He’ll admit embarrassment. He’ll admit feelings of disbelief at his first year in Washington. He won’t admit that the critics are right, however. Not those who say Washington lacks a legitimate second receiver.
Antwaan Randle El said he’s heard that before.
“It’s the same thing they said in the ’Burgh,” Randle El said.
But it’s not as if Randle El’s final numbers were far off from what he did his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. However, Randle El failed to make the big plays that could ignite the Redskins’ offense.
It definitely was not the debut Randle El wanted, fresh off a six-year, $30-million contract.
The same could be said about Brandon Lloyd. At least Randle El’s numbers were close to his career averages. He caught 32 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 40.5 catches and 501 yards his first four seasons and caught a combined seven touchdown passes; not the numbers of a strong No. 2, but they do make for a productive three.
In Lloyd’s case, he averaged 45.5 receptions in the previous two seasons before landing in Washington. He caught only 23 with no touchdowns last year.
“Everyone’s numbers were down,” Randle El said. “We had flashes. That should be an ongoing continuous thing. I do expect more opportunities this year because of the way they’re opening up the playbook.”
The gregarious Randle El also offers a different presence in the locker room than the moody Lloyd. But on the field the Redskins say they’re optimistic.
“Brandon catches the ball as well as anyone I’ve ever been around,” Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders said. “He came from a different system; Randle El came from a different system. They’ll be helped by their familiarity with the quarterback, the way we run routes. … They’re both going to give us an opportunity to improve.”
Randle El is starting ahead of Lloyd at this point, though the Redskins will use numerous three-receiver sets. Randle El offers the Redskins a chance to be creative. Last year, he was one of two players in the league to throw a touchdown pass, catch one and return a punt for a score. He also hopes for more downfield plays, though his slithery ways on underneath routes pose more danger.
Regardless, he wants to show his worth.
“[Last year] was not what I expected. It was crazy,” he said. “We talked about it last year like, ‘What is going on?’ But I’m thankful for it. It’s part of growing up and it will help us out this year.”
