Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh died Monday at age 75, and as most Redskins fans know, 1. Walsh and Gibbs knocked heads several times in the 1980s and 2. Gibbs' son, Coy, played for Stanford when Walsh returned to the college sidelines in the 1990s.

This is from Los Angeles Times reporter Sam Farmer's story about Walsh in the paper's Tuesday editions.

"No reporter knew Walsh better than [Lowell] Cohn, who spent the better part of a year with the coach in writing, "Rough Magic -- Bill Walsh's Return to Stanford Football.

"The night before every Stanford home game, Walsh and Cohn had a routine. Walsh would work late at his office, scripting the first 15 to 20 offensive plays of the game, then would meet the reporter at the now-defunct Rickey's Hyatt House for one margarita -- always one.

"One night, as Walsh and Cohn were walking in, former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs was walking out. Gibbs was in town to watch his son, Coy, play linebacker for Stanford.

"Cohn couldn't believe his luck. He'd get to see how two giants of the game would interact in a casual setting. Would Walsh give Gibbs a hug, or just a hearty handshake? Would he invite the Redskins legend to join them for a margarita? Or, better yet, dinner?

"Instead, the coaches passed each other with barely a nod.

"Later, while sipping his margarita, Walsh offered a simple explanation: 'When we were coaches, he was my biggest rival.' "

That's great stuff. And it doesn't surprise me one bit. Since he returned to the Redskins, Gibbs would talk fondly about Bill Parcells -- and vice versa -- when the Cowboys would play the Redskins.

Yet when asked if the two kept in contact during their sabbaticals from the NFL, both said they would occasionally cross paths, but little else. Like Parcells/Gibbs, there was great respect between Gibbs and Walsh, but it was never a friendship.

The Redskins practiced for a whole 69 minutes this morning, nearly a half-hour less than expected.

Which meant one thing to fullback Mike Sellers. "Something's got to be going on tonight, to let us out that early," he said.

Sellers expects a full pad practice, which starts at 7 p.m. and is closed to the public.

Running back Clinton Portis (knee) was the most noticeable player to not practice. He did some work on a stationary bike before watching the rest of the practice.

Those of us who were around for the first Joe Gibbs era were shocked that practice ended after a little more than an hour this morning.

When Gibbs didn't push his players hard last summer and the season produced a career-worst 5-11 record, the Hall of Fame coach promised changes. The result is one or two more two-a-days, but this morning's workout barely qualifies as a full practice. Nor did Sunday's rain-shortened drills.

Back in the day, the Redskins used to have two-a-days every other day in Carlisle, and that was with veteran-laden teams that probably could've run Gibbs' offense and Richie Petitbon's defense in their sleep.

Count me as a skeptic that these Redskins will be any more prepared for the season than were their 2006 predecessors except that the offensive players now understand Al Saunders' scheme.

Last month, I was stunned to see Sports Illustrated rank Redskins owner Dan Snyder the fifth-best in the NFL.

But The Danny's ranking pales in comparison to SI's latest poll: The Top 10 hitters in the NFL.

No. 1 is ... Sean Taylor?!?!?!

Evidently, a pre-requesite for making the top of this list wasn't creating takeaways because that has yet to develop into Taylor's forte.

Obviously, a pre-requisite for making the top of this list was creating a few bone-jarring hits that appear on ESPN and the NFL Network.

SI writes of Taylor:

Taylor has the speed of a cornerback, but the strength of a linebacker. That combination and his tendency to be near the ball make him one of the hardest hitters in the league and a constant defensive threat. His teammates have nicknamed him "Meast," saying he is half-man, half-beast.

Taylor has shown he can be near the ball because he had a career-high 129 tackles. But he doesn’t separate the football from the football carrier. He has only 15 interceptions/forced fumbles in 46 career games. During the same three seasons, Philadelphia star Brian Dawkins has 22 interceptions/forced fumbles.

SI's full list: 1. Taylor; 2. Roy Williams, Dallas; 3. Dawkins; 4. Shawne Merriman, San Diego; 5. Bob Sanders, Indianapolis; 6. Adalius Thomas, New England; 7. Rodney Harrison, New England; 8. Julius Peppers, Carolina; 9. Adrian Wilson, Arizona; 10. Ray Lewis, Baltimore.

