* Two of the first players on the field, some two-plus hours before kickoff, were former teammates Jon Jansen and Mark Brunell. The two chatted for a long time before Brunny said “hello” to a couple other Redskins.
* At 11:45 a.m., when the Redskins’ specialists took the field, it became official: Your heroes decided to go with the white-on-white uniforms. The trend started with the playoff run in 2005 and continued in 2006 until the players decided to go back to the traditional white-on-burgundy uniform.
SEE RELATED:* Maybe this is in Jim Zorn’s contract: Must spend time with The Braintrust … at midfield … an hour before the game. There was the Z Man conversing with Dan and Vinny. And it’s definitely the regular season — close by Dan The Man was his Right Winger (Bernie Shaw).
* The pregame sidelines appear to be more crowded this year with spectators and self-described VIPs. They’re confined to a roped-in area but they get a decent view of the Redskins coming out of the tunnel. Hopefully it didn’t cost them anything more than $1.
* Brunell took the field at 12:10 p.m. … no reaction from the fans.
* Zorn moved away from The Braintrust to chat with Saints coach Sean Payton. This is a huge departure from the days of Coach Joe, who loathed any interaction with the opposing coach (even Bill Parcells) before or after the game.
* Clinton Portis should expect a call from The NFL’s Uniform Police this week. C.P. took the field for warm-ups with yellow cleats, not even close to what anybody other player was wearing.
* Unfortunately, the pre-game fireworks have survived another season. This will be the last time they’re mentioned this year.
* The Redskins starting defense was introduced. That’s a nice addition to the festivities — it gets the crowd semi fired up before kickoff.
* Some things never change at FedEx. On the Redskins’ first drive, a big sign reads, “QUIET! Offense at work.” That’s just an insult to the fans. If they need to be told that, they’re not real fans.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.