The Redskins took the field for their second-to-last training camp practice at the team's facilities today, in light of the move to Richmond in 2013.
Players wore upper-body pads for the 10th time in camp, a stark contrast to last year's camp coming out of the NFL lockout.
Once again, head coach Mike Shanahan focused primarily on full team drills, calling in specific game situations from the backfield. This has been a running theme of training camp 2012, as the coaching staff seeks to prepare Robert Griffin III and indoctrinate him into the offense.
Safety Brandon Meriweather had a solid day in the secondary, snagging a jump ball interception from Kirk Cousins that was batted at the line of scrimmage.
Meriweather reported to the practice field about 10 minutes early this afternoon and asked the coaching staff to catch passes from the JUGS machine. He also stayed after practice to put in more time.
Meriweather wore gloves during his session, which he wears during games. This was his first outside session in training camp, but said he likes to work on his hands from time to time.
Another standout defender today was DeJon Gomes, who is also competing for time at the safety position.
Gomes defended back-to-back passes late in practice, first spiking a ball to the ground that robbed Hankerson of a red zone touchdown, and then picking off quarterback Kirk Cousins on the next play.
One of the top receivers today was tight end Logan Paulsen, who made two unlikely receptions in a row during full-team drills.
On the first play, quarterback Rex Grossman found Paulsen on a seam up the middle, hitting him in-stride ahead of linebacker Donnell Holt. Paulsen hauled in the pass and took it all the way for the the touchdown.
On the next play, Cousin's pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by nose tackle Chris Baker. Despite the ball redirecting behind him, Paulsen made the catch before ducking his head and rumbling upfield for a short gain.
The spotlight shined on the kicking competition today, as coaches thrust Graham Gano and Neil Rackers into practice and live scenarios.
It was a mixed bag for Gano, today, as he hit field goals from 37, 43, 51 and 52 yards. Rackers was perfect on the day, drilling kicks from 51, 52, 57 and 58 yards.
His kick from 58 yards came in a game situation late in practice, as he lined up beyond the 50-yard line.
His kick had enough power and direction to be good from several yards longer. The franchise long for field goals is 59 yards, set last year by Gano against the 49ers.
The top play of the day occurred late in practice, when quarterbacks were put in a situation with five seconds on the clock, ball at mid-field, trailing by two. The goal is to run one play to gain yardage without expiring the game clock.
On the second round, Griffin III threw the ball away and had three seconds on the clock. On the next play, Griffin III moved around in the pocket to avoid pressure and wait for his receivers to get open.
Griffin III threw the ball about 50 yards to the end zone, and receiver Leonard Hankerson made a leaping catch for the game-winning touchdown.
Tomorrow is the final day of Redskins Training Camp 2012, and the last day of training camp scheduled for Redskins Park. Practice is open to the public and begins at 1 p.m.
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