Randle El takes a back seat

[I-Want-Troy's-Hair]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...lly-promotion/

Malcolm Kelly was humble Thursday and rivals Antwaan Randle El and Devin Thomas were at peace a day after Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn's announcement that Kelly will open the season as the No. 2 receiver alongside veteran Santana Moss.

"It means a lot after missing [virtually] the whole year last year... going through that [knee] injury," said Kelly, who caught just three passes in five games as a rookie in 2008. "I always said that once I get healthy, I know I can play football. But I still got a lot to prove."

So does Thomas, who played in every game last season but produced just 15 catches, 120 yards and no touchdowns. He didn't help his cause by missing a week of camp this summer with a tender hamstring.

"It's not a surprise," Thomas said. "Malcolm's a hard worker, and he's making plays. It's good for him to be fully healthy and ready to go. I know we're all going to get a lot of playing time and be ready to make plays."

That didn't happen often in the preseason. The second-round picks from the 2008 draft had virtually identical statistics - each has seven catches, with Kelly gaining 69 yards and Thomas 67. Neither scored.

But the 6-foot-4 Kelly has two inches on Thomas - and half a foot on the 5-10 Randle El - and displayed better hands day after day in practice. Kelly said he was motivated by coming to camp behind Thomas on the depth chart.

"I knew I was behind because I missed a whole lot more practices than he did," said Kelly, who was held out of minicamp and organized team activities in May as he recovered from a third knee surgery. "I told myself that behind or ahead I was going to stay after practice every day, catch balls from Jason [Campbell], catch balls from the Jugs machine, and it's paying off."

Kelly believes he transferred that consistency to practices and the preseason.

"I think they believe that they can trust me to be in the right spot and make plays," Kelly said. "I try to make sure that my hands are dependable. That's one of my best attributes. I feel like I had a pretty good training camp and then not to drop a ball the whole preseason and to make plays... when they needed [them] showed them what they needed to see."

Randle El, who had three catches for 32 yards and no touchdowns in the preseason, handled his demotion with typical class.

"I congratulated Malcolm because that's a big feat," said Randle El, who held the job the previous three seasons. "Of course, there are mixed feelings. I know I did everything I could in camp [to keep the job]. But I'm for the team. Wherever [Zorn] wants me to play, I will. I know I did everything I could in camp."

[sharkweek]

Randle El was great for his abilities in the gadget play and kick returns, but he was never anything super impressive as WR, can't say I'm too surprised here.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by sharkweek

Randle El was great for his abilities in the gadget play and kick returns, but he was never anything super impressive as WR, can't say I'm too surprised here.

You're spot on - El was really never anything to write home about as far as a wideout, but if there was room for him on the roster, I sure wouldn't mind having him back for those gadget plays he was so damned good at.

[AllD]

He left for the $. He also took a pay cut last season to make the Skins' roster. Would have, should have, could have, what if. We could have used him last year. But we won the SB anyway.

We might have have been able to adjust the OL if we still had him instead of drafting WRs. But we have the best receiving unit in the NFL- *FACT*. History may show that this set of receivers is the best in Steeler history. (2 SB MVPs + Miller + quality backups that would be #2s everywhere else). Now let's get that passing game going.

[SteelersMongol]

I C. Does anybody know what's his stats R like since he joined the Redskins? I'm talking about decline or rise, or just about the same stats.

[Edman]

Randle El is pretty much what Kordell Stewart should've been. A QB/WR Gadget player. Not exceptional in anything, but useful at many things.

[Psyychoward86]

Originally Posted by SteelersMongol

I C. Does anybody know what's his stats R like since he joined the Redskins? I'm talking about decline or rise, or just about the same stats.

http://www.nfl.com/players/antwaanra...e?id=RAN399604

about the same, minus the superbowl ring.


The guy still has great class, and i still love the guy greatly.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by SteelersMongol

I C. Does anybody know what's his stats R like since he joined the Redskins? I'm talking about decline or rise, or just about the same stats.

Pretty much the same.

http://www.nfl.com/players/antwaanra...e?id=RAN399604

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by Psyychoward86

http://www.nfl.com/players/antwaanra...e?id=RAN399604

about the same, minus the superbowl ring.


The guy still has great class, and i still love the guy greatly.

but he earned about $100,00 more PER CATCH ... snyder = suckeeeer