Training Camp Preview: Wide Receiver

[Spence]

With a young and inexperienced quarterback and two terrific running backs, the Redskins will emphasize the running game in 2007. Joe Gibbs will tell Al Saunders to run the ball as often as possible, something Saunders proved he likes to do in Kansas City. However, opposing defenses will counter with plenty of 8-man fronts, a look the Redskins will face almost constantly, whenever it isn’t an obvious passing situation. Unless Washington’s wideouts can get downfield and make plays, decent defenses will bottle up that two-headed rushing attack with sheer numbers and the Redskins will be looking at another long season of frustration and a post-season of watching other teams play.
Read it all! (http://www.hailredskins.com/?p=36)

[redskin_rich]

Good read!

I voted Lloyd and Randle-El. I hope I'm wrong and Lloyd firmly establishes himself as the starter opposite of Santana but for now, I'm hedging that he starts out there but doesn't finish the season as a starter. Like last year...

[dj_stouty]

ARE and Moss are unbelievable when they get the ball in the open field. I think it is more important to have these sure-handed speedsters available to a young Qb than it would be to have a highlight reel guy who rarely makes the crucial, yet easy catches.

ARE and Moss will be huge problems for defenses. At any given time, either one could sprint down the field for a bomb, take a reverse for 20 yards, or cut on a dime to make an easy first down. The more guys like this on the field, the better, IMO.

ARE ended the season as the starter, and I hope he remains the starter when the season begins.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

ARE.

Please, Santana, don't get hurt this year...please.

[esmith1790]

ARE and Moss are unbelievable when they get the ball in the open field. I think it is more important to have these sure-handed speedsters available to a young Qb than it would be to have a highlight reel guy who rarely makes the crucial, yet easy catches.

ARE and Moss will be huge problems for defenses. At any given time, either one could sprint down the field for a bomb, take a reverse for 20 yards, or cut on a dime to make an easy first down. The more guys like this on the field, the better, IMO.

ARE ended the season as the starter, and I hope he remains the starter when the season begins.


I think some how the facts are mis-quoted. Or you were refering to another player.

"Expecting Randle-El to run past many cornerbacks with his average speed or run through them with his slight frame is asking too much. If the Redskins go with only two starting wideouts, it is likely the coaches are hoping Randle-El is coming off the bench as the most expensive reserve wideout in the NFL."

[redskin_rich]

I think some how the facts are mis-quoted. Or you were refering to another player.

"Expecting Randle-El to run past many cornerbacks with his average speed or run through them with his slight frame is asking too much. If the Redskins go with only two starting wideouts, it is likely the coaches are hoping Randle-El is coming off the bench as the most expensive reserve wideout in the NFL."
ARE has average speed for a WR, in the high 4.4 - low 4.5 range but he has above average quickness. Basically he has a lot of burst in a small area but he is no sprinter.

[dj_stouty]

I think some how the facts are mis-quoted. Or you were refering to another player.

"Expecting Randle-El to run past many cornerbacks with his average speed or run through them with his slight frame is asking too much. If the Redskins go with only two starting wideouts, it is likely the coaches are hoping Randle-El is coming off the bench as the most expensive reserve wideout in the NFL."

Eh. It's my opinion that Randle El is very quick. I'm sure you have seen him on punt returns, screens and reverses. The guy is quick and elusive. Ok, he may not be a deep threat on every pass pattern, but if he goes that way, a defender will have to pursue. I watched him catch the deep ball before and I'm sure I'll watch him catch them in the future. My point is that with quick, versatile receivers in Moss and ARE, you will give defenses fits. It will be hard to read them...and when you do, it will probably be too late.

[Spence]

I think some how the facts are mis-quoted. Or you were refering to another player.

"Expecting Randle-El to run past many cornerbacks with his average speed or run through them with his slight frame is asking too much. If the Redskins go with only two starting wideouts, it is likely the coaches are hoping Randle-El is coming off the bench as the most expensive reserve wideout in the NFL."Randle-El doesn't have great straight-line speed, but he's incredibly quick. A receiver who is neither big nor super-fast must be very quick [like Gary Clark, for example] and that describes Randle-El. He can stop, start again, and change direction as quickly as any wideout in the NFL. When he gets behind cornerbacks it is because of his quickness [that is, he fakes them out of their cleats], not his running speed.

I think that's what DJ Stouty was referring to.

