Finally, math is on the Washington Redskins’ side. After years of searching for a receiver to pair alongside Santana Moss, the Redskins now have seven possibilities for five roster slots. It’s emblematic of Washington’s sudden overall depth.
No more aging pass catchers like Joey Galloway sneaking onto the roster. Midseason rentals of former playmakers cashing one last paycheck are also things of the past.
The Redskins don’t have a handful of aces; Moss is the only one. But they do have a handful of decent players.
“[Moss] is, in my opinion, a quarterback’s best friend,” Grossman said. “He understands where the holes are in the defense, and he broke some routes off hot knowing that the protection is bad because I wasn’t protected over there. He just has a way of making me feel comfortable.
“I know Jabar [Gaffney] from Florida and it’s exciting to be able to play with him again. Anthony Armstrong’s an explosive wide receiver that’s going to make a bunch of big plays for us. From top to bottom, our wide receiving corps is really good. I’m very excited about it.”
Moss clearly remains No. 1 after seven receptions and one touchdown in the 16-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday. Gaffney, acquired from Denver for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon who wasn’t likely going to make the team, appears No. 2. That alone is better than the top pairing of past seasons.
Coach Mike Shanahan will spend the next two games, beginning with Indianapolis on Friday, trying to sort out the rest.
Armstrong and Terrence Austin are the third and fourth receivers respectively. They both make plays despite limited chances and block downfield well.
Then it gets really hard. Donte Stallworth, Brandon Banks and Leonard Hankerson are probably competing for two slots. And this isn’t even counting the oft-injured Malcolm Kelly. The Redskins will probably just cut the 2008 second-rounder after repeated physical troubles.
Banks is really a returner stuck on the receivers list. He caught two passes last year but is truly a game-changer on special teams. After reeling off a 58-yard kickoff return and a 19-yard punt return against Pittsburgh, the Redskins realize they can’t replace him with Niles Paul, Aldrick Robinson or Austin.
That leaves one slot for Stallworth or Hankerson. It’s really a no-brainer despite their early efforts. Stallworth has been solid in practice and the opening game, but 30-year-olds whose best season was 2005 aren’t kept over a third-round rookie, even if the latter drops passes regularly. Hankerson hopefully didn’t inherit Carlos Rogers disease and will start securing the ball before turning upfield.
Maybe Shanahan keeps seven pass catchers, counting Banks as a special teamer. No matter what they do, the Redskins finally aren’t desperate for a few receivers.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
