4BLACK E4 DAILY 08-12-06 MD SU E4 BLACK

E4 Saturday, August 12, 2006 S x The Washington Post Professional Football

REDSKINS NOTEBOOK McNair Gets Off Lefotu Is To a Flying Start Released He Leads Ravens to TD on Only Series From the K Giants 17, Ravens 16 McNair going through his reads. He went through his progression, By Camille Powell hit the open guys, and that’s the Hospital Washington Post Staff Writer main thing for us this year. If we take what they give us, we’ll be able By Howard Bryant BALTIMORE, Aug. 11 — Steve to march down the field that way.” Washington Post Staff Writer McNair stood on the sideline late in The Ravens have talked about the first quarter of the Baltimore their hopes for a balanced offense, a Two days after being found un- Ravens’ 17-16 preseason loss to the change from the run-heavy units of conscious in his dormitory at the New York Giants, a visor on his previous seasons. On the opening National Conference Center in head and a towel slung over his drive, running back Jamal Lewis, Leesburg, Washington Redskins shoulder. His workday was done, who is coming off of the worst sea- rookie guard Kili Lefotu was re- after just one series on Friday son of his career, looked sharp and leased from Virginia Hospital Cen- night. But what he did in those 12 decisive, and ran for 34 yards on six ter in Arlington. plays was enough to earn cheers carries. According to Redskins Director from the fans inside M&T Bank “I was kind of anxious to see how of Sports Medicine Bubba Tyer, Stadium and remind them why Bal- [the Giants] were going to line up the cause of Lefotu’s illness is still timore was so excited to acquire against us,” said Lewis, who aver- unknown, but doctors believe Le- the three-time Pro Bowl quarter- aged a career-low 3.4 yards per car- fotu suffered a seizure of some back in the offseason. ry in 2005. “Kinda waiting to see sort. He will rejoin team drills next McNair, who was traded to the what kind of reaction we get out of week. Ravens from the Tennessee Titans, defenses with Steve McNair back Lefotu showed up at Redskins led his new team on a smooth 80- there with his experience and with Park yesterday but did not com- yard drive on its first possession, his presence. They backed out, ment on his illness. and finished it off with a six-yard they looked kind of honest, so we “He’s feeling better,” Tyer said. scramble into the corner of the end were able to play things 50-50.” “He’s just a little weak from his zone. He looked calm in control of Boller, Baltimore’s starting quar- two days in the hospital. He said he the Ravens’ offense, completing 4 terback ever since he was made the really didn’t eat much. All the tests of 5 passes for 45 yards. 19th overall pick in the 2003 draft, came back. The doctors feel he had “It’s what we’re looking for of- replaced McNair late in the first a seizure, but the tests weren’t con- fensively,” McNair said. “It’s the quarter and completed 12 of 18 clusive.” start of something that we can con- passes for 100 yards in two quar- Tyer said Lefotu could return to tinue to do over the course of the ters of play. practice as early as Tuesday, the year. . . . I’m not saying we’re there He led the Ravens on three scor- Redskins’ first practice following yet; we still have a long way to go. ing drives, but as was often the case tomorrow’s exhibition game. But at the same time, that’s the last season, those scores were field kind of drive we can look forward goals from Matt Stover and not Brunell to Start to establishing over the course of touchdowns. Boller also was of- the season.” fered a reminder of why the Ravens Quarterback Mark Brunell will And it will continue to fuel the wanted to bring in a veteran; twice start tomorrow’s exhibition open- optimism that has surrounded the he fell after taking the snap, and er against the Cincinnati Bengals. Ravens since June 8, when McNair twice he had passes batted away at He’ll be followed by Todd Collins officially signed with the team and the line. He was sacked three times. and then Jason Campbell. Coach replaced the erratic Kyle Boller as New York’s Michael Jennings Joe Gibbs said Campbell would be the starter. McNair represented scored on a 57-yard punt return in the second quarterback to play in the kind of talented, veteran pres- the fourth quarter, and Jay Feeley’s next week’s game at FedEx Field ence that Baltimore had never had 29-yard field goal as time expired against the New York Jets. at the quarterback position. provided the winning points for the Gibbs and associate head coach- He received a warm ovation as Giants. offense Al Saunders also said that soon as he trotted onto the field, But the lasting memory of Friday Campbell will receive the bulk of and again when he completed his night will be McNair’s perfor- the playing time tomorrow. first pass, of 17 yards, to tight end mance. “We’d like to see consistency, Todd Heap. On first and 10 from “Steve managed the game well good decisions and technique im- the Giants 22, McNair stood in and and made good decisions,” Balti- provement, and that is for every- found Mark Clayton for a seven- more offensive coordinator Jim BY JOHN MCDONNELL — THE WASHINGTON POST body,” Saunders said. “That’s what yard pickup across the middle; a Fassel said. “We did not design “If you sit around and wait for it to heal then you’re losing time and reps,” guard Randy Thomas said of his rehab. we look for in Jason as he improves moment after he released the ball, Steve’s scramble for the touch- his technique in all phases of the McNair was smushed by defensive down. It was all him. A little scary, game. We hope to give him the en- tackle Fred Robbins. but all him.” tire second half.” Four plays later, a one-yard “I told everybody when I came Saunders said the offensive touchdown dive from running back here, this is my style of play,” For Comeback, Thomas starters would see about 12 to 15 Musa Smith was negated by a false McNair said. “Regardless if it’s pre- snaps. start penalty. A year ago, that kind season or a regular season game, I of penalty at that moment — on play to win, and I do whatever it MRI for Springs third down in the red zone — takes to win.” ‘Gets the Attaboy Award’ would have doomed the 6-10 Ra- Ravens Notes: Smith, who