The starting job is his; the coach said as much Saturday. Tim Hightower, unwanted in Arizona, could blossom in Washington. Already this summer he has ripped off long runs, cut the way the coaches like and played with an edge that suggests a man-on-a-mission story.
Not that it matters to Hightower. He's here to do more than win a job in the preseason.
"I've done what I need to do," he said. "But I never look at it like it's enough."
Hightower was no longer needed in Arizona after the Cardinals drafted another running back, Ryan Williams, to pair with Beanie Wells. So Hightower wouldn't have received much opportunity. In Washington, that's all he's getting.
And the Episcopal graduate is getting it in a system that, thus far, appears suited to his strengths. Hightower is adept at skills needed in a stretch zone running game: pressing the hole, drawing defenders in and making decisive one-plant cuts.
"I didn't know what to expect," Hightower said. "You hear a lot about the offense, and you hear a lot about the system. But you don't know how well the player will work in the system. The biggest surprise is being able to see how well guys fit together. ... I've had some good opportunities and I get a lot of credit, but if you watch the film, it's those guys up front."
No doubt about that. Hightower's two long runs this preseason -- for 58 and 37 yards -- were a direct result of excellent blocking, both at the line and downfield. Guard Chris Chester completed the 58-yarder by getting the safety, and receiver Terrence Austin blocked a defensive back downfield to cap the other one.