Brandon Lloyd is in more trouble than he thought.

The NFL officials just gave the Washington press corps its annual brushup on the rules. One of the changes is that spiking the ball in the field of play is now a penalty and that if the ball squirts forward, it's live and open to recovery by the defense. Funny -- Lloyd was one of the players shown making such a bonehead play last season. Spiking on a score is still fine, but since Lloyd didn't score in 2006 ...

Field judge Boris Cheek's crew also noted that unintentional illegal touches will no longer be penalized. Of course, Mark "No Trajectory on That Pass" Brunell hit Randy Thomas in the head one of the plays the officials showed.

Hiring Al Saunders to run the offense last year was supposed to free coach Joe Gibbs to have more time to supervise the entire team. It was a little worrisome then that the coach didn't notice that his top defensive tackle, Cornelius Griffin, prone on the field with a sprained ankle during Wednesday night's practice.

Griffin spent a decent amount of time afterwards in the adjacent medical tent and yet Gibbs still didn't notice he was absent until a reporter asked about in the post-practice press conference.

The Washington area is such a good place to live that dozens of former Redskins make this their permanent home. So training camp brings many out to visit their old place of business.

This week, Gary Clark and Otis Wonsley, who played on the Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1980s and 1990s, stopped by. So did Trevor Matich, Norv Turner's first snapper, who now broadcasts college football for Fox. And cornerback Tom Carter, the Redskins' first draft choice in 1993, visited on Thursday. Carter, who works for the NFLPA, made the mistake of wearing an all-black outfit in the sizzling heat. But as unruffled as ever -- his coordinator, Ron Lynn, once questioned whether he had a pulse -- he didn't seem to be sweating.

For those of us who have covered the Redskins a while, it's always great to see former players and catch up.

The scrimmage between the Redskins and Ravens is underway and those folks who elected not to make the drive to Baltimore or elected to not watch MASN's broadcast aren't missing much.

The teams are in the middle of 7-on-7 passing drills. While Baltimore has used four quarterbacks, Jason Campbell is getting the bulk of the snaps for the Redskins. His highlight was a 40-yard touchdown pass to James Thrash. Fred Smoot has an interception for the Redskins.

Not dressing for the scrimmage: Mike Espy, Clinton Portis, Jerametrius Butler, Pete Schmitt, Chris Samuels, Carl Berman and Tyler Ecker.

The temperature on the field is around 100 degrees.

Gotta give London Fletcher props.

The man is a 32-year-old multi-millionaire with a Super Bowl ring.

The insane 140 degree heat in Baltimore wasn't the usual workplace conditions for a man who spent his first nine season playing indoors in St. Louis or in the colder climate of Buffalo.

But new middle linebacker Fletcher was the only sure Redskins starter older than 26 on the field during yesterday's 11-on-11 scrimmage against the Ravens. No wonder they call this guy a leader.

On the first off day of Redskins training camp, here are some numbers courtesy of the NFL in the officiating pamphlet they distributed to the media last week:

725: Number of false starts called -- the most common penalty last year. The Redskins had 26 false starts, ninth-most in the NFL.

579: Offensive holding penalties.

121: Illegal contact calls (no truth that half of them were against old friend Kenny Wright, now with Cleveland).

187: Defensive pass interference penalties.

0: Number of 12-men-on-the-field penalties on the offense, the first time since 1991 the league has gone the entire season without this penalty being called.

13.8: Penalties per game, down from 17.3 in 2005.

51.22 percent/45.15 percent/3.63 percent: Breakdown of pass plays (16,389), run plays (14,448) and sacks (1,163) last year.

685: Penalties called on kicking plays.

Quick takes for a Sunday:

1. Defensive tackle Corey Simon is available after Indianapolis terminated his contract on Saturday. According to the Indianapolis Star, Simon earned $14 million during his time with the Colts. Signing Simon, owner Jim Irsay said, was "just a bad mistake." The Redskins would be foolish to pursue Simon, because when he was at the Super Bowl last year he appeared to be well north of 350 pounds.

