Landry makes debut as a starter

BALTIMORE — It was just another scrimmage for the veteran players who participated in sweltering M&T Bank Stadium yesterday, but it was a special day for Washington Redskins rookie safety LaRon Landry.

Not only did the sixth pick in April’s draft make his professional debut, as a starter no less, but his brother, Dawan, was on the other sideline as a starting safety for the Baltimore Ravens.

“I wish we had gotten the chance to go against each other on special teams, but that didn’t happen,” said Landry, who will have another reunion when the teams meet in a preseason game on Aug. 25 in Landover. “It was good to see him. We talked after the game. We’ve been talking all the time.”

Dawan Landry was proud of his younger brother.

“LaRon seemed pretty anxious, but I told him to take his time, read his keys and trust his instincts,” the older Landry said. “He looked pretty good out there. He looked like the same guy he was at LSU. As long as he stays in his playbook and knows his assignments, LaRon will be fine. He’s a real student of the game.”

Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said that Landry isn’t a true starter yet, but that the defensive staff wanted to see how the rookie meshed with fourth-year free safety Sean Taylor against opposing receivers.

“LaRon will have to work his way in,” Gibbs said. “He knows that. [But] our defensive coaches said, ’Let’s put him out there right off the bat and see what kind of chemistry we have there [with Taylor].’ ”

Landry was credited with a lone assisted tackle, but he and the starters weren’t on the field when the Ravens scored the touchdown that gave the hosts the 10-7 victory.

“I was kind of anxious out there because it was my first time going against an opponent,” said Landry, who missed the first four days of training camp last week in a contract dispute. “I really wanted to hit somebody and get in the groove of playing again. I didn’t care whether I was out there with the first team, the second team or the third team. I’ve got a lot to learn and a long way to go.”

Darling gets revenge

Ravens receiver Devard Darling said ripping off the helmet of Taylor near the goal-line yesterday was two years in the making.

“He got me [in 2005] and I’ve been waiting ever since to get back at him,” Darling said. “It was during a 7-on-7 passing drill when I caught a slant and he just knocked me out.”

Darling and Taylor pushed and shoved for the two plays preceding their quick altercation. After his helmet went flying, Taylor got in Darling’s face before the two were separated.

“We were getting after it,” Darling said. “If he wants to be physical, I’ll be physical and make that my game, too. I was ready for it.”

Taylor declined comment afterward.

Gaither fills in

Starting in place of injured Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden was former Maryland player Jared Gaither.

Gaither, listed at 6-foot-9 and 350 pounds, was chosen in fifth round of last month’s supplemental draft.

“You’ve got to credit [offensive line coach Chris Foerster] because he’s done a great job bringing the young guys along and teaching them our scheme in great detail,” Ravens quarterback Steve McNair said. “To be that size and have that much athleticism and quickness is impressive.”

Ogden, out with a hyper-extended big toe, is on the physically unable to perform list but is expected to be ready for the regular season.

Seven don’t dress

Although several Redskins starters — including most of the offensive line and quarterback Jason Campbell — did not take part in the 11-on-11 part of the scrimmage, seven players — receiver Mike Espy (knee), running back Clinton Portis (knee), cornerback Jerametrius Butler (hamstring), fullback Pete Schmitt (shoulder), left tackle Chris Samuels (knee), receiver Carl Berman (hamstring) and tight end Tyler Ecker (groin) — did not dress.

Ahead this week

The Redskins have their first off day of training camp today and return with a 4:30 p.m. practice tomorrow that is open to the public. They have two practices Tuesday, one workout Wednesday (7 p.m. — Fan Appreciation Night) and a single workout Thursday. They open the preseason Saturday at Tennessee.