, I’m just worried about getting’ out there and knowing what TO do. I’ve been starting for seven years, so playing … that’s gonna be second nature to me. But knowing what to do in new schemes, new offense, new technique … well, I got with our center, Casey Rabach, and I’m starting to feel good about that.”

“That’s the funny thing about it, because all the techniques that they’re trying to get me to do now, and everything that they have going on is what I learned in college. My offensive line coach, Dan Cozzetto, learned under the Joe Bugel offensive line system. So all this stuff, I was doing in college and doing … well, doing well enough to be drafted in the first round, you know?

“Health feels great,” he said. ” I mean, surprisingly good. Better than I’ve felt in a LONG time. I’m ready to go.”

The second quote is very interesting. It’d be a great coup for Levi Jones to come in off of the street and play well, and it would be a rare treat to see the Redskins actually catch a personnel break. As I blogged a few days ago, it won’t actually be that difficult to get better play than we’ve seen to date – so it is conceivable (to me) that Jones comes in and works his way on to the starting line-up. If he can pick up on the system quickly, and is in relatively good shape, Washington may have at least found a temporary solution to improve the line a little bit. With Chris Samuels soon to be on injured reserve – the Redskins announced today that they would probably do so during the bye week – the Redskins are desperate for offensive line help.

Now for the bad news – well actually it’s more just the ‘not so good’ news…

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is listed as questionable for Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Big Al sat out practice all week due to a sprained ankle, reports vary today as to whether or not he practiced today, but if he did, it was in a limited capacity. He will be a game-time decision, and a massive loss if he can’t go.

Running back Clinton Portis is also listed as questionable, but will play according to Jim Zorn. Portis has problems with pretty much everything below his right knee – foot, ankle and calf issues.

DeAngelo Hall didn’t practice today either. He has a sore knee, but is expected to play on Monday as well.

Here are some quotes not included in this week’s edition:

THN: Your final years in San Francisco were tough but has this game marked your lowest point in your Redskins tenure or even your whole career?

AC: In my career I have played in many upsets. That’s one thing about competing in anything that you do. There are winners and there are the unlucky ones, but only on that day. Detroit was the better team that Sunday. That’s my perspective on the game. However, I am fortunate to say there are more games ahead of us.

THN: How vital do you think Jon Jansen was to the Lions for giving them information about the Redskins offense and defense?

AC: I can’t even tell you. I am not surprised if he told his teammates and coaches what we did. Then again, each team has scouts that evaluate an opponent so whatever Jansen said I am sure Detroit was ahead of the game.

THN: I’m paraphrasing a little bit here but after the game DeAngelo Hall said something along the lines of “people here on this team think they’ve arrived and haven’t made a play in the league yet.” What/who does that refer to and if you know what he’s talking about, do you agree?

AC: I don’t know who he is referring to. I admire D-Hall’s emotion and fire. I think the important thing is to stop overanalyzing what we did or didn’t do and just play Redskin football.

THN: Is a change of attitude, culture and approach needed for the whole team? Why or why not?

AC: The only thing we can choose is what we want to be as a team. We have started off slow but this is the beginning of the season. The change in environment and culture doesn’t matter because no matter what happens we will still have the same players within the organization.

THN: It seems to me that guys like you and Phillip Daniels and the majority of the veterans take your approach to the game of football and each contest seriously. Do you believe there are guys on the team that don’t take things as seriously and are just content with banking paychecks?

AC: We feel that every man loves this game. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t. It’s no accident that each individual has played on the pro level. Yes, this is our profession and we do get paid well to perform in the arena but playing for just a paycheck in the NFL doesn’t cut it if you want to be the best. We play as a team and win as a team.

THN: Why are Anthony Montgomery and Renaldo Wynn inactive every game? Is it a strategic move on the coaches’ part? Don’t they make the team better when they’re suited up?

AC: The decisions of Renaldo and Anthony playing are game day decisions by the coaches. Before the game, coaches decide who is/isn’t playing due to specific needs in positions that day. One day they will play, it’s just not their time now.

THN: The DB’s still give a real big cushion to receivers. Is that because coach Blache doesn’t trust them to handle bump and run coverage or is it just strictly because he thinks it’s a successful design? Will he reconsider having them play that far off after three weeks?

AC: The way the secondary played was by coach Blache’s design. I cant say if he will continue to go in the same direction as weeks progress but we have our trust in him.

THN: What do you and the team expect from the FedEx Field crowd on Sunday? Mood, support, buzz, etc.

AC: Ha. I will let the fans answer that. I love this game and when the fans get excited I embrace the loud noise in the air. So those fans whose voices are horse after a game, I salute you.

THN: If you had to speak on your behalf and the team’s behalf as well, what would you like to tell the fans in regards to the state of the team so early in the season and for down the road with the rest of the season?

AC: To the fans: There are 13 more games left. Continue to support us and know we are working our hardest to win.

