The Redskins gave huge contracts to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Now, those players have to not only produce, but produce in game-changing ways. If Haynesworth stays healthy—he’s not played a full NFL season since his rookie year in 2002 and only started three games that year—and pushes the pocket, everything gets easier for the three other linemen. Talented players are next to and behind Haynesworth, and they have to be productive as well.

A shaky end-of-season performance from kicker Shaun Suisham will result in him facing competition for the job in training camp next year.

Instead of their standard morning and afternoon practices yesterday, the Redskins called an audible because of rainy conditions, holding one extended lunch-time practice. The offensive linemen continued to work on building chemistry as they likely will play Sunday without either of their starting tackles. Right tackle Jon Jansen (knee) participated in practice yesterday, but coach Jim Zorn cautioned against reading too much into that.

In a matter of weeks, DeAngelo Hall went from one of the highest-paid players in football to an uncertain future in the NFL. Now with the Redskins, he’s rising back to the top. If Hall keeps playing the way he has in his three weeks with the team, the Virginia Tech alum could cash in again this offseason. He’s intercepted two passes and brought a playmaking dimension to a defense that has struggled for turnovers. In the process, he’s become a starter.