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Redskins: Vernon Davis should be the top tight end over Jordan Reed

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the Washington Redskins catches a touchdown pass in front of cornerback Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at FedExField on September 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 23: Jordan Reed #86 of the Washington Redskins scores a touchdown that is called back during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The case for Reed

While Reed’s injury issues are well documented, there is no doubt that when he gets on the field, he is a difference maker. To see this, look no further than the Redskins Thanksgiving game against the Dallas Cowboys from 2016. In that contest, which was a shootout, Reed was a matchup nightmare who couldn’t be stopped by the Dallas defense. He notched 10 catches for 95 yards and two scores despite separating his shoulder in the contest. He was the guy who really helped to keep the team in the game.

That said, as good as Reed can be, the injuries have started to pile up. Hamstring issues, shoulder separations, concussions, you name it. Reed has probably had it. He is simply a very brittle player and it’s hard for him to stay on the field. That isn’t entirely his fault, but it’s hard to rely on him as a star player when he can’t even be on the field.

This season, injuries have notably taken a toll on Reed. In six games, he has 21 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns, but he is averaging a career low 7.8 yards per catch. That stems partially from the departure of key outside weapons DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, but the toe and hamstring injuries he has dealt with have sapped him of his athletic abilities. He should take time to get fully healthy, which may not be music to the ears of Redskins fans, but it’s necessary unless the team wants to be burdened with an albatross contract for the next four years.

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Of course, it should be noted that if Reed can get on the field, there are benefits to using him. The first is that he is the best combo tight end on the roster. He can be one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, but he also is a strong blocker. Having him on the field can keep opposing defenses guessing more so than Davis, as Davis is mostly used as a receiver in the Redskins offense. That could change if Washington attempts to use Davis differently, but regardless, Reed is still a strong blocker.

Also, when fully healthy, Reed can be a true matchup nightmare like Davis has been a times this season. When Reed is at 100 percent, he has game breaking speed, excellent jump ball ability, and he is solid in the red zone. That is one area that Davis hasn’t showed up in yet, though that may be a function of the Redskins red zone problems and not his ability. Reed has proven to be a good red zone weapon in the past, and having him and Davis on the field at the same time could actually benefit the team.

Reed comes with more baggage at the moment because of the injuries, but his upside is still sky high. He can be a top five tight end in the league, so keeping him off the field for any reason could hurt the Redskins.

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