The topic draws a sigh, a deep breath and a here-it-comes-again glance, which means the head lowers and the smile fades. It’s tiresome for the receivers. It’s tiresome for the head coach. It’s tiresome for the entire offense.
After eight games, only one NFL team is without a touchdown by its receivers. That’s not exactly the stat Washington wants to own. But it’s a fact of life for the Redskins and it’s one reason why their offense is ranked 20th overall and 26th in passing yards per game.
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“That’s always a concern for us,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said.
And it’s a painful reminder for the wideouts.
“Every week we’re hearingthis stuff,” said Redskins receiver Santana Moss. “We all know we don’t have a touchdown. It’s nothing to beat yourself up about because it’s nothing you can control. It’s not like you can go out there and say, ‘Let me throw the receivers the ball a million times. We’ve got to win games, that’s the most important thing. … If you ain’t getting opportunities, you can’t force it. Of late, the coaches are trying to give us chances.
“We’ll get some. It’s gonna come.”
But when? Washington’s wideouts have combined for 60 receptions, but only Antwaan Randle El has gotten close to the goal-line; and he also scored on a two-point conversion. Moss and Randle El both stand under 5-foot-10, making them tougher targets in the red zone. And the deep game hasn’t yet clicked.
“It’s not like we haven’t hooked up on it before,” Moss said. “We just haven’t done it this year yet. If we keep trying we’ll get it.”
Last year, Moss caught 24 passes — three for touchdowns — from Campbell in seven games.
If the running game finds its stride, that would help. The Redskins rushed for 296 yards against the Jets, forcing them to come up and stop the run with a safety. That’s when Campbell tried to hit Moss deep on a post route, but narrowly missed. Sunday’s opponent, Philadelphia, has allowed nine touchdown passes.
Keenan McCardell helped in the passing game with four receptions in his first two games, but none since.
“I’d love to be in every play,” McCardell said. “I was a starter last year so it’s hard. But you keep your head up and keep pressing. … Our day will come and when it comes, it’ll come in bunches.”
Said Gibbs, “He has a lot left in his tank. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes plays for us down the stretch.”
