Santana Moss Special and Not in the Short Bus Kind of Way

Was that bad? Should I not have done that?

On Sunday the Redskins coaches decided to put veteran star receiver Santana Moss in to return one punt. From a capabilities point of view I love this move, Antwaan Randle El is not terrific back there right now. From a durability and longevity standpoint this move concerns me.

Santana has had lingering injuries his entire time with the Redskins, hamstring, groin and heel. The 2005 playoff run, Santana was the only receiver of note with 60 more receptions than the next receiver. He was playing hurt all the way down the stretch, was not 100 percent in 2006 when he had half the yards of the year before and was only a little better in 2007.

Understanding that the franchise record 1483 yards in 2005 was a rare performance, keeping Santana healthy is key for the Redskins, as long as they have no real other options (2004, 2005), no production based need for a third receiver (2006, 2007) and little production from the new crop of wideouts (2008). Putting him out there on special teams is asking for trouble.

Well it paid off Sunday, in the fourth quarter Santana took a Nick Harris punt at the Redskins 20 yard line, avoided first tackler Devin Thomas, slashed through the coverage and dashed down the left sideline 80 yards for the touchdown. The Redskins beat the Lions by eight.

The effort earned Santana special teams player of the week for week eight. As long as the Redskins need this to win I endorse this practice. Either they will get better and not need Santana do return punts or else Santana will get injured, either way the question becomes moot.



Santana Moss: Reuters Pictures from here.