[esmith1790]

Randle-El doesn't have great straight-line speed, but he's incredibly quick. A receiver who is neither big nor super-fast must be very quick [like Gary Clark, for example] and that describes Randle-El. He can stop, start again, and change direction as quickly as any wideout in the NFL. When he gets behind cornerbacks it is because of his quickness [that is, he fakes them out of their cleats], not his running speed.

I think that's what DJ Stouty was referring to.

Yes i agree and have seen ARE be super quick and cut and move on a dime, but i was just asking for clarification from what the article said to DJ stating that being a speedster sprinting down the field for a bomb. I didnt know he was refering to ARE.

[CNYSkinFan]

I think Lloyd will start and stay starting because I dont think we got much choice. Either Lloyd or Arch were going to go this off season, not both. Lloyd gets one more chance to prove he can be a good route runner and decent possession receiver or he is gone next year.

[VegasSkinsFan]

I chose Lloyd andbelieve he will have a very good year. Last year early on, i am pretty sure I saw him open on a number of occasions but Brunell didnt get him the ball. Now that we have a qb who can deliver the ball and he has 3 receivers with speed/quickness it should give teams matchup problems. If a team can cover those 3 ( which might take 5/6 guys ) JC will still have Cooley and Betts/Portis as options. Our offense should be ok. Hope that is glass-wearing enough. Go Skins !!!

[Dolla Bill]

I voted for Lloyd and ARE. To be honest I think we are going to see a lot of 3 WR sets just like last year. I think its a little of a mistake, because we started to roll last year in 2 WR sets in regards to the running game.

[dj_stouty]

Wow...lots of early confidence in Brandon Lloyd.

I'll tell you what...if Brandon manages to catch 70 passes this year, I'll change my screen name to NumbNuts for a month.

[BurgundyNGold]

Brandon Lloyd. But he will neither deserve nor justify the decision.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I think/hope Lloyd gets his head screwed on straight. ARE is one of the most dangerous guys in the slot in the league. That is the best way to maximize him.

[Spence]

I'll tell you what...if Brandon manages to catch 70 passes this year, I'll change my screen name to NumbNuts for a month.Post of the Month. Easily.

[redskin_rich]

Wow...lots of early confidence in Brandon Lloyd.

I'll tell you what...if Brandon manages to catch 70 passes this year, I'll change my screen name to NumbNuts for a month.

Gooo Brandon! I'm going to have to do a countdown in my sig now, lol.

[BurgundyNGold]

Post of the Month. Easily.
Post of the year if it actually comes to pass, lol.

[redskin_rich]

Seriously, I think a much more realistic expectation, for whoever starts opposite of Santana, is around 50 receptions. Moss and Cooley are the only ones that may approach 70, unless we totally abandon the running game and switch to a run-n-shoot offense.

[esmith1790]

I think/hope Lloyd gets his head screwed on straight. ARE is one of the most dangerous guys in the slot in the league. That is the best way to maximize him.


yea Lloyd could cause 2 issues, 1 himself and then 2 if ARE has to start he is take out of the slot position and reduces the trick plays as a an all-around H-back/slot guy.

[VegasSkinsFan]

i agree but also think some of his issues were that he was open and not being thrown to...might have psyched him the wrong way. As a professional he should not be like that and believe he deserves both a 2nd chance but with a short leash. ARE in the slot is perfect and with JC there should be no reason that Moss/Lloyd cant stretch the field giving the other players room underneath. Go Skins !!!

[dj_stouty]

Seriously, I think a much more realistic expectation, for whoever starts opposite of Santana, is around 50 receptions. Moss and Cooley are the only ones that may approach 70, unless we totally abandon the running game and switch to a run-n-shoot offense.

Yeah...70 catches is probably a safe bet....but if you've heard Brandon talk about himself the past year or so, you would think he would be a lock for 90 every year.

Cooley had over 70 catches in '05 as the 2nd receiving option in that offense. I guess we will have to wait and see if Brandon can get anywhere near that total.

I still think he won't hit 45 or 50, because ARE will be the true starter at WR2.

[Biggie]

I'm putting Lloyd down for 46 catches this year.

Sounds low?

Well, that's twice as many as he had last year, so I'd take it.

[esmith1790]

I'm putting Lloyd down for 46 catches this year.

Sounds low?

Well, that's twice as many as he had last year, so I'd take it.

not even 3 a game. will get you to the bench you would think.

