Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Josh Morgan Day

Photo: Washington Redskins Facebook
   Washington Redskins receiver Josh Morgan has accomplished something that most NFL players will not—getting a day named after them. Morgan was honored in ceremonial fashion for not only his commitment and play on-the-field, but his actions off-the-field as well. The Washington, D.C. City Council voted in favor to recognize Thursday, June 20, 2013, as "Josh Morgan Day" in the Nation's Capital.
   "I would like to thank all of my family, friends, and everybody that is close to me for just raising me to be the type of man that I am today," said the humble Morgan through Redskins.com. "Just always supporting, raising me the right way, teaching me the right things."
   Morgan has been a lifelong Redskins fan as he grew up in Southeast D.C. near RFK Stadium. His career began by getting drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for four seasons. During the 2012 free agency period, Washington was quick to sign the hometown player.
   Last season, Morgan battled through hand and foot injuries, yet still played all 16 games. He ended the year with 48 receptions for 510 yards and two touchdowns. After having surgery, he looks to bounce back and put up stronger numbers in 2013. A healthy Pierre Garcon and Santana Moss should also aid Morgan into what is hopefully a breakout year.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Washington Adds New Receivers

 
Photo: cbssports.com
   After a rather quiet offseason, the Washington Redskins recently added two veteran receivers in Donte' Stallworth and Devery Henderson. These moves won't make headlines like Tim Tebow heading to New England or Aaron Hernandez being associated with a homicide, but that doesn't matter.
   Stallworth was a member of the Redskins back in 2011, playing in 11 games and putting up mediocre numbers. He appeared in only one game a season ago for the Patriots. There will be no more references to the Patriots in this post, it has purely been coincidence thus far.
   Devery Henderson, 31, and Donte' Stallworth, 32, already have a few things in common—both of them were originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints, they're similar in size, and the number of receiving yards for each is almost uncanny.
   Unlike Stallworth, however, Henderson has played his entire career for one team. The majority of his nine seasons with the Saints has been as a starter. As this past season showed, his effectiveness on offense is slowly declining, for he merely caught 22 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown in nine starts. Nonetheless, he still has the ability to stretch the field; he's gained 17.9 yards per catch since entering the league. For the fans that want Santana Moss gone, take a moment to think. Now, which receiver would you rather have between the three of them? Moss hauled in 41 receptions for 573 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2012.
    The interesting thing about these two signings is that the Redskins are well-stocked at the wide receiver position. Sure, it never hurts to add depth to any position, especially when there is virtually no risk involved. But, it's hard to see room on the roster for either of these veterans when Pierre Garcon, Joshua Morgan, Santana Moss, Leonard Hankerson, and Aldrick Robinson are already on the team. Perhaps they will somehow keep Stallworth and Henderson for insurance reasons in the event there is another case of the injury bug next season.