Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan issued a public challenge Monday to left tackle Trent Williams, saying the 2010 first-round draft pick needs to continue his on-field development and demonstrate improved commitment and maturity following his drug-related suspension. The coach also said he sees a change in tight end and /free-agent-to-be Fred Davis, who also ended the season on a four-game suspension for failing multiple drug tests.

A dejected Trent Williams after the Redskins lost to to the Dallas Cowboys 18-16 on Sept. 26 in Arlington. (Toni L. Sandys/Washington Post)Williams was the first draft pick of Shanahan’s tenure as head coach of the Redskins. Washington selected him fourth overall out of Oklahoma, and Williams this season was picked as one of the team’s offensive captains.

Shanahan said that Williams showed improvement both in his play and his work ethic this season. But the failed drug tests put a dark cloud over any positives Williams produced this year.

“He’s got to be smart enough to understand that if you disappoint your football team like you did, you’d better come back with a passion and the drive to do what we need him to do, especially being the fourth pick of the draft,” Shanahan said. “We know the talent he has, we know he’s a likeable guy. I was pleased with his work ethic coming into his second year, how he was playing, but he’s got to prove that he can do it on a day-to-day basis and set the standard for our football team and our organization.”

Davis, meanwhile, is eligible for free agency after playing the final season of the contract he signed as a second-round draft pick in 2008. Davis had a breakout year this season, recording 59 receptions for 796 yards in 12 starts – all career highs. He also had three touchdown catches.

He and Williams were among 11 NFL players who failed drug tests for recreational marijuana use following the end of the league’s lockout. Only Williams and Davis continued to fail drug tests over the course of the season.

Davis likely has hurt his chances of earning a lucrative, long-term deal. One more failed drug test would result in a one-year suspension for him. (The same goes for Williams, but he is under contract for next year).

But Shanahan said that he isn’t judging Davis more harshly because of the suspension.

“Fred made a mistake. We sat down and talked about his mistake. I do feel very good about Fred as a person,” the coach said. “I like the way he worked, I like his attitude. I like his development over the last year-and-a-half since I’ve been here. I think he’s had a complete change in the way he handles himself off the field, to preparing himself to be a consummate pro, to working out, and hopefully the mistake won’t happen that he made this year.”

