Key Issues for Offensive Mastermind Al Saunders
Sunday, July 30, 2006; Page E01
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1. TOTAL CONTROL
Can Coach Gibbs Learn a New Trick?
 Fifty-nine-year-old Al Saunders is now the man in charge of the mix on offense. (Gerald Herbert - AP) REDSKINS 2007 Coach Joe Gibbs is concerned that his first-team offense failed to take a snap together in the preseason. Notebook: Injured linebacker Marcus Washington hopes to play in the season-opener against Miami. The Redskins get down to the league-manadated 53-player roster limit. The Redskins sign Chris Cooley to a six-year extension Saturday and cut veteran Renaldo Wynn. Mike Wise: Trading Mark Brunell would be the wrong move, a rash decision to please nobody but a fussy congregation. The Redskins dominate the first half but fade in the second half of a 31-14 loss to the Jaguars. » Summary Up Next: Redskins vs. DolphinsWhen: Sept. 9, 1 p.m.Where: FedEx Field. T.V.: WUSA (Channel 9); WJZ-13 Records: Redskins 0-0; Dolphins 0-0 NOW THE GAMES COUNTJason Campbell was perfect in his one series against the Jaguars last night. A look at his preseason.
MULTIMEDIA Todd Collins gets a chance to earn the No. 2 quarterback spot by starting against the Ravens. The Redskins take to the field to begin preparing for the 2007 season as training camp begins at Redskins Park. REDSKINS INSIDERThe Post's Jason La Canfora updates the latest Redskins' news -- only on washingtonpost.com. E-MAIL NEWSLETTER Looking for Redskins coverage you can't find anywhere else? Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter. NFL INSIDERThe Post's Mark Maske on all things NFL -- only on washingtonpost.com. |
When Joe Gibbs presented Al Saunders with the keys to the Redskins' offense, it was a stunning move. While offensive masterminds such as Mike Holmgren have ceded autonomy to a defensive coach, Gibbs and Saunders are both schooled in offense. Will Gibbs, who built a career on offensive ingenuity, be tempted to use his veto power?
2. KEEPING EVERYONE HAPPY
Will Harmony Run Aground?
The focal point of a Saunders offense is the running game -- just ask Priest Holmes or Larry Johnson. Clinton Portis will be happy, but Antwaan Randle-El and Brandon Lloyd signed big free agent contracts and will want the ball. So will Santana Moss. And don't forget Chris Cooley.
3. THE CAMPBELL FACTOR
Will Brunell Hear Footsteps?
Patrick Ramsey is gone. Mark Brunell will be 36 in September. The Redskins moved aggressively to draft Jason Campbell two years ago. During the offseason and minicamp, both Saunders and Gibbs said Campbell will see enough action to prove what he can do.