2. Count me as a supporter of expanding the regular season to 17 games and cutting the preseason to three games. The first and fourth preseason games could be eliminated, too. Under the 17-game plan, teams would play eight home games, eight road games and one international game, be it Canada, Mexico, Europe, etc. I would also let teams keep 60 players on the active roster for the first two regular season games and then have the 53-man cutdown.

3. Baltimore backup QB Kyle Boller will be the Mark Brunell of the next decade. Although he won't get as many starts as Brunell, Boller will make a nice living in the league because he's a good solider and can fill in for a game or two at a time. He'll leave the game with money and his health.

4. It appears Todd Collins is the current favorite to win the Redskins' third-string quarterback job. Casey Bramlet isn't getting much work and Jordan Palmer may be ticketed for the practice squad.

5. Go see the Bourne Ultimatum. The best of the sequel movies this summer.

The Redskins go back to work tomorrow with a 4:30 p.m. practice that is open to the public.

The Redskins came out of yesterday's scrimmage against Baltimore with no new injuries.

The team listed receiver Brandon Lloyd as day-to-day with shin splints, which is why he didn't participate yesterday.

Right guard Randy Thomas (knee) is expected to increase his workload each day this week, and receiver Mike Espy (knee) is close to returning.

The status of the other injured players, including Clinton Portis (knee), remain about the same.

It was refreshing to attend an NFL game (of sorts) between rivals (of sorts) and not witness a fight in the stands or even antipathy.

There's invariably ugliness in the stands when the Redskins play the Cowboys, Giants or Eagles. And even though Baltimorons are well known for their distaste for anything Washingtonian, in the section right in front of my press box seat on Saturday, fans wearing the jerseys of Redskins Taylor, Cooley and Moss and Ravens Lewis, Heap and Boller sat next to each to other with no problem.

Everyone was glad to be able to cheer the players from their favorite teams again for the first time in seven months, and that was enough.

Of course, it could've been the fact that no one cares who wins a scrimmage and that it was so hot that arguing would've taken too much energy, but it was nice to see that folks from D.C. and from Charm City can get along when the Terps aren't involved.

As expected after he was allowed to throw just two passes in last Saturday's scrimmage against the Ravens, NFL Europa star Casey Bramlet was the odd man out in the five-man quarterback derby.

Bramlet was cut yesterday, leaving veteran Todd Collins and draft pick Carson Palmer competing for the No. 3 job behind starter Jason Campbell and backup Mark Brunell.

Our second Redskins online chat of the preseason is Tuesday at 2 p.m., in between the team's two practices (8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.).

Send questions about the Redskins and the NFL to skinsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.

It's early, less than two weeks into training camp. But there are already some ominous signs for the Redskins. One came this morning when fullback Mike Sellers, a guy who hates missing practice, stood and watched because of a balky knee. That made five of 11 offensive starters -- Sellers, halfback Clinton Portis, left tackle Chris Samuels, right guard Randy Thomas and receiver Brandon Lloyd -- who've already missed practices this summer.

Other than Samuels, who's out another three weeks with a sprained right knee, none of the injuries are supposed to be serious. But we weren't supposed to read too much into the Redskins' half-hearted preseason in 2006, either. And we all know what an accurate harbinger it turned out to be.

We learned again today what a cold business the NFL is.

Yesterday, Will Whitticker, who had been working with the first team last week in place of injured right guard Randy Thomas, suffered a high ankle sprain. Before this afternoon's practice, Whitticker was cut. Six months of hard offseason work gone with one turn of an ankle.

What's worse is that in the NFL, fringe players such as Whitticker have no guaranteed money. The guy didn't even have a bonus check coming his way. As soon as his ankle is deemed healthy, he's off their payroll.

Just the latest example of why the players call the NFL "Not For Long."

The Redskins should send a message now: cut Brandon Lloyd.

The malcontent receiver has been as big a bust as now-departed safety Adam Archuleta was and on top of that, he threw his helmet during a game last year. Lloyd admitted that this offseason was the first one during which he ever really worked out, and the result has been that he has missed half of training camp with shin splints.

The Redskins have plenty of cap room. Even if they give tight end Chris Cooley a big contract, they have the cap room. Lloyd might be a gifted athlete, but he's not a standup guy in the locker room. Corey Bradford, Jason McAddley, Mike Espy or any of the other backup receivers can score zero touchdowns as well as Lloyd and for a heck of a lot less money and aggravation.

