RELATED LINKS:
--Things We Learned At #SkinsCamp: Part 1
--Things We Learned At #SkinsCamp: Part 2
For more from the team, including exclusive videos, photos and written content, be sure to “like” the Redskins’ Official Facebook page.
After three weeks at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center, here's a look back at what we learned from practice, from the players and from the fans in Richmond, Va.
The third of three parts, today will focus on the third week of #SkinsCamp.
Injuries are no fun:In their first preseason game against the Browns, the Redskins suffered two big blows to their depth when tight end Niles Paul sustained a dislocated and broken ankle and running back Silas Redd tore his ACL/MCL. The week before, tight end Logan Paulsen was announced that he, too, would be gone for the season with a toe injury.
"It puts a lot of pressure on us," head coach Jay Gruden said. "Fortunately, we've worked on a lot of personnel groups, but with Logan's status and now Niles, those are two physical players at the tight end spot, which really has a big impact on our running game.
"It is very unfortunate for Silas," Gruden added. "He was having a good camp and he was making very good progress. But surgery is in place for him and he will have to recover."
Robert Griffin III had a good camp:Maye the best day in Griffin III's time on the practice field came on Aug. 11, when he unofficially completed all 13 of his pass attempts, including a 55-yard touchdown completion to tight end Niles Paul during 11-on-11's.
He's looked more comfortable in the offense and quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh has noticed a lot of improvement, dating back to June practices.
"I felt from a mental and a fundamental standpoint today was my best practice of camp and that's what you want," Griffin III told the media Aug. 11. "But it helps when you have guys who are in the right spot where they're supposed to be. That's what we've been preaching the entire time, everybody has to do their job and my job is to facilitate the ball in and out of the right checks and make sure we're moving the ball. So I thought today was great."
Players and coaches loved the Pro Football Hall Of Fame visit:Before their game in Cleveland, the entire organization was treated with a visit to Canton, Ohio, to visit the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
Griffin III got to see his rookie jersey encased in an exhibit and DeAngelo Hall posed with the jersey from his NFL-record four interception game. And then of course there was gazing at all of the Redskins legends in bronze busts.
"You can see anybody who you always looked up to in this building," Jean Francois said. "And to me, I'm not an emotional person, but it brings a chill almost to the point you have no choice when you go play football -- there's a goal, and there's an ultimate goal."
DeAngelo Hall lost his custom insoles, but got them back:Imagine having custom insoles in your shoes to assist your legs and feet after recovering from an Achilles injury. Now imagine them being gone.
At some point signing autographs in the crowds of fans, Hall gave away his cleats to two different families, forgetting he left his insoles inside.
Luckily, Twitter connected him with both recipients and he was reunited with his most precious footwear.
Players enjoyed "Straight Outta Compton" on team movie night:Redskins players took over Movieland in Richmond, Va., last Friday night for a team outing to go see the new film “Straight Outta Compton,” the musical biopic about the group N.W.A.
As is normally the case, many rookies attended the screening, which was at once a chance to see a popular movie for free and a way to bond with their teammates in a different setting.
"It was very inspiring, man," running back Trey Williams said. "It definitely opens your eyes about a lot of things. For the most part it was very empowering and they did a lot. I didn't know they did that much in the community. That was pretty impressive. Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, how they came up. That's inspiring. We look at it and we say we do have a chance."
Ricky Jean Francois can dance, as can several others:The defensive end continued the tradition of his Peanut Butter Jelly Dance. But the day before, his teammates also wanted to show their moves.
They went back home with some pep in their step.
.
.
.
* *
* *
* *
