Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*

I don't know how anyone can say that Mason is a "proven" runner. What has he proven? That he can run the ball in the PRESEASON against 2nd and 3rd stringers? Has he even touched the ball during the regular season?

I agree. There's a reason why he's sitting on someone's practice squad. He's just another training camp hero.

Rock is too valuable on teams I'm guessing. If he were to get hurt we'd be down a backup RB and our primary return man on kicks.


Yeah, if Rock gets hurt, we might have to have ARE back there returning kickoffs too. I'm not sure I could handle that

I think a new poll is in order.

Most overrated preseason Redskins running back:

Sultan McCullough
Marcus Mason

As for Rock, to Matty's point if he goes down we're down not only another running back but our primary kick returner (and keep in mind Betts is usually his main backup on kickoffs, if not Thrash).

As for Alexander, first there's no guarantee he'll be signed. Secondly, if he is what's the harm? He knows the system better than any other back on the team and is only going to be asked to spell Portis for a few plays (if even that).

No love for Jesse Lumsden? That guy was another August stud.

Why waste time with him when we have a proven player in Marcus Mason, even if it was during the pre-season.

Read that back to yourself. :D



It's not a bad move, since we don't know the extent of Betts' knee and it has been said on here that Cartwright fumbles at RB. We saw on Sunday what fumbles will do to a good team, even against a horrible team.

For an emergency or 3rd-string depth back or even just someone to let CP catch his breath, it's not a bad idea to pick up another RB if Betts will miss time or be limited.

His main issue in his final year was a broken hand that didn't allow him to hold onto the ball. It's been given PLENTY of time to heal. He could be a good change-of-pace back because of his size.

I'm OK with it. Not excited or care either way, since it's likely another T.J. Duckett-like insurance policy.

I can understand the logic, but I'd like to see Rock get a shot. How about bringing in another kick returner? James Thrash is back there too.

Rock knows our run game and has been here a long time. I would think he would be the best qualified.

A kick returner can step right in I would think. How about Brian Mit...hmmm...Brian Mitchell?

Just joking around. Although i bet he could still do it.

Rock is valuable to have as a KR. Even if Rock becomes #2 why not have someone like Alexander at #3 or have both of them split the carries. I could be wrong, but I think Rock has had problems holding on to the ball as a RB. I think this is a low-risk move by the team, that could work out great if Alexander has something left in the tank.

And to the Marcus Mason fan club, remember how terrible he did when he played the starters in one of the latter pre-season games. He did great against scrubs, I just don't see him doing that great as a backup.

It seems it could be a decent pickup for more than just spelling CP until Betts gets back. I'm thinking that eventually Zorn is going to turn his attention to tweaking the running game to suit his overall offensive philosophy. Having Alexander on board to assist with the transition could prove useful.

I can understand the logic, but I'd like to see Rock get a shot. How about bringing in another kick returner? James Thrash is back there too.

Rock knows our run game and has been here a long time. I would think he would be the best qualified.

A kick returner can step right in I would think. How about Brian Mit...hmmm...Brian Mitchell?

Just joking around. Although i bet he could still do it.

Well what happens if Portis gets hurt? Do we want Rock as his back up and maybe haven to play an entire game? Every win and loss is very important and not having a plan B would be a very big mistake. Heck, what would happen if both Portis and Rock got hurt? Then What? I know it not likly but we have to be prepared for the worst case senario.

Another thing that has not been mentioned, Alexander knows Zorn's system already...or at least the passing part of it. :)

It seems it could be a decent pickup for more than just spelling CP until Betts gets back. I'm thinking that eventually Zorn is going to turn his attention to tweaking the running game to suit his overall offensive philosophy. Having Alexander on board to assist with the transition could prove useful.
Why would Zorn want to "tweak" our running game when we have one of the best rushing offenses in the league?