Re: Mini-Camp Wraps Up a 'Serious' Offseason <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Gary Fitzgerald @ Redskins.com)</div><div class='quotemain'>Antwaan Randle El caught a deep touchdown pass. London Fletcher stripped the ball from a running back. Sean Taylor and Carlos Rogers closed in on young wide receiver Kyle Brown to knock away a deep pass. Jon Jansen got in a scrum with a defensive lineman.Players got their last bit of off-season work in on Sunday at Redskins Park. It was a steamy afternoon practice, putting a cap on the team's weekend mini-camp. Head coach Joe Gibbs set a "serious" tone to off-season work, and it showed during the regimented mini-camp.The team worked through drills with a fast pace. Offensive coaches wanted players in a rhythm, defensive coaches emphasized speed.Gibbs set a new tone following last year's disappointing 5-11 season."In retrospect you look back at what our whole football team did last year and say, 'How did we do that?'" Gibbs said on Sunday. "We were coming off a positive [2005] season and to have that happen? It shows you how fragile the NFL is and how close the teams are."I think we were all embarrassed. It puts you in a serious mood. [Players] didn't like it and they have a lot of pride. When you go through something like that, it affects you. You probably are a little more serious about it. I know I was."Next time players return to Redskins Park, in late July, it will be time for training camp.Will there be any roster moves prior to camp?It's possible. Throughout the three-day mini-camp, coaches kept an eye on depth. If they see a position of need, the team won't hesitate to fill it prior to training camp. "You always are evaluating the team and saying 'Here's where we are' and 'Is there someplace we feel like we're thin?'" Gibbs said. "I think you always have that, but I think we've worked real hard to add players this offseason."Gibbs has asked players to report to training camp a few days earlier than last year. That was among the changes--some obvious, some subtle--that the team implemented this offseason following the 5-11 campaign."We looked at different [practice] drill work that we did in 2005 that we thought, in going back and looking at it, that we wished we hadn't gotten away from [last year]," Gibbs said.Several players opted to work out on their own, away from Redskins Park, during the team's strength and conditioning program.That allowed players to feel more refreshed for OTAs and mini-camp. It was less of a grind than in years past."We're just trying to make sure everybody as a good base, and that we're in shape in order to make sure we're ready for the real camp," running back Ladell Betts said. "Other than that, mini-camp was about being assignment-perfect, and trying to improve."Added defensive end Andre Carter: ""For the majority of the guys, I think the 2007 season started during the off-season workouts. We've worked hard and gone through some rigorous training. Being here day in and day out, through rain, snow, sleet--that is where it all starts. The OTA's and mini-camp are just another step of progression."Second-year linebacker Rocky McIntosh was one of 39 players who did not miss a day of workouts, OTAs or mini-camp. McIntosh is in line for an increase in playing time in 2007."I didn't want anybody to give me anything, and the coaching staff definitely didn't give me anything because last year I didn't play until the end of the season," McIntosh said. "This year, I just wanted to go out there, earn my spot, and pay my dues."Cornerback Shawn Springs attended Friday and Saturday's mini-camp practice, but both days had to leave early due to a family matter. Springs was not in attendance at Sunday's practice.</div>According to Gregg Williams, (I saw this on TV) Rocky has been working extremely hard and will get a lot of playing time in some packages.
Re: Mini-Camp Wraps Up a 'Serious' Offseason <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Casey Husband @ Redskins.com)</div><div class='quotemain'>Gregg Williams wants his defense to improve in a hurry. Literally.During his mini-camp media session on Saturday, Williams said several times that he wanted his defense to play faster and more aggressive.One player who he thinks has those attributes is in outside linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who stands to see increased playing time in 2007.Williams had all sorts of complimentary things to say about second-year linebacker McIntosh, the 6-2, 227-pound Miami product who showed bursts of talent late in 2006."If I had to choose a person who has worked almost as hard as Jason Campbell in the offseason, it would be Rocky," Williams said, matter-of-factly. "He's been here on weekends, he's been here every day of the week."The things I thought he had hesitancy with last year--such as the coverage elements--he has more than made up for with that in his understanding of the game."Added Williams: "Rocky's had a phenomenal camp. He may be the top guy on the defensive side of the ball who has flashed this spring. His speed and anticipation of the opponent's offensive concepts have been outstanding. I hope that will transition into that second-year blossoming."As a rookie, McIntosh started in Weeks 16 and 17, recording 10 tackles each time out. He had 23 tackles overall, 28 on special teams. His special teams effort was second on the club to Khary Campbell's 37 special teams stops. In 2007, McIntosh will be trying to crack the starting lineup full-time. Last year, he didn't get the opportunity to start until Marcus Washington was forced to the sidelines with December injuries.McIntosh missed Friday's mini-camp practice due to the birth of his son last week, but he returned to Redskins Park on Saturday and joined teammates.Giving an update on his defense, Williams, now in his fourth season with the Redskins, said: "Our team speed right now is the highest it's ever been since I've been here. There will be people out here this year who won't make our team but will make other teams. That just shows the depth we have right now."He added: "It's very important for our linebackers to be difference-makers. We need those big plays out of those positions. Please don't take your eyes off of Rocky McIntosh. I think he's going to make some big plays this year."In Rocky, we see what we thought we were going to get when we drafted him [in 2006]. There's an acclimation phase with any young player coming into the league. At the linebacker position, sometimes that can be overwhelming."Rocky's done a tremendous job of gaining a large understanding of our defense, and we look forward to what he can produce."McIntosh will play alongside a veteran in new middle linebacker London Fletcher.Fletcher can help tutor McIntosh to fine-tune his game.Williams called the transition with Fletcher virtually seamless, adding: "There's a reason why he's been one of the most productive linebackers in the league over the past five years."London plays sideline to sideline. He doesn't come in and force his leadership, but people see how hard he plays and how much time he puts in to his work."</div>
Re: Mini-Camp Wraps Up a 'Serious' Offseason Sounds like hes developing really well with the D, more than they expected him to it seems. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action this season.
