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http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2929569
Receiver, QB make an impact with Chargers, Jets
By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Back in August, when they were in NFL limbo, receiver Keenan McCardell and quarterback Quincy Carter stayed in shape by working out at two Houston high schools, Kinkaid and Hastings.
While they toiled in the Houston heat and humidity not knowing where they would end up, McCardell and Carter had no idea that 12 weeks into the season they would be playing for 8-3 teams destined to make the playoffs. McCardell and Carter haven't looked back since the Chargers and Jets rescued them from that searing Houston heat.
"We knew we could help teams win, but we needed somebody to believe in us," McCardell said this week.
The strong-armed Carter and the sure-handed McCardell worked with Houston trainer Kelvin Gill, who put them through grueling drills to make sure they would be ready when they were able to strap on the shoulder pads again.
McCardell, the Houston native, was holding out and demanding that Tampa Bay trade him because he believed coach Jon Gruden lied to him about getting a new contract.
Carter, who led the Cowboys to the playoffs last season, was placed on waivers early in camp for failing another substance abuse test.
"I think it's a credit to our organizations for giving us this opportunity," McCardell said.
While McCardell and Carter are contributing to two of the AFC's best teams, the Bucs and Cowboys are 4-7 and wallowing in the mediocrity of the NFC.
Fitting right in
McCardell, dealt to San Diego at the trade deadline, has helped the Chargers win five consecutive games and build a one-game lead over Denver in the AFC West.
Carter replaced the injured Chad Pennington and led the Jets to a 2-1 record. Because Pennington is healthy and prepared to start Sunday against the Texans, Carter must be prepared to come off the bench again at any time.
Carter came to Houston to work with John Lucas and escape the scrutiny in the Metroplex. He thought working out with McCardell was the ideal situation because it would keep him sharp and in shape.
"Quincy was prepared to have a big year in Dallas," McCardell said. "You can see by what he's done for the Jets that his preparation has paid off with a couple of victories.
"I think he's learned from his mistakes. He worked real hard while he was in Houston. He was very mature and determined the way he went about his business."
By the time McCardell got his opportunity with the Chargers, they were one of the NFL's most surprising teams. His holdout cost him more than $900,000.
"I don't even want to think about it anymore," he said. "That was a bad time for me. I'm just glad it's over. I'm so excited to be here because when I got here, something special was happening. I'm fortunate to be part of it."
Since he was drafted by Washington in the 12th round, McCardell has bounced around the NFL from Cleveland to Jacksonville and to Tampa Bay before landing in San Diego. Along the way, he has become a premier receiver who has improved with age.
McCardell has two Super Bowl rings — one with Washington as a rookie and another with the Buccaneers. He doesn't flash his rings to his new teammates, but he's not shy about being vocal when he thinks it's necessary.
"I'm one of the elder statesmen on this team, and I want to bring veteran leadership to a young team," he said. "Every time I step on the field, I play this game to win, and I think that's something I've proved over the years.
"Because we're a young team, a lot of people expect us to fall by the wayside, but we believe in ourselves. You can see our confidence grow every week."
The Chargers host the Broncos on Sunday. If San Diego wins, it will have a two-game lead over Denver.
Meshing with Brees
McCardell has caught 26 passes for 348 yards and a touchdown. In a short time, he's developed a good rapport with another Texan, quarterback Drew Brees, the Austin native who's excelling in the last year of his contract.
Brees has 21 TD passes, three interceptions and a 108.0 passer rating. He's a top candidate for league MVP.
"We don't talk about it," McCardell said about the possibility of Brees becoming the NFL's most attractive free agent after the season. "He's great to play with, and he's been outstanding. Drew's putting up some big numbers, and I hope he gets everything he deserves."
If Brees gets what he deserves, McCardell might, too. Helping San Diego reach the Super Bowl and being rewarded with a new contract wouldn't be bad.
"I'm not even thinking about that right now," he said. "I'm just thinking about our next game. We're doing everything we can to get to the big dance."
After all that sweating and worrying he did in August and September, it's not hard to understand why McCardell feels like dancing.
John McClain covers the NFL for the Chronicle.
