Smoot Poll
 

I have a hunch Smoot won't be back, I'm thinking that Williams doesn't think it will be necessary to throw $30M or more at Smoot and will instead go with Harris and continue to develop some of the younger guys.

I love Smoot but can anyone honestly say he was missed yesterday? We went up against the #2 offense in the league and Moss had just 66 yards. We've seen that Williams can plug in almost anyone and the D doesn't miss a beat, so just how important is Smoot really??

I think he'll get a good look at the market, and stay where he is. He's a very good player, who brings a lot to the chemistry of this team. I don't think he's going to get elite money out there, and I think it will keep him here where he's comfortable.

If he breaks the bank, let it be someone else's.

I really don't know. If he goes, I won't lose any sleep and if he stays then great.


What bothers me is that he's taking Champs advice, when Champ clearly didn't want to be here and since then has said nothing but negative crap about the Skins and FO.


I did like the way Wilds, and Harris played yesterday.

I would love to see the Skins put either a transition or franchise tag on Smoot and get a draft pick for him. I don't think they should give him the Bailey money he is going to want. he is talking to Champ and nothing good is going to come of it. I like Smoot and would like him back at reasonable numbers, but not for the contract he seems to want.

I thought his comments were just the common postering that goes on w/ free agents. I think we offered him a contract that would put him in the top 10 in the NFL for d-backs. I think that is very fair and if he wants to be a Redskin he'll sign. I think he probably considers himself to be a little better than he is.

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]I really don't know. If he goes, I won't lose any sleep and if he stays then great.


What bothers me is that he's taking Champs advice, when Champ clearly didn't want to be here and since then has said nothing but negative crap about the Skins and FO.


I did like the way Wilds, and Harris played yesterday.[/QUOTE]

Especially, if we upgrade at DT & DE, and pressure the QB on a consistent basis, it doesn't matter who's playing back in the secondary.

What's more, G. Williams thinks Wilds is gonna be really good at CB - it was interesting to see that he went up against the league's best receiver yesterday and wasn't the slightest bit intimidated. He may have even more potential than Walt Harris. Not to mention, there's Rufus Brown waiting in the wings, and all the safeties (Bowen, Lott) coming back healthy.

I'd like to see Smootie back since he's been a leader for us, but if he wants top notch corner type money, then its hasta la vista baby. I think resigning Pierce is more important since he's the one that does an excellent job at communicating the plays to the defense.

Vinny Cerrato was on "Elliot in the Morning" today, and when Elliot asked him to name the core Redskins guys that will definitely be re-signed, Vinny named only Pierce and Salave'a. He didn't mention Smoot's name in answering that question; later, when Elliot wasn't sure if Smoot was restricted or unrestricted, Cerrato said "he's going to be unrestricted." That's really all they said about Smoot the whole time. Kind of foreboding, in my opinion.

I love Smoot. He's an awesome guy and a helluva player, not to mention a fun guy to interview. I just get the sense that the Redskins feel they are better off not blowing a huge wad to retain him. Given Gregg Williams' ability to plug virtually any player into his system and get positive results, they're probably right.

I'd love to see Smoot back in a Redskins uniform, but I don't think they should spend Champ Bailey money on him. They need to do what's best for this team's cap situation. I'm confident Gregg Williams can find or develop a capable replacement.

Cerato also mentioned that he talked to Smoot, and said that a lot of what Smoot has said is being taken out of context by the media...

key word about Wilds is gonna be...he's not there yet. he has definitely earned a spot on the roster, but Smoot is really developing into a shut down CB...i think Smoot wants to stay, but he wants to see what offers are out there...

interesting, Joecrisp - that Smoots name was not mentioned in the list of potential re-signees. Do you think they'll put the franchise tag on him?

Also liked Gibbs' post game in which he gave a thumbs up to Samuels - I wonder if that was a move to enhance Samuels' trade value or whether it means that they definitely want him back. He did a decent job of pass protecting Ramsey's blind side, but he did get beat hollow on a couple of bull rushes, and is a lazy run blocker.

[QUOTE=hurrykaine]Especially, if we upgrade at DT & DE, and pressure the QB on a consistent basis, it doesn't matter who's playing back in the secondary.

What's more, G. Williams thinks Wilds is gonna be really good at CB - it was interesting to see that he went up against the league's best receiver yesterday and wasn't the slightest bit intimidated. He may have even more potential than Walt Harris. Not to mention, there's Rufus Brown waiting in the wings, and all the safeties (Bowen, Lott) coming back healthy.

