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.