re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=GTripp0012;489523]At the price, I think this is a good move because [B]if Alexander proves everyone wrong and doesn't run like a pussy[/B], we have a GREAT backup RB at a bargain price through next year.

And if he sucks, we cut him.[/quote]

Well said.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

I am ok with this move. Alexander is a great back when he wants to be. Seeing as how no one came knocking down his door, I would expect him to have some motivation. Hell, Cedric Benson was signed before him.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

Seems like a low risk move to me. Why not give him a shot?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

What have we got to lose?

I will say I'll be blown away if he's in anything approaching football condition. The guy was cut months ago and hasn't been on a team since - unless he's got one hell of a workout program I'd be surprised if he's got the strength and conditioning to last more than a handful of plays.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;489578]we should sign marcus mason off the ravens practice squad.[/quote]

Thank You! You beat me to it. What is wrong with Mason that they would not pull him back from the Ravens? He knows the plays, knows the calls, and has worked with the team recently so you will see continuity. Nothing against SA but he will have to come in here and learn the terminology, learn the blocking scheme (cause it was a Gibbs running plan not WCO), and get connected with the players.

Is it his size? are they looking for a heavy power runner and Mason is not but 215 pounds? I don't get it. He had the most yrds out of all the RB in preseason. Bring back Mason. Keep grooming him.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=SBXVII;489690]Thank You! You beat me to it. What is wrong with Mason that they would not pull him back from the Ravens? He knows the plays, knows the calls, and has worked with the team recently so you will see continuity. Nothing against SA but he will have to come in here and learn the terminology, learn the blocking scheme (cause it was a Gibbs running plan not WCO), and get connected with the players.

Is it his size? are they looking for a heavy power runner and Mason is not but 215 pounds? I don't get it. He had the most yrds out of all the RB in preseason. Bring back Mason. Keep grooming him.[/quote]

Like someone pointed out earlier, there have been knocks from coaches on Mason's "football intelligence" and his ability to grasp the playbook.

He did have the most yards out of all RBs in the preseason - he also got all those yards against 3rd and 4th string guys and scrubs.

Obviously the coaches see something they don't like or don't see something they think is necessary. Either way, they've spent way the hell more time evaluating him than any of us have.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

I could see this being a good short term move. the main thing is to have a couple options for when CP comes out. Ladell and Rock always worked in complement to each other to spell CP and I think that always contributes to the defenses getting worn down by the 4th qtr. The biggest concern would be if it hurts Rocks motivation. But he knows he has a home here so it i would hope its ok

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

Shut the front door. The guy is soft.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

This reminds me of the TJ Duckett trade, only there's no down side. Good move, imo.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=mheisig;489691]Like someone pointed out earlier, there have been knocks from coaches on Mason's "football intelligence" and his ability to grasp the playbook.

He did have the most yards out of all RBs in the preseason - he also got all those yards against 3rd and 4th string guys and scrubs.

Obviously the coaches see something they don't like or don't see something they think is necessary. Either way, they've spent way the hell more time evaluating him than any of us have.[/quote]

Obviously something the coach's are seeing or not seeing that we don't, and I am biased about my oppinion. However, when you listen to RB talk they all say about the same thing. Portis seems to say/illude to it all the time and that is ...the RB just has to find the right hole. Mason did that in preseason. whether with scrubbs or not he always found the right hole and got yardage. Maybe he's dumber then a box of rocks, but he knows that plays, knows the calls, and has team chemistry. SA will have one wk to get into shape, learn the plays and the calls for the plays, and build chemistry. but if I'm right all he has to do is look for a hole.

How soon will SA go down with a knee or shoulder injury?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

Alexander is good veteran depth with Betts out up to a month, gives us a proven body as a backup to Portis, he knows the offense and has MUCH better hands than Rock as the primary backup. No downside here.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

I thought they were saying 2 weeks for Betts, now it's a month?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

Alexander has a chip on his shoulder, and would provide ample depth if Betts is out for an extended period of time. And if it doesn't work out, the Skins can cut their losses and be done with it. If it does work out, the Skins would then have 4 backs who can shoulder the load if need be.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

Didn't read all of the posts, but why not Rock for #2? Alexander may be brought in for a #3 anyway. Rock deserves a shot. When given the opportunity he was pretty good.

Alexander has been called soft by our own team. Marcus Washington in so many words called him that after taking him out of that playoff game a couple years ago. I don't think you want a guy like that on your team.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

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.

re: 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?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=Redskins_P;489721]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?[/quote]

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).

