Ryan O'Halloran
Hey folks. We're in between practices at Redskin Park. This is my fourth training camp and it is probably the second hottest day since 2004 -- the only one that felt worse was the opening day last year. The Redskins went for 65 minutes this morning and might go for only an hour this afternoon. We'll get started at 2 p.m.

Ryan O'Halloran
OK, let's get started. The Redskins are in Day 12 of training camp and they start the preseason schedule Saturday night in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. I'll be answering questions for the next hour and I have several already ready in the mailbag. But if you want to have a question about the Redskins or the NFL, shoot me an email at skinsmailbag@washingtontimes.com

Ryan: How's Clinton Portis going to be in game condition if he doesn't play? Also I heard Earnest Byner on the Doc Walker show, and it sounds like he's frustrated with CP. Is that the feel at the Park? I also heard Clinton say that he's tired of all the long faces around there about him not playing.

Ryan O'Halloran
That's a good point about Portis. We have to give him the benefit of the doubt and think he came to camp in good condition. He has been limited to riding the stationary bike and standing around during practice. I'm sure he's doing plenty of work behind closed doors. As for Byner, I think the entire offensive staff is probably frustrated because Al Saunders wants to use Portis has a workhorse back and right now, it doesn't appear as if he'll be up to the task. As for Clinton, take anything and everything he says with a big grain of salt.

Ryan: What your thoughts on the length of the preseason? Should it be shorter with an additional regular season game? Does it come down to economics for the teams?

Ryan O'Halloran The preseason is way too long in terms of time before the first preseason game and number of preseason games. The only sports that do the preseason right are the NBA and NHL -- a half-dozen games and then into the regular season. I think eventually the preseason will be three games with 17 regular season games (8 home, 8 road, 1 international). The economics now are two home preseason gates, which feature the same prices as a real game. The league would have to make sure teams had two preseason home games every other year.

Ryan: Any early word on the prospects and performance of Alex Buzbee
(Georgetown) Chris Wilson (from Canada) or Anthony Montgomery the big
tackle?
Artis Jones

Ryan O'Halloran Defensive boss Gregg Williams said Buzbee is coming along nicely after a rough start to camp when he discovered quickly that training camp is different than mini camp. I still expect Buzbee to be a practice squad candidate. Wilson is a part of the defensive line group that faces long odds. Finally, Montgomery also earned Williams' praise this morning -- he'll definitely be a part of the DT rotation if he keeps up his solid play.

Ryan: I was wondering if you knew why Jason Campbell did not play any of the 11 on 11 portion of the scrimmage. I would think he good use as many reps as he could get. No fear of injury because you couldn’t hit the QB. Didn’t need to see Brunell that much. We know what he can do. Also, I didn’t enjoy watching Demetrius Evans, our supposed quality backup end, get blown off the ball ten yards on a sweep by a rookie left tackle. Wilson, Richmond

Ryan O'Halloran: The company line from the Redskins on Campbell not playing the Ravens in an 11-vs.-11 situation is that they wanted to get the other quarterbacks work with the other reserves. I don't think his not playing is that big a deal -- he needs reps against live competition so it will be interesting to see how much he plays against Tennessee. On Demetric Evans, I didn't see the play you're referring to -- sorry.

Ryan: Is Sean Taylor going to demand Ed Reed, type of money when the skins, negotiate with Drew Rosenhaus, afterwards are the skins going to have enough cap room to extend JC's contract because simple fact is they can't afford to lose him to free agency. Armen, Annandale

Ryan O'Halloran:Reed signed a seven-year, $40 million extension with $15 million guaranteed last year with Baltimore. It's safe to assume that contract will be the starting point when Rosenhaus sits down with the Redskins -- probably after this season. The Campbell situation is interesting. If he has a good 2007 season, they will probably extend him to keep him off the market for foreseeable future. But I doubt they have the cap room to extend both players in one off-season.

RyanI was thinking about trying to catch a Redskins road game at some point this year, get a taste of what the scene is like at another NFL stadium. Based on your experience covering games around the league, which one would you recommend I try to get to?
Steve Koren, Rockville

Ryan O'Halloran:I'll be making my first trip to Lambeau Field in October so that would be the one to recommend although I think tickets to a Packers game could be costly. Among the stadiums I've been to, my favorites (in no order) are Philadelphia, Chicago, Kansas City, Seattle and Tampa Bay.