Starting cornerback Shawn vens to a field goal. But on third missed nearly all of last season after REDSKINS, From E1 the back of my mind, and I don’t No one was more excited to see Springs underwent an MRI exam and goal from the 6, McNair breaking his leg in November 2004, want to let the team down again.” Thomas back on the field than as- on his left groin, a move he said dropped back, and decided to keep ran for 61 yards on just four carries. practicing, and he stayed here Thomas views his speedy re- sociate head coach-offense Al was precautionary. Springs hasn’t the ball himself. . . . Linebacker Ray Lewis (coach’s and ran and slipped into practice covery — and the long hours that Saunders. In Kansas City, Saun- missed any of the 13 practices or He paused briefly, then ran hard decision) and cornerback Samari [last] Monday and did extremely went into it — as a new begin- ders used two agile guards, Will last weekend’s scrimmage versus for the right side of the end zone, Rolle (heel) were game-day well. I’m really pleased with him. ning, a call to return to the work- Shields and Brian Waters, to clear Baltimore. and somehow his 33-year-old legs scratches. . . . He’s gets the attaboy award.” out routines that helped get him a path for a potent running attack. “I’m fine. There’s nothing got him in as cornerback Corey Wide receiver Derrick Mason When Thomas was carted off into the league in the first place as Thomas fits that mold with his wrong with me,” he said. “There Webster, 24, and linebacker Chase suffered a mild concussion on the the field late in the 14th game of a second-round pick of the Jets in nimble feet, acceleration, power was a little flare-up during practice Blackburn, 23, tried to push him first drive and did not return. Line- last season, Dec. 18 against Dal- 1999. He refined his footwork and lateral prowess. but it’s all good.” out of bounds. McNair pumped his backer Mike Smith, who started in las, the Redskins’ running game with quickness drills. He “There are things you can do to Springs was hampered by a sore fist and was swarmed by his team- place of Lewis, left the game at half- soon suffered. His expert pulling strengthened his legs and focused help guys in the running game groin for the last month of the sea- mates. time with a knee contusion. . . . technique helped get speedy Clin- on technique. with zone blocking and combina- son last year. He first suffered the “The first drive was one perfect Maryland men’s basketball coach ton Portis outside the tackles dur- “I was just working off athletic tion blocking,” Saunders said. injury Dec. 11 against Arizona and drive,” said Heap, who had two Gary Williams was on the sideline, ing a season in which Portis ability before, and this year I feel “But when you’re out in space, missed the Redskins’ first playoff catches for 34 yards. “Everything working as a celebrity reporter for rushed for a franchise-record stronger,” Thomas said. “I actu- you’ve got to do it all for yourself. game at Tampa. He returned for was fluid. You could see Steve the Ravens’ radio broadcast. 1,516 yards. During Thomas’s 14 ally feel like a rookie again.” That’s what separates the really the second-round loss against Seat- starts, the Redskins averaged 4.2 Said assistant head coach Joe good offensive linemen from the tle, his former club. yards per carry and 145 rushing Bugel, who oversees the offensive guys who are just drive blockers, yards per game; in four games line: “I’ve been totally amazed by and Randy has that skill.” Jacobs Absent without him, they averaged 101 him. For him to come back like Thomas’s struggle to overcome yards and 3.6 per carry. that and not limp and not show the first significant injury of his Nine players likely will not trav- “When you lose someone like any pain, he’s a real warrior. I career has restored more than his el to Cincinnati for tomorrow that,” Coach Joe Gibbs said, “a mean, if that guy’s not a Pro Bowl physical well-being. Being de- night’s game. Among them is wide starter that’s one of the key guys guard, then there are no Pro Bowl prived of his craft during the most receiver Taylor Jacobs. emotionally, one of our leaders, I guards.” important games of his career Being inactive for an exhibition think it hurts a lot. Losing Randy Some teammates feared Thom- provided a sense of perspective. game hurts a player’s chance to down the stretch was a big deal.” as risked re-injuring his leg be- “When I got hurt in a game like make the team, even for a fourth- While he was injured, Thomas cause of his gung-ho attitude. that in the fourth quarter, you year player such as Jacobs, who traveled to road games, urging on Thomas dismissed such con- never think that’s going to hap- faces major competition at his po- teammates from the sideline with cerns. pen,” Thomas said. “But when it’s sition. his cast and crutches, but that “If you sit around and wait for time for me to rest, you rest. You “It’s not in my hands,” Jacobs only added to his frustration. it to heal then you’re losing time can’t worry about it or dwell on it. said. “I ran hard in practice.” “I’m not a cheerleader; I’m a and reps,” Thomas said. “And I’m It’s hard to live your life on coul- Jacobs acknowledged that the ballplayer,” Thomas said. “It was a different guy. When I come back da, woulda, shoulda. difficult job of making the Red- hard to cheer from the sidelines, I like to work it out and not just “I respect what happened to skins’ roster has grown more diffi- but man, that Seattle game [the sit it out. I think I made myself me. I don’t want to be sitting here cult with this latest injury. season-ending 20-10 loss in the better by getting on the field for saying, ‘Oh man, I cried all night.’ “I know it’s going to be tough to BY JOE GIZA — REUTERS playoffs] and the last drive in the [spring practices]. It kind of No. I’m still blessed. I’m here to- make it here,” he said. “I know I Ravens quarterback Steve McNair carries New York’s Corey Webster (23) fourth quarter, I felt like I could helped me get through the sore- day, and I’m playing football have the talent, it’s just a question and Chase Blackburn into the end zone on a six-yard touchdown run. have really helped out. That’s in ness.” again.” of getting the ball a little bit more.”

