Jay Gruden optimistic about Redskins passing game
By Donny Starr
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is confident in the Redskins passing game sans DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.
In a recent interview with CSN Mid-Atlantic, Jay Gruden said the loss of Jackson and Garcon looked worse from a spectator’s standpoint. “From the outside looking in it’s a major impact. Those two guys had a 1,000 yards a piece.” Jackson was known as a deep pass threat, while Garcon picked up praise for his toughness and yards after the catch. Now they’re another chapter in Redskins history. Jackson moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Garcon has headed West to the San Francisco 49ers.
Gruden considered the loss of Jackson and Garcon “significant blows” to the team. However, he’s positive the receivers he has now can step up. “I think they’ll be good,” he said. Gruden also noted tight end Jordan Reed’s position on the team. “People seem to forget the offense runs through Jordan quite frankly. I think we’ll be fine. “ He added, “We have tall, we have physical, we have a strong group in there that we can run both sides…the play action game should be even better. We have a lot of options and that’s a good thing.”
If Reed is the leader, he needs to work hard to avoid any more injuries. From concussions to a shoulder injury last season, he’s got a list. Reed showed his effectiveness last season, catching 66 for 686 yards . He’s got more than enough time to bounce back from the shoulder injury. Otherwise, fellow TE Vernon Davis will have another busy season, something he’s always welcomed. Last season Davis caught 44 for 583 yards. If everyone can stay healthy, the Redskins may have the best Receiving Corps in the NFC East, if not the league this season. That’s needed.