On the Skins website on "Inside the Redskins" the question was asked if Mason has a chance to crack the squad. This was the answer:
Quote:
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Gary: Running back is a crowded position on the Redskins right now. Portis is not going anywhere and neither is Ladell Betts. Coaches have said they are committed to using Betts as a third-down back. Mason is in competition with Rock Cartwright for the No. 3 job. That means Mason needs to establish himself on special teams. Cartwright is a special teams leader and it would be hard for special teams coach Danny Smith to lose Khary Campbell, James Thrash and Cartwright in one year. I disagree with the notion that Mason has game-breaking speed, actually. If you want a good change of pace back, I’d suggest Anthony Alridge, who really impressed in last Friday’s preseason game vs. New England.
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The part I high lighted irritates me the most. They keep saying Mason is a good runner but must "establish" himself on special teams. Yet the reverse is over looked. Cartwright is a good kick returner but (in my and many of people's oppinions) has failed to "establish" himself as a RB, thus why he has been relegated to 3rd string for atleast 5 out of his 7 yrs with the team. The team and fans keep mentioning that they want the 3rd sting RB to serve a duel roll. Yet for 5 yrs Rock has served one. I know, I know, you guys are going to say Rock has served as a RB as well. I beg to differ. When Portis went down the team gave Betts the starting nod and tried out Rock. Apparently he did not impress cause they went out and picked up the "TTB."
The double standard kills me. I know I'll hear the " If we let Rock go we need someone to KR then which Mason does not do well." and I challenge with we have Thomas who did well the other day, Moss who has filled in nicely on PR's ...not much different then KR's, and to be honest why not use Betts who has done the job admirably in his first few yrs on the team prior to it being handed over to Rock. Heck Betts is going to get few RB duties so picking up this job would not over extend him.
Ultimatly my choices are Portis, Mason, Alridge. However it sounds like they are going to keep Betts and if they are adament about keeping him then my choices would be Portis, Betts, Alridge. We need a speed back to add not only a change of pace but to create some nice packages in any 2 RB plays.