(c) 2012, The Washington Post
Mike Shanahan will close his 28th season as a coach in the NFL on Sunday, when his Washington Redskins play what is essentially a meaningless game in Philadelphia. And though he has seen almost everything in pro football — he has been hired and fired, made and missed the playoffs, won and lost the Super Bowl — he has never faced the circumstances he does now. Whatever happens against the Eagles, Shanahan will have back-to-back losing campaigns for the first time in his 17 full seasons as a head coach.
For the Redskins, who haven’t had consecutive winning seasons since 1991-92, such is life. But for the man who was hired to overhaul the entire organization, this is new.
“I couldn’t have handled it earlier in my career,” Shanahan said Friday, not long after the Redskins practiced for the final time this season. “You don’t know the big picture. You’re just trying to survive. Unless you’ve been with different programs or organizations that have been down or have been up, you can’t really relate to where you’re at now. I can relate to this.”
Shanahan opened his Redskins tenure by going 6-10 in 2010. Win Sunday, and he only matches that record. Lose, and he has his worst record as a head coach. Jim Zorn, whose tenure running the Redskins was mocked from near and far, won 12 games in his two seasons with Washington. The Redskins must win Sunday for Shanahan to match that.
Yet ask Shanahan to take stock as he winds down the second of two difficult seasons, and he is unwavering.
“I feel very good about this football team and the direction we’re headed,” he said, “because we’ve got the right people.”
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, the Redskins will finish in last place in the NFC East for the fourth consecutive year. Yet Shanahan can sit behind his desk — tape of a practice session frozen on a television screen over one shoulder, the Redskins’ entire depth chart on the wall he faces — and emphatically restate his belief that the franchise he oversees will win, and soon. He does so, he said, because he can draw on all those experiences, good and bad. What others see? How others evaluate his team? It doesn’t matter to him.
“He doesn’t let perception become reality,” said his son Kyle, the Redskins’ offensive coordinator. “He knows what he’s doing. All of us know what we’re doing, but the difference with him is, he’s so strong in his personality and he’s had so much success his whole career, he’s seen it all. He knows when things are done right, when things are done wrong. And he knows we’re doing it right.”
There are, Mike Shanahan believes, several aspects to “doing it right,” many of which occur far from the practice field. For the past several weeks, he has begun many mornings by watching a half-hour of film on college quarterbacks, a different one each day, maybe 70 or 80 plays. The Redskins clearly are searching for a quarterback to eventually replace current starter Rex Grossman. And Shanahan will have the most significant role in selecting that player, be it through free agency or the college draft, this year or the next or the year after that.
“The key is you have to keep the right people coming in through the draft, through free agency,” Shanahan said. “You can’t make a lot of bad decisions. You’re going to make some, but if you do, admit it was a bad decision and move on.”
That, essentially, is what has happened at quarterback in Shanahan’s two seasons in Washington. In 2010, he traded for Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb, wasn’t pleased with the results, then traded him away after one season. He started Grossman when the 2011 season opened, benched him during a four-interception outing against the Eagles in October, and inserted John Beck. Beck led one touchdown drive and moved the ball in that fourth quarter despite playing without left tackle Trent Williams, left guard Kory Lichtensteiger and tight end Chris Cooley, all of whom were injured earlier in the game.
Beck started the next three games — a decent performance at Carolina, a disastrous one against Buffalo in which he took 10 sacks, and a jittery follow-up against San Francisco when he got rid of the ball too quickly. All three were losses. Offensive players, quietly and not, expressed a preference for Grossman. A week later, Shanahan turned back to him. Entering Sunday’s game, Grossman is tied for the league lead with 19 interceptions.
“You make 1/8the decisions3/8 based on what you see,” Shanahan said. “If John didn’t play the way he did for that quarter 1/8against Philadelphia3/8 — the drives, all that — then we wouldn’t have gone to him. . . . You want to do the best thing for your organization. Does John have a chance to be that No. 1 guy? We felt like we had a good feel for what Rex was and what he was doing. But losing those three starters, are you better off with a quarterback that’s a little more mobile? We didn’t know that.”
The episode raised questions about Shanahan’s acumen as a talent evaluator, in no small part because he said, in a moment of bravado, that he would stake his reputation on Grossman and Beck. But even as the Redskins continue their search for stability and stardom at quarterback, Shanahan believes the structure for evaluating who will be next, at any position, is in place.
Scott Campbell, the director of player personnel, oversees the college scouting process. Morocco Brown, the director of pro personnel, is heavily involved in evaluating potential free agents. Every position coach will have input on potential draftees and free agents. Shanahan said he does not feel the need to bring in another personnel man.
“The thing that people think is that I’m sitting here doing all the evaluating,” he said. “My main thing is I get everybody involved. That’s how you eliminate mistakes.”
Beginning with last year’s draft and free agency, Shanahan believes the Redskins have limited theirs. Coaches believe the shift from a 4-3 defensive alignment to a 3-4 has gone well because they correctly evaluated free agent acquisitions Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen and first-round draft pick Ryan Kerrigan. They also believe second-round pick Jarvis Jenkins, a defensive lineman who missed the entire season with a knee injury, will have a big impact in 2012, further strengthening a front seven that has helped the Redskins move from 31st in total defense a year ago to 13th this season.
“You’re changing not just one guy; you’re changing all 11 guys,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “You’re really starting it over from square one last year. And we made great progress, but we got to keep working at it. We got to keep getting better at it.”
That, Shanahan believes, will happen, and soon. He can tick off the plays from 2011 that still knock around in his mind: a third-and-21 conversion that allowed Dallas to turn a win into a loss, a missed field goal in overtime of the second Dallas game, an offensive pass interference call that negated a game-tying touchdown against New England, five losses by one touchdown or less, Those plays build his case that his last-place Redskins aren’t terribly far from first.
“You win those games, we’re playing for something right now,” Shanahan said. “You’ve got to keep things in perspective.”

The Redskins are improved at running back, defensive line, linebacker and special teams. The personnel on defense is better suited for the 3-4 scheme. Coach Mike Shanahan rid the roster of problems, two drug suspensions aside. Thanks to a strong 2011 draft, the depth helped counter persistent injuries.

The improvement has not been reflected in the win-loss record, though, and that’s the bottom line. Washington has fewer needs entering free agency and the draft. Unfortunately, they’re monster ones.

The Redskins’ need for a quarterback will dominate the offseason. The problem is they may not get one in the first round. A good quarterback can be found in the second round, but try selling that to the shrinking number of season-ticket holders.

