Smoke Signals: Rock Cartwright needs to get over it edition

[dmvskinzfan08]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

ya know, we were clearly having to discussions. the point of the discussion was Mason would not stay if we only kept 4RB's we kept 5 so that opened it up for Mason.
Now if he can prove he should replace Betts, great, but he's not replacing Rock or CP on the 45man gameday roster.

Yeah that discussion also was if Mason was going to make the team. He did. Fin.

[roth74va]

"I talked to Rock today, and the first thing I told him was, 'No question, your major contribution is special teams. No doubt about that,'" Smith said. "You're a special-teams player. So if we go three active on Sunday, then it'll be Clinton, Ladell and Rock. So I told Rock he's really No. 3, because on game day we only have three.

"But let's say something happens to Clinton or Ladell. If they get hurt and can't play, Mason would come into that spot. It wouldn't be, all of a sudden, Rock is No. 2 and Mason is No. 3. That's just the way we explained it to him. But Rock is going to be active every week."

After speaking with Smith, Cartwright seemed to accept the situation. "I have to look at it like, 'What butters my bread?' And that's special teams," Cartwright said. "I'm satisfied with my role. I'm satisfied with having a job. I'm perfectly happy. I'm a special-teams guy and I'm here for the team."

Now thats more like it, I think he just got caught up in the heat of the moment. All of these guys are competitors, so I understand his frustration.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by dmvskinzfan08

Yeah that discussion also was if Mason was going to make the team. He did. Fin.

As one who doubted the likelihood of Mason making the team even if we kept 5 RB's, I congratulate you on your brilliant foresight. As has been discussed, it appears that the coaches saw something in Mason that those of us who disparaged his chances did not. He is, very clearly, the 3rd RB on the team with Rock as the "emergency" 3rd RB (much as ARE is the "emergency" 3rd QB).

It is also clear, to me, that much of the argument against Rock was that he was a crappy return man and that his ST skills weren't important enough for him to be on the roster. Both you and SB took pains to point out how crappy he is and that his ST abilities should not permit him to stay on the roster instead of Mason.

As to the merits of the various sides of these positions, it appeared to me there were valid points all around - along with a lot of name indignant remarks. Rather than weigh the value of Mason running skills v. Rock's ST prowess, however, the coaching staff simply called it a wash and kept them both.

Next year, I would not be surprised to see Rock gone and, depending on his cap numbers, the same for Betts. I would expect, in fact, serious challenges to be mounted for both their roster spots (2nd RB and ST's Guy).

As for this year, however, I hope that CP, Betts and Mason each have a million rushing yards & a gazillion TD's and that Rock returns all KO's for TD's and makes a bazillion ST teams tackles that cause a quadamagillion fumbles - all of which he returns for TD's.

I mean, really, does it matter who was right at this point?

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by dmvskinzfan08

Cartwright has just 12 carries the last three years, and only injuries would allow him to get any work on offense.

Exactly!! This is what I've been trying to say forever only to get verbally jumped and cornered on this forum. We are building for the future with Betts/Rock (29) guys that are older than our starting RB? Seems I was a little more intelligent than those calling me a half-wit. Mason is a more tested RB. Dorsey could return but couldn't run. Alrdige had good speed by wasn't a good runner. Caught the ball well out of the backfield. Mason improved on his blocking. He is a good runner and a dependable pass catcher. He has improved over the years. Neither Rock or Betts are in our future plans. I would be suprised if either one of them is here next year. We will either draft a RB or sign one in free agency and Mason will take Betts place and Rock will be gone. We will have another RB in the fold next year to be CP's heir if Mason doesn't pan out. I think Mason is going to suprise a lot of people. But saying that, this article is common sense. But now that you see the roster cuts and that Mason has made the team. It validates my point. I hope all the people that called me half wit are eating their crow right now.

ps. Rock shut up! Your lucky you are on the team.

