He sees the numbers on the stat sheet. He sees the numbers on the contract. He knows they don’t add up.
The Redskins gave the San Francisco 49ers two draft choices for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, handed him a lucrative multi-year deal and so far he’s produced … not much. Six receptions for 75 yards. That’s hardly what he had in mind. Even Lloyd said he wants to prove he’s worth the money.
“That’s a natural,” he said. “I want to prove it to my teammates. They see me making plays for another team. They want to see it for their team also. So, yeah, I feel that way.”
After five games, Lloyd has been largely an afterthought in the passing game, at least in terms of production. He’s been on the field a lot, but has been thrown to only 16 times in five games.
Perhaps no Redskins receiver has been affected by the cover two defenses than Lloyd. Fellow receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El can still hurt those defenses underneath; they’ve combined for 38 receptions. But the cover two is a physical defense that funnels receivers inside and keeps safeties back to defend against deeper passes.
“That’s not his game,” Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders said. “Brandon is not as physical as some players. We have to do a good job of getting him in situations where he’s vertical and outside. His is a game of space. When we get the running game going and get him matched up one on one, his production will escalate.
“He’s a pure receiver. He has such great ability to catch the ball. From a technique standpoint he’s as good at catching the ball as any guy I’ve been around.”
Lloyd was the only weapon in San Francisco’s passing attack last season when he had 48 receptions, five for touchdowns, and averaged 15.3 yards per catch. He had 43 receptions in 2004.
This season he’s on pace for 19 receptions.
“I’m very comfortable in the system,” Lloyd said. “The playmakers we had on the team last year [Moss and Clinton Portis] need to get touches before I do. I’m not in position to say anything or pout or be frustrated.”
That doesn’t mean he’s satisfied. However, he is confident.
“You always want to make a big splash,” Lloyd said. “The people who brought me here know why they brought me here. I don’t need to prove anything to anybody. I know what I can do. Eventually I’ll be able to turn it around.”
Week 6 Notes
» It was just a play in practice, but it showed what the Redskins have been missing. And it gives them hope cornerback Shawn Springs might be close to playing in a game.
Springs intercepted a pass in a two-minute drill, leading to a flurry of interceptions by other defenders and cautious optimism about his recovery. Springs, who has not played since early in preseason, said he’s “getting better.”
“He’s coming along well,” Redskins assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said. “We’ll have to see how he [recovers]. He has progressed very well this week.”
Springs (groin) is still listed as questionable.
» Linebacker Marcus Washington (hip), defensive end Phillip Daniels (back) and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (hip) are expected to practice today and play Sunday. Left guard Derrick Dockery (hip flexor) missed part of practice, but is probable. Punter Derrick Frost (calf) practiced. Wide receiver David Patten (thigh) did not practice.
Left tackle Chris Samuels wore a brace on his right knee, saying he wanted the extra support. But he said he would not use it during games.
» Tennessee’s defense ranks 32nd in the NFL against the run, but running back Clinton Portis ignores the numbers. “The Giants were one of the worst against the pass and they found a way to stop us,” Portis said. “Hopefully after this week, [the Titans] will still be the worst team in the league, based on numbers.”
» Williams’ best friend in coaching is Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher.
“He’s a riverboat gambler,” Williams said. “He’s the king of trick plays.”