[email protected].
Receiver, QB make an impact with Chargers, Jets
By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Back in August, when they were in NFL limbo, receiver Keenan McCardell and quarterback Quincy Carter stayed in shape by working out at two Houston high schools, Kinkaid and Hastings.
While they toiled in the Houston heat and humidity not knowing where they would end up, McCardell and Carter had no idea that 12 weeks into the season they would be playing for 8-3 teams destined to make the playoffs. McCardell and Carter haven't looked back since the Chargers and Jets rescued them from that searing Houston heat.
"We knew we could help teams win, but we needed somebody to believe in us," McCardell said this week.
The strong-armed Carter and the sure-handed McCardell worked with Houston trainer Kelvin Gill, who put them through grueling drills to make sure they would be ready when they were able to strap on the shoulder pads again.
McCardell, the Houston native, was holding out and demanding that Tampa Bay trade him because he believed coach Jon Gruden lied to him about getting a new contract.
Carter, who led the Cowboys to the playoffs last season, was placed on waivers early in camp for failing another substance abuse test.
"I think it's a credit to our organizations for giving us this opportunity," McCardell said.
While McCardell and Carter are contributing to two of the AFC's best teams, the Bucs and Cowboys are 4-7 and wallowing in the mediocrity of the NFC.
Fitting right in
McCardell, dealt to San Diego at the trade deadline, has helped the Chargers win five consecutive games and build a one-game lead over Denver in the AFC West.
Carter replaced the injured Chad Pennington and led the Jets to a 2-1 record. Because Pennington is healthy and prepared to start Sunday against the Texans, Carter must be prepared to come off the bench again at any time.
Carter came to Houston to work with John Lucas and escape the scrutiny in the Metroplex. He thought working out with McCardell was the ideal situation because it would keep him sharp and in shape.
"Quincy was prepared to have a big year in Dallas," McCardell said. "You can see by what he's done for the Jets that his preparation has paid off with a couple of victories.
"I think he's learned from his mistakes. He worked real hard while he was in Houston. He was very mature and determined the way he went about his business."
By the time McCardell got his opportunity with the Chargers, they were one of the NFL's most surprising teams. His holdout cost him more than $900,000.
"I don't even want to think about it anymore," he said. "That was a bad time for me. I'm just glad it's over. I'm so excited to be here because when I got here, something special was happening. I'm fortunate to be part of it."
Since he was drafted by Washington in the 12th round, McCardell has bounced around the NFL from Cleveland to Jacksonville and to Tampa Bay before landing in San Diego. Along the way, he has become a premier receiver who has improved with age.
McCardell has two Super Bowl rings — one with Washington as a rookie and another with the Buccaneers. He doesn't flash his rings to his new teammates, but he's not shy about being vocal when he thinks it's necessary.
"I'm one of the elder statesmen on this team, and I want to bring veteran leadership to a young team," he said. "Every time I step on the field, I play this game to win, and I think that's something I've proved over the years.
"Because we're a young team, a lot of people expect us to fall by the wayside, but we believe in ourselves. You can see our confidence grow every week."
The Chargers host the Broncos on Sunday. If San Diego wins, it will have a two-game lead over Denver.
Meshing with Brees
McCardell has caught 26 passes for 348 yards and a touchdown. In a short time, he's developed a good rapport with another Texan, quarterback Drew Brees, the Austin native who's excelling in the last year of his contract.
Brees has 21 TD passes, three interceptions and a 108.0 passer rating. He's a top candidate for league MVP.
"We don't talk about it," McCardell said about the possibility of Brees becoming the NFL's most attractive free agent after the season. "He's great to play with, and he's been outstanding. Drew's putting up some big numbers, and I hope he gets everything he deserves."
If Brees gets what he deserves, McCardell might, too. Helping San Diego reach the Super Bowl and being rewarded with a new contract wouldn't be bad.
"I'm not even thinking about that right now," he said. "I'm just thinking about our next game. We're doing everything we can to get to the big dance."
After all that sweating and worrying he did in August and September, it's not hard to understand why McCardell feels like dancing.
John McClain covers the NFL for the Chronicle.
[email protected].
