Moore, Armstrong starting well

The Washington Redskins have held four weeks of practices in May and June, a far cry from the regular season or even training camp and preseason. But two players have made good early impressions during organized team activities at Washington Redskins Park.

Third-year safety Kareem Moore has impressed on the defensive side of the ball, earning increased reps with LaRon Landry absent for many of the workouts and still coming back from a toe injury. A 2008 sixth-round selection out of Nicholls State, Moore is entering his third year in the league and could be in the mix for playing time, especially as the only true free safety on the roster.

For now, though, Moore is focused on learning defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's new 3-4 defense, which requires more versatility at safety.

"Coach Has brought a new defense in and it's just bananas," Moore said. "That's what I call it. It's just crazy. One time we might be in [cover] zero, the next time in three-deep. You just got to go out there and whatever he calls, make him believe we can play."

Moore said part of his improved play has come under the tutelage of safeties coach Steve Jackson. After two years of learning to be a professional, Moore said Jackson told him to get back to just playing.

"I feel like I'm more comfortable," Moore said. "One thing that helped me out was that Coach Jackson was just like, 'I know you got the ability to do it, just make plays and don't worry about nothing else.' So I've just been trying to carry that with me."

On the other side of the ball, wide receiver Anthony Armstrong has distinguished himself among a large group of receivers fighting for a spot on the roster.

Washington clearly has identified receiver as a position of need going into this season. There are 12 here in camp, including several veterans such as Joey Galloway and Bobby Wade. But Armstrong, who has had practice squad stints with Miami and Washington, has made several plays during OTAs, including hauling in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback Rex Grossman Thursday.

"When I was waived in Miami I made a vow to myself I wasn't going to get cut again and I would do anything and everything I could to make sure I don't get cut," Armstrong said. "...If I get a chance to make a play I need to capitalize and do that. If you don't make plays, they're going to start cutting your plays out of there."

At 5-11, Armstrong is not a big target receiver but he has shown decent speed and an ability to be in the right place at the right time. It's part of a focus that the former Arena League receiver said he knows is necessary in order to make an impression on the coaching staff.

"I know that being in the league you have to be able to be consistent as well as effective," Armstrong said. "So if you can't run the right route or do the right thing, you're not going to even get a chance to play."

Armstrong said he has done all he can to soak up advice from receivers coach Keenan McCardell and veterans such as Galloway, Wade and Santana Moss. "I'd be completely stupid not to," he said.

So far, Armstrong has done enough to make himself known to Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan.

"Anthony has done a good job," Shanahan said. "He does have some speed, he's made some very big plays for us thus far and he's right in the mix."