The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Coles and Gardner are entrenched as the top two receivers

Darnerien McCants is a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins as well as something of an accomplished artist.

His work has been displayed in galleries in Northern Virginia.

Joe Gibbs is the Redskins'coach and fairly well accomplished in that job. While Gibbs appreciates players who do things well away from football, at the moment he is more concerned with what McCants can do on the field than what he can put on a canvas.

The 6-3, 214-pound McCants is dogged by the word "potential." He has the potential to be a consistent, big-play receiver. He has the ability to find the open spaces in a defense, especially in the end zone.


And, as he showed Saturday night in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, McCants has the ability to run past defensive backs who take his speed for granted.

McCants caught two passes, one went for a 61-yard touchdown, the other for a 17-yard gain.

"He's a big man with big hands, and if he gets to the right spot, he gets the ball," Gibbs said.

That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. McCants has had an uneven training camp so far, and Gibbs is no fan of uneven, inconsistent performances.

Last year and again this year, McCants arrived at training camp as the No. 3 receiver with the potential to move into the starting lineup. Few receivers on the roster have McCants' combination of size, agility and pass-catching ability.

But last preseason, he was sidelined most of the summer with a hamstring problem. This year, he has gotten off to a slow start in camp, dropping almost as many passes as he has caught.

The wide receiver jobs are highly competitive. Laveranues Coles is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Rod Gardner continues to hold the other starting job.

James Thrash was obtained in a trade with Philadelphia, where he was a starter for three seasons. He goes all-out on every play, whether in practice or a game. His willingness to do anything impresses Gibbs.

Taylor Jacobs, the Redskins' second-round draft choice in 2003, had a good spring and was having a solid training camp until he was slowed by a strained abdominal muscle. He's back in practice.

McCants, 24, needed the game he had against the Panthers, although he declined to admit that.

"I always play well in the preseason," he said, overlooking some of his practice performances.

McCants might be the type of player who shows up better in games than in practice. He caught just 27 passes last season but six were for touchdowns.

He appeared to take a step forward Saturday night.

"I wouldn't say it was a step forward, I would say I picked it up where I left off last year," McCants said. "If anything, I've gotten smarter. My physical abilities have always been there. I've just got to play football. The more I play, the smarter I get."

McCants would be smart to perform every day as he performed against Carolina.

AND FURTHERMORE: The Redskins signed offensive lineman Marcus Spriggs. Terms were not disclosed. Spriggs, a seven-year veteran, played last season with Green Bay. . . . Offensive lineman Brandon Winey was released. . . . Cornerback Walt Harris passed his physical, returning him to active status on the roster.

SkinsChic wrote:Who, Gardner ??? As I recall, he dropped quite a few when they counted last season. I do have to admit...he's gotten a little better so far this year. We'll see what the regular season brings....

hailskins666 wrote:all the guy does is catch TD's.

all the guy does is catch TD's.

SkinsChic wrote:No No No Chris....it's all good...we love Darnerien....!!!!!

REDEEMEDSKIN wrote: McCants always rises to the ocassion, and I wouldn't be surprised if he cracks the starting lineup this year.

All I can think about when I see him is "This is what Westbrook should have developed into". Go Darnerien!