The Washington Redskins could soon have a decision to make at slot receiver, especially if Andre Roberts continues his poor start. Then again, should it be all that difficult?
In 19 games with Washington, Roberts has been targeted 79 times and caught 41 passes. That is, by far, the worst percentage among the Redskins’ receivers. He’s been targeted eight times this season with five catches and two big drops. More is needed.
“We expect more out of Andre but he has done some good things, especially in the running game. He’s headed up on people, safeties blocking for our backs, which is a very important part,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said.
Yes, the run game matters for the receivers. Those big runs occur when tight ends and receivers block well, as happened against St. Louis. Jamison Crowder is a more dangerous target because of his speed and quickness. His 33-yard gain Thursday versus New York showed his burst and speed – alas, it was wiped out by a holding penalty.
The Redskins do ask the slot receiver to handle certain blocking assignments that can be difficult – against the Giants, for example, the 5-foot-8, 185-pound Crowder had to block 6-foot-5, 264-pound defensive end Kerry Wynn. It’s not like they need the slot to drive the man out, but they do need the end to be obstructed enough to create a cutback lane. Roberts is 3 inches taller and only 2 pounds heavier, but is a more experienced blocker.
However, the drops. Gruden called the drops uncharacteristic, but Roberts dropped 16 passes from 2012-14 (eight occurring in that first season). So the drops decreased but the targets did as well. In 2012, he averaged one drop every 13.5 targets; the next season it was one every 25 passes and last year it was one every 14.2. By comparison, Pierre Garcon’s last three seasons look like this: one drop every 16.8 passes; one every 29.3 and, last year, he didn’t drop anything.
“There are some good things that [Roberts has] but obviously he is a wide receiver and wide receivers should not drop that many balls,” Gruden said. “He’s already had three too many, so that’s something that’ll be addressed and talked about.”
Eventually, that discussion will involve this solution: More time for Crowder. It’s not like they can’t be on the field at the same time as Roberts can play outside as well. Having this depth provides versatility. Crowder has eight catches for only 52 yards, but he’s a shake here or missed leg tackle there from turning short passes into long gains. Seven of Crowder’s eight targets have been on throws of 10 yards or less (it’s 6-of-8 for Roberts), according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Crowder’s hamstring injury during camp held him back and prevented him from winning the slot job earlier. As he gains more of a comfort level and understands the nuances of the position, Crowder should gain more time. Regardless, he’ll be a factor.
“As the season progresses,” Gruden said, “you’re going to see more and more and more of Jamison Crowder.”