I'd like to see Smootie back since he's been a leader for us, but if he wants top notch corner type money, then its hasta la vista baby. I think resigning Pierce is more important since he's the one that does an excellent job at communicating the plays to the defense.[/QUOTE]


I've been saying this whole time that Pierce should be our #1 priority. I believe he's way more valuable to our defense than Smoot. I would've never thought I'd say that but after seeing the way Pierce has performed this year and just by the things he's said to the media makes me an instant fan of his. He's a leader. He's not flashy, but he's as tough as nails. True Redskin

I agree Joe, I love Smoot and what he brings to the table. He plays hurt and he's a great presence on and off the field. BUT, is he worth big money?? It's no secret we're a team that stretches the cap right to the limit, so how wise would it be to throw a big contract at Smoot and have over $60M tied up in our starting corners?

Right now if I had to choose between the two I'd take Pierce over Smoot. Pierce will come cheaper and we have some decent talent at corner to take Smoot's place.

It may simply come down to a case of his money would be better spent elsewhere. If we can survive losing Champ we can survive losing Smoot.

Smoot says in todays Post that he has a gut feeling he wont be back. I also heard on WTEM that Smoot left Redskin Park without saying anything to the reporters. For Smoot not to talk seems strange.

IMO I dont think Smoot wants to come back because he's tired of the losing. Thats why I voted no.

[QUOTE=irish]IMO I dont think Smoot wants to come back because he's tired of the losing. Thats why I voted no.[/QUOTE]


Wow that sounds alot like......ummm...whats his name?? Oh yeah Champ..

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I agree Joe, I love Smoot and what he brings to the table. [I]He plays hurt[/I] and he's a great presence on and off the field. BUT, is he worth big money?? It's no secret we're a team that stretches the cap right to the limit, so how wise would it be to throw a big contract at Smoot and have over $60M tied up in our starting corners?[/QUOTE]
Another interesting point from your assessment. How much money should be tied into a guy who, though he doesn't leave the field, doesn't seem to have the frame to play at 100%?

Believe me, I want him as a Skin. If he turned down top-ten CB money, as has been speculated, he should end up as ours, because I don't see anyone matching that.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I have a hunch Smoot won't be back, I'm thinking that Williams doesn't think it will be necessary to throw $30M or more at Smoot and will instead go with Harris and continue to develop some of the younger guys.

I love Smoot but can anyone honestly say he was missed yesterday? We went up against the #2 offense in the league and Moss had just 66 yards. We've seen that Williams can plug in almost anyone and the D doesn't miss a beat, so just how important is Smoot really??[/QUOTE]

No, we don't need him. Greg Williams doesn't need him. He CAN plug anybody into his system. We probably don't even need Springs (no we shouldnt cut him, lol)....given the chance, Harris and Wilds will be great.

I would keep Pierce over Smoot.

Last year I would have said that they would need to keep Smoot because shutdown corners, or anything close, are few and far between, but I don't honestly believe we need shutdown corners. I think Springs is good enough to lock down one side of the field and you can plug people in on the other side. I think they should definitely focus on Pierce.

That said. 6 years, 30M isn't that much money. I think, if that's what he's asking for, they should consider giving it to him.

As for Champ. Can you blame him for wanting to win? Last I checked, he's in the playoffs, we're not. I don't blame Champ for not wanting to be here. I'm just glad he fell off a bit since he left because he deserves whatever he gets. I don't think Redskins fans should be upset with him, we got a great running back for him and he got what he wanted.

[QUOTE=jdlea]Last year I would have said that they would need to keep Smoot because shutdown corners, or anything close, are few and far between, but I don't honestly believe we need shutdown corners. I think Springs is good enough to lock down one side of the field and you can plug people in on the other side. I think they should definitely focus on Pierce.

That said. 6 years, 30M isn't that much money. I think, if that's what he's asking for, they should consider giving it to him.

As for Champ. Can you blame him for wanting to win? Last I checked, he's in the playoffs, we're not. I don't blame Champ for not wanting to be here. I'm just glad he fell off a bit since he left because he deserves whatever he gets. I don't think Redskins fans should be upset with him, we got a great running back for him and he got what he wanted.[/QUOTE]


I'm upset because I bought his jersey, and then he left! J/K

It's not like the Broncos just walked into the playoffs. They barely got in.

What bothers me about Champ is that he's always talking bad about the franchise, the owner, the front office. I mean, I understand that he wanted to leave, but he doesn't need to talk shit.

As for the great running back we got, unfortunately there are alot of people here who think that our RB isn't great! :confused:

Springs at the other corner who has to be top 10 CB already really lowers the teams need to retain him and as much as I would like him back if he asks too for too much then he becomes a luxary we cannot afford. If we just had Smoot and Wilds for example then he could ask the moon.

The other issue is how important is he in the locker room? he was here when the locker room just gave up last year and the year before and if he is sick of the loosing then maybe he should have stepped up to do something about it before .....

....Just a thought...

in the daily press today, samuels said that he wanted to be here, and was confident that he and the organization would work something out. i interpret that as he might be willing to restructure, that could be big.

