Fan Appreciation Day at Redskins Park | Sports

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Check out video from the annual Fan Appreciation Day at Redskins Park!

Video courtesy of WUSA9.

Redskins Revamp Defensive Line With Cofield, Bowen | Sports

(Via Fox 5)

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington’s two new defensive lineman know what’s it’s like to beat up on the Redskins.

Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen were a combined 15-5 against the Redskins during their previous five seasons in the NFC East. Now Washington hopes they have that same type of success for them.

But after signing lucrative contracts last week that included guarantees of $25 million, nose tackle Cofield and right end Bowen now comprise two-thirds of the front of Washington’s 3-4 defense — which allowed an NFC-high 389.3 yards per game last season.

“We got two real good players,” said linebacker London Fletcher. “Barry is intense. He’s physical. He’s feisty. He plays with good leverage. Stephen’s a big, explosive, powerful guy with some pass-rush ability. And he has experience in the 3-4.”

Cofield was a five-year starter with the New York Giants, but the $36 million, six-year offer from the Redskins was too enticing to reject.

“It was easy to come here, but it wasn’t easy to leave New York,” said the 6-foot-4, 306-pound Cofield, who won a Super Bowl with the Giants four years ago. “It was hard to walk away from five years of memories and friendships. But I love this defense.

“I thought it was great coaching and a great scheme last year. It just needed the right pieces. Now I feel like we have the right pieces.”

In addition to Cofield and Bowen, the Redskins drafted Ryan Kerrigan in the first round to play left outside linebacker and signed cornerback Josh Wilson from Baltimore and safety O.J. Atogwe from St. Louis.

Bowen started just two games for Dallas until the final nine contests of 2010, but he still impressed Cofield.

“You don’t usually get a (306)-pound man who can move like that,” Cofield said.

Bowen said the Cowboys worried about getting Cofield blocked every time they faced the Giants.

“And Barry still made a lot of plays,” raved Bowen. “He’s got deceptive speed and he’s very strong. When they signed Barry, I knew we’d have a chance to be a dominant front, a chance to win a lot more games than people expect. I’m looking forward to going down to Dallas in Week 3 and making a statement.”

Notes: Kerrigan, two-time Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley and return specialist Brandon Banks remained out with knee injuries. X-rays of Malcolm Kelly’s injured foot were negative, but the oft-injured receiver was on the sidelines for a second straight day. The Redskins will hold Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday. Practice starts at noon.

NFL Lockout Officially Over, Football’s Back! | Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — The NFL Players Association executive board and 32 team reps have voted unanimously to approve the terms of a deal to the end the 4 1/2-month lockout.

Owners overwhelmingly approved a proposal last week, but some unresolved issues still needed to be reviewed to satisfy players; the owners do not need to vote again.

The sides worked through the weekend and wrapped up the details Monday morning on a final pact that is for 10 years, without an opt-out clause, a person familiar with the deal told the AP.

Owners decided in 2008 to opt out of the league’s old labor contract, which expired this March. That’s when the owners locked out the players, creating the NFL’s first work stoppage since 1987.

(via @WUSA9)

FOOTBALL’S BACK!

SHOUTOUT TO ALL THE REDSKINS AND RAVEN’S FANS!

Redskins COO David Donovan Leaving Team | Sports, News

(via @WUSA9) 

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Washington Redskins chief operating officer David Donovan is leaving the team to return to his law firm.

The team announced Donovan’s departure Monday.

He worked for the Redskins for six years and says he’s leaving “for personal reasons.”

Redskins owner Dan Snyder said in a statement that Donovan “will continue to consult with the Redskins as he did prior to joining the organization.”