Redskins’ Lloyd hopes to change his tune

By Joe Versage | Sunday, August 12, 2007 | ( 7 )

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The numbers from 2006 don't lie. Fifteen games, 23 receptions for 365 yards and zero touchdowns. Those are obviously paltry statistics for a starting wide receiver in the National Football League.

So how does Brandon Lloyd justify the lucrative contract he signed a year ago with the Washington Redskins? The answer is not in the past, but it may be in his future. At the team's training camp in Ashburn, Va., the 26-year-old Lloyd is doing all he can to silence his critics. In fact, his father always told him that "when you step on a football field, you should be a better player than you were the last time."

Fortunately for Lloyd, he can't get much worse.

According to NFL.com, Lloyd suffered through the most dismal season for a starting receiver in the Super Bowl era. Last year, Lloyd was targeted 57 times by Washington quarterbacks. With just 23 receptions, his success rate was a mere 40 percent. By contrast, Antwaan Randle El caught half of the passes tossed his way, while top receiver Santana Moss snagged 54 percent.

Historically, Washington fans are known for their impatience, and they have every reason to be skeptical of Lloyd. Prior to last year's underachieving numbers, he averaged just 35 catches during a three-year stint in San Francisco, with a high of 48 in 2005.

To make matters worse, Lloyd was recently shown up by a former teammate. In 2005, Cedric Wilson left San Francisco for greener pastures in Pittsburgh. Since that time, he has shown a marked improvement and is fast becoming an integral part of the Steelers' offense. In this year's Hall of Fame Game, Wilson put together his own highlight show in a 20-7 win over New Orleans. In front of a national television audience, he hauled in four catches for 99 yards in the first quarter, including a 55-yard bomb from starting QB Ben Roethlisberger.

While Lloyd should be thankful for a second chance in the nation's capital, he may have been lucky with his first one. In the spring of 2006, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder was looking to make his yearly splash at the start of free agency. In addition to luring Randle El away from the Super Bowl champion Steelers, he jumped at the potential of Lloyd and opened up his limitless pocketbook. When all was said and done, both Randle El and Lloyd were signed to six-year contracts worth a combined $57 million.

The question is: Were does Lloyd go from here? With 2006 behind him, he seems to be putting up an honest effort. In February, he ramped up his strength and conditioning routine at a training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. In 2006, Lloyd was shocked by the stifling heat and humidity at Washington's training camp. Now, he is better equipped to deal with it at Redskins Park.

Lloyd also added considerable bulk to his frame. In Arizona, he began working out twice a day, six times a week. He also combined his training with a strict regimen of six meals per day. From the time he rose to the time he went to bed, Lloyd ate large portions of broccoli, lamb, fish, chicken and baked potatoes. He also inhaled a 16-ounce T-bone steak each day and 18 to 20 egg whites. It's a wonder he didn't gain more than he has. At the start of training camp, Lloyd checked in at 200 pounds, 10 heavier than last year and a full 15 pounds more than he weighed in San Francisco.

Some fear that a newly sculpted Lloyd will fare worse than last year's model, but he disagrees. Despite the gain in weight and muscle mass, Lloyd believes he has retained his speed and flexibility. To prove it at camp, he has put extra time into footwork drills, plus his release off the ball.

There are much more pressing matters, though, that have nothing to do with speed or agility. Instead, they have pertain to catching the ball. After performing poorly in a home loss to Atlanta in early December, Lloyd lost his composure and tossed his helmet to the ground. That led to two meetings with head coach Joe Gibbs and a demotion from the No. 2 receiver spot. Apparently, that demotion has not changed. In a recent press conference, offensive coordinator Al Saunders referred to Moss and Randle El as starters.

"Antwaan is the starter and Brandon is the backup because that's the way we ended it last year," Saunders said.

Nevertheless, Lloyd has stopped pouting and appears committed to adjusting his attitude. For a second straight year, he agreed to write a training camp journal for the Redskins' Web site. In it, he says that he "will do whatever is necessary to help the team win," even if he has to settle into the third receiver role.

Meanwhile, Randle El apologized for the way the receivers acted a year ago. In an interview with Comcast SportsNet, he said that the unit was overconfident and learned a valuable lesson from the experience. Reportedly, the group plans to rededicate itself to hard work, instead of relying on natural ability.

Randle El also defended Lloyd's work ethic. During camp, the two have worked together to develop a rapport with second-year quarterback Jason Campbell. Lloyd also has sought the advice of 11th-year defensive back Shawn Springs, who trained alongside him in the offseason.

While football is a priority for Lloyd, another passion of his has been called into question. As an aspiring rap artist, Lloyd spends a considerable amount of time in the studio. This past offseason alone, he recorded 14 tracks, belting out lyrics to songs that he created.

Despite that, Lloyd shrugs off the perception that he is spending more time on music than football. In his blog, he writes: "I do focus on football. I spend hours upon hours every single day focusing on football. I think that is evidenced by how much training I did in the off-season and the shape I'm in, coming into this season."
Lloyd also claims that he performs his music in his free time. "Just like all the players, I do get free time," said Lloyd. "Some guys choose to play video games for hours on end, some watch movies and some play golf. I just make music."

But Lloyd is not like most of the guys he refers to. First of all, he isn't single; secondly, he's the father of a 14-month-old toddler and a nine-week-old infant. So much for free time, eh?

In the end, it all comes down to how Lloyd performs for the Redskins. If he sings and dances in the end zone, a chorus of cheers will follow. But if he fails to produce to the tune of a few scores, Lloyd could have more time on his hands in the studio.

Indeed, this is a crucial season for Brandon Lloyd.

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	About Joe Versage As a native of upstate New York and a life-long fan of the Buffalo Bills, I have witnessed some of the greatest highs and greatest lows an NFL team can endure. But despite a gut-wrenching 4 consecutive Super Bowl defeats, I never lost faith in the Bills and was fortunate to cover them for 3 years ...
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Comments: 7 | Sign Up View all comments


	No.1 Andy	08:27 AM 08/13/2007

	Ah yes, Brandon Lloyd. Another genius personnel move by the Skins brain trust. When you couple him with the stellar production ...


	No.2 Cory	10:28 AM 08/13/2007

	As a life long Skins' fan I often wonder how many times Jack Kent Cooke has rolled over in his grave...perhaps everytime Daniel ...


	No.3 pat	01:19 PM 08/14/2007

	What drives me crazy about this guy is that he leaves his feet when he doesn't have to. Consequently, he almost never gets any ...