For now, let’s get started with LaRon Landry, Jason Campbell, two signings and James Thrash:

Landry Lands in Ashburn

The much over-hyped absence of LaRon Landry for voluntary OTAs has come to an end. While some fans were up in arms regarding his – or historically, any player’s – absence, Chris Cooley, via the John Thompson Show and transcribed by Dan Steinberg at the sportsbog, thought the whole thing was overblown:

“Well, I think it means different things to different players,” [Cooley] said. “And I know that sounds funny. But if I don’t show up obviously it’s gonna be in the media and it’s gonna be discussed, but I’m not getting released from the team and I’m probably not putting my position in jeopardy at all. Obviously for the young guys and anyone drafted and anyone coming up trying to earn a spot, it’s not voluntary. This is one of your only chances to show coaches what you can do, show coaches that you’re a dependable person, and so young guys get a lot out of this work.

“A lot’s been made out of LaRon Landry missing, and I don’t think that’s as big a deal [among] our players and in our locker room as it’s been made in the media. We all know LaRon’s in great shape, and we know two days into training camp that he’ll come back and no one will remember that he missed. So I think a lot of the voluntary word depend on what your role actually is on the team.”

As Matt Terl reported on the official Washington Redskins blog, Landry promptly returned a ball intercepted by DeAngelo Hall and then lateralled to him for a touchdown, leading some to speculate how much better he could have been if he would have been here the whole time [/sarcasm].

Skins Sign Two Picks

According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Redskins 360 blog at WashingtonTimes.com, the Washington Redskins announced yesterday that they signed fifth round pick Cody Glenn and seventh round selection Eddie Williams.

Glenn, the running back turned linebacker out of Nebraska will be looking to compete for a spot in the linebacking corps, while tight end/h-back Eddie Williams will probably try to make his name as Mike Sellers back-up at full back.

Zorn on Campbell

While many Redskins fans continue to speculate on the future of Jason Campbell and postulate that Colt Brennan, Todd Collins or anyone else would be better under center, Jim Zorn likes what he has seen this far from his primary signal caller.

Via Gary Fitzgerald at redskins.com:

Standing amid a media throng outside Redskins Park, Jim Zorn was discussing how Jason Campbell has improved since last year.

“His release is quicker,” Zorn said. “You guys see that at all? I see it.”

There was a hint of excitement in his voice.

It was perhaps an example of how much Zorn, Campbell and the Redskins have accomplished since the end of the 2008 season.

So, while some of us are pining for anyone but Campbell, Jason and Zorn have been quietly working to actually improve upon his performance from a year ago. What a novel concept.

Thrash Released

From JLC’s Washington Post Redskins Insider blog, The Redskins have released James Thrash. The long-time special team ace and receiver had been contemplating retirement due to a severe neck injury, so this should make his decision easier.

Thrash, the Redskins third receiver the last two years, was looking at an uphill battle this coming season, with the purported improvement of second year pass catchers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, and this year’s seventh round pick Marko Mitchell and Keith Eloi, who have both impressed.

As a James Thrash fan, I hope that he decides to retire and perhaps joins the team in a coaching capacity.

THN: How has he (Albert Haynesworth) fit in with the team so far?

Reed: To be honest I haven’t talked to him on a personal level. We exchanged pleasantries and he is always around and working hard so it is great to see that.

THN: How does it feel to be back?

Reed: Feels like home. [I'm] excited to be back with the team.

THN: How would you grade the team’s off-season so far?

Reed: Very solid. We signed marquee players like Haynesworth and D-Hall but we also brought back some guys that can be role players and really help this team win a championship.

THN: What is your opinion in regards to the rules changes that were just made that deal with player safety?

Reed: As a defensive player it is really hard. I understand player safety but we are just out their doing our jobs and not trying to let the offense score. You can’t think about getting off the ground before sacking the QB or not using your forearm against a players head. It happens so fast. I think as long as you don’t spear somenone or go crown of helmet to helmet you are not being dirty. We don’t intentionally hurt anyone so it is difficult getting fined for things we feel we are paid to do. You can’t be “careful” or you’ll be out of a job.

Doughty, Cooley to be local celebrity judges at DC101’s annual Chili Cook-Off

Doughty Named Honorary Chairman of Kidney Walk on April 19th

Doughty, while battling a hearing deficiancy, also graced the cover of Hearing Loss Magazine last year.

PDF file of Doughty’s article

Hearing Loss Magazine’s Blog that displays the cover and the photo shoot

Hall was released by the Raiders this week after being acquired this offseason for two draft picks and being signed to a 7-year, $70 million contract.

Hall entered the league in 2004 as the eighth overall selection of the Falcons out of Virginia Tech. He is from Chesapeake, Virginia.

For all updated roster moves, please visit our Redskins Transactions and Roster pages.

For more on Hall’s addition, please check out:

Redskins.com

Redskins Insider Blog at WashingtonPost.com

The Official Redskins Blog