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http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/jason-reid/cerrato-discusses-season-of-hi.html#more
With training camp starting Thursday, I figured this would be a good time to check in with Vinny Cerrato on the state of the Skins (being sharp just comes naturally to me). As we all know, owner Daniel Snyder has the final word, but Cerrato has the top football title and the responsibility/pressure that accompanies the gig.
Occasionally, Cerrato has expressed anger about things I've reported. But it's not personal with me -- it's strictly business -- so I sent him a text recently to rap about the upcoming season. Zack Bolno got us together on the phone last week and Cerrato shared his vision of how things should develop.
Throughout our conversation, I got the impression he believes the Skins have the talent to get to the playoffs. After missing out last season for the seventh time during Snyder's 10 seasons directing the franchise, Cerrato said. "Within this building, we have high expectations for ourselves."
Much of his optimism is based on the team's major offseason additions on defense. On Cerrato's recommendation, Snyder approved another free agent shopping spree that included the signing of all-pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and the re-signing of cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Washington also brought back veteran guard Derrick Dockery as part of its effort to bolster the offensive line, which was a glaring weakness.
Washington had the No. 4 overall defense in the league last season, but the Skins just didn't produce enough sacks and turnovers. The inability of the defense to make big plays and get off the field late in the season was a big factor in a 1-5 stretch from Nov. 3 through Dec. 14, and an 8-8 record after a 6-2 start. Haynesworth, Hall and defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo, Washington's unsigned first-round pick, are expected to have big roles in transforming Greg Blache's steady, successful bunch into a productive big-play group.
CLICK LINK FOR REST OF ARTICLE
With training camp starting Thursday, I figured this would be a good time to check in with Vinny Cerrato on the state of the Skins (being sharp just comes naturally to me). As we all know, owner Daniel Snyder has the final word, but Cerrato has the top football title and the responsibility/pressure that accompanies the gig.
Occasionally, Cerrato has expressed anger about things I've reported. But it's not personal with me -- it's strictly business -- so I sent him a text recently to rap about the upcoming season. Zack Bolno got us together on the phone last week and Cerrato shared his vision of how things should develop.
Throughout our conversation, I got the impression he believes the Skins have the talent to get to the playoffs. After missing out last season for the seventh time during Snyder's 10 seasons directing the franchise, Cerrato said. "Within this building, we have high expectations for ourselves."
Much of his optimism is based on the team's major offseason additions on defense. On Cerrato's recommendation, Snyder approved another free agent shopping spree that included the signing of all-pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and the re-signing of cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Washington also brought back veteran guard Derrick Dockery as part of its effort to bolster the offensive line, which was a glaring weakness.
Washington had the No. 4 overall defense in the league last season, but the Skins just didn't produce enough sacks and turnovers. The inability of the defense to make big plays and get off the field late in the season was a big factor in a 1-5 stretch from Nov. 3 through Dec. 14, and an 8-8 record after a 6-2 start. Haynesworth, Hall and defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo, Washington's unsigned first-round pick, are expected to have big roles in transforming Greg Blache's steady, successful bunch into a productive big-play group.
CLICK LINK FOR REST OF ARTICLE