Ryan: We haven't heard too much about the Skins D-Line this year; do you think the old vets will get most of the playing time this season or will the young players get more of a look? Are there any young players on the defensive line who has caught your eye so far? Alex

Ryan O'Halloran:I haven't explored the defensive line issue just yet because I want to see some preseason games before making an early judgement. Watching practice, though, I've been impressed by Cornelius Griffin and Joe Salave'a and think the young guys are making some progress. Ideally, the Redskins would like Griffin and Kedric Golston to start at tackle, Phil Daniels and Andre Carter to start at end. Buzbee does have a pretty good motor and might be in the future plans. If the DL struggles in September, you'll be hearing a lot about it.

Ryan: Do you think some of the injuries in the preseason can be attributed to the new offseason programs that substantially limit the ability for players to fully recover from one season to another? Isn’t it more of a year-round season now with OTAs and mini-camps?

Ryan O'Halloran:That would start an interesting discussion in any NFL locker room. Last year, some Redskins veterans thought the team's intense off-season program sapped them heading into the season. Joe Gibbs adjusted the program, letting players work out on their own. Football is definitely year-round and I think there is something to be said that too much is required of the players when a guy like Portis develops tendonitis less than a week into camp.

Ryan: Do we have to listen to Bryant Gumbel for another year on the NFL Network? One word, awful!

Ryan O'Halloran: Unfortunately, Gumbel is back for another season. I didn't watch the Saints-Steelers game the other night but I'm told Gumbel was more tolerable because he let Cris Collinsworth do most of the heavy lifting. Good news for Redskins fans, though -- Gumbel isn't doing Saturday's game against the Titans. Some guy named Spero Dedes is doing play by play and Marshall Faulk is the analyst.

Ryan Was it really 140 degrees on the field in Baltimore the other day for the Skins-Ravens scrimmage? I know NFL teams take precautions to prevent dehydration, but aren't they just asking for a Korey Stringer-like catastrophe when they insist on playing meaningless scrimmages in the middle of the afternoon in August? Gary Fogel, Reston

Ryan O'Halloran: Yep, it was 141 on the FieldTurf according to the Ravens public relations staff. When the heat becomes that excessive, my first reaction is that they are asking for trouble. But since the Stringer death six years ago, the NFL has gone great lengths to make sure there isn't a repeat. The Redskins cut short their first practice this morning and their practice this afternoon and the St. Louis Rams have moved several practices to their indoor facility because of the heat.

RyanTake your pick: Which knee injury should the Redskins be most concerned about: Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels or Randy Thomas? Donald Sanger, Falls Church

Ryan O'Halloran: Samuels without a doubt. If Portis is shelved for a long period of time, the Redskins' coaches trust that Ladell Betts can fill the void. If Thomas goes down at right guard, Mike Pucillo can be serviceable if pressed into starting for 2-3 games. But without Samuels protecting Campbell's blind-side? Yikes. Rookie Stephon Heyer is running with the first team now and veteran Jason Fabini has a groin problem. My guess is if Samuels develops a long-term problem, the Redskins would move Todd Wade from left guard to left tackle.

The mailbag is officially empty. Appreciate the questions sent in. I'll be back next Tuesday at 2 p.m. to review the Tennessee game and look ahead to the Pittsburgh game.

Hey everybody. This is our third chat of the preseason and first since the Redskins actually played a game. They defeated the Titans 14-6 in a snoozer Saturday night in Nashville and have Pittsburgh at home this Saturday.

A bunch of interesting subplots developing at the Park, where practice starts today at 4 p.m. The offensive line looked shaky against the Titans but the Redskins have no choice but to stick with Todd Wade at left guard for the time being. Clinton Portis continues to watch from the sideline (I don't think he plays at all in the preseason). And the defense, I thought, looked pretty solid in Tennessee.

Let's get started with some questions ...

SkinsLover:
Why is Ade Jimoh still on this team? I know they say because of his special teams play, but if that's all then he needs to be cut, and Mason kept, because Mason can play teams and RB . Where as Jimoh can't cover a bed.

