The heat gets to the Redskins, Shanny huddles them up

By Tarik El-Bashir
CSNwashington.com 

The heat, humidity and pounding from eight days of training camp exacted its toll on the Redskins focus midway through Friday’s practice.

After another mental lapse – this one an offside – Coach Mike Shanahan had seen enough. He motioned all of the offensive players into an impromptu huddle and delivered a stern message.

“You just kind of remind guys that they have to keep their concentration level going,” Shanahan said afterward. “We have to practice two good hours every day. We can’t have lapses and expect to be a championship team.”

Friday’s session was the most complex so far. The offense was asked to execute a good portion of the playbook, from short yardage and goal line plays to first-and-10 and four-minute schemes.

And, for the first time this week, the coaching staff called plays as if it were a game.

“There were a few offsides,” Shanahan said. “That normally happens when you put young guys in there and they don’t have the script. …We try to do that to our team after about a few weeks of practice.”

Some other notes from Shanahan’s post-game news conference:

Shanahan confirmed that X-rays revealed Anthony Armstrong indeed suffered a strained AC joint in his right shoulder.  The wide receiver was hurt during Thursday’s practice while going up for a pass. “Hopefully it’s just a few days,” Shanahan said. …Fullback Darrel Young is at least a week away from returning from a hamstring injury he suffered Monday. …Defensive end Kentwan Balmer has not contacted the Redskins to explain his absence, Shanahan said. “It normally happens when people get tired of football,” the coach added. …Right tackle Jammal Brown has returned from New York, where he had both of his hips examined by his personal doctor, and has begun his treatment at Redskins Park. …Defensive end Adam Carriker, who often battles blisters on his feet, was given the day off to rest. …Fan appreciation day is tomorrow in Ashburn, where the only practice of the day is at noon. Two words of advice if you’re coming out: arrive early.