Redskins’ Lloyd a player to watch this year

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, July 14, 2006  |  Comments( 7 )

Washington Redskins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
In his first three seasons as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd never had the opportunity to play on an elite offensive unit. This offseason, the Washington Redskins bailed Lloyd out of the Bay Area, acquiring him for a pair of draft choices.

Lloyd's potential is large, but it's never been properly fostered in the National Football League. Luckily for the 25-year-old, he could be on the verge of breaking out and becoming a special playmaker at the pro level.

This season, the 6-0, 192-pounder is expected to start opposite Pro Bowler Santana Moss in what will likely be a potent offense in D.C. The fact that Lloyd should be able to take some pressure off the smallish Moss isn't just important news for the former Miami Hurricane, but it's also key for the Redskins' quarterback, Mark Brunell.

In 2005, Brunell relied heavily on Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, perhaps too much. A lack of receiving threats came back to bite the veteran signalcaller in Washington's short playoff run last year, especially in their 20-10 defeat in the second round against the Seattle Seahawks.

Now that he has Lloyd and fellow March acquisition Antwaan Randle El, Brunell won't have any excuses for potential failure. Unfortunately for the remainder of the NFC East, failing has never been the 35-year-old passer's modus operandi. After being left for dead by most, the three-time Pro Bowler surprisingly tossed 23 touchdowns en route to a 10-6 year for the 'Skins in '05.

With a second legitimate starting-caliber wideout like Lloyd now in the fold, the Redskins' aerial attack has a chance to rise well above its 22nd ranking in yardage from last season.

Despite dealing with awful play from 49er quarterbacks the last two years, Lloyd has pulled in 91 receptions for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns. While those numbers may not seem impressive over Lloyd's 29-game span, keep in mind that the ball was being delivered to the ex-Illinois star from such QB castoffs as Tim Rattay, Ken Dorsey and Cody Pickett in 2004, and struggling rookie Alex Smith last year.

In 2006, nobody in Washington will be counting on Lloyd to become the second-coming of Art Monk; however, his numbers could resemble former Redskin hero Gary Clark's, who always hung around the 56-74-catch plateau during the team's glory years in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The "smurf" mentality in the Washington Redskins' receiving corps is back, and the organization's loyal fans couldn't be happier. Undoubtedly, a possible return to offensive greatness will start with Moss, Lloyd and Randle El for the 'Skins passing game, which will be expected to experience a renaissance under another key offseason pickup, offensive coordinator Al Saunders.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Want more on Brandon Lloyd? Come on back to Realfootball365.com for all your latest on him and the rest of his Washington Redskin teammates.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (7)

About Connor Byrne

Sorry, Connor Byrne's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report