Quarterback Alex Smith had his sharpest day of practice in training camp Sunday as the Redskins worked a lot on red zone plays. Smith excelled at hitting guys on the proper shoulder, allowing them to run after the catch. Perhaps his best throw occurred in the red zone when he looked right for Vernon Davis, who was covered. So Smith quickly looked to the other side and tossed a perfect pass just over Orlando Scandrick to hit Paul Richardson for a score. The coverage was solid; the throw was better. Overall, Smith spread the ball around. Defensive backs have noted how he's tough to intercept because of how he places the ball.
Rookie report: Safety Troy Apke, a fourth-round pick, broke up a couple passes playing deep middle, working with the No. 2 defense. Apke's primary role will be special teams this season. On the two plays, he did a good job staying in the middle. It's hard to fully gauge safeties, particularly in the run game, until the games begin. Also, corner Danny Johnson worked with the No. 2 defense in the slot. He's done a solid job thus far. He got some work vs. WR's Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder on Saturday. Johnson, an undrafted free agent, will get extra looks with Josh Holsey still sidelined.
Safety D.J. Swearinger's passion and intensity were difficult to miss in a red zone play Sunday. On the play, QB Alex Smith ran an option with Byron Marshall inside the 10-yard line. Smith pitched the ball and the defense appeared as if it would have the play stopped; there was no full contact in this drill. Swearinger yelled at Marshall, who snapped back, "You're not making that play! You're not making that!" Swearinger engaged him more, then with the starters now out, he went into the No. 2 defense's huddle and fired them up for the next play. Few seem to enjoy the competition in all aspects more than Swearinger. He was animated before and throughout the next play.