Training Camp Tracker By Melanie Ho COUNTDOWN SUMMER STORY LINES | BATTLE OF THE BACKUPS FRESH FACE QUOTABLE INJURY TO KICKOFF REPORT The lesson is that said. CHRIS MINEO, Defensive tackle “I’m ready to someone’s always watching. Rookies Karon Riley and In one phone call, Mineo went from coach to Out 30 With Andre Carter, Cornelius Joe Sykes have performed well player. On Tuesday, Mineo, from Odessa, Tex., was hit somebody, CB Ade Jimoh Days until the Redskins Griffin, Joe Salave’a and Phillip at camp. Chris Mineo was helping coach at Texas-El Paso, his alma matter, when because you (sternum) play the Vikings in the Daniels expected to start on the signed Tuesday after tackle he got a call from the Redskins inviting him to camp. can’t really OL Kili Lefotu Monday night season defensive line and with Renaldo Manaia Brown was released. Mineo, who originally signed with the Redskins as a (undetermined) opener at FedEx Field. Wynn and Demetric Evans Vaka Manupuna also is hoping free agent after this year’s draft, quickly caught a flight to Washington and lay your T Jim Molinaro expected to receive fairly to crack the roster while tackle has since been playing catch-up at camp. (knee surgery) CARTER teammates OPEN significant playing time, there Anthony Montgomery “They have to get down to so many people for camp and I was one of the Questionable aren’t a lot of spots up for grabs. Add to practiced yesterday after sitting out with unlucky ones that missed that cut, but I’m back out here now and I’m just out.” LB Kevin Simon PRACTICES END that mix Ryan Boschetti, Cedric Killings a strained hamstring. trying to do my best and see what happens,” Mineo said. Antwaan (abdomen strain) The next — and last — and Nic Clemons, all of whom started or Carter said the rookies are just trying Having attended some of the offseason minicamps and activities, Mineo Randle El WR Taylor Jacobs public practice will be played last season, and there is sparse to find their place and understand how isn’t entirely unfamiliar with the defense and though he remained in Texas, (right leg strain) Tuesday. space for the five rookies invited to they fit in. There is a lot of self-evaluation Mineo continued to work out in hopes that he would get a training camp DL Nic Clemons Where: Redskins Park, camp. in the process — sometimes to excess. invite. But as he waited for the call, he coached. (knee) Ashburn. But according to Carter, it’s still “I think sometimes, as a rookie they “It’s kind of something I always wanted to do,” Mineo said. “It was kind RB Jesse Lumsden When: 4:30 p.m. important to play hard because even if tend to over-think things,” Carter said. of my backup plan in case this didn’t work out.” (hip flexor) Admission, Parking: there isn’t a spot with Washington, there “They need to relax and just play hard. I The learning curve has been steep. Though he’s found it fairly easy to CB Curry Burns Free. may be one elsewhere. think a lot of things kind of jumble integrate himself with the team, getting into the playbook and memorizing NEXT UP (hamstring) For Updates: “We always say the camera in the sky through their minds, but the vets and the all the details have been the hardest part. Though many rookies spend their Preseason Game DB Aric Williams

703-726-7411. doesn’t lie. There’s always somebody coaches are saying just play hard and nights studying in order to make the team, Mineo’s missed practice time 8 p.m. tomorrow (hamstring)

that needs a particular player,” Carter we’ll correct you down the road.” means it’s more like late-night cramming sessions. at Cincinnati 4BLACK E4