The Redskins welcomed him as someone who could impact a sputtering offense. David Patten embraced the Redskins as a team who could fulfill his desire to be a prominent wide receiver. He was the guy Washington targeted; this was the team Patten wanted.
It sounded like a fairy tale. But the fairy tale season didn’t happen. Patten got hurt early, was sidelined late, and the Redskins’ passing game still struggled. Enter two new wide receivers in Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El. Exit Patten’s dreams.
He’s now back to a familiar role: The hard-working, unselfish veteran. And he’s not complaining.
“I love his attitude,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “I called him when we made our trade [for Brandon Lloyd] and he was great. All he wanted to know was that we’re going to play the best guy.”
As the Redskins near training camp, Patten is adapting to a different season with Washington. But it’s a job he filled in New England, where he was part of three Super Bowl champions.
“I’ve been scratching and fighting all my career,” Patten said. “I don’t expect it to be any different. … There can only be 11 starters. One thing [Patriots coach Bill] Belichick told us, and the one thing Coach Gibbs harps on here is knowing your role.”
And Patten knows his will be to complement the other wide receivers, Lloyd, Randle El and Pro Bowler Santana Moss. It will also be to provide leadership to a still-young group.
“You need that veteran who is unselfish and who preaches that,” Patten said. “These guys are young and strong and trying to make a name for themselves. They want to be the next impact player. Someone has to harness that and keep it under control. That’s what I learned in New England. We were so unselfish and it was genuine. I see glimpses of it here.”
Patten had hoped to be more than a veteran leader when he signed with Washington last offseason. After looking good in training camp, Patten started slow. Then a knee injury hampered his play and eventually caused him to have season-ending surgery.
“I couldn’t get in and out of my breaks,” Patten said. “As a small receiver, that’s our strength because we won’t get position on guys. But I believe this year I’ll be given that opportunity and I’ll make the best of it. This will be my best year. Last year, I didn’t get to show what I can do.”
Catching on
» Patten caught 22 passes for 217 yards and no touchdowns.
» Patten is entering his 10th season. He had a career-high 61 receptions in 2002 with New England, but since then has a combined 75 catches in 31 games.
» When training camp opens July 31st, Patten is expected to be the fourth receiver.