Lets hope Samuels restructures his contract - it certainly sounds like he would like to stay.

Contrast that with Smoot's message, which almost seems to be a polar opposite.

I think they should let Smoot test the FA market - why not? If he can get top 10 money somewhere else, he should take it.

Where's the HOPE SO option! 8)

If Smoot wants to stay great I'm all for it. I've never been in favor of begging, pleading or shaming someone in staying where they don't want to. If Smoot leaves for greener pastures, so be it, but if he leaves for an NFC east team, I hope he's prepared to deal with Thomas or Jansen planting him in the dirt on running plays.

i really don't care if we lose him. he had a good rookie season then i thought he dropped off . this year he played pretty good but i feel it was the defense more than it was smoots individual talent. if the skins can re-sign him for a good deal then thats ok but i wouldn't give him a huge contract.

The entire key to the resurgence of the Redskins defense has been the same ethic that defined all of Joe Gibbs' past teams - that players play as a team with a vibrant spirit of unity. Anyone as the players point out can make a play at any time. It makes it exciting for everyone. They were all hyped to try to get the #1 defense ranking for example - a team goal. Gregg Williams said that the players were almost disappointed the other night when the final defensive meeting of the year ended - they wanted it to continue! That is the spirit that informed all of Joe Gibbs' teams and what made them great.

So prostrating yourself to try to re-sign a player who may ask for too much money, who isn't thinking of the team first - that doesn't fly in Redskin land under Joe Gibbs. That's why they traded Champ Bailey. And if Smoot wants to demand excessive money, really we let him go, no question. Gregg Williams says he would be happy to start Wilds, he thinks so highly of him, and Rufus Brown is a player as well, and Walt Harris is at the least very solid.

Mark Maske said the other night on Channel 5 that he thinks Smoot will be re-signed. Perhaps Maske thinks that Smoot is playing games with public negotiating by being pessimistic about re-signing. He has earned a solid paycheck, but not a bank breaking one.

[QUOTE=Shane]The entire key to the resurgence of the Redskins defense has been the same ethic that defined all of Joe Gibbs' past teams - that players play as a team with a vibrant spirit of unity. Anyone as the players point out can make a play at any time. It makes it exciting for everyone. They were all hyped to try to get the #1 defense ranking for example - a team goal. Gregg Williams said that the players were almost disappointed the other night when the final defensive meeting of the year ended - they wanted it to continue! That is the spirit that informed all of Joe Gibbs' teams and what made them great.

So prostrating yourself to try to re-sign a player who may ask for too much money, who isn't thinking of the team first - that doesn't fly in Redskin land under Joe Gibbs. That's why they traded Champ Bailey. And if Smoot wants to demand excessive money, really we let him go, no question. Gregg Williams says he would be happy to start Wilds, he thinks so highly of him, and Rufus Brown is a player as well, and Walt Harris is at the least very solid.

Mark Maske said the other night on Channel 5 that he thinks Smoot will be re-signed. Perhaps Maske thinks that Smoot is playing games with public negotiating by being pessimistic about re-signing. He has earned a solid paycheck, but not a bank breaking one.[/QUOTE]


Nice post Shane. I agree w/ everything you said.

I hope we do re-sign Smoot but not for Champ money. I'll just have to get a Pierce jersey, (whether Smoot stays or not). We didn't lose a step against the Vikings without Fred and I think the defense will be top notch next season too. Pierce was a huge part of that, he was the leader of the D. And from what he has said, he expects to be back next season. That's a true Skin!!!!

[QUOTE=Shane]The entire key to the resurgence of the Redskins defense has been the same ethic that defined all of Joe Gibbs' past teams - that players play as a team with a vibrant spirit of unity.[/QUOTE]

Why didn't that work with the offense?

Hello fellow 'Skins fans. I am currently a subscriber to the Warpath newspaper and I figured I would jump aboard. It has hard to find Redskins fans where I live (Indianapolis), so I am excited to be around fellow fans for once in a long time.

As far as the Smoot situation, I can honestly say that I wouldn't miss him if he leaves. Smoot plays with heart and provides positive energy to the defense, but he doesn't command the type of money that he desires. He is not and will never be a "shut-down corner" and IMO there are only a very few players, if any, that can claim such a description. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't it Springs (when healthy) who drew the assignments to cover the oppositions #1 receiver, leaving Smoot to handle the #2? If he leaves, we will be ok. The physical Walt Harris is a solid replacement to play the other side with Springs. Plus with the advent of Sean Taylor, it is going to take pressure of of the corners anyway. Smoot needs to get off his "Deion Sanders wannabe" horse, and get back to earth and realize the type of player he really is.