Cut Brandon Lloyd now.

Eight thoughts on the eve of the Redskins' preseason opener in Tennessee.

1. Tomorrow night's Redskins-Titans game doesn't count and the starters will be long gone by the third quarter. But after watching two weeks of uneventful practices that involve little hitting, making it difficult to judge who's performing well and who isn't, the game should be interesting because it will be at full speed. It will give everybody -- coaches, players, fans, us media gadflies -- a chance to gauge where the Redskins are at.

2. The high tomorrow in Nashville is expected to be 98 degrees. Thankfully, the humidity will only be 10 percent. Thankfully, it's an 8 p.m. kickoff.

3. Reason No. 2,242 why the NFL reigns supreme: Last night's 1 a.m. SportsCenter led with Colts-Cowboys highlights. And ESPN didn't even broadcast the game.

4. What has a greater chance of happening: John Daly wins the PGA Championship or Todd Collins captures the Redskins' starting quarterback job? I'll go with Daly.

5. I watched the second half of the LA Galaxy-D.C. United game last night and although I had to mute the game (the announcers = bad), it's obvious that David Beckham is a world-class player even at less than full fitness. When he entered, he was always around the ball and created a couple scoring chances.

6. Speaking of futbol, the Barclays Premier League kicks off this weekend in England. It used to be called the English Premier League but the EPL sold out. What's next -- the Budweiser Football League? I hope not.

7. A couple thoughts on Fan Appreciation Night two days ago at Redskin Park: A. Always hold it during an afternoon practice to prevent potential accidents afterward when there is not much lighting and kids are running all over the place; B. Have all of the practice on the field closest to the fans -- the defense spent much of the night on an adjacent field, some 200 yards from the fans; C. Have a player or two (like Jason Campbell or Marcus Washington or Phillip Daniels) along with Gregg Williams and Al Saunders answer questions from the fans beforehand.

8. Finally, for the first time yesterday, I heard true optimism out of running back Clinton Portis. He knows the opener is still a month away, but I think he will play at least one preseason game. He looked sharp doing agility drills on Wednesday night and reported no new soreness. Unlike last year when Ladell Betts was still unproven, the Redskins know he can do the starter's work in August, giving Portis more time to heal.

Sports Illustrated continued its love affair with Redskins safety Sean Taylor today by listing him as the second-best defensive player under the age of 25.

A few weeks ago, SI.com tabbed Taylor as the most feared hitter in the NFL.

The full list: 1. Shawne Merriman, San Diego; 2. Taylor; 3. Tommie Harris, Chicago; 4. Lofa Tatupu, Seattle; 5. DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta; 6. Demeco Ryans, Houston; 7. Kamerion Wimbley, Cleveland; 8. A.J. Hawk, Green Bay; 9. Luis Castillo, San Diego; 10. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore.

The fact Taylor is still eligible for this list and in his fourth season shows just how young he was as a rookie in 2004.

Unlike the hitter chart, which I disagreed with, ranking Taylor in the top 10 is correct. I might have moved Tatupu ahead of him, but Taylor deserves to be No. 3 at worst.

This being Redskins-crazed Washington -- I can't believe fans pay to fly to Nashville, stay in a hotel and watch a preseason game -- it's no surprise that much is being made of last Saturday night's preseason opener against the Titans.

Let me say this as clearly and succinctly as I can: It's too early to make any judgments people!

Yes, the offensive line looked shaky, but it was the first time that Todd Wade had played guard against an opponent in his NFL career and the first time against an NFL opponent for rookie left tackle Stephon Heyer. Chris Samuels, a four-time Pro Bowl pick, will be back no later than the regular season opener. And if Wade continues to falter, Mike Pucillo, Ross Tucker and Taylor Whitley are competent options.

Yes, the defense played well, good news for Redskins fans after last year's disaster. However, the Titans were without their ace quarterback (Vince Young, who was benched for apparently breaking curfew) and their top receiver (David Givens, who's hurt) and they lost their No. 1 back (Travis Henry) to Denver as a free agent. Pittsburgh, this week's opponent, will be a more formidable challenge with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Willie Parker, all Super Bowl starters in 2005, at those spots.

