Young receivers' contributions still modest
Redskins notebook
Date published: 9/19/2009
BY RICH CAMPBELL
ASHBURN --The Washington Redskins entered a new season optimistic that the presence of second-year pass catchers Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas and Fred Davis would dramatically increase the offense's firepower.
That wasn't the case in Week 1, though. The trio combined for only one catch and six receiving yards.
"We had a couple little glitches, but not bad," coach Jim Zorn said. "I think they're really improved. As we get them the ball, I expect them to be very effective."
That's one of Zorn's objectives in tomorrow's game against the St. Louis Rams.
"I want to get them involved," he said.
Kelly started against New York after winning the job in the preseason, and he played 28 of Washington's 49 offensive snaps. His only catch produced a first down on third-and-2 in the third quarter, but he was mostly ineffective.
"I'm not going to be that guy that goes: 'Hey coach, look at me,'" Kelly said. "When they call it, you've just got to be ready."
Davis played 13 snaps, each with fellow tight end Chris Cooley in the game. Cooley caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Davis was never targeted.
Still, Davis' run blocking was improved from his rookie season.
"I could probably dominate a blocker even more by finishing with my feet more," Davis said. "I got into a couple routes and got open a little bit, but they didn't have a lot of time [to throw]. I understand. I'll just keep on going."
Thomas played 17 snaps, all but one in a three- or four-receiver formation. No passes were thrown his way, but he did have one carry for zero yards.
REPTILIAN REDSKIN
Kelly and defensive end/linebacker Chris Wilson encountered an unexpected visitor at their locker yesterday.
Wilson was getting dressed after practice when he noticed something rustling near the floor. He called over Kelly, whose locker is adjacent to his. They pulled back a couple of pieces of clothing and shoe boxes to discover a 10-inch-long snake slithering along the baseboard.
"Somebody do something!" Wilson shouted.
The snake's presence made a few players squirm, to the amusement of others. The locker room was mostly empty at that point, save for a few players, reporters and team officials.
Date published: 9/19/2009
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