Running Back Coach - Stump Mitchell: "Last year, they couldn't practice during the course of the week, and [Shaun] Alexander took all the reps but those two guys played in the game," he said. "It wouldn't be that way this year. If Mason takes all the reps, he would definitely take some carries."

and....DMV, some of us understood what you were trying to say, even tried to help out.

but man can you hold a grudge. for a half wit that is.

[dmvskinzfan08]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

and....DMV, some of us understood what you were trying to say, even tried to help out.

but man can you hold a grudge. for a half wit that is.

I know my fellow half wit.. It isn't about holding a grudge. But some people think they know everything. throw out stats instead of having a decent debate. Thinking they know everything. ON this one I was right about them keeping Mason. I am still thinking I am right about Rock needing to go. But that will have to wait until next year. But now I am thinking either Rock or Betts could have been gone and we wouldn't miss a beat....But anyways.

Here is my next prediction. Most of the things I say are common sense. I dont let my feelings for a players cloud my vision for our "team's overall success"

Next year. We are going to draft a RB or get one in free agency and Rock & Betts will be gone.

Write it down..

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by dmvskinzfan08

I know my fellow half wit.. It isn't about holding a grudge. But some people think they know everything. throw out stats instead of having a decent debate. Thinking they know everything. ON this one I was right about them keeping Mason. I am still thinking I am right about Rock needing to go. But that will have to wait until next year. But now I am thinking either Rock or Betts could have been gone and we wouldn't miss a beat....But anyways.

Here is my next prediction. Most of the things I say are common sense. I dont let my feelings for a players cloud my vision for our "team's overall success"

Next year. We are going to draft a RB or get one in free agency and Rock & Betts will be gone.

Write it down..

I think the bigger issue here is...how's Clinton Portis going to deal with this.

[MCWHITEY]

Should've kept hackett. At least he knows how to catch and be in a position to catch the ball, unlike the blind (kelly) leading the blind (thomas)

[wilsowilso]

Originally Posted by MCWHITEY

Should've kept hackett. At least he knows how to catch and be in a position to catch the ball, unlike the blind (kelly) leading the blind (thomas)

You are now in the running for mindless post of the week. Well done!

[dmvskinzfan08]

Originally Posted by wilsowilso

You are now in the running for mindless post of the week. Well done!

I agree. Where has this guy been this whole preseason?..lol

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by dmvskinzfan08

I agree. Where has this guy been this whole preseason?..lol

She's probably been waiting to hear you say something that makes sense!!

[roth74va]

Originally Posted by MCWHITEY

Should've kept hackett. At least he knows how to catch and be in a position to catch the ball, unlike the blind (kelly) leading the blind (thomas)

Welcome to the board scrub, way to represent!!! And for the record, this post is comical.

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by MCWHITEY

Should've kept hackett. At least he knows how to catch and be in a position to catch the ball, unlike the blind (kelly) leading the blind (thomas)

I didn't know you where on the board Hackett! Or did MCWHITEY just eat a MCDUMMY?

[CRedskinsRule]

one other stat, if you sort the list by number of KR's 20+yds, Rock is number 4. Number 1 has 3 fumbles, Number 2 and 3 have 1 fumble, and you guessed it Rock has 0 fumbles.

[roth74va]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

one other stat, if you sort the list by number of KR's 20+yds, Rock is number 4. Number 1 has 3 fumbles, Number 2 and 3 have 1 fumble, and you guessed it Rock has 0 fumbles.

So....of the returners with 20+ returns last year, where does his average rank? And yeah, fumbles are pretty important....ask Alridge, lol.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by roth74va

So....of the returners with 20+ returns last year, where does his average rank? And yeah, fumbles are pretty important....ask Alridge, lol.

If I count right, he is 9th. There are 2 guys, one with 13, and one with 16 who are also above him, so I think it is safe to say he is in the top 3rd of the kickoff returners. I think that along with; with his #4 ranking in kickoff returns over 20yds, and no fumbles, and he is tied for the 10th spot in kickoff returns over 40 yds, and 7 of those guys (note 15 total including ties) did not have a TD return either - shows he is a top notch ST baller.