What's the Story With McCants?

[joecrisp]

Originally Posted by smootsmack

I don't if you can confirm this from this past summer Crisp but I know in past seasons Rod Gardner has been one of the best practice players on the entire team. He goes all out, first one to practice, last one to leave. Gibbs will start a guy like that any day. What do you think Crisp?

I kept an eye on him through the minicamps and training camp, and Gardner definitely approaches practice the way you would hope all professional players do. The guy shows a strong desire to improve, and I think it's unfortunate he hasn't had a stable system and quarterback situation to help cultivate that progression. I think the addition of Coles and Thrash, McCant's re-signing, and the anticipated emergence of Jacobs have all contributed to Gardner's improvement.

He still makes mental errors (illegal formation and illegal motion penalties come to mind), and has dropped a few passes this year, but he's showing more consistency as a playmaker, which is why he was drafted so high. He's responded really well to the work ethic of guys like Coles and Thrash, and it seems like he really tries to emulate their approach to the job.

Before the season, I didn't think Gardner would be around much longer, but the guy has to have impressed the heck out of the coaches with his maturity and professionalism-- not to mention the physical attributes he brings to the table. He could be one of the guys that Gibbs tabs as a "Redskins guy". I'd like to see him continue to develop into that kind of player. He's a good guy, he works hard, he's got talent; now he just has to apply those attributes week in and week out, and prove he's worth keeping around beyond this season.