The right side of the offensive line must improve, and the Redskins have to hope that injured left guard Kory Lichtensteiger and suspended left tackle Trent Williams return ready. Nobody lets solid offensive linemen become free agents, so Washington’s best chance is to draft one in the first three rounds. Depending on when the Redskins take a quarterback, they might have to wait until the third round for a lineman. Of course, guard Tre Johnson was a third-rounder, and he started 69 games for the Redskins.

A big, dominating receiver remains vital. That might come down to whether Leonard Hankerson returns healthy for his second season. The Redskins won’t draft a receiver, and there aren’t many top free agents willing to sign with a losing team that has a rookie quarterback. The elite seek Super Bowl rides.

The front seven on defense are fine, but both safeties could be in play, and improving at cornerback wouldn’t hurt. If safety LaRon Landry leaves as a free agent, which is less likely after two injury-shortened seasons, then the Redskins must sign one.

These are the pieces Shanahan must fill in his third year or he might not reach a fourth one. Those who preach patience often are the ones who don’t succeed.

Redskins fans have been more than patient, backing a team that has made only three playoff appearances in 20 years and now has a third straight 10-loss season for the second time since its last Super Bowl victory.

That patience is running out. If Washington doesn’t get much better in 2012, the franchise seriously risks inflicting a final blow to its diminishing supporters, who no longer come close to filling the stadium. Visiting fans sometimes own FedEx Field.

The Redskins are better, but they’re not nearly good enough. That’s the bottom line. The offseason either nets a new quarterback, some offensive linemen and a few more playmakers or the once inexhaustible hope of the fans will be spent.

Meanwhile, San Francisco doubled its six wins from a year ago to win the NFC West. It just proves five-year plans are not always needed.

Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.

By Daniel Shiferaw

– Redskins Editor

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Dec 22, 2011 – ASHBURN, Va. – As Washington Redskins reserve tackle Willie Smith was being surrounded by reporters just outside his locker Thursday at Redskins Park, Roy Helu couldn’t help but egg his fellow rookie on.

“Look at Willie Smith!” shouted the running back, “Getting all the shine over there!”

The reality is, it’s been Smith — along with other Redskins offensive backups — that have been shining brightest the last few games, the latest being an impressive 23-10 road domination of the New York Giants.

They’ve had to do so thanks in large part to a season that has seen Washington lose its most prominent players on offense due to injury or, in the case of Trent Williams and Fred Davis, season-ending suspensions. The latter was seen as a death nail to an already struggling unit, one that seemingly couldn’t afford to incur any more losses.

And yet, here they are, having delivered perhaps their best back-to-back efforts of the season, posting 27 and 23 points against the New England Patriots and Giants respectively, going toe-to-toe with two playoff contenders. The question is, how’d they do it?

“I guess it’s about going out there and doing it,” Santana Moss said. “We know we’ve been missing key guys throughout this season. I think enough is enough at times.”

A common saying in the NFL that’s been tossed around for years has been ‘next man up.’ The idea is that when a backup is called upon to place an injured starter, it’s his duty to step in and play at a level such that the rest of the unit does not miss a beat. If the last two weeks are any indication, Redskins players appear to be living by that credo to the fullest.

“[It] just says a lot about the guys playing, playing hard,” head coach Mike Shanahan said earlier in the week. “They’re working [and] doing the little things during the week to give yourself a chance to work.”

While execution has certainly been at the heart of the offense’s resurgence, it’s also been the coaching staff’s ability to change both the game plan and play calling that’s helped to alleviate some of the pressure that’s come with fielding an injury depleted unit.

“Obviously, the play calling’s going to be a little bit different,” Shanahan said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re putting all the pressure on new players, but they still have to go out there and execute regardless of what it is.”

The coaching staff’s ability to make adjustments has been a hotly debated topic among the Redskins faithful. Most believed that they have not done a good enough job using the talent they have on the roster, and instead have forced the system down the players’ throat, not necessarily asking them to do things to suit their strengths. If anything, the last few weeks should (for the time being) quell some of those fears, as offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and his staff have been forced to adapt.

“Everybody [knows] as a coaching staff and players,” the offensive coordinator said, “you’ve got to change things up a little when you lose some key guys.”

Whether it be end-arounds featuring Anthony Armstrong or Niles Paul, trick plays involving Brandon Banks, or quick hand-offs to fullback Darrel Young, the Redskins play selection in recent weeks have certainly caught opposing defenses off guard.

