Mason v. Rock

[SmootSmack]

I haven't been paying close enough attention, but who's the better blocker of the two?

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I haven't been paying close enough attention, but who's the better blocker of the two?

Haven't seen much of a blocking roll for Mason, although he ran his ass off last night. But have seen plenty from Rock over time, I think clearly that would be Rock.

[GhettoDogAllStars]

From Wikipedia:

Each NFL team may keep up to eight members on their "practice squad" in addition to their 53-member main roster. They consist mostly of rookies who were cut in training camps and borderline NFL-caliber players. Both rookies and young veterans are eligible for the practice squad. However, a player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons. Practice squad players practice alongside regular roster players during the week; however they are not allowed to play in actual games. They can be paid considerably less than active squad players: the minimum salary from 2008 to 2010 is $5,200 per week (2008-2010)[1] for 17 weeks, or $88,400 per season, in comparison to the NFL minimum rookie salary of $285,000. (Some practice squad players are paid considerably more, however: in 2006, the New England Patriots paid third-year player Billy Yates the full $425,000 he would have earned on the active roster.)[2]They are also ineligible for many fringe benefits such as service time, pensions, and the like. They hope to be promoted to the active roster either by their current team, or by another team who is scouting them. They retain free agent status and may sign with any team they wish without compensation to the original team.

[That Guy]

cut betts keep mason?

crack pipe - down.

rob jackson probably wouldn't last too long on the open market either.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by mmil12

After watching the first preseason game Mason looked much better then Rock. This has been the story for the past two preseasons. If the redskins only go with 3 backs on the open day roster does Mason have a shot given all the extras that Rock brings to the team? Thoughts?

I'm biased... my cousin is good friends with him from Prep. However, I DO think he is awesome and deserves a shot.

[MTK]

I don't see Mason beating out Rock. The only way I see Mason making the team is if someone in front of him gets hurt.

By the way PS players can be signed away from other teams as long as they are signed to that team's active roster.

[MTK]

Mason was solid but keep in mind he broke a few long runs late in the game when the super scrubs were in. I thought Rock ran well too but the holes just weren't there at times. That's what happens when you're juggling guys in and out on the OL.

[skinsnut]

Mason is good enough to keep on the roster, no doubt.
They need to find a way to keep him.

Perhaps they should have him trying to return kicks or punts or something.
Keep in mind that Mason did very well with the draws that Zorn was calling...he is quicker than Rock for our new offense.
Rock is old school Gibbs....yes he's decent, but Mason fits the scheme better...kinda like a poor man's westbrook....
If he catches well...something we don't know yet....he could actually be a viable 3rd and long back...I just don't see Rock in that situation.

Rock cannot be cut...he is a must keep with special teams and a key team player...kinda like a Thrash...only younger...so that means to keep Mason, he must be able to play teams....
It is entirely possible if Mason returns kicks well with Rock, that may eliminate the need for Thrash....I'd keep my eye on this

[dmek25]

if Mix shows anything, Thrash is gone. i dont understand all the man love for him. and , barring injury, Mason is gone too. just cant beat out Cartwright. but i am not saying Mason cant play in this league. i thought he ran well

[hail_2_da_skins]

Competition is good. Mason looks like a better runner, especially for this scheme. Rock has proven himself as a standout special teams player. This is going to be a tough choice the Redskins staff. Lets just see how it plays out the next four weeks. Injuries seems to solve these problems.

In regard to the battle for punter, I think Brooks is already the winner. The kid can boom them. I don't care if he cannot hold for the place kicker, that's what backup quarterbacks are for. Having a backup quarterback as holder opens up fake kicks.

[WillH]

There is no way you take CP out on third and long . . . so Mason is no help there.

We kept Rock for a reason, he is our ST.

I like Betts alright, but two years ago anyone could have been running through the holes our OL was creating. If we could get anything of value for him Id be all for it, but I doubt we would.

So Mason really is overkill. I love the way the guy runs, but we really dont NEED him, he would just be a luxury. Hopefully we can keep him for another season on PS and see what to do from there.

P.S. Thrash gets love because he has been a fairly consistent possession receiver in the NFC East for several years. No he is not a Super Star but he makes the clutch catches often.

[EternalEnigma21]

yeah, i think the better competition is mix/thrash. there's two guys who both contribute well to special teams. thrash seems more dependable in the passing game, but we haven't seen mix in the mix that much, so who knows.

[mmil12]

If you go to redskins.com the question is posed to Zorn if he is going to keep 4 backs specifically Mason making the team. Zorn, sounded optimistic that he would make the team. However, he was very politically correct in not saying yes or saying no. However, he really seems to like mason and his ability. When we get to 53, I think we are going to see a few surprise cuts.

[SBXVII]

I'm sorry for possibly repeating what others may have said but I sorta got the feeling Rock was being given a chance to show case what he can do other then play special teams. I also kinda got the feeling Zorn was testing other kick returners to see if any would be a good fill in for Rock.

I'll agree that Rock is a good return man but if you need depth at other positions then someone has to go and I think Zorn was trying several things that night. I honestly felt Mason out played Rock completely. Rock did nothing other then look like a scared RB being chased all over the field. Atleast Mason would find a whole and run it through. I don't know what Zorn may or may not have said but I got the feeling that Sun. was a test for Rock and if Zorn can find someone who can be a kick returner and play another position...ie; WR, S, or RB that can do the job as well as Rock then Rock may be gone.

I know some have said to me that we kept Westbrook yrs ago and have kept Rock for yrs but keep in mind that was how Gibbs ran things. and maybe Norv but the others used him as a 3rd back/kick returner. I don't think he's all that great at being a RB but is awsome at being a KR.

again sorry if someone has inside info and have been told we will keep 4 and sorry for not reading all the discussion.

[redskins5044]

there is no way mason will stay on the practice squad. if we put him on it some other team will scoop him up in a heartbeat. i like mason i think he needs to be on our roster.