Ryan O'Halloran:
Jimoh is a topic debated occasionally amongst the writers. Yes, he's a fine special teams player. But he absolutely, positively can't help the defense in any way. He showed that against the Giants in last year's season finale and was picked on by Tennessee Saturday night. A 53-man roster can afford a player or two who is only a special teams performer. If they think Jimoh is one of those guys, he'll be on the team despite his faults as a cornerback.

Donald Sanger, Falls Church
Given Gregg (the extra G is for Genius) Williams' history of making rookies prove themselves worthy of playing time, are you surprised LaRon Landry has already cracked the starting lineup?

Ryan O'Halloran:
I was surprised that Williams basically named Landry a starter way back in mini camp. But after watching Landry play last weekend, he is deserving of a starting spot right away and there's no need to transition him from reserve to starter in the first month, like the team did with Sean Taylor and Carlos Rogers. The coaches think that Landry is more developed than the aforementioned defensive players when they were rookies.

Irving in Georgia:
When does the team break camp? Are they still in the hotels now?

Ryan O'Halloran:
The team is still staying at the National Conference Center in Leesburg. I can't recall for sure but last year, they might have "broke" camp the Thursday before the second or third preseason game. Judging by the parking lot at the Park yesterday, it looks like a lot of veterans are driving themselves to and from NCC instead of riding the buses like the first week of camp.

John in Delaware
I'd like to know the real reason why the Skins cut Darnerien McCants from Delaware State a
couple years ago. He seemed to be in the right place to score TDs. I also, noticed that he
wasn't afraid to run over people if necessary. He had good size and
could separate behind the goal line even if he didn't run the perfect
route. He always found away to get open. That’s something they need
now. If it was because he didn't play special teams was not a good
enough reason to be released. Now, they are looking for height and
size and can't find what they need. What’s up?

Ryan O'Halloran:
The last topic I expected to be asked about is McCants. He was cut early in training camp two years ago and caught on with the Eagles. According to NFL.com, he's not currently on any team's roster. The reason McCants didn't stick with the Redskins is that he didn't play special teams and, frankly, wasn't that good. Yes, he has the kind of size the Redskins lack at that position but there might have also been some personality differences between him and the coaching staff.

Steve Koren, Rockville:
Is Todd Wade really the best answer at left guard?

Ryan O'Halloran:
As of right now, the Redskins think he's the answer and there isn't really a "best" answer on the roster. Wade has a pretty long leash and he's played exactly one half of live-action football this year at guard. The benefit of doubt suggests he gets at least two more games. If it's a failure, the Redskins' next option is Mike Pucillo. The key for Wade is leverage. Not to get too X-and-Oish on you guys, but Wade is a giant and he played a certain way against Tennessee that allowed Albert Haynesworth to get leverage and throw him to the ground. Wade needs to play more compact.

Trent:
It is well documented that Jason Campbell and Rocky Macintosh practically lived at Redskin Park in the offseason (kudos) and it appears to be paying off. They recognized that they are young and that with dedication they will find it easier to adjust to the pro level.
Why is it that we have not heard such reports about Carlos Rogers? He was drafted higher than both of those guys (more $$$), and his role on the defense is critical. Point blank, is Rogers a SLACKER?

Ryan O'Halloran:
Interesting point about Rogers. I saw him a lot at the Park this offseason and there weren't any whispers about him not being a dedicated worker. He did get more money than Campbell or McIntosh and he knows his role on the defense is vital to helping a pass defense that was stinky from September-December last year. I hesitate to call him a slacker, though. He just needs to play better. I don't think Jerry Gray will allow a guy to slack and then put him on the field.

Craig:
Are the Redskins coaches happy with the progress of Campbell?

Ryan O'Halloran:
They're pleased with Campbell's improvement, specifically in the technique areas. They can count on him to take the proper drops and think he's mechanically sound with his throwing motion. Campbell said yesterday he thought his decision making in the passing game was "on point." The constant third-and-long situations that came from a bad running game didn't help the offense or Campbell.