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

If you want to look at positives for signing Alexander here they are:

Hungry to prove he can still play
Great on screen passes
Knows coaching staff and most of the system
Cheap signing

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

This is a bad move. Shaun Alexander has been without a job for awhile and there is a reason why. He sucks. Every team in the NFL has passed on him because he is injury prone and does not run hard anymore. Whatever happened to Marcus Mason? He looked like a Clinton Portis clone in pre-season. The guy deserves a shot and Rock Cartwright deserves the opportunity to move up in the depth chart if Betts is unable to go. Let's not waste time, money or effort on a broke down back. The emphasis should be placed on getting a punter and a wide receiver if Malcolm Kelly is going the injured reserve.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

any updates on this and/or the punters?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=Redskins_P;489721]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?[/quote]

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

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=Mattyk72;489720]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.[/quote]


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

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=SmootSmack;489723]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).[/quote]

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

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;489633]Why waste time with him when we have a proven player in Marcus Mason, even if it was during the pre-season.[/quote]

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.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

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.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

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.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

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.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=redsk1;489737]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.[/quote]

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.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

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

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;489742]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.[/quote]
Why would Zorn want to "tweak" our running game when we have one of the best rushing offenses in the league?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=firstdown;489745]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.[/quote]

Yea, i mentioned as a 3rd option i'm ok w/ Alexander. You always want a plan B. I just would rather Rock get that shot as a #2 vs Alexander.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

rock is too good on special teams.as long as he does'nt have fumbleitus,i'm ok with SA.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=Buster;489749]Another thing that has not been mentioned, Alexander knows Zorn's system already...or at least the passing part of it. :)[/quote]

I'm sorry I keep hearing this in some fashion and I must have missed something. When did SA learn Zorn's offense? He knows Seatles offense. Zorn didn't design it. Zorn didn't develope it. He was the QB coach. SA knows Holmgrens(sp) offense. Yes, Zorn's offense should look similar due to the fact that all WCO look similar but even Zorn said he was going to change up what he knew and learned in Seatle and make it a better passing offense.

SA also has to learn the terminology. Even though most WCO's use similar terms, each coach will have to have his own terminology so other teams will not know what play is being called. Something SA will have to learn within a week. Also the running game is supposed to be Gibbs running system. Does SA know Gibbs running system? Even if he is hired he will be either not used unless in an emergency or utilized very little simply for the reasons above.

I mentioned Marcus, yes cause I'm a fan, but also cause he knows the plays. He knows the calls. He knows where to head with the ball. and....yes he did have problems with the regulars ....maybe cause the linemen were having trouble opening holes for him against regulars. Look at our first game against the Giants. We stuggled with the run. Portis had a hard time. Since then the linemen have been able to gel and get their blocking scheme's down. The holes are their for either Portis or Betts which means they should be their for Marcus.

but, no matter how much I try or anyone else tries to prove or disprove their points on here the Skins coach's/ front office will do what they think is best. We all will have to support who ever is put back their. I just hope they are not making a mistake in writing off Mason and going with a RB that has had knee problems, shoulder problems, hand problems and has been knocked out by one of our own. Go Skins.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;489742]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.[/quote]
Why tweak when you have the #1 rushing offense in the league? That's like a new coordinator in New England messing with Brady's delivery.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

All of you Shaun Alexander supporters have short term memory. The bum doesn't run with the same determination he had when he was an overrated Pro Bowler. I've watched too many of his games and he always tends to avoid contact. Runs out of bounds whenever possible. Has alligator arms when he anticipates a hit after a catch. Falls down upon first contact. He is the exact opposite of Clinton Portis. This guy would be a cancer in the backfield. The Redskins are better off without him. I hate to say I told you so, but wait until you see this guy fall down at first contact. You will be booing him like Durant Brooks. Please, please, Vinny don't do it.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

I listened to an interview a while back, prior to start of season I think, and S.A. stated he just wanted to play. He was healthy, fired up, and didn't care as long as he could contribute. I think it's a good move. Randy

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[B]Anyone who doesn't love this is crazy![/B]

All upside. No downside.

Alexander is a proven RB, willing to run for cheap, and knows the JZ pass offense. This could be a match made in heaven.

Could he be a bust? Yup. Back where we started.

Could he be the one piece of the puzzle that creates the best 1-2 punch in the NFL? Yup.

Someone, please tell me why this isn't a great move? I'm still looking.
Rock over Sean? Please. I didn't see #31 on my old Madden game.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

i just wonder who will get the ax when betts comes back?

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

I like this move. I agree that there is huge upside for us and not to much downside. If he comes in and isn't ready we can just dump him if need be. Mason is still out there. I am kinda surprised that mason wasn't brought back in.

re: Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*
 

[quote=johnerotten;489858]i just wonder who will get the ax when betts comes back?[/quote]

Justin Hamilton was the sacrificial lamb.