Randle El still useful?

I was watching an old Illinois-Indiana game last night on the Big Ten Network. Randel El was the QB and I was amazed how incredible of a college player he was. He did not throw many passes, but completed those he did throw, but it was his amazing runs on nearly EVERY play that were stunning. The defense knew he was going to run and he'd still bust off 20+ yard runs routinely.

I had forgotten how explosive he was.

It really makes me think he can still contribute despite all of the naysayers. Sure, that was college, against college defenses, in an option offense...but he seemed to have instincts that should carry over.

With that said, I have no idea when the "dancing" started on punt returns, he was much more decisive back then.

However, he can still be a solid slot WR for us. He has shown this the last few years on much needed 3rd downs and critical plays.

If we get him off the punt returns, I believe not only will the criticism die down, but I think he'll be a more effective WR. Now that he'll be open more often since defenses have to contend with up to 5 WRs instead of 2...he should have his best year yet as a Redskin.

It's too bad no NFL teams can run the option successfully, because he'd more praised as a running QB than Vick, McNabb and any others. He has/had incredible skills, just not completely a skill set that transferred into the NFL at his position.

If anyone has the Big Ten Network, keep an eye out for this game, you'll be amazed.

Thoughts on our former QB wide receiver and any predictions on his performance this season? Most people around here seem to want him out of town, but I believe he'll be an important piece of the offense this season.

As long as he's not returning kicks, I like him. He's a good WR and good on those tricky plays we sometimes use (where he actually has to throw the ball). I think people calling for his head are being a little hasty..

He's a good trickster.

He's a good trickster.

lol tricky wasn't the word I wanted to use.. There's actually a term for the plays like WR reverse options and such.. But I couldn't think of the name of it. I'm on burnout from all the college work I've had so far. :confused:

I have been saying since we signed him that he is an overhyped, overpaid average WR. I dont see where he makes us a better team. He isn't going to return kicks or punts(thank god!) He may be a decent slot WR, but no way he should be playing #2. I would honestly get rid of him. That way we can play the younger receivers and get them involved. Kelly and Thomas with Mitchell and Santana is OK with me. We have to start playing the young guys and develop them. We never end up with a draft pick (WR) that works out to be worth a damn. They dont learn sitting on the bench playing behind a 30 something washed up gadget guy!

He's solid in the slot and if we can use him that way this year I think he will really shine in that role.

I was watching an old Illinois-Indiana game last night on the Big Ten Network. Randel El was the QB and I was amazed how incredible of a college player he was. He did not throw many passes, but completed those he did throw, but it was his amazing runs on nearly EVERY play that were stunning. The defense knew he was going to run and he'd still bust off 20+ yard runs routinely.

I had forgotten how explosive he was.

It really makes me think he can still contribute despite all of the naysayers. Sure, that was college, against college defenses, in an option offense...but he seemed to have instincts that should carry over.

With that said, I have no idea when the "dancing" started on punt returns, he was much more decisive back then.

However, he can still be a solid slot WR for us. He has shown this the last few years on much needed 3rd downs and critical plays.

If we get him off the punt returns, I believe not only will the criticism die down, but I think he'll be a more effective WR. Now that he'll be open more often since defenses have to contend with up to 5 WRs instead of 2...he should have his best year yet as a Redskin.

It's too bad no NFL teams can run the option successfully, because he'd more praised as a running QB than Vick, McNabb and any others. He has/had incredible skills, just not completely a skill set that transferred into the NFL at his position.

If anyone has the Big Ten Network, keep an eye out for this game, you'll be amazed.

Thoughts on our former QB wide receiver and any predictions on his performance this season? Most people around here seem to want him out of town, but I believe he'll be an important piece of the offense this season.

You are right about ARE in college.

I think he'll do just fine in the slot, which is where he should have been all along. And, if he has a reduced role in the offense, he may pick it up as a returner.

As long as he's not returning kicks, I like him. He's a good WR and good on those tricky plays we sometimes use (where he actually has to throw the ball). I think people calling for his head are being a little hasty..

Hasty? It's not like he's a rookie. No, he's not going to grab 70 balls in a year. But if he's not grabbing a ton of receptions and he's not a great a returner and we don't run that many trick plays, why are we paying him all that money. Seriously, to play the slot?

He's solid in the slot and if we can use him that way this year I think he will really shine in that role.

Absolutely. I really believe we were misusing him by having him try to be our #2 and sometimes when Moss was hurt, by making him the only legit WR option (not including Cooley since he's a TE).

Did we overpay for a #3 WR? Based on how we were using him, yes. But as a slot WR, he'll be great and worth the money this year. Look how valuable other great slot WRs can be, Wes Welker for example.

My only gripe was him being our punt returner, has been very misused on this team. Shame we dont incorporate some type of wildcat.