[Meatsnack]

not even 3 a game. will get you to the bench you would think.

If there is someone to replace you, maybe...

I posted in a another thread recently that we are a threatening WR away from being a scary offense. Our o-line is good to great when healthy and is set for another 2-3 seasons. Put a big, quality guy like a Mushin Muhammad (in his prime) or Anquan Boldin opposite Moss on the field with CP/Betts, Cooley and El from the slot? Not forgetting my man Mike Sellers dropping the hammer and catching TDs. Especially now that we have a QB who doesn't feel like the screen is his lucky play? Defenses would need to buckle their chin straps.

I am really hoping Lloyd shows me something or we can find a guy in FA or the draft to fill that #1A/#2 role in 2008.

[Spence]

Yeah...70 catches is probably a safe bet....but if you've heard Brandon talk about himself the past year or so, you would think he would be a lock for 90 every year.Remind you of anyone?

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2002/06/11/westbrook_zoom.jpg

[Death_Venom]

Personally I think Lloyd will turn around this season. Besides I prefer ARE to remain the slot guy-which he seems to excel at..........I honestly think much hinges on Lloyds ability to make plays.

[MikeBass]

Eh. It's my opinion that Randle El is very quick. I'm sure you have seen him on punt returns, screens and reverses. The guy is quick and elusive. Ok, he may not be a deep threat on every pass pattern, but if he goes that way, a defender will have to pursue. I watched him catch the deep ball before and I'm sure I'll watch him catch them in the future. My point is that with quick, versatile receivers in Moss and ARE, you will give defenses fits. It will be hard to read them...and when you do, it will probably be too late.

I think that you are absolutely correct. ARE is not gong to win any NFL's fastest man contests but he has very good game speed and can get behind DB's and by opposing special team players.

I think that the answer to the poll should be ARE and Lloyd even though Lloyd will probably be listed on the depth chart as the starter. Gibbs usually tries to strike quickly and then control the rest of the game with his runners so both ARE and Lloyd will probably start most games.

[firehawk157]

Whatever the answer is, I think we'll know it by day 3 or 4 in camp. Lloyd is a talented receiver and can produce, and has. If he's got his head on start like he's supposed to have, I think he can take the job and have a good year. If he's back to the same old BL tricks, he'll get supplanted.

[HanburgerBum]

I voted Lloyd, but I was holding my nose when I voted. As someone else posted, the Skins have very little choice given the amount of cap room the team has invested in him and the fact that no one on the roster appears capable of replacing him as the starter.

Starting ARE as the WR opposite Lloyd is not particularly appetizing since ARE is best suited to play the slot (where his quickness serves him well). And, ARE didn't have many catches as a wideout in 2007 either.

[RedSkinBrit]

I think B.Lloyd and ARE will share the duties but i reckon ARE will have the better stats and improve as the season goes on.

[NCskinsfanatic]

I think , rather I hope, that Brandon Lloyd has "gotten it" this offseason. Atleast he better have, he's has been quite, low key, not mouthing off about anything like he did in SF so that much is good. He has all the tools, he just has to focus, he has to want it, he's showed flashes but was really only one of many problems with our O last season. IMO if the O improves it will be like Jansen said because they are learning bitts and pieces now, not the whole offense. hopefully Campbell and Lloyd will have better chemistry this season through increased reps.

[native skin]

Remind you of anyone?

http://bengals.enquirer.com/2002/06/11/westbrook_zoom.jpg

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[redskin_rich]

I don't see much in common between Westbrook and Lloyd, other than both being headcases but that is nothing new among WR's. Westbrook performed on the field but couldn't stay healthy. Lloyd hasn't been plagued by the injury bug, as far as I know. A more apt comparison to Lloyd might be Albert Connell, who was blessed with talent but could be taken out of a game mentally, just like Lloyd. Both have had meltdowns on the sideline and basically took their own selves out of the game.

On another note, Gary Clark was known to be selfish, drop easy balls and have meltdowns during games. But he was also a big play man who had courage to spare.

I don't know where Lloyd fits in this comparison of past Redskins WR's just yet but I hope it is more along the lines of a Gary Clark and not a Rod Gardner. I'll tell you this, if it is more the latter, this will be Lloyd's last year in the burgundy and gold.

