Training Camp Battle Royale

[Note by Ben, 7/18/08 5:14 PM EDT] Some things to think about before camp opens Sunday and neither Will nor I seem to be in a posting mood so regulars get the front page today.  Neither Tim Hasselbeck nor Ross Tucker is particularly polished in their radio delivery but I like their work and how occasionally they digress into Steve Spurrier Redskins stories, just enough with the gang signs things guys, these two did a whole hour on it, it's silly.

I was listing to SIRIUS NFL channel and they had a caller who asked the hosts (two former Redskins Ross Tucker & Tim Hasselbeck) what did they think of the competition at safety between Reed Doughty and Stuart Schweigert. Doughty was described as the "classic overachiever" while Schweigert was thought to have an early advantage do to experience. This got me thinking of what other training camp battles are on the horizon.

QB: spots 1-2 are locked up so that leaves Colt Brennan and Derek Devine for the all important assistant clipboard holder guy. Word around the camp fire internets is that not only has Colt recovered from surgery but he's also packed on some much need bulk. Zorn seems to think that Colt will be locked and loaded come training camp. Colt is a fiery competitor and very accurate passer and I see him winning the roster spot.

Backup FB: Pete Schmitt of Hogs Haven fame vs. that guy Broughton who seems to be put on IR every offseason. I haven't heard anything on how this competition has been going. Both players have injury issues and will have to have strong showings. The winner can only expect to be on the practice squad I think because come game day I don't think the team will dress two FB's

WR: Who and what order will all these wide outs go? I am of the strong belief that ARE will not make it the whole season as the #2 guy. He's much more suited as a 3rd option and would benefit from the presence of a bigger WR as would Moss. Thrash is too good on special teams to let go so I'm afraid it's back to the practice squad for Mr. Mix.

DE: Every time a draft pick was signed it seemed like some DE was cut yet we still have a lot on the roster. It's been some time since a Redskins d-line has produced a pass rush of it's own..like Charles Mann, Dexter Manley..it's been that long. In spot duty Chris Wilson showed great ability to get to the QB while Alex Buzzbee gets a lot of positive reviews in previous camps for his potential. This might not be the most exciting competition in camp this year but I think it could very well be the most important. I'm not a fan of lining up Marcus Washington at DE and we need to find a pass rush soon!

P: To me this is pretty cut and dry. When my adopted Redskin Durant Brooks was drafted, Derrick Frost days were numbered. Frost hasn't been consistent at all and his crappy kick really hurt us in the playoff loss to Seattle. The front office took notice and drafted one of the best punters to come out of college in some time. Durant Brooks will have to biff it hardcore for him not to get this job.

As I was trying to get some ideas for this post, the Official site choose to do their own Training Camp Competitions to Watch and thus completely robbing me of the feeling that my post was unique. Enjoy.