SkinsFan:
It looks like the injuries are starting to pile up across the league. Which team(s) has suffered the biggest loss(es) through the first couple weeks of camp?

Ryan O'Halloran:
The biggest injury loss was Anthony McFarland to the Colts defense. McFarland is out for the season and his big body will be missed because he clogged things up in the middle of the run defense, allowing Indianapolis' linebackers to make plays.

Tom:
Which team is your pick to be the NFL's worst team?

Ryan O'Halloran:
The Falcons are the favorites to get the No. 1 pick. I thought Atlanta would be bad even with Michael Vick playing quarterback. Now with Joey Harrington and Co. manning the position, the Birds might be beyond wretched. I think the Raiders will win a couple of games.

Gary Fogel, Reston
In a stunning development, I was actually able to find the Skins on the radio the other night. Then I spent a few quarters listening to Larry Michael do play-by-play. Yikes! Maybe that's why the radio signal is so weak. Any chance they'd bring back Frank Herzog and reunite the old gang again, or is that just wishful thinking?

Ryan O'Halloran:
I wonder if you're the same guy who started the same kind of discussion on the Redskins' chat board last week. Full disclosure: I haven't listened to Larry do one Redskins game since I've been at every Redskins game he's done and don't put the headphones on. I can imagine, though, his job is more difficult because he has to officiate between Sonny and Sam while trying to tell the listeners about the game.

Trent:
We saw Sean Taylor get involved on offense a few times in the past. Has there been anything like that at camp? Considerring the lack of WR depth, and the results Devin Hester is showing with the Bears, maybe Sean could add something to a sluggish passing game?

Ryan O'Halloran:
I haven't seen Taylor take any snaps on offense during training camp. Although Taylor is probably the team's best athlete and could help the offense in spot duty, my guess is that the coaches want him to concentrate on one thing (improving as a safety) than spending practice time on the offensive side. What would be very cool is using Taylor on kickoff returns. That would be a sight. It won't happen, though.

Andrew, Indianapolis
Is there a consideration for a #2 WR to emerge from a third of fourth stringer as a reward? Mike Espy continues to look good on second and third string...will that be enough to earn a shot at starting for a preseason game?

Ryan O'Halloran:
Right now, Antwaan Randle El is the No. 2 receiver, but to adjust your question a little bit, I think the opportunity is there for a James Thrash or Mike Espy to move ahead of Brandon Lloyd if No. 85's poor shin splints don't heal and/or he again doesn't produce. Lloyd might be practicing later today. It would behoove him to suck it up and get on the field.

Ryan O'Halloran:
The 'In' box is officially 'Out' of questions. Thanks for the questions. I'll be back next Tuesday at 2 p.m.

OK, it's almost 2 p.m. so let's get started. The Redskins, thank goodness, close the preseason Thursday night in Jacksonville. They're 2-1 but who really cares about the record? There are still a bunch of unresolved issues -- most of them injury-related -- that need to be settled before the Sept. 9 opener against Miami. E-mail any questions to skinsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.

We start with some breaking news -- veteran defensive tackle Joe Salave'a has been released. The Redskins got down to 75 players by also waiving fullback Pete Schmitt and placing OL Ross Tucker and WR Jason McAddley on injured reserve. I expect both Tucker and McAddley to have injury settlement/releases. Salave'a was one of the players us media thought could be on his way out, but this was before he appeared to have a solid camp. Salave'a played 44 games in the last three seasons.

From Donald in Richmond:
What's the minimum Gibbs has to do this year to keep his job? Am I totally alone among Skins fans in thinking "the Eighties were fine and all, but what have you done for me lately?," etc.?

Ryan O'Halloran:
Coach Joe will be on the Redskins sidelines until he decides he wants to retire to North Carolina to spend time with the grand-babies. I would be shocked if he's pushed out, be it this year or next year. As for thinking about the glory days, you probably aren't alone. The 1980s doesn't buy you anything in 2007 and Joe would be the first to tell you that. But I also believe the natives are getting more restless with The Danny than they are with Gibbs.

From Donald Sanger in Falls Church:
Seems to me like the Skins have seen just about everything they need to see in the preseason. Shouldn't the NFL just cut it down from four games to three?

