Ex-Redskin Of The Week: Brandon Lloyd, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Few names in Washington bring up more toxic memories than Brandon Lloyd. Blloyd, as he is known around here, is the poster boy of ineffective roster management by a troubled NFL franchise. In two seasons in Washington, Lloyd appeared in 13 games, caught 25 balls, for 325 yards and no touchdowns. Sunday, Lloyd led Denver receivers with six catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He has been the league-leading receiver (48 receptions, 968 yards, six TDs) all season.
Redskins Hog Heaven was stumped by the dramatic change, so we did some checking. Ian Henson from BroncoTalk.net was kind enough to answer my inquiry. Here’s what he says:
“Brandon Lloyd said it himself, he is who he has always been. He just finally got an opportunity. The man doesn’t play special teams, he can’t tackle or return a kick, so he’s been useless as a fourth tier receiver.
“When Kyle Orton was traded for, Lloyd soon followed at Orton’s request. He was inactive until the Josh McDaniels imposed suspension of Brandon Marshall and the dude beasted. That was week 15 and the guy’s been history in the making every since.”
It’s hard for a Redskins fan to see that. Lloyd joined the team in 2006 in Joe Gibbs’ orgy of player acquisitions to fuel Al Saunders’ potent downfield offense that would power Washington to the Super Bowl. Coach Gibbs called Lloyd a gifted receiver. Team president Gibbs immediately signed him to a six year, $30 million contract extension. Player Lloyd caught 41 percent of the passes thrown to him for 23 catches, 365 yards and no scores. Ex-player Lloyd counted as $5.5 million against Washington’s 2009 salary cap (that could have covered two decent offensive linemen).
Brandon Lloyd was as lionized upon his arrival in Washington as he was loathed upon his departure.
The fact that Mark Brunell was his quarterback had more to do with his 2006 fall-off than any sense of belonging. The fact that Lloyd suffered a career near-death experience in Chicago and initially in Denver had more to do with him making the most of his chance when it came. The fact that he is in sync with Kyle Orton, also unappreciated by his former team, has more to do with his current success than any notion of opportunity.
Whatever the reason, Lloyd completed an outstanding week in an astounding year. The Pro Bowl and comeback-player-of-the-year honors await him.
What would have happened if he were on the Redskins roster last night? (Stop it. Stop it right now.)
Point after: Denverpost.com – Brandon Lloyd answers questions about McDaniels, Orton and disgruntled fans (not the Redskins)
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