Observations
1 This was not one of the offense's better days. The quarterbacks were off target way too much, including Robert Griffin III. There were dropped passes. It wasn't a sharp day, and in truth, the offense definitely has been behind the defense. That's to be expected given the offensive changes. And the defense has seen these same plays for a long time, so it knows how to defend them. Still, the offense and Griffin in particular were not impressive Monday. Griffin threw an interception when getting rid of the ball under duress.
2 One thing Griffin hasn't done a lot of this summer: throw deep. That's the strength of his game, yet the great majority of his passes are deep outs or short to intermediate throws over the middle. But Griffin said that will change in games. He said the defense is forcing him to go elsewhere in practice because of its coverage, which is taking away the deep pass.
3 Right tackle Tyler Polumbus continues to have issues, especially when defenders try to get wide on him. Ryan Kerrigan got him a couple times; so, too, did Chris Wilson. Polumbus did fine when handling stunts in three-on-two and two-on-two drills. But it's tough for him to set the edge, especially vs. a speed rusher. And backup Willie Smith hasn't been overly impressive either -- he was beaten several times Monday -- so Polumbus will have to improve. Jordan Black is taking snaps at both left and right tackle.
4 Tristan Davis is a fast running back. His burst is evident every time he touches ball. But going back to his days at Auburn, Davis, who started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, has dealt with one injury after another. If he ever could stay healthy, Davis would be intriguing because of that speed. There's more to playing this position than speed, but it's also always welcomed.
Notes
» The big question with tight end Chris Cooley, obviously, is his left knee, which limited him to five games last season. And two of his past three seasons have ended on injured reserve (an ankle injury in 2009). Cooley not only must show he can stay healthy but that he can contribute if he is -- and that he won't be a plodding tight end. "I expect to stay healthy, and I think everyone expects me to stay healthy, so it's a good feeling so far," he said. "It's not going to be that great a feeling if I'm standing on the sidelines. So I have a lot of work to do. I couldn't move well last year. I had a lot of fluid in my knee at all times. I had a hard time going two days in a row. I'm continuing to build speed, I'm continuing to get better on my feet. My routes have looked better. I feel like I'm getting back to the player I know I can be. I think our staff knows what I can do. I know what I'm capable of. That's what everyone expects of me. I have to continue to provide that on a daily basis."
» Coach Mike Shanahan said it's unlikely that fullback Darrel Young (hamstring) and receiver Lance Lewis (groin) will play vs. Buffalo on Thursday. Receiver Anthony Armstrong (shoulder) returned to practice but did not participate in full-team work.
Player of note
RG Chris Chester
Chester sprained his left ankle early in practiced and might not play vs. Buffalo on Thursday. "You're just hoping that it's mild and not too serious," coach Mike Shanahan said. Shanahan said he does not think Chester needs an MRI. If Chester misses any substantial time, it would be another blow to the offensive line, which already is down two starters in left guard Kory Lichtensteiger and right tackle Jammal Brown. Rookie Adam Gettis would replace Chester. Gettis has struggled against better and bigger players.