Ryan O'Halloran:
They should absolutely cut the preseason from four games to three games. The final game is meaningless for the front-line players. The NFL should then add a 17th regular season game and have each team play one international game, be it Europe, Canada, Mexico or in a U.S. city like Honolulu (my choice for a Redskins game). The fact the owners fleece fans in preseason games charging regular-season ticket and parking prices is absurd.

From Steve Koren in Rockville:
Were you surprised by any of this week's roster cuts, particularly Tucker and Butler?

Ryan O'Halloran:
A little surprised by Butler since I think he's a better cover cornerback than Ade Jimoh but the Redskins obviously have a soft spot for Jimoh and his special teams talent. Tucker went on IR with a neck problem but he wouldn't have made it anyway. As I said a few moments ago, Salave'a was a surprise because he was playing well in the games. That leaves Cornelius Griffin, Kedric Golston, Anthony Montgomery and Lorenzo Alexander as the top four defensive tackles. Ryan Boschetti's time may run out this week as well. If Griffin goes down, that position is in trouble.

From Kristen in Fairfax:
How do players get paid for training camp/preseason? Do they make more money on top of their big contracts?

Ryan O'Halloran:
Players get a stipend during the month of August but it's not part of their salary. The first "game checks" will be received Monday, Sept. 10. The envelopes are at the front desk of Redskin Park and I've never seen a player forget to pick up his envelope.

From Judson in Gaithersburg:
Isn't a no brainer to dump Shaun Suisham for Dave Rayner?

Ryan O'Halloran:
I had to look up Rayner because I didn't know much about him. He kicked last year for Green Bay and made 25 of 36 field goals. Supposedly, he's a good kickoff guy. His job may be in jeopardy if the Packers stick with rookie draft pick Mason Crosby of Colorado. But the Redskins are sticking with Suisham. He's had a solid preseason in field goals and kickoffs.

From Gary Fogel in Reston:
Should Jason Campbell play Thursday night against the Jaguars so he at least gets a little bit of work in before the opener, or is that just risking an even more serious injury?

Ryan O'Halloran:
This has been one of the big issues at the Park. My view: No way Campbell should play, even if he proves to be 100 percent. He played seven games last year. He played nearly 50 snaps against Tennessee and Pittsburgh earlier this month. LT Chris Samuels still isn't playing. The risk of losing Campbell to a blind-side hit is too great. Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen had the opposite view yesterday when talking to myself and another reporter. Sonny said Campbell should play and play a lot. Not just two three-and-outs. If the Redskins' o-line was intact, then I would agree with Sonny. But I wouldn't play Campbell.

From Irving in Georgia:
Now that camp is over how does the teams day to day schedule change chronologically?

Ryan O'Halloran:
This week is wacky with the Thursday game so I'll talk about next week. Monday -- practice/film (if the Redskins win the previous day, Gibbs usually gives them the day off; if the Redskins lose, they come in for film review and weight lifting); Tuesday -- day off (although a lot of players come to work out or watch film on their own); Wednesday -- start of the new work week (meetings most of the morning and practice from 2-4); Thursday -- practice from 12-2 with meetings before and after; Friday -- practice 12-1:30 with meetings; Saturday -- walk-through at Redskin Park before going to their team hotel near FedEx or flying to a road game.

From Gary Fogel:
Who are your picks going into the season as the Redskins best offensive and defensive players?

Ryan O'Halloran:
I'll stick with WR Santana Moss as the Redskins' top offensive player, followed by TE Chris Cooley. On defense, I'll go out on a limb -- S LaRon Landry.

From Tom in D.C.:
How optimistic should I be that the Redskins get off to a good start?

Ryan O'Halloran:
If most of their systems are go, the Redskins should get off to a solid start during the first six games. Anything less than 4-2 would be a disappointment. They should win home games against Miami (Week 1), the Giants (Week 3), Detroit (Week 5) and Arizona (Week 7). Their road games at Philadelphia (Week 2) and Green Bay (Week 6). ... After the Arizona game, things get tough -- at New England, at Jets, Philadelphia, at Dallas, at Tampa Bay.

That looks like all of the questions for this week. Our next chat will be Tuesday at 2 p.m.