2:2 Options Anyone?

In the NFL today, there is a lot of talk about quarterbacks and how vital they are to a team, but what does a quarterback even do? Answer: He throws the ball to his receivers. So a team can have the best quarterback, but what good is he if that same team has terrible receivers who don't catch the ball? The Redskins signed Donovan McNabb earlier this offseason to be the cornerstone in a new offensive scheme for the 2010 season. McNabb is one of the best quarterbacks in the game today, but like I said earlier, what good is he if the Skins have bad receivers? Don't Worry. The Redskins are well aware of this. That is probably why they have 12 wide receivers trying out for only 6 spots on the team. They are from near and far, young and old, and both rookies and veterans alike are looking for a job in Washington. Santana Moss, Joey Galloway, Bobby Wade, and Mike Furrey stand in as the veterans at their position, but that doesn't exactly guarantee a spot on the team. Moss has been the Redskins' number one receiver for years, and it would be a big surprise for him not to make the squad. The two trying to keep their head above water are Galloway and Wade.


This picture brings back memories of better days for Redskins fans. In a nail-biting overtime game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Santana Moss caught his third touchdown of the game, and it was by far the biggest of the day. Possibly the best reception of his career. A 68-yard touchdown catch by Moss led the Redskins to a 36-30 overtime win of Jacksonville in October of 2007. A year stained by the loss of Sean Taylor, but also a year with a miracle season finish, and a trip to the playoffs for the Skins. Santana Moss, though small in stature, is big in heart. He has been embraced by the fans in Washington, and has been the Redskins deep threat since 2005. Whatever system is implemented this year on offense, Moss will most likely be at the head of the receiving corps. The two players that have been a member of the burgundy and gold that have their backs against the wall are Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.


Thomas and Kelly were both draft picks for the Redskins in 2008, and both showed promise. However the two have been disappointing in their two years with Washington due to inexperience and injuries. Thomas had a breakout game last year against New Orleans (who would go on to win Super Bowl XLIV), but then slumped for the season's remaining games. Malcolm Kelly has so much potential at 6'4, but hasn't even been able to come up with one touchdown catch in his two year career. If the Redskins have any chance at advancing to the postseason this year, much will be reliant on the performances of these two players. Options for Donovan McNabb? Options for Washington? Only time will tell.