Coles Big Toe...I'm worried

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Gmanc711

I'm in disagreement with you guys as well. Gardner has defintley not been that big of a disapointment, if you ask me. As the #1 reciver in 2002 he had over 70 catches, 1,000 yrds and 8 TD's. I dont really understand how that is a huge dissapointment. His rookie year he had 41 rec for 700 yrds and 4 TD's and then last season he had 60 rec for 600yrds and 5 TD's .... Now as a #1, you cant really ask for a whole lot more. Those numbers dont make him one of the dominating people in the league, but they are still solid numbers.

I have to agree with Gmanc711 on that point. Gardner is not an dominating receiver, but he's not exactly what I'd call a "huge disappointment" either. He's solid and capable, with his fair share of flaws as well. His first season was memorable more for his drops than anything else. But in '02, with no continuity at the quarterback position, he still put up good numbers. With the addition of Coles last year, it shouldn't be a surprise that his numbers would fall slightly -- not to mention overall deficiencies in offensive production due mainly to poor coaching, playcalling, and miserable offensive line protection.

That said, losing Coles to injury or having him at less than 100% will no doubt have an adverse affect the offense this year. We need him at tip-top shape. Depending on Gardner, McCants, Thrash and Jacobs may suffice against certain teams, but in the real battles with quality defensive opponents, the Redskins will be at a clear disadvantage without him. Hopefully in those situations, a hefty dose of Clinton Portis will help secure the win.

Let's just hope for a completely healthy Laveranues Coles all season long.

[Hogskin]

OK guys, you are right, I went a bit far in my assessment as a "miserable failure" - but just the same he was NOT a good #1. Don't forget how bad our offense was that year. You can blame a lot of things, but one major one HAS to be that defenses were all getting away with single coverage on all of our receivers. Gardner's numbers did not tell the whole story. He can not carry a passing game. Coles can. In fact, don't expect Gardner to carry the #2 job throughout the season. If he does not lose it in training camp, I expect him to lose the job by week 4. #2 and #3 receivers will not include Gardner. Reasons for this assessment?

- Gardner STILL drops too many passes and runs too many bad pass routes
- Gibbs will not tolerate that
- Gibbs has been heaping praise on Jacobs and McCants - nothing for Gardner. With Gibbs, that is a real indication of things to come, not just lip service. Keep listening to him to get a glimpse of future plans.

[SmootSmack]

Hogskin, even with Thrash as the #1 receiver the Eagles still managed to do fairly well for themselves getting to the championship game. Granted a better receiving game would probably have gotten them in the Super Bowl but what I wouldn't give to at least the Skins make the conference championship game after so many years...

But anyway, I'm looking at my post again and thinking maybe I was a bit unclear on what I meant. I like Gardner and I'm really rooting for him but I'm not making any claims on Gardner, McCants or Jacobs taking Coles' spot as the top receiver on the team. I was just trying to say that the depth isn't so bad.

Sure the team could have problems if Coles goes down, but so could the Eagles if Owens aggravates his shoulder injury from last year or the Giants if Toomer aggravates his thigh injury.