Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Gardner to Carolina

It's really too bad that Gardner never panned out. He had a hit-or-miss sophomore season but it certainly was promising in that he broke the 1000-yard barrier. In the end, though, Rod Gardner needed to be able to get open on his own, something he never appeared capable of doing on a regular basis. He's been very pedestrian the last two years. It's such a shame that the Skins wasted a first round draft pick on him and will probably get no better than a 4th round pick in return. On the flip side, they were going to release him anyway so better something than nothing.

The irony is that the Skins could have picked Santana Moss instead of Gardner if they (gasp!) listened to Danny Boy. Marty was running the show then and wanted a big receiver. Danny liked Moss' explosiveness and big play ability. Theoretically, then, the Skins could have had both the speedy Coles and Moss as their starting receivers.

Some other notable choices the Skins passsed up in order to select Gardner: Reggie Wayne, Deuce McAllister, Todd Heap, Chad Johnson, Alge Crumpler, Kendrell Bell.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Redskins' Taylor Rejects Plea Offer in Assault Case

It looks like Sean Taylor may be a lost cause. There is no denying his talent on the football field. But these first two offseasons have been an absolute disaster. Given the cloud hanging over his head and the ominous beginning to his professional career, it's almost impossible to see a Pro Bowls unfolding down the road. In fact, if he's convicted of assault and battery, he won't even have a career.

This isn't to say that Kellen Winslow (the other viable and enticing option the Redskins had when they drafted Taylor) would have been better. Obviously, Winslow has had his share of problems. On the plus side, though, Winslow still can have a great career ahead of him. It's harder and harder to see that happening for Sean Taylor.