I Dislike Your Favorite Team

Heading into training camp, there were several questions regarding both position battles and personality clashes. The positions of RB, WR, FS were particularly mysterious, as was Haynesworth's future in Washington. At the conclusion of training camp, the answers are only a little closer. But we can see their vague outlines on the horizon, and move forward into the final half of preseason.

Position Battles
Starting RB seems to be in Portis's pocket. His familiarity with the scheme has helped, as has his offseason commitment. He is also familiar with trying to make the most of poor blocking.

Rookie Anthony Armstrong continues to impress, and should have the inside line on the WR spot opposite Moss (who is also having a good preseason). Armstrong leads all receivers and has demonstrated wheels, good hands and the ability to adjust to poorly-thrown balls. Roydell Williams is pushing for the #3 spot with Devin Thomas. Joey Galloway, the titular starter, hasn't caught a pass yet.

FS was all sewn up by Kareem Moore, who's been having an excellent camp by all accounts. A sprained knee will set him back several weeks, but this will allow Reed Doughty & Chris Horton some much-needed reps.

Personality Clashes
Haynesworth said blah blah blah. Shanahan said his days of playing without practicing are over. Haynesworth said blah blah blah. I'm sick of this clown.

Good So Far
Starting defense has been decent. The emphasis on turnovers is most assuredly going to pay dividends this year. INTs and FFs have been a welcome addition to generally good play. As feared, the LBs aren't generating much, but this unit is headed in the right direction. Laron Landry is cracking skulls down in the box where he belongs.

Punter Bidwell has shown a strong, accurate leg. For a team starting over on offense, a good punter is extremely important.

Troublesome So Far
The starting offensive line struggles with protection and run-blocking. They are in development, but far from a finished product. The backups lag alarmingly far behind: Washington will be operating without a safety net.

Gross Rexman is going to play this season and he is going to lose games for Washington. Stop me if you've heard this before: he finished with two fumbles lost, a boner INT and a delay of game.