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Thursday, August 19, 2004
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Key Battle Looms for Receivers
Laveranues Coles makes a catch in training camp.
The competition between Mark Brunell and Patrick Ramsey for the starting quarterback
job of
the Washington Redskins has been the biggest story so far in training camp.
But the battle for playing time among a host of talented receivers is also shaping up
to be
a key one.
Laveranues Coles is the firm No. 1, although his nagging toe injury could became a
factor in
the regular season. Rod Gardner is penciled in as the other starter, although
Darnerien McCants
performed well in Saturday's preseason game and is coming on strong.
"I think it's hard fought in there," Coach Joe Gibbs -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453745E084658B4F3FB249F10
said of the receiver position. "That will be one of the real competitive spots on our
football
team."
James Thrash was signed to be the third receiver, and his work ethic and attitude are
loved
by the coaches.
Injuries have caused problems for virtually all the receivers. Thrash missed a
practice with
a hamstring problem but has generally been healthy. Taylor Jacobs, a second round pick
in 2003,
missed much of the early part of training camp, returned for a few days and then
suffered an
abdominal strain Tuesday before returning Wednesday.
"Taylor was having an unbelievable camp," Gibbs said. "And then the injury really set
him
back."
Cliff Russell, a third round pick in 2002 who is fighting Jacobs for one of the final
receiver
spots on the roster, has barely played in camp due to a hamstring injury and remains
out. McCants
and Gardner also came down with injuries during a physical practice Tuesday morning.
McCants
has a sprained knee and ankle and missed Wednesday's practice. Gardner hurt his finger
and
shoulder but did practice.
Coles was explosive in the last game -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453742E384658B4F3FB249F10
against Carolina, and is the only receiver to connect with Ramsey to this point, as
the incumbent
starting quarterback has struggled. Gardner has had a quiet preseason, catching one
ball for
eight yards, while McCants took advantage of Carolina's second-team defense in the
second half
Saturday, catching two passes for 78 yards including a beautiful 61-yard touchdown
reception
from Brunell. McCants leads the team with five catches in the preseason.
"From my second year compared to my third [last season], it wasn't nowhere close,"
Gardner
said. "And this year I'm trying to recapture that and bring it back. . . . I'm trying
to get
my mind right and focus my mind."
With a new coaching staff in place, there is abundant opportunity to move up and earn
more
playing time. Gardner wants to improve his game after slipping last season and is
expected
to start again against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday with Brunell opening the game at
quarterback.
Gibbs is known for selecting undrafted free agents for his final roster, and Gari
Scott, who
played at Michigan State, has been the best of the group of unheralded receivers in
camp, making
several nice catches and performing well returning kicks against the Panthers last
Saturday
night.
The first NFL cutdown date is Aug. 31, and Gibbs has hinted that he is looking for
durability
from his players and a willingness to play through minor injuries. Unless the health
of some
receivers improves there could be a few surprising releases at that spot by the end of
the
month.
By Jason La Canfora
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--------------------
Taylor Is Moving Closer -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453742EC84658B4F3FB249F10
Redskins rookie Sean Taylor will look to make big plays in Saturday's preseason game
against
Miami as he attempts to secure a starting job.
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MARK MASKE'S NFL INSIDER
Couch's Struggles Continue in Green Bay -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453749EF84658B4F3FB249F10
The Packers, at least so far, merely are feeling the Browns' pain, as Couch continues
his struggles.
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Discuss the Redskins Preseason Play With Other Fans -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453740EE84658B4F3FB249F10
Take the Joe Gibbs Trivia Quiz -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453746E984658B4F3FB249F10
Full Redskins Coverage -
http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W7RT0453747E884658B4F3FB249F10
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