In their continual effort to punish me, the Redskins announced late Friday night after I had closed off updates for the week, that they signed KR Jerome Mathis, formerly of the Houston Texans.
Mathis is listed as a WR, but with 6 career catches, his main value is as a kick returner. When healthy, Mathis is among the league’s best at that position, but he’s rarely been able to stay on the field as a pro. Back in 2005, Mathis played in 12 games and was 2nd in the NFL with a 28.6 yard per return average. He added two touchdowns that year. Over the past 2 years, Mathis has only played in 5 games total. He still excelled in kick returns, averaging 28.4 yards and scoring a touchdown.
The fact that most of his injuries have been to his legs doesn’t bode well for his future. Mathis has had issues with his feet and hamstrings in the past few years. He’s also had off the field issues, being charged with assault on his pregnant girlfriend (charges were later dropped) and having dogs roam free.
Mathis chances of making the 2008 Washington Redskins hinge on his health. If he can stay healthy and prove he still has the speed and skills that made him an elite kick returner, he will make the roster. If he’s slowed by injuries, he’ll end up cut and the job will return to Rock Cartwright. Cartwight isn’t in danger of losing his roster spot, as he contributes in many different special team roles.
I have to say it, this doesn’t make much sense to me with the other decisions the Redskins have made this offseason; letting Mike Espy go for Jerome Mathis seems a step down at wideout, though perhaps it’s an upgrade at returner. However, Rock Cartwright and Antwan Randle-El should have been able to handle those duties well enough to not have to gamble on a potential problem child in the locker room.
While the Redskins have a pressing need at Wideout, bringing back Keenan McCardell for one last year would have been a better use of resources, in my opinion, along with keeping Espy until such time as he proves conclusively that he is incapable of coming back. I’m scratching my head on Mathis.
As an aside, while I’m reading the site daily, I probably won’t be able to comment or post much for the next few weeks; I have three research papers, two projects, and a powerpoint presentation due in my PhD classes in the next few weeks; I’ll be able to post some deeper insights after about mid-May.
Jerome Mathis has a tremendous upside. If he doesn’t pan out, it’s not too big of a loss. He has made a few mistakes, but if he can remain healthy, and on the right side of the law, he will suprise the entire league. I wish he was a Miami dolphin.