Teams paid ridiculous amount of money for CB's in 2004. Do you think Denver feels like Bailey played up to the level they paid him? It seems like everytime I watch Denver play, Bailey is getting burned left and right. Also, Troy Vincent was switched to Free Safety, Antoine Winfield had an average season....I really doubt any team is willing to pay top dollar for a CB in 2005. Especially in Smoot's calibur. Don't get me wrong, I would love to keep Smoot around, but he is not worth the money he's asking for.

Smoot isn't the best corner in the league, but he is a solid player and a leader on the defense. I think we definitely need to work on signing him back!

[QUOTE=Beemnseven]Why didn't that work with the offense?[/QUOTE]

That's a good question.

The first reason is personnel difficulties I think. Pass protection difficulties. Quarterback challenges. The total changeover in systems from Spurrier's to Gibbs'. Challenges adapting the offense to fit Portis' style. Challenges related to Gibbs' long period out of the league. Receivers who don't get open, drop balls, and if they do catch it get tackled quickly. Injuries to Jansen and Coles' continuing injury problem

I think the same spirit is there on the offense but its complicated by all these problems. The defense has had injuries but we have unbelievable depth on defense so it hasn't hurt us.

Plus you have the fact that Gibbs has not only been the head coach and leader of the offense, but also became the defacto general manager and buck stops here organization leader. That is a lot to take on out of the blue. This organization has needed an entire overhaul and the burden of it all was squarely on Gibbs' shoulders, when the personnel side should have been mainly coordinated by a solid general manager. Gibbs had some learning to do in this area because he has never been a general manager.

I think it is starting to work, and we will see that showing up next season in a clear way. Great things are in store for Redskins fans with Joe Gibbs at the helm, in my opinion.

[QUOTE=Indyskin]Hello fellow 'Skins fans. I am currently a subscriber to the Warpath newspaper and I figured I would jump aboard. It has hard to find Redskins fans where I live (Indianapolis), so I am excited to be around fellow fans for once in a long time.

As far as the Smoot situation, I can honestly say that I wouldn't miss him if he leaves. Smoot plays with heart and provides positive energy to the defense, but he doesn't command the type of money that he desires. He is not and will never be a "shut-down corner" and IMO there are only a very few players, if any, that can claim such a description. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't it Springs (when healthy) who drew the assignments to cover the oppositions #1 receiver, leaving Smoot to handle the #2? If he leaves, we will be ok. The physical Walt Harris is a solid replacement to play the other side with Springs. Plus with the advent of Sean Taylor, it is going to take pressure of of the corners anyway. Smoot needs to get off his "Deion Sanders wannabe" horse, and get back to earth and realize the type of player he really is.[/QUOTE]
welcome to the board!

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]welcome to the board![/QUOTE]\

Thanks!!

We did give up 300 passing yards on sunday and dropped to the third ranked defense. It might not have been because we missed smoot but we definitly gave up a lot of yards.

I think we need to resign smoot, and that he makes our team better. BUT he still thinks he should have been a first round pick and wants top five money, he alreayd turned down top ten money. He is not a top five corner in the leauge, but his previous contract was like 2.16 million for like four years. He definitly was worth more than that before, so hes trying to recoup some of that money.

I say we franchise him, get a first and third round pick from someone, and draft Antrel Rolle (samari rolles brother, and a CANE!!) THe guy is amazing, alreayd playing at a pro level and has all the intangibles. He would have been a first round pick last year but wanted to play another year and try and get a ring.

Oops, what I meant to say is just below. :embarrass

[QUOTE=SKINSnCANES]We did give up 300 passing yards on sunday and dropped to the third ranked defense. It might not have been because we missed smoot but we definitly gave up a lot of yards.[/QUOTE]

Yep, and don't forget, Nate Burelson dropped what would have been a sure touchdown pass for something like 54 yards. Sean Taylor was also victimized for a late Hail Mary pass for the second week in a row.

I think that next to a pass rushing DE, pass coverage could be the only other flaw with this defense. Losing Smoot would hurt, there's no doubt about it. That said, he's not worth a Top Five contract. Gregg Williams could prove me wrong, but I think it would be a mistake to depend on Walt Harris and Garnell Wilds without addressing the cornerback position if Smoot leaves.

One other thing, Antrel Rolle would be [I]sweeeet[/I], but he's a top five pick and will be long gone by the time our clock starts. Plus, I think our first rounder should go to offense, unless there's absolutely no one worth a #8 or #11 pick (or wherever the hell we are).

we pick 9th

One thing that scares me the CB in this year's draft isn't strong.....that means many teams will be in hot pursuit of Smoot..........and in the worse case scenario the Cowboys could be one of them they need help in the secondary desperately.........

We just better not let Smoot go for free. I'm not saying we have to get like 2 first rounders in return or anything, but if he goes, we need to get somthing back.