[Death_Venom]

I don't know where Lloyd fits in this comparison of past Redskins WR's just yet but I hope it is more along the lines of a Gary Clark and not a Rod Gardner. I'll tell you this, if it is more the latter, this will be Lloyd's last year in the burgundy and gold.

My sentiments exactly, lets hope the Ghost Of Rod has left the building permanently............

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Voted for Lloyd, I have a feeling that he'll get the job done. I hope...

[dj_stouty]

I don't know where Lloyd fits in this comparison of past Redskins WR's just yet but I hope it is more along the lines of a Gary Clark and not a Rod Gardner. I'll tell you this, if it is more the latter, this will be Lloyd's last year in the burgundy and gold.

Rod Gardner is a perfect example. They even wore the same number. Both make highlight reel catches...both drop the easy ball placed into their hands.

The only real difference between the two is 2 inches in height and about 19lbs in weight. (and the difference in hair styles)

Speaking of Mr. Gardner, I'm happy to report that he has a total of 15 catches for 168 yards and 1 TD in the past two seasons after leaving the Redskins.

[LATrueRedskin]

Wow...lots of early confidence in Brandon Lloyd.

I'll tell you what...if Brandon manages to catch 70 passes this year, I'll change my screen name to NumbNuts for a month.

This one's in the memory banks, but I think you'll be safe. :)

I did vote Brandon Lloyd, partly because it's just a guess, and partly because I think he's embarassed about his production last year. I know, if it were me, I'd be embarassed and do anything I can to correct myself. Lloyd seems to have put on some muscle mass during the offseason, so that's a start. I think after a year in the system and a stern talking-to from Coach Gibbs will really help him out. At least I'm praying to God it will.

[James F. Quinn]

I voted Lloyd, but I was holding my nose when I voted. As someone else posted, the Skins have very little choice given the amount of cap room the team has invested in him and the fact that no one on the roster appears capable of replacing him as the starter.

Starting ARE as the WR opposite Lloyd is not particularly appetizing since ARE is best suited to play the slot (where his quickness serves him well). And, ARE didn't have many catches as a wideout in 2007 either.

I don't see that. If he's dysfunctional, they may have to keep him on the team for a year, but they don't have to start him. They can put out ARE, or Thrash, or Espy, or whoever they think will be the best shot at doing the job.

By now they have seen Lloyd in minicamps, Jason has worked with him for that TV show, and there might have been some OTA time, too. I would think right now that Gibbs & Co. have a very good idea of whether BL is ready to play up to his potential.

He's still a secret to us, but not to them.

[smoak]

Wow...lots of early confidence in Brandon Lloyd.

I'll tell you what...if Brandon manages to catch 70 passes this year, I'll change my screen name to NumbNuts for a month.

As much as I have no faith in Lloyd, I really hope we get to call you "NumbNuts for a month".

I voted Lloyd who IMO is one of our biggest mistakes in years.

[smoak]

Seriously, I think a much more realistic expectation, for whoever starts opposite of Santana, is around 50 receptions. Moss and Cooley are the only ones that may approach 70, unless we totally abandon the running game and switch to a run-n-shoot offense.


Or unless we are down 30 points at the half in every game. :D

[Skins7ny]

I wanted to vote, but I couldn't pull the trigger for any of them. I guess I will vote for Randle-El by default, because I cannot assume Lloyd has matured and will take the starting job away from him after he behaved and played so badly last year. Lloyd has to prove it.

The saving grace is that Al Saunders never had any good WRs in Kansas City (except arguably Eddie Kennison) and his offenses still racked up huge yardage. I think if Santana Moss stays healthy, we will be OK, but right now there is a huge hole where our #2 receiver should be. I hope Lloyd has matured, because he can be that guy if he dedicates himself to his craft and to his teammates.

It is sad to think that we spent so much money on our receiving corps, and yet it appears to be so weak. I think ARE was under-utilized last year, but even when he started in Pittsburgh, he was never more than a 40-catch guy. Unless Lloyd steps up, I have a feeling we will probably be spending our 1st- or 2nd-round pick next year on a wideout.

[Battle Cat]

I voted Lloyd. I think he was a head case and selfish last year but I think Brunell played a part not all but a part in the WR problem last year. I know he had more of a feel for Moss but at times it seemed that he looked at Moss first second and third. The fact that we could stretch the field and therefore had to work underneath with very small guys that are best at running deep routes played a part as well. The fact that teams will have to defend the whole field instead of a 15 yard portion will maek a big difference you will see more guys running free by far than last year. The problem last year was by the time Campbell got in and got a hold of the offense Lloyd had taken himself out of the season mentally and like they should have the coaches took him out physically.

