WEEKEND | 08.22.2014 | EXPRESS | 19
sports
TENNIS
Redskins running back Alfred Morris has only 20 catches in two NFL seasons.
Morris trying to catch up REDSKINS Even with everything that Alfred Morris has accomplished during his time with the Redskins, the Pro Bowl third-year back isn’t satisfied with his all-around game. Morris spent most of his offseason and training camp molding his mind and body to become a better receiver out of the backfield, which will make him more valuable in new coach Jay Gruden’s offense. “I have been wanting to do this for quite some time,” Morris said, “so I’m thankful that they are allowing me to do it, giving me chances, and building that trust and confidence in me.”
Over his two-year career, Morris has hauled in just 20 passes for 155 yards, as the Redskins have preferred to use speedier backs like Roy Helu in pass-catching situations. But Morris has put in the effort to prove he can be more effective in the passing game in Washington’s new-look scheme. “It’s a confidence thing. You have to work on the little details, like making sure you look [the ball] in and getting your fingers wrapped around the ball,” he said. “It’s even the things such as route running. Being able to keep that separation from a defender and not letting him undercut you will definitely help.”
Morris looked sharp in camp drills, making quick cuts to get open and showing soft hands while pulling in passes. He has jumped in with the receivers during practice to get in extra work and has become accustomed to the speed of the ball from Robert Griffin III. The running back’s development as a receiver comes as no surprise to Gruden. “Alfred is steady Eddie. He just comes to work every day,” Gruden said. “Just everything about him is impressive to me — the way he prepares, the way he works, the way he practices.”
JOHN McDONNELL (THE WASHINGTON POST )
D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola has eight goals and eight assists this season.
Lynx’s Maya Moore wins WNBA MVP
On Thursday, the Redskins had their final day of practice before Saturday’s preseason game with the Ravens (7:30 p.m., NBC4/ CSN). Here are some nuggets from coach Jay Gruden’s news conference and the locker room. MIKE JONES (THE WASHINGTON POST)
Starters’ playing time
Moses moving positions
“They just understand each other, and it can be a beautiful thing,” coach Ben Olsen said of the duo following the game. “The two times they have been paired up Silva has five goals, and like I said, sometimes when you like playing with someone it translates on the field.” Espindola is an MVP candidate, and Silva has scored seven goals in his past nine games. So where does that leave Johnson? The designated player has just four goals this season (two from
Keeper Tim Howard taking one-year break from U.S. team
Getting ready for Game 3 of the preseason
Gruden, above, expects his starters to play roughly a half of Saturday’s game. He said it’s possible that either one or both of the units could see limited action in the third quarter, depending on how well they do.
ELLIOTT SMITH (FOR EXPRESS)
United forming dynamic duo up top D.C. UNITED There’s a special connection forming up top, and it could push Eddie Johnson out of D.C. United’s starting lineup. Fabian Espindola made his return as a starter on Sunday against Colorado after a twomonth injury absence. The Argentine linked up at forward with the red-hot Luis Silva, and the duo scored three of United’s four goals in a 4-2 win. There is clearly a chemistry forming between the two players.
Serena Williams replaced her tennis racket with a microphone at a karaoke event a week ahead of the U.S. Open. The top-ranked athlete performed “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” on Wednesday night at Arena in New York City. Williams, below, told the crowd before she began: “I’m really nervous.” She was joined by fellow tennis player Jack Sock, “Orange Is the New Black” stars Laverne Cox and Uzo Aduba, “Glee” actor Darren Criss and comedian Kathy Griffin at the event for Delta Airlines. (AP)
TJ ROOT (GETTY IMAGES)
RICKY CARIOTI (THE WASHINGTON POST)
Serena sings karaoke in New York
the penalty spot) and was serving the first of a two-game suspension — earned by kicking the ball at a player on the ground — during the Colorado game. Johnson did help his cause by scoring against Waterhouse FC in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday, but Saturday’s match at Sporting Kansas City may determine his future. If Silva and Espindola shine again while Johnson sits due to suspension, Olsen may find it hard to break the pairing up, which could lead to Johnson being benched for the first time this season. SETH VERTELNEY (FOR EXPRESS)
Look for rookie Morgan Moses to see time at backup right tackle on Saturday. He has played exclusively at backup left tackle during training camp and the first two preseason games. Gruden sees Moses improving both in confidence and technique, and now wants to see how he would do on the right side, where eventually he could start.
A tough call at wideout Wide receivers Rashad Ross and Nick Williams could make it hard on coaches when it comes to making final cuts. Gruden likes the way both have played, but the Redskins are crowded at that position.
NCAA files intent to appeal O’Bannon ruling that it violated antitrust laws