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April-16th-2010, 09:26 AM
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This new era of Redskins football began on Jan. 6 with the introduction of head coach Mike Shanahan.
It continued with the team's measured approach to free agency starting on March 5.
And it took a surprising turn on April 4 with the acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb.
This weekend, it all comes together.
Time for mini-camp, the first of the Redskins’ offseason.
Shanahan makes his on-field Redskins debut. McNabb makes his on-field Redskins debut. So do running backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, offensive lineman Artis Hicks, nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, quarterback Rex Grossman and a host of other new players.
Don't expect a whirlwind of hype, though.
This mini-camp is decidedly low-key. This fits in with the approach by Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen: no hype.
Friday's practice is closed to the media. Saturday's practice is closed except for a 20-minute window when reporters are allowed to stand with 135 high school football coaches invited to watch the Redskins practice. Sunday's practice is open.
The point
This is by design, of course. Shanahan and his son Kyle, the offensive coordinator, are employing a new offense. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is toying with the 3-4. McNabb is just starting to get to know his new teammates.
By Sunday, when media are invited to watch from the sidelines, it’s hoped that practice has a flow to it and that players and coaches can run 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills with a degree of efficiency.
It won’t always be pretty out there.
This is what a new era looks like.
Since the start of the Redskins’ off-season strength and conditioning program in mid-March, Shanahan has started to put his stamp on the team and the organization.
This new era of Redskins football began on Jan. 6 with the introduction of head coach Mike Shanahan.
It continued with the team's measured approach to free agency starting on March 5.
And it took a surprising turn on April 4 with the acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb.
This weekend, it all comes together.
Time for mini-camp, the first of the Redskins’ offseason.
Shanahan makes his on-field Redskins debut. McNabb makes his on-field Redskins debut. So do running backs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, offensive lineman Artis Hicks, nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu, quarterback Rex Grossman and a host of other new players.
Don't expect a whirlwind of hype, though.
This mini-camp is decidedly low-key. This fits in with the approach by Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen: no hype.
Friday's practice is closed to the media. Saturday's practice is closed except for a 20-minute window when reporters are allowed to stand with 135 high school football coaches invited to watch the Redskins practice. Sunday's practice is open.
The point
This is by design, of course. Shanahan and his son Kyle, the offensive coordinator, are employing a new offense. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is toying with the 3-4. McNabb is just starting to get to know his new teammates.
By Sunday, when media are invited to watch from the sidelines, it’s hoped that practice has a flow to it and that players and coaches can run 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills with a degree of efficiency.
It won’t always be pretty out there.
This is what a new era looks like.
Since the start of the Redskins’ off-season strength and conditioning program in mid-March, Shanahan has started to put his stamp on the team and the organization.