But it's still preseason. Relax. No judgments until at least after the third preseason game on Aug. 25, OK?

Quarterback Casey Bramlet, released by the Redskins last week before even getting a chance to appear in a preseason game, signed with Atlanta on Sunday.

Bramlet spent last training camp with the Redskins and led Hamburg to the NFL Europa title this spring. But he clearly was the fifth quarterback in camp this month and was cut.

Our third Redskins online chat of the preseason is today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m.

Send questions about the Redskins and the NFL to skinsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.

The Redskins aren't ones to keep to strict schedules under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.

Most practices this training camp have been cut short. So it wasn't that big a surprise that Gibbs decided at the last moment to move up yesterday's morning session and make it more of a walk-through than a true practice.

This not only left the media scrambling to reach Redskin Park on time, but had players who aren't on the field goal or punt units standing around and watching for much of the 80-minute session.

Gregg Williams got all fired up talking about the hustle of defensive tackle prospect Lorenzo Alexander, prompting running back Clinton "Life Of The Party" Portis to suddenly inject himself into the press conference.

Here's a verbatim transcript of what transpired.

Portis: Hello, Gregg Williams. So you're telling me you didn't tell that guy to run after the guy without his helmet on?

Williams: I told him ...

Portis: You didn't set out to do that, Gregg Williams?

Williams: I did not.

Portis: Are you sure?

Williams: I did not.

Portis then yanked off the hat of Associated Press reporter Joseph White and hurled it to the stage before walking away in mock disgust.

Williams: I can only imagine what the cartoon is going to be like this year.

Video bonus: Watch Lorenzo Alexander lose his hat and still make a tackle against the Titans. That's definitely NOT Al Michaels doing the commentary...

Now Redskins fans can show their loyalty every time they pay the phone or cable bill.

Bank of America has struck a deal to become the first-ever official banking sponsor of the National Football League and announced that it will now offers Redskins-themed checks and debit cards.

The three-year sponsorship deal will allow the bank to use the NFL shield logo and other marks in advertising and promotions and the exclusive rights to advertise during live NFL games and on NFL.com and the NFL Network.

As part of the sponsorship, Bank of America announced the creation of "NFL Checking," a selection of team-specific banking products like checks and debit cards. Checks and check cards featuring the Redskins, Cowboys, Panthers and Patriots are already available. The deal seen as an expansion of the bank's "My Expression" affinity banking program, that includes special interest credit cards and checks.

"This deal with the NFL is something we're very excited about because of their size and reach," said Susan Faulkner, Deposits Executive with Bank of America. "If you look at the brand of the NFL, it reaches coast to coast."

Bank of America is no stranger to the sports world. The bank in 2004 paid a reported $140 million for the 20-year naming rights to the Carolina Panthers stadium in Charlotte. It is also the official sponsor of Major League Baseball, as well as NASCAR and ten of its speedways. The bank is the title sponsor to this year's Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motorspeedway this October. Bank of America also sponsors the oldest 54-hole event on golf's Champion's Tour and is a sponsor of the Olympic Games.

Some quick thoughts on the Redskins and some really important stuff, seven hours before the Redskins host Pittsburgh at the House That Jack Built.

1. I'm not making too much out of the perceived backup quarterback competition. If it's Al Saunders' decision, the No. 2 guy will be his guy (Todd Collins). But it's ultimately Joe Gibbs' decision and as everybody knows, his guy is Mark Brunell. Jason Campbell won't be benched unless he completely falls off the cliff so the only way Brunell or Collins starts is because of injury. If that happens, it will be Brunell, Act 3 under center.

2. Sean Taylor's comments that Ryan Clark was just another teammate and he did "nothing" for me shows: a) No. 21 still has some maturing to do and b) No. 21 has a warped sense of the past. Does he not realize that he had his best two NFL seasons when Clark was his running mate in the secondary? Does he not realize that everybody in that locker room pointed to Clark in 2005 as the reason Taylor had become a better player? I also found it interesting that Taylor said he's not a mentor to rookie LaRon Landry. Well, he better be because that's what Gregg Williams and Steve Jackson expect him to be.

