1. I don’t know what Stephen Bowen is really like away from the field, but I know what sort of approach he takes to his job. I also know what he’s been through the past six months – and I know I wouldn’t want to trade places with him.
In a week where the Redskins lost two starters because of knuckleheaded behavior, they ended it by honoring Bowen, who was named their Ed Block Courage Award winner. Remember: Bowen’s infant son died this summer (his twin lived and is now doing fine; weighs 13 pounds or so). Sunday, his mother-in-law died before the game. Bowen, with the blessing of his wife, played.
“When I’m on the field it’s all about football. Last game was really hard. I was losing focus a lot,” Bowen said. “I don’t wish for anybody to go through the stuff I’ve been through. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said, “He doesn’t let his business get out when he comes here. He’s one of the better players I’ve been around in a long time. With all he’s gone through… the character part has been outstanding.”
2. Strong safety LaRon Landry missed practice for a second straight day – and hasn’t practiced since the day after Thanksgiving because of a groin injury. He has not yet been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. New England. Landry’s presence would be huge because of the Patriots firepower at tight end. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have combined for 1,451 yards and 18 touchdowns. Coach Mike Shanahan said he doesn’t know when Landry will return. He did say Landry was able to move a little bit better Thursday.
Yes, Shanahan said there’s a possibility they’ll have to shut Landry down, but it doesn’t sound like they’re at that point yet. They will play him once he’s healthy.
3. Have a story on Tom Brady and his magic. Hear he’s pretty good. But nose tackle Barry Cofield ribbed him Thursday about his Uggs commercials – from afar of course. Then he realized there wasn’t much he could say.
“It’s a funny commercial, if anyone can make Uggs cool he’s the guy to do it,” Cofield said. “I don’t think he regrets that. He knew he was going to take a lot of heat for it and they were going to make fun of him. He’s married to a Super Model. He’s got rings. What are you going to say? He’s Tom Brady. The only way you can hurt Tom Brady is win.”
4. Mike Shanahan on Ryan Kerrigan playing every snap this season: “It is unusual. You don’t see too many rookies that handle themselves like he does, especially guys that go from defensive end that were a normal defensive end in college to a linebacker position in the pros. He’s very mature, very intelligent, very physical. He’s what you look for. If we had all rookies like that, you’d be in pretty good shape.”
5. Still no word on who will start at left tackle Sunday. When you keep guys like Willie Smith – an undrafted free agent – you’re not planning on him playing his first year. And do you really want his first action to come paired with Maurice Hurt at left guard? Nothing against Hurt – who hasn’t looked very good – but he’s entering his fifth start and needs experience by his side. That’s the benefit of Sean Locklear. The downside is, of course, that he struggles at left tackle.
So both options have their downside.
And there was this from offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on Smith: “You hope you can be patient with him so you can wait until it’s obvious, but with the situation we’re in, you have to throw him in there and see what he can do.”
6. Cofield is coming off a solid game vs. New York. Quiet, yes. But very, very solid. Cofield did an excellent job taking on double teams and letting the linebackers make plays.
But as the season has gone on, he’s become more of a leader and is one of the guys you can count on to be in the locker room during the media sessions. He didn’t want to assert himself in this role too early, but it’s been a noticeable development the past several weeks.
“Well, you can tell that Barry kind of analyzes things. Some people kind of just go and let it flow,” Haslett said. “He kind of analyzes and studies things. Once he gets it, he gets it. He’s such a smart guy. When he watches tape, he looks at centers and how to beat him and all that. Sometimes, he can go overboard saying, ‘This guy does this.’ And I tell him, ‘That’s not the position.’ To me, it’s, ‘Go beat the crap out of the guy in front of you.’ If it’s the center, go beat him up and Barry kind of analyzes it.
“But I think once Barry gets to that point where it is somewhat obvious that he’s going to even take that to another game. He’s a good player in that position for the first time ever playing it.”
7. Defensive lineman Chris Baker (quad) did not practice. Eight players were limited in practice: receiver Terrence Austin (hamstring), punter Sav Rocca (ankle), Bowen (knee), right tackle Jammal Brown (hip), linebacker London Fletcher (ankle), safety DeJon Gomes (knee), corner DeAngelo Hall (back) and left guard Maurice Hurt (knee).
8. To subscribe to my Friday email report, click here. This week: a personnel guy offers a little evaluation of the Redskins; Santana Moss talks route-running and some, well, depressing stats. Sorry.
