Richmond, VA – Day 6 of Training Camp Observations.
Today was a day full of glimpses into the future for the newly orchestrated Jay Gruden offense. On several occasions, quarterback Robert Griffin, III found receiver DeSean Jackson on deep passes here at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Facility. The many fans in attendance could only applaud with excitement as the deep ball seems to now be a legitimate weapon for this offense. There was a concerted effort to try and exploit the corners with Jackson’s supreme speed.
He made plays against whoever was covering him even though cornerback DeAngelo Hall got even on two pass defenses (interceptions). Jackson also showed the nimbleness that has made him one of the game’s most electrifying players. He caught a soft out, turned up field and juked cornerback David Amerson. To Amerson’s credit, he was in proper position. Veteran safety Ryan Clark — sporting his practice jersey #21 to honor the late, great safety Sean Taylor — ran over and stared at the fans who were oohing and awing over Jackson’s juke and playfully said “C’mon he would have been tackled like eight times.”
The young receivers and backs were on full display today as well. Rookie wide receiver Ryan Grant (Tulane University) had another sparkling practice. Barring an injury or catastrophe, he will be on the 53-man roster. His route running has improved on a daily basis and he has sure hands and ample size. Wide out Rashad Lawrence (Northwestern) continues to make plays when his number is called.
He made a tremendous catch in the back of the end zone on a fade route. Robert Griffin, III laid it out there and Lawrence adjusted to the ball and made the catch keeping his feet in-bounds on the play.
Rookie tight end Ted Bolser (Indiana University) continues to make a name for himself at the position. His size (6’5″, 249 lbs.) makes him an option in the passing game as he is more of a traditional pass-catching tight end. He reminds me a lot of Tyler Eifert (6’6″, 250lbs.), who played with fellow tight end Jermaine Greshman (6’5″, 260lbs.) in Cincinnati where new Redskins’ head coach Jay Gruden was the offensive-coordinator. I could see Bolser being paired with Jordan Reed or Logan Paulsen because of their size. Teammate Niles Paul, who was complimented by offensive lineman Trent Williams when he said “was having one of the best camps of all the guys out here”, may not have the size of the afforementioned three but would be yet another alternative because he could work underneath coverages.
In the offensive backfield, youngster Chris Thompson (coming of an injury-riddled rookie year) continues to make huge strides in his game, building on the buzz he generated during the opening week of training camp. He is hitting wholes in the line without trepidation and seems more confident as the days go by. Rookie speedster Lache Seestrunk (Baylor University) showed the burst and speed today that made him a draft pick worth looking at. He and Silas Redd (Southern Cal via Penn State) are going to be in a battle for the final running back spot if the team decides to go with four running backs and a fullback.
The defense acquitted themselves quite well today. As mentioned previously, DeAngelo Hall battled DeSean Jackson all day and the former had his fair share of great plays, picking off two passes in which he and Jackson battled in the air for the ball. He and safety Ryan Clark were very vocal on defense and their enthusiasm was contagious throughout the whole squad. Cornerback Richard Crawford, who missed the entire 2013 season from tearing multiple knee ligaments, has made a strong showing as he has a knack of making plays on the ball. He has had several opportunities for pick six’s while his timing improves and he is looking more and more comfortable in coverage.
It’s still early in camp and no games have been played but I’m looking forward to next week’s practices when the New England Patriots come to Richmond for several days of practice and scrimmages. The young players will find out where they are in the overall scheme of things.