3. It will be interesting to watch the pass protection tonight against Pittsburgh. Both sides of the line struggled at Tennessee (the starters gave up two sacks). Everybody expects LT Stephon Heyer to get help from a tight end because he's a rookie. But the Redskins hope RT Jon Jansen can contain his man tonight or else two tight ends will be needed in protection and that limits Campbell's options downfield. Like the No. 2 quarterback thing, I don't make too much out of the left guard situation. Todd Wade is the starter. Period. But he's hurt. Period. So he won't play. Period. I fully expect him to start at LG in the season opener.

4. Although the NFLPA may object, the growing talk about having a kind of first-round salary cap is a great idea. Too many of these players in the top 20 picks are getting way too much money before they even play one regular season down.

5. Movie review ("Superbad"). Saw it yesterday at the Tysons Corner AMC. The language is absolutely filthy -- I don’t think my language was that bad as a high school senior in 1993, but it made the movie real. There were some real laughs but I would not rank it ahead of other Judd Apatow movies "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." It is better than the wretched "Talladega Nights."

Jason Campbell walked into Redskin Park at 2:30 p.m. today with only an ace bandage around his bruised left knee, a good sign that the Washington Redskins quarterback won't be sidelined for an extended period of time.

Campbell was readying to talk with a couple reporters when trainer John Burrell burst through the front door of the complex and literally pulled on Campbell's t-shirt to get him inside the building. At first Campbell resisted but then decided he better do what the trainer wanted him to do. He's expected to chat on his way out of the complex.

Linebacker Marcus Washington arrived here at 1:30 p.m. with his dislocated right elbow in a big sling.

We're waiting for the players to get out of their meetings. Joe Gibbs talks at 6 p.m.

The Atlanta Falcons are believed to be talking to the Redskins about a trade for quarterback Brunell.

Michael "Dogfighting Man" Vick might never play another snap for the Falcons, who lost backup D.J. Shockley to season-ending knee injury last Friday. Atlanta's only quarterbacks behind new starter Joey Harrington, the Detroit and Miami bust, are Chris Redman, whose last game was with Baltimore in 2003, and Casey Bramlet, who was cut by the Redskins on Aug. 6.

Brunell, who could be on his way to third-string status in Washington, played for new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino in Jacksonville from 1999-2001 so he's familar with the scheme. Brunell, who'll be 37 next month, doesn't have much left, but he could get the Falcons through the season if Harrington can't. Petrino could then draft Brian Brohm, his former Louisville quarterback in April.

The risk for the Redskins is that Todd Collins, fighting with Brunell to be No. 2 behind Jason Campbell, has thrown all of 27 passes the past nine seasons. What's more, Campbell badly bruised his left knee on Saturday. It make sense to sit him out of the final two preseason games. If anything would happen to Collins, the Redskins would be left with rookie Jordan Palmer, whom the coaches haven't let play in preseason so far.

Still, obtaining a mid-round draft pick for a quarterback on his way out is worth the gamble.

In a surprise roster move this morning, the Redskins released backup weak-side linebacker Lemar Marshall.

A starter for most of 2004 in place of LaVar Arrington and then all of 2005 and 2006 at middle linebacker, Marshall lost his job when the team signed London Fletcher and was working behind Rocky McIntosh.

The team signed veteran LB Randall Godfrey and free agent WR Jerel Myers. Godfrey played the last three years with San Diego, starting 13 games last season.

If Marshall would have been released in two weeks, it would not have been a total surprise, but this is a little unexpected. But the Redskins probably thought that, since McIntosh has been so impressive, Marcus Washington's injury will have him back sooner rather than later and Marshall doesn't play special teams, so it would be better to move on now.

Marshall had 333 tackles the last three seasons.

The Redskins and the Eagles both cut starting linebackers today, but looking at how the teams released the news is an example of why Philadelphia usually wins and Washington loses.

The Redskins put out a release about the signing of LB Randall Godfrey and some obscure lineman. At the bottom, they mentioned they had cut Marshall, who had been with the team longer than anyone except tackles Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels and long snapper Ethan Albright. No mention of that. No mention of Marshall having started on the No. 3 defense in 2004 or the playoff defense in 2005. No quote from coach Joe Gibbs or assistant head coach/Gregg Williams. Marshall might as well have been a street free agent signed last week. And it's not like Marshall had become a problem as LaVar Arrington had before also being cut without comment last year.

