When Camp Started I Thought...But Now...

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

When Camp Started I Thought...Marcus Mason would be another training camp hero without a place or need to be on the roster

But Now...I don't care that Mason doesn't shine or even play on special teams. I'm on the bandwagon. Find a spot on the roster for him and maybe he becomes our featured back in a couple of years. Imagine...Redskins offense being led by free agent QB Chase Daniel, free agent RB Marcus Mason, 7th round WR Marko Mitchell, with the line anchored by free agent OT Stephon Heyer

Agreed. In my opinion, cutting a guy because "all he does is run" is the dumbest reason I've ever heard. Let Devin Thomas return kicks and keep Mason as the #3 halfback.

Don't get me wrong. I love Rock, but keeping three running backs that are all approaching 30 is a recipe for disaster. Mason also has better vision and quickness than Rock. He's an actual change of pace from Portis and Betts, where Rock is more of the same.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

Agreed. In my opinion, cutting a guy because "all he does is run" is the dumbest reason I've ever heard. Let Devin Thomas return kicks and keep Mason as the #3 halfback.

Don't get me wrong. I love Rock, but keeping three running backs that are all approaching 30 is a recipe for disaster. Mason also has better vision and quickness than Rock. He's an actual change of pace from Portis and Betts, where Rock is more of the same.

Is he really? Mason seems to me a between the tackles runner, has a good burst into the hole, but does he really offer anything, e.g. speed, much different than CP & LB? My only answer to that is yes, he can't pass block, that's the main way he's different.

I don't know how fast he is, but from watching he doesn't look like a 'speed back.' If anything, his speed looks underwhelming.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Is he really? Mason seems to me a between the tackles runner, has a good burst into the hole, but does he really offer anything, e.g. speed, much different than CP & LB? My only answer to that is yes, he can't pass block, that's the main way he's different.

I don't know how fast he is, but from watching he doesn't look like a 'speed back.' If anything, his speed looks underwhelming.

I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.

Mason sort of reminds me of Joe Morris that used to play for the Giants.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I don't see him as a change of pace either. He's almost a shorter version of Betts. He's not a speed guy at all, just a hit the hole, between the tackles kinda guy. He's certainly not a home run hitter.

First off I agree with you. When Portis first came to the Skins he was the home run hitter the team needed. Speed type of runner. Though in Gibbs style of running the team bulked Portis up for power running. Now Portis is more of a between the tackles power runner. He has lost weight this season but I think he has lost his speed a little. Just a little.

Betts never was a home run hitter. He was already bulkier for the between the tackles type of running. Betts is a little slower then Portis though. when the coach's (in the past) tried to lean on him (the few times they did) he would fumble sometime during the game. Leaving coach's (I believe) to not trust him so he was relegated to 2nd place.

I know I'm not saying anything you all already don't know but simply pointing out that Mason is not a Speed back or scat back type of runner. He is another Portis or Betts. A between the tackles type of runner. Although he is younger and healthier. Someone whome can be groomed for the future after Portis.

Alridge and Dorsey are the speedier/scat back type of runners we need to change things up. Which is why I (if I was the coach) would cut both Betts and Rock, go with the younger power back in Mason to be groomed and fill in to spell Portis once in a while, and keep either Alridge or Dorsey as the speed back. Put the other on the practice squad if we still have a space. We obviously don't need another WR on the practice squad if we keep Moss, ARE, Thomas, Kelly, and Mitchell.

[roth74va]

I thought..........

Devin Thomas had made enough progress to take over the #2 spot. Still might happen but.....

Malcolm Kelly would still be injured, might end up being the long-awaited #2 we have all been waiting for.

Colt Brennan would make a play for the #2 QB spot. As it turns out he never really had a chance, and is now fighting to keep a job.

Orakpo wouldnt be a good fit at OLB. He is clearly more comfortable with his hand in the dirt, but this kid is a baller.

Mike Williams/Jeremy Bridges might be a factor at LT. Heyer was never really challenged I guess.

Rock was a lock to make the team. With his injury it opened a door, DT looked good on returns, and the other ST's units didnt seem to miss him.

Mason would be sent packing once again, now it looks like he has a legit chance to make the team. The guy has the heart of a lion, Im hoping he is a part of the future for this team.