Despite his quiet personality that diverts media attention, Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson is an elite competitor that could be on the cusp of making more big plays in the future.
Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson may have a laidback, quiet personality that deflects attention, but when he's between the lines few parallel his passion for the game.
That was evident on Sunday when his 38-yard diving grab set up the Redskins' game-winning score in a 17-14 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field.
During postgame interviews, the game ball was in Rob Kelley's locker despite the running back trying to give it to Doctson for his heroics.
"I tried to give it to Doctson, but he didn't want it," Kelley said. "He said it was for me, so I kept it. I'm not going to ask him too many times."
Shortly after Kelley elaborated about Doctson's highlight reel catch being the play of the game, it was the wide receiver's turn to answer questions from the media. His responses where short.
"It was great blocking by the O-line, a great pass by Kirk [Cousins] and I just had to finish it," Doctson answered the first question.
"I was just worried about making the catch," he said to a question about coming down with the ball while extending out.
"It feels really good," answered the 2016 first-round pick to his clutch moment.
While he didn't say too much about this performance or did he during his incredible 52-yard touchdown reception against the Oakland Raiders in Week 3, Cousins said Doctson "isn't as aloof as he comes across when you get to know him."
"He is a student of the game on the field. He asks questions. He wants to do it right. He is not a know-it-all. He is not a guy who goes out there and has all the answers, so he is a joy to work with," Cousins said, "I told him after he scored, 'Let's make sure this isn't a one-and-done thing. Let's make sure this is a repeatable thing and something that people expect to have happen not just next week, not just this season, but hopefully for seasons to come.' That's where the vision needs to be and then we have got to work in a way where that can become a reality."
Despite his quiet persona, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Doctson is beginning to become more confident on the field and it's showing.
Although he didn't record a catch until Week 3 and a limited workload continued in the week's following his touchdown against the Raiders, the 2015 unanimous All-American now has 11 catches for 189 yards (17.2 yards per reception) and a team-high three receiving touchdowns.
"He is just waiting for an opportunity to break out," Gruden said. "He is doing a lot of good things. We just are very excited to have him. He works hard. He's quiet. He does exactly what you ask him to do. He is just waiting for more opportunities to come and if they come, great, and if not and everybody else is scoring, we are happy about that also. But he is not a selfish guy. He is just a quiet guy and just goes about his business just waiting to perform at a real high level."
Gruden added that fans should be on the lookout soon for big performances out of Doctson, similar to his days at TCU when he had nine 100-yard games including six straight during his senior season.
During those six games, he also had at least two touchdown catches in each.
"I think from a statistical standpoint people are waiting for him to have the 10-catch for 200-yard performance and three touchdowns," Gruden said. "I think those days are coming."