In contrast, here's the Eagles' announcement about Jeremiah Trotter:

The Philadelphia Eagles today announced they have released LB Jeremiah Trotter.

"Jeremiah is one of my favorite guys," said head coach Andy Reid. "There's no question that this is the toughest part of this job. He and I met about this last night and it was very emotional for the both of us. Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he's played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. He developed himself into a Pro Bowl middle linebacker through a lot of hard work and desire. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I'm sure he feels the same way. I wish he and his family nothing but the best in the future."

Reid will be available to the media at the conclusion of today's practice on the field. Trotter will be available to the media in the NovaCare Complex auditorium following Reid's availability. Brian Dawkins and Takeo Spikes will also be available in the auditorium following Trotter's availability.

The 30-year-old Trotter was in his second stint in Philadelphia since being a third round draft choice of the Eagles in 1998. With four Pro Bowl selections on his resume, Trotter became just the fourth linebacker in team history to earn that distinction, joining Chuck Bednarik (8), Maxie Baughan (5), and Bill Bergey (4). He averaged over 147 tackles per year since becoming a full-time starter in 1999, including a career-high 202 in 1999. In 88 regular season starts as an Eagle, Trotter totaled 940 tackles (10.7 per game).

Trotter spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia and two in Washington before being released by the Redskins following the 2003 campaign. Without a contract offer, he somehow contacted Reid, who was on a fishing trip in a remote part of Utah where cell phone use was extremely limited. Trotter eventually signed a one-year contract at that time and parlayed it into a Pro Bowl season in 2004.

Trotter has been very successful off the field as well, as he owns a real estate company, Jeremiah Trotter Inc., and The Wash Sense Group, car wash facilities in the Philadelphia area. In addition, he established his own personal foundation, the Jeremiah Trotter Foundation, which is committed to the awareness and elimination of diabetes through research and education.

Wonder why Trotter liked playing in Philly more than D.C.?

It didn't take long for former Redskins linebacker Lemar Marshall to find a job. Two days after getting cut, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Marshall was with the Redskins during Marvin Lewis' lone season as defensive coordinator. He is also a Cincinnati native. The Bengals said Marshall signed a one-year contract.

The Bengals are set at middle linebacker with former Virginia and Hylton High star Ahmad Brooks and veteran Ed Hartwell. But the Bengals expect Marshall to work at both outside linebacker spots and play on special teams.

Three weeks ago, I wrote in "On Football" about the ongoing contract dispute between veteran guard Pete Kendall and the New York Jets. The battle ended today with Kendall's trade to the Redskins for a conditional second-day draft choice.

Kendall, who'll be 33 this month, fills the void in Washington created by the loss of Derrick Dockery on the first day of free agency to Buffalo and a ridiculous seven-year, $49 million contract.

Kendall's acquisition proves how little faith the Redskins have in converted tackle Todd Wade and journeymen Mike Pucillo to replace Dockery. Taylor Whitley and Ross Tucker are even further down the depth chart and are in danger of being cut.

The addition of Kendall, an 11-year starter, and the expected return for the Sept. 9 season opener of four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels, will stabilize an offensive line that has struggled this summer after being the strength of the team in 2006.

Pete Kendall has arrived at Redskin Park but the Jets-Redskins trade isn't official just yet. Kendall left a few minutes ago to take his physical. Once he returns, he will sign his contract and then talk to us media folk.

Todd Wade confirmed that he will miss Saturday's game and then start working at tackle on Monday. With Wade out, that means Stephon Heyer will start at left tackle and Mike Pucillo at left guard.

In more than a decade covering the Redskins and more than three decades watching them, I don't remember a game like last night's.

In fact, when they cleared the seats before the game because of the threat of lightning, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said he had never seen anything like that in his 40 years in the NFL.

As an aside, Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end whose career mostly overlapped with that of Art Monk, said he can't fathom why the superb Redskins receiver isn't enshrined in Canton. As one of 40 Hall of Fame sel