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Originally Posted by Beemnseven
Forgive me for joining this discussion late, but about McCants and special teams, I have one question.
Does anyone remember Rod Gardner ever playing special teams?
I sure as hell don't. If not, why did Gardner get a free pass all last year to the starting squad while he had one good performance every 6 or 7 games, all while not playing a single time on special teams?
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I'm sure you're aware of this, Beems, but generally speaking, first-round picks don't play much on special teams (unless they're stellar kick returners)-- even less so when they become incumbent starters at a skill position like wide receiver, and particularly when they're a player the team has targeted as potential trade bait.
McCants sat on the bench primarily because he doesn't play special teams as well as any of the other players on the roster who
do play special teams-- it's not necessarily from a lack of trying. McCants was not a first-round pick, nor was he an incumbent starter. Combine that with the fact that he has a reputation for not practicing as well as the other players at his position (yes, Gardner is a much better practice player than McCants, from what I've seen), and you have your answer.
It looks like McCants may have the chance to prove himself this year, but he's going to have to make his presence known in training camp and the preseason games if he wants a shot at some playing time. He's got to shake this attitude that he only needs to show up on gameday. If he keeps thinking that way, he'll continue to show up on gameday wearing street clothes.