The Redskins had a first down at the Chicago Bears' 21-yard line late in the first half, and Chris Cooley was walking into the FedExField tunnel to get a shin injury reevaluated.
Todd Collins was in at quarterback for injured starter Jason Campbell, and another Todd--Yoder--was suddenly called into action for Cooley.
Yoder was asked to run a deep crossing pattern, a route he had run only in practice. Collins's throw was on target and Yoder hauled in the pass as he barreled into the end zone for a touchdown.
It was a key play in the Redskins' 24-16 win over the Bears.
Yoder does not get involved in the Redskins' passing game too often--he has just six receptions for 67 yards this season--but when he does he makes his catches count.
Another key play by Yoder this year?
In Week 2 at Philadelphia, the Redskins faced a 3rd-and-10 at the Eagles' 24-yard line in the fourth quarter. Yoder lined up to protect Campbell.
When Campbell scrambled, Yoder floated out into the flat. He caught a short pass and rumbled 18 yards to the 6-yard line. The play set up a touchdown run by Clinton Portis in the Redskins' 20-12 win.
Said Yoder: "I know my role. I take pride in it and do it to the best of my ability. I know that every once in a while, I'll have a chance to catch the ball. When I do, I want to make the most of it."
Head coach Joe Gibbs likes Yoder's versatility.
"He's really an all-around player," Gibbs said. "He's very athletic and he played receiver in college. He can play tight end or fullback, and he has good speed so can play H-back, too."
Early in his NFL career, Yoder found a niche with Tampa Bay (2000-03 and Jacksonville (2004).
A knee injury cost him the 2005 campaign, and then he signed on with Washington in 2006.
Yoder had one catch in 2006, and of course he made that one count. He grabbed a 4-yard touchdown reception from Campbell against his former teammates at Tampa Bay. That game, incidentally, was Campbell's first NFL start.
Yoder, who played his college ball at Vanderbilt, is one of many veterans who contribute to the Redskins' special teams units.
"The special teams group here is the best I've ever dealt with," Yoder said. "We take a lot of pride in our special teams and I think it shows. When you have that attitude, things tend to work out."