[Keino]

ARE has average speed for a WR, in the high 4.4 - low 4.5 range but he has above average quickness. Basically he has a lot of burst in a small area but he is no sprinter.


Yep. Quickness and speed are 2 very different things. ARE has AMAZING quickness, with average speed (for a WR). If I, when I was coming up had speed to match my quickness, I may have been something special..........or not.

[colkurtz]

This is Lloyd's make or break season. He won't be able to hide behind the fact that Brunnell wouldn't/couldn't pass to him. Campbell will be heaving the rock downfield a lot this season and Lloyd is either going to be there and open or he'll be sitting on the bench while Espy or Thrash are out there. At least those two are consistent and give it their all.

BL does remind me of Rod Gardner. I hope he can mature and works hard this season because he's way too expensive to keep unless he is a BIG asset to this team.

[whitskins]

Right now I'd take two Rod Gardner's over Brandon Lloyd. At least Gardner had the occasional big game and caught half a dozen TDs a year for us. He also wasn't the abrasive jerk that Lloyd is, he was just a lazy bum.

I was happy to get rid of him, but he's still the closest thing to a real #2 WR we've had since he left. I'm not saying bring him back, but if Lloyd mirrored Gardner in every way this season it would be a remarkable improvement over last year.

[BurgundyNGold]

Right now I'd take two Rod Gardner's over Brandon Lloyd. At least Gardner had the occasional big game and caught half a dozen TDs a year for us. He also wasn't the abrasive jerk that Lloyd is, he was just a lazy bum.

I was happy to get rid of him, but he's still the closest thing to a real #2 WR we've had since he left. I'm not saying bring him back, but if Lloyd mirrored Gardner in every way this season it would be a remarkable improvement over last year.
Interesting take. A lot of folks see Lloyd as just another Gardner but, as you point out, Lloyd should aspire to be another Gardner, lol.

[esmith1790]

Wasnt Lloyd the #1 WR in San Fran, when they were really bad and SF got the # 1 overall pick to get Alex Smith. For a team to be so bad, they had to behind in almost all the games, so it was a pass happy comeback attempt in everygame. He still wasnt averaging many catches then and now he comes to a run first team and is the 3rd option behind Moss and Cooley. I not sure how well it plays with his mental aspect.

[skinfanjon]

Wasnt Lloyd the #1 WR in San Fran, when they were really bad and SF got the # 1 overall pick to get Alex Smith. For a team to be so bad, they had to behind in almost all the games, so it was a pass happy comeback attempt in everygame. He still wasnt averaging many catches then and now he comes to a run first team and is the 3rd option behind Moss and Cooley. I not sure how well it plays with his mental aspect.

I'm not sure about his mentality in general, the guy seems like a total fruit loop so far.

I voted for both ARE and Lloyd, I think we will employ a lot of different looks that will utilize them in different ways. To nail either of them down as a starter in the true sense of the word is pointless IMO, niether seem to have all the requisite skills for such a thing. But, if they used properly and work together, I think they can give us what we need from the #2 WR. As long as Moss doesn't get hurt for any length of time- if that happens, God help us.

[Skins7ny]

Wasnt Lloyd the #1 WR in San Fran, when they were really bad and SF got the # 1 overall pick to get Alex Smith. For a team to be so bad, they had to behind in almost all the games, so it was a pass happy comeback attempt in everygame. He still wasnt averaging many catches then and now he comes to a run first team and is the 3rd option behind Moss and Cooley. I not sure how well it plays with his mental aspect.

That's an excellent point. I hadn't thought of that. Yes, he had decent stats in SF the year before we traded for him, but his team was playing from behind in virtually every game, defenses were probably in prevent, which allowed Lloyd to pad his stats. Even with that, his stats still weren't that impressive.

[esmith1790]

That's an excellent point. I hadn't thought of that. Yes, he had decent stats in SF the year before we traded for him, but his team was playing from behind in virtually every game, defenses were probably in prevent, which allowed Lloyd to pad his stats. Even with that, his stats still weren't that impressive.


it is kinda like basketball. Someone has to score the points, no matter how bad a team sucks.

