Redskins Report

Sultan of swat

Sultan McCullough is drawing a lot of attention these days, which is fairly surprising considering he’s an undrafted rookie running back with little chance of making the Redskins’ roster.

McCullough, though, is doing his best to get noticed. The former USC tailback was one of the few bright spots in Saturday’s loss at Carolina, running for a team-high 50 yards on nine attempts.

The coaching staff obviously noticed. McCullough got plenty of reps during practice yesterday (even though he’s fourth or fifth on the depth chart) and some words of wisdom from offensive coordinator Hue Jackson after being knocked out of bounds on one run.

“Don’t forget,” Jackson told the rookie. “The closer to the sideline you get, the more violent you become.”

McCullough also was sporting a new uniform number, switching from the unconventional 39 to the more glamorous 22. With so many players in camp, several players have to wear the same number, and McCullough was getting confused with fellow No. 39 Fred Booker, a defensive back.

“There was too much commotion at 39, and there were a bunch of guys with 38 and 40 also,” said McCullough, who was barred by NFL rules from wearing No. 4 (his college jersey). “It was like 11 guys with the same number. It was this big commotion when the second or third string came out.”

Growing kitty

Remember the Ball Coach talking about $10 fines for jumping offsides and committing false starts? Remember all the emphasis there was supposed to be on eliminating the little mistakes in this camp?

Well, that kitty probably has grown into a Big Daddy-sized monster by now. The Redskins have struggled with staying onside throughout camp, and it’s no surprise those problems surfaced at Carolina, where Washington was whistled for 12 penalties for 113 yards.

Occasionally yesterday the players still looked like they were lunching on double espressos at Starbucks. The second-string defensive line, for example, jumped on consecutive plays during full-squad drills.

Collared

Yesterday’s run drill provided plenty of evidence why Chad Morton isn’t competing to be the Redskins’ full-time running back.

On one play, defensive end Regan Upshaw penetrated the backfield and was just behind Morton after the handoff. Upshaw didn’t even think of diving for the diminutive back’s legs or wrapping him up. He simply stuck out a paw and grabbed Morton’s collar, instantly downing the scatback.

This isn’t to say Morton can’t play from scrimmage. The kickoff and punt returner has flashed moves throughout camp and in Saturday’s loss at Carolina. So long as Washington picks his situations carefully, he could make a few plays for the offense.

OVERHEARD

“You don’t want to hear the truth, don’t ask me a question. That’s what they know up in New York. I tell the truth in every situation.”

— Linebacker Jessie Armstead on calling out his teammates to get tougher yesterday.

“We don’t have to worry about being overconfident right now. We looked pretty bad the other night.”

— Coach Steve Spurrier, still reeling from Saturday’s 20-0 exhibition loss at Carolina.

BY THE NUMBERS

48.1

Combined rating for Washington’s three quarterbacks in Saturday’s game.

5.4

Yards a carry given up by the Redskins defense in the loss to Carolina. The Panthers rushed 34 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

Full-squad practices scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 5:45 p.m. Gates at Redskin Park open at 8 a.m. Go to www.redskins.com or call 703/726-7411 for directions and daily updates.

TODAY’S WEATHER

Afternoon thunderstorms. High: 85 degrees. Chance of rain: 40 percent.

— Mark Zuckerman and Jody Foldesy