PRO FOOTBALL
HARVEY | After a somewhat disappointing 2006, Washington Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El said he is expecting a turnaround in 2007 for himself and the team.
"We're trying to win the Super Bowl," Randle El said at his skills camp at Thornton High School on Saturday. "We don't just want to make the playoffs. We want to get (to the Super Bowl) and win it.
"I think we have that kind of a team. We are going to get it done this year."
Randle El helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL in January 2006 by becoming the first wide receiver to throw a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl.
He signed with the Redskins in the offseason, but Washington finished 5-11 last season. They started 3-6 under quarterback Mark Brunell. Coach Joe Gibbs replaced him with Jason Campbell and Randle El feels comfortable with Campbell at the helm.
"We've been hooking up and that's where it's at," Randle El said. "I know I am ready to get it done."
His dad, Curtis Randle El Sr., said he thinks his son will have one of his best years this season.
"I really do think it will be a breakout year for him," Curtis said. "I think with the quarterback situation solved, they will make it into the playoffs this year."
Last year, Antwaan caught a career-low 32 passes for a career-low 351 yards. He also had only four plays of 20 or more yards, another career low. He had no plays of 40 or more yards after having three the year before. The former Thornton and Indiana University star is in his sixth NFL season and he expects to make the big plays that he is known for.
"I am used to those double-digit plays and I want that more this year," Randle El said. "I want to make the big play and I think we are a big-play team."
Last season, he accounted for 899 all-purpose yards, including 88 yards passing and a touchdown. He hit Santana Moss for a 48-yard score in the season finale against the New York Giants.
He said he learned from the 5-11 season, having been there with the Steelers in 2003.
"You just have to learn to get on the same page, with the offense and defense," Randle El said. "Last year, we lost four games by three points or less. We lost a few by a touchdown or less. We didn't finish."
