Day 7: Can this group of Redskins’ receivers be elite?

A week into training camp for the Washington Redskins, and the expectations to repeat as NFC East champions continue to grow, especially when you look at the group of pass catchers the Redskins have.

With guys like Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder, and Jordan Reed, the Redskins have one of the most talented group of receivers/tight ends in the National Football League (NFL).

“Well, I think with me and Pierre [Garcon] being like the veterans of the group, he’s had some great success and I’ve had some great success in this league too. We try to set the bar high,” Jackson said.

The offense showed signs of what they could be last year and as training camp continues Jackson knows the progression of the offense can only get better.

“Like you said, we’re a week in. It’s hot weather in this heat, really been putting in work and doing everything we need to do to better ourselves and take steps to get to where we got to from last year,” Jackson said.

Now it’s just a matter of how will they produce on the field this year with Kirk Cousins trying to prove he can be a starting quarterback in this NFL. According to Jackson, Cousins has to be consistent this year to take the next step in his growth at quarterback.

“Last year was his first year starting and having a full year under his belt and not really having to be behind RGIII like he was for the first couple of years. Towards the end of the season is really what he has to build off of,” Jackson said.

Also adding a top-5 corner like Josh Norman has helped Jackson and other receivers get better and bring a more competitive spirit to practice.

“You know, it’s practice. That’s what we’re out here for, to get better and to challenge each other. It’s not like he’s going against a guy that’s not capable of winning matchups and one-on-ones,” Jackson said.

Other Training Camp Notes:

• Governor Terry McAuliffe made a guest appearance at Redskins camp today, signing autographs and posing for pictures with the fans.
• Running back Matt Jones, rookie linebacker Daniel Stevens, and offensive lineman Kevin Bowen all missed practice today with injuries
• For Friday’s practice, head coach Jay Gruden decided the team won’t have a morning walkthrough and there will just be an afternoon practice.