Out At Redskins Park

In our new segment, 'Out At Redskins Park' we'll fill you in and keep you abreast of the latest news and info going on with the Washington Redskins organization - and there's aplenty.

Here's the latest...

Greg Blache Not Speaking To The Media?

Why can't Greg Blache talk to the media after practices, and after games?

The defensive coordinator who always has something colorful and offbeat to say after every Redskins game silenced for the rest of the 2009 season?

The defensive coordinator who gave us sound bites like, "This team played like the the south side of a northbound skunk."

The defensive coordinator who gave his thoughts on how his team's pass rushing fares to Comcast analyst, Trevor Matich, can no longer give interviews?



That's like Fred Flintstone not eating brontosaurus burgers. To quote NFL coach Mike Singletary, "You Just Can't Do It. Can't Do It."

Per League rules, "assistant coaches – through their public relations department, clubs must provide regular and reasonable access to assistant coaches for media interviews that serve the best interests of the club and league. This access will include the availability to media that regularly cover the club of the offensive and defensive coordinators at least every other week during the regular season for a minimum of 10-15 minutes, beginning with the week leading to Week 1 of the regular season. Coordinators and other primary position coaches must be available on a reasonable basis during training camp and throughout the season through the team public relations department."

and get this...

"Clubs may not put assistant coaches off limits to the media and may not unreasonably withhold permission for primary position coaches or coordinators to speak to the media."

So what's going on out at Redskins Park?

We'll keep following this one to bring you more.

In the mean time, expect to hear from Skins' Jerry Gray in Blache's stead.

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The Redskins have hired longtime NFL assistant coach Sherman Lewis as an offensive consultant. Lewis, a 22-year NFL coaching veteran, brings a history of success and a vast knowledge of the West Coast Offense, in addition to four Super Bowl rings.

Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said of Lewis.

“Sherm Lewis is an outstanding coach who has been an instrumental member of four Super Bowl championship teams,” Redskins “Sherm’s history started with the innovator of the West Coast Offense, Bill Walsh, and over the past two decades he has directed some of the best offenses, and coached and developed some of the league’s premier players. He has a diverse NFL background, having coached running backs, wide receivers, and serving as a coordinator. Jim and Sherman share a common bond in that they both worked for Mike Holmgren at different times in their careers. Sherman’s overall experience and expertise will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. His track record humbles us all.”
More on Lewis' career.

Lewis last served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under Head Coach Steve Mariucci in 2004. Prior to going to Detroit in 2002 as a special offensive assistant, Lewis was the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator for two seasons (2000-01). With Lewis directing the offense in 2000, the Vikings’ advanced to the NFC Championship Game with first-year starter Daunte Culpepper at quarterback. Culpepper was a Pro Bowl starter following the season after completing 297-of-494 passes for 3,937 yards and 33 touchdowns, for a passer rating of 98.0. In addition to a passing attack that featured Culpepper, Cris Carter and Randy Moss, Minnesota running back Robert Smith led the NFC in rushing in 2000 with 1,521 yards.

Lewis, canceling his plans to call a game of BINGO when he got the call from the Redskins said...

“The Redskins contacted me and told me they wanted a fresh set of eyes, and I intend to provide just that,” Lewis said. “I am grateful to join this offensive team and an organization with such a great tradition. I am looking forward to working with Jim Zorn, Sherman Smith, Joe Bugel and the rest of the coaching staff”, said Lewis.
Hey, there's nothing wrong with calling (just do it right), or playing, BINGO. (I play it myself - I'm not a senior citizien - and last week won a few bucks to help pay some bills).

Back to Skins....

Coach Zorn appears to welcome the addition, and says, "Lewis won't be coaching", and further says....“We’re happy to have Sherm’s set of eyes and voice to help us as we continue to find ways to create success on offense.”

The Redskins have also signed punter Glenn Pakulak to their practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, Washington released wide receiver Trent Shelton.

Pakulak, 6-3 and 220 pounds, is a second-year punter out of Kentucky. He is 29 years old, and spent parts of 2009 preseason with the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets.

He saw his first NFL action with New Orleans in 2008, playing in eight games. He posted 24 punts for a 47.7-yard average and a 37.8-yard net average. He placed three punts inside the 20.

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United Way and the Redskins Hosted A Dance Competition At DC Public Schools.

Santana Moss (Dances) And Judges On Panel.

Six District of Columbia public schools using programs from the HOPSports video were judged by a panel of celebrities including NFL-United Way spokesman, Santana Moss; world-famous dancer and choreographer, Desmond Richardson; and Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet.

NFL Play 60, the Washington Redskins and United Way continue to encourage kids to exercise at least 60 minutes every day. Through their efforts the partnered organizations want to increase the number of healthy youth through exercise and helping kids to live healthier lifestyles to avoid obesity.

Childhood obesity is a growing, national health issue that can lead to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

[Photos: W. Barron for DC UrbanSports]

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