[jtovb2005]

not even 3 a game. will get you to the bench you would think.

Posts by these guys is ok I guess but any signiture with Cowgirl moving pictures should be banned IMO.

[jtovb2005]

Hopefully ARE is utilized much more this year. He is too explosive to not try to get the ball in his hands. If Moss has a typical year, ARE gets involved and Lloyd has a somewhat decent year we should be fine. I can’t believe Lloyd will perform at the level he did last year. Think it was the system last year or Lloyd? Same question for ARE I guess?

[Malta]

I agree with you that Lloyd will have a better year this year, however, I am not convinced that he will have a great year. I think he has nowhere to go but up at this point or he is done. A 50 catch season could be consider a good season for him.

[jtovb2005]

I agree with you that Lloyd will have a better year this year, however, I am not convinced that he will have a great year. I think he has nowhere to go but up at this point or he is done. A 50 catch season could be consider a good season for him.

At this point and probably for the rest of the time he is here, we paid too much for him but he still has the chance to contribute in a meaningful way.

[skinfanjon]

Posts by these guys is ok I guess but any signiture with Cowgirl moving pictures should be banned IMO.

Yes, definately. Can somebody please turn that freaking thing off? MODS??

[X-Factor13]

ARE and Moss are unbelievable when they get the ball in the open field. I think it is more important to have these sure-handed speedsters available to a young Qb than it would be to have a highlight reel guy who rarely makes the crucial, yet easy catches.

ARE and Moss will be huge problems for defenses. At any given time, either one could sprint down the field for a bomb, take a reverse for 20 yards, or cut on a dime to make an easy first down. The more guys like this on the field, the better, IMO.

ARE ended the season as the starter, and I hope he remains the starter when the season begins.



EXACTLY my thoughts, lloyd will have time for crying on the sidelines while the real wideouts play ball

[chas3]

things will be better this year without a doubt. jc will finally get a chance to develop a rapport with the existing wr's. jc can throw the deep ball which while really highlight the speedier wr's on the team. will this help lloyd? i dont know. i do like to see are in the mix, since he is always a threat for a trick play. if lloyd has a great year, i would like to see more of are returning punts and kicks.

[BostonSkins]

ARE should start all games where the lights won't be turned on because Brandon Lloyd will have no excuses then.

In all games where the lights are on Brandon can sit next to Carlos Rogers and talk about their pro-bowl potential.

[Skins7ny]

ARE should start all games where the lights won't be turned on because Brandon Lloyd will have no excuses then.

In all games where the lights are on Brandon can sit next to Carlos Rogers and talk about their pro-bowl potential.

I wouldn't lump Rogers in with Lloyd. I haven't seen or heard anything about Rogers being a prima donna, head case or locker room problem.

[BostonSkins]

I wouldn't lump Rogers in with Lloyd. I haven't seen or heard anything about Rogers being a prima donna, head case or locker room problem.

This was purely in reference to Rogers being quoted as saying he would have been in the pro-bowl if he had held on to a few of those
interceptions he dropped. Which, one could argue, would make him a head case.

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Brandon Lloyd will start. Randle El is too important as a slot receiver and punt returner. Plus I think Lloyd has some fire going into this year.

[LuvSkins17]

I had to go with Lloyd. I just felt like Brunell didn't get the ball to him often enough. By the time Campbell came along we were focused more on the run game. I hope he will do fine.

That would be great for the team.... Not so great for NUMBNUTTS.....lol:drunker:

[HanburgerBum]

I don't see that. If he's dysfunctional, they may have to keep him on the team for a year, but they don't have to start him. They can put out ARE, or Thrash, or Espy, or whoever they think will be the best shot at doing the job.

By now they have seen Lloyd in minicamps, Jason has worked with him for that TV show, and there might have been some OTA time, too. I would think right now that Gibbs & Co. have a very good idea of whether BL is ready to play up to his potential.

He's still a secret to us, but not to them.


We both agree that Lloyd will be on the team this season because it would cost too much cap space to unload him now. With the present roster, I am having difficulty visualizing any wideout supplanting Lloyd as No. 2 in terms of talent. As I said, I think ARE is better suited for the slot.

If it turns out that BL is dysfunctional and disruptive, then the coaches would have no choice but to bench him. My guess is that he will improve on his 2006 performance because Campbell, unlike Brunell, can get the ball downfield. Lloyd will do just enough to stay in the lineup.