Redskins: Josh Doctson has to step up after slow start to the season

Josh Doctson was expected to become one of the top pass catchers in the Redskins offense in 2018. So far, that hasn’t materialized.

Entering his third season in 2018, many Redskins fans were expecting a breakout campaign from Josh Doctson. After missing most of his rookie year with injury issues, Doctson had a rough start to his sophomore campaign before eventually becoming a red-zone threat down the stretch for the team. The hope was that in his third season, Doctson would emerge as a true No. 1 or No. 2 wide-out.

So far, that hasn’t been the case.

In three games this season, Doctson has been targeted 13 times, but he has only five catches for 48 yards. In Week 3, he was a complete non-factor against the Packers, registering zero catches. And that has many Redskins fans frustrated.

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It is worth noting that Alex Smith‘s addition to the offense was always going to make Doctson’s role with the team a bit shaky. Smith isn’t known for taking many chances while Doctson has done a lot of damage as a jump-ball threat. Essentially, their two skill sets don’t mesh perfectly. But still, that shouldn’t stop Doctson from at least being a factor in the passing game.

The most disappointing part of Doctson’s campaign to date hasn’t necessarily been the lack of production. It’s more about the lack of growth he has demonstrated since last year. He has still had issues with drops — he’s only been credited with one, but on that type of target share, it’s a significant number — and his inability to generate separation is a concern as well. He needs to show improvement in both of these areas quickly after the bye. Otherwise, he may end up losing his role with the team.

Doctson can’t be written off just yet. The Redskins don’t have a great receiving corps, and Doctson definitely has more upside than most of the other players at the position. That said, upside can only get you so far. Actual results will soon become important for Doctson. And if he keeps going at the pace he’s going, 27 catches for 256 yards in a 16-game season, he may end up looking for work after the 2018 season.

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Doctson is certainly a player to watch coming off the bye week. He’s entering one of the most crucial stretches of his career. And while it’s too early to pass judgment on him as he continues to develop chemistry with Smith, his status as the season goes along will certainly be worth monitoring.

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