“I think it’s gone pretty well,” said Rex Grossman. “Obviously, we’d rather not [lose key players], but the things we’ve done have created some problems for some teams.”

One of the ironies of their success, of course, is that despite their depleted talent, Washington’s offense may be beginning to close the gap between what they want to do conceptually, and what it is that they can do with what they have on the roster. If that’s the case, then it’s entirely possible that this late season success will not only help build confidence going into the offseason, but it could help them move one step closer to finding something they’ve been seeking for nearly two seasons: An identity.

“I’ve been really proud of our players the past few weeks,” the younger Shanahan said. “Not everything’s perfect, but I’ve been really happy with the progress guys have made.”

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven.

Read More: Santana Moss (WR – WAS), Rex Grossman (QB – WAS), Fred Davis (TE – WAS), Anthony Armstrong (WR – WAS), Darrel Young (FB – WAS), Trent Williams (OT – WAS), Brandon Banks (WR – WAS), Willie Smith (OT – WAS), Roy Helu (RB – WAS), Niles Paul (WR – WAS), New England Patriots, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

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ASHBURN, Va. – When Willie Smith became the only undrafted rookie to make the Washington Redskins’ opening day roster, he celebrated by spiffing up his 2000 all-white Crown Victoria.

“I noticed that he had got his windows tinted and he had gotten rims on it,” running back Roy Helu said, “so I just joked around and said how he’s changed ever since he’s made it big-time.”

Helu has kept it up all season, making up stories about Smith getting accessories like subwoofers and satellite radio. When Helu told the story to reporters this week, Smith was beside himself.

“Oh, come on, Roy,” Smith bellowed across the locker room Wednesday. “You told them I got big-time? Got tinted windows?”

The truth is that Smith only got the rims — the car’s windows were already tinted — and that Helu does the shtick because he says Smith is actually the opposite of flashy. Besides, a newbie at the fringe of the roster doesn’t need to be spending big on his car.

For most of the season, there wasn’t much reason to tell such stories about Smith — that is, until Trent Williams was suspended two weeks ago for the rest of the year for violating the NFL’s substance policy. Now the left tackle from East Carolina is protecting Rex Grossman’s blindside, having made his NFL debut against the New England Patriots before getting his first start in Sunday in a victory over the New York Giants.

That means he’s already faced two monster pass-rushers, Andre Carter and Jason Pierre-Paul. Now he has an assignment that looks even more daunting: On Saturday, the Redskins host the Minnesota Vikings and Jared Allen, who needs 5 1/2 sacks over his last two games to break the NFL single-season record.

It has mismatch written all over it.

“I’m going to have to go out there and just be tight on everything and fundamentally sound, just to even have a chance to block this guy,” Smith said, “because he’s just that good.”

At least from a big-picture view, the results from Smith’s first two games are surprisingly good. The Redskins scored 27 against the Patriots and 23 against the Giants, their best two-game points output since September. Smith is playing next to another rookie — left guard Maurice Smith, who took over after Kory Lichtensteiger’s injury — while Tyler Polumbus has been subbing for injured right tackle Jammal Brown.

All those changes have forced offensive co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan to become more creative with formations and play designs to overcome the inevitable shortcomings. Smith might be 1-0 as a starter, but even his teammates acknowledge he has a ways to go.

“He knows he’s going to have to get better,” right guard Chris Chester said, “and he is getting better, in my opinion. And I think he’s doing a great job for us — all things considered.”

Smith said he’s working on his fundamentals, learning to better use his hands and feet to get maximum leverage and finish off blocks. Like many rookies before him, he’s finding the game is tougher than he thought it would be during all those weeks he watched from the sideline.

“You see the guys out there,” Smith said, “and you’re like, ‘Man I can do this. I can do what he’s doing.’ But then when you get out there, you see how hard it really is, and you see how hard you’ve got to go out there and practice.”

Meanwhile, Smith’s sudden burst of fame is drawing even more grief from Helu, who took notice of the reporters crowding around the lineman’s locker.

“Look at Willie Smith!” Helu called out. “Getting the shine over there.”

Notes: Shanahan said suspended players Williams and TE Fred Davis will begin conditioning workouts at Redskins Park this week, but will not take part in meetings. The team had to wait for a ruling from the NFL to find out whether the players would be allowed at the facility under the new collective bargaining agreement. … Brown (groin), Helu (toe, knee), TE Mike Sellers (elbow) and LB London Fletcher (ankle) were limited at practice Wednesday.

___

Joseph White can be reached at http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP