Washington Redskins’ cornerback Bashaud Breeland is struggling in training camp and, as usual, he vents on social media.
If there was an award for the NFL’s most sensitive player, that distinction would go to cornerback Bashaud Breeland of the Washington Redskins. The mercurial cornerback had another eventful day on Monday that led to him being kicked out of the morning walkthrough.
Apparently, Breeland entered practice in a bad mood as he scoffed at something head coach Jay Gruden said about him over the weekend. When reporters asked Gruden about Breeland’s play thus far in camp, the coach paused and offered this assessment, per Rich Tandler of CSN Mid-Atlantic.
"“He’s doing good,” Gruden said after a long pause. “He’s such a competitive guy. He gets in trouble sometimes, he’s so overly competitive, but for the most part, I like what he’s doing, man.”"
Nothing wrong with what Gruden said. However, the ever-sensitive Breeland didn’t like it and took to his favorite form of communication — social media — and let his opinions be known.
https://twitter.com/Bree2Land6/status/894561038074597376
It’s tough to understand what Breeland even means. He’s been known in the past to get into it with fans if he’s criticized after a bad performance. He had numerous run-ins with fans in 2016, particularly after rough performances against Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant.
So, after his post at 10:09 a.m. ET on Monday morning, Breeland went to Washington’s 10:35 walkthrough and apparently got a little too physical with receiver Terrelle Pryor, who took umbrage with Breeland, and a small scuffle ensued.
Gruden quickly tossed Breeland from practice, but not before the cornerback tried to explain it away as bringing some “intensity” to the walkthrough. Gruden told him it was a walkthrough and the intensity wasn’t needed.
Breeland still trying to hang around and explain himself about bringing intensity. Gruden told him no need for intensity, it's a walkthrough
— Mike Jones (@ByMikeJones) August 7, 2017
However, later in the day Gruden spoke with the media and said things were resolved with Breeland. The cornerback later reported to the evening practice and intercepted a Kirk Cousins pass.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said any issue with corner Bashaud Breeland has been resolved. He sidelined Breeland... https://t.co/vOINBpzr4X
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 7, 2017
That’s exactly what the Redskins need more of from Breeland. He had a rough day and showed the mental toughness needed from a starting cornerback in the NFL. So, why is this so hard for the fourth-year defensive back?
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As a fourth-round pick in 2014, Breeland surprised many when he stepped in as a starter his rookie year and proved to be a capable starter. He followed that up with another solid year in 2015.
Things really started to go sour between Breeland and the team when the Redskins signed Josh Norman in April 2016. Breeland felt he was a No. 1 corner and the signing of Norman wasn’t necessary. He pouted and, of course, posted messages on social media. However, he reported to training camp and was a standout.
Then the season arrived and Brown undressed Breeland for multiple touchdowns on national television. After reading his mentions on Twitter, Breeland retaliated. Rinse, repeat. Do we sense a trend here?
Instead of Breeland crying on social media, it’s time for him to show the Redskins — and the rest of the league — the type of player he is. He is a free agent at the end of 2017 and he stands to either gain or lose a ton of money with his play this season. If Breeland has more incidents such as this one, teams will be hesitant to give him a big-money deal.
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It’s clear the Redskins have soured on Breeland. In 2016, Washington drafted Kendall Fuller in the third round and followed that up by picking Fabian Moreau in the third round of the 2017 draft. Both players were given first-round grades by many, but slipped due to injury concerns.
Fuller is having a strong camp playing outside, which could prompt coaches to move Breeland inside and play the slot. He doesn’t like that. Instead of doing what’s best for the team, Breeland wants to do what’s best for Breeland. And there’s nothing wrong with looking out for your own self-interests, but it’s clearly not the right time. Breeland is still on his rookie contract and should do whatever he can to prove his worth.
It has been a rough camp for Breeland as he’s been on the receiving end of numerous highlight plays from receivers Pryor and Josh Doctson. He’s even been beaten by Ryan Grant. Yes, Ryan Grant.
#Redskins Ryan Grant vs. Bashaud Breeland pt 2: Grant beats Breeland, great 1-handed catch. More 1-on-1s on my Instagram (master_tesfatsion) pic.twitter.com/A4zGfS8B6a
— Master (@MasterTes) August 7, 2017
Breeland can change the narrative. And only he can change the narrative. Is he mature enough to do so? If he can’t, he certainly won’t be in Washington next year and could be playing on a one-year deal in another locale to prove his worth.
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So for Breeland, it’s time to quiet himself and produce like the No. 1 cornerback he thinks he is.