Lavar Arrinton.... Merged

[Jake]

We need a pass rusher, just like always, why can they put him into a 3 point and place hime an the end. I mean if you not going to use him at LB, put him DE, another Julius Peppers in the making.

He's been practicing as a DE in some situations.

I really want LaVar on the field. He is a talented guy.

But on Comcast Sports Net last night, Brian Mitchell said that playing against us as an Eagle and a Giant that LaVar cost us games by his lack of on-the-field discipline.

As much as I want LaVar on the field, I don't want him in there if he's gonna cost us the game.

I do think it's kind of ridiculous that he didn't even get on the field for ONE play. LaVar better pick himself up in practice.

[1niksder]

But on Comcast Sports Net last night, Brian Mitchell said that playing against us as an Eagle and a Giant that LaVar cost us games by his lack of on-the-field discipline.

I've this a few times.
Marvin and Marty have problems with his discipline but he produced for us. I would like to see him out there too, but not if it comes at a cost.

I do think it's kind of ridiculous that he didn't even get on the field for ONE play. LaVar better pick himself up in practice.

I think if he's not going to be used then they should deactivate him and use the spot for someone that will be used. I hope it doesn't come to that and we'll see him on the field soon like GW says

[Jake]

I think if he's not going to be used then they should deactivate him and use the spot for someone that will be used. I hope it doesn't come to that and we'll see him on the field soon like GW says

Kelli Johnson asked him that after the game and GW said they won't deactivate him. If that's the case, then it's a waste of a roster spot if the guy isn't even gonna play.

[welch]

Jake wrote

Kelli Johnson asked him that after the game and GW said they won't deactivate him. If that's the case, then it's a waste of a roster spot if the guy isn't even gonna play.

Maybe Williams hopes / expects Arrington to make it soon.

[redskincity]

With no Lavar in the game I think Greg needs to put somebody in position to intimidate or create turnovers. Something Lavar use to do.

[SkinsJock]

Until "something" definitive happens with Arrington - it makes me feel better to hope that GW has a "plan"! I know we are 3-1 and when you look at the other teams in the NFC, we are one of the better teams, but we certainly need all 53 players.

Hopefully "something" happens and soon. The media and a lot of others (especially some here at THN) who know little to nothing are having a lot of fun hypothesising but these coaches do know what they are doing and I'm sure are more than aware of the "impact" that Arrington can have!

[yesdjz]

I have never seen a situation like this. It is complete b.s. I understand the organization likes to keep things in house but feeding the fans such nonsense is horrible. We deserve more than that. We demanded P. Ramsey last year and we should do the same for Lavar now.

There is no doubt we are not getting the truth from the coaching staff and this is unsettling to say the least as a fan. They are talking in circles and its getting old. I seriously hope I am wrong, but it looks pretty certain he is done in Washington.

His knee is most likely fine, thats not the issue. If we later traded him the team would work him out and see he cant run. He even asked a reporter if he wanted to race. lol.

So then it points to his contract disputes and speaking out against the team last year about his injury. Its sad to see but Lavar is being made an example of to the rest of the team. Everyone knows he can play, period. Its sad because he is in his prime and being wasted. In a nutshell they are saying he is not smart enought to play in this system. The third down package they love to revert to is just talk. I feel for Lavar. He loves being a Redskin and they have squashed him into nothing. Another loss or 2 and people will start putting pressure to use him. Thats not good enough, "NOW". We need to stop sitting here all confused week after week talking about will he play a down or 2 and DEMAND HE PLAY. Even Gibbs gave into the Ramsey chants last year.

Reporters need to put more pressure on the coaches in interviews, more specific questions, i.e. Holdman didnt play well last week, why not play Lavar, is he really that mentally incompetent to the system? Do u think a 3 time Pro warming the bench should stay a Redskin or be traded? The reporters are being too passive. The coaching staff will get tired of lying sooner or later. Of course I love Gibbs/Williams and what they have done since Spurrier, but the entire organization blew a tire on this one. There is still time to fix this, but Lavar will be preachin "trade me" soon and that will be it. Wouldnt it be great for him to land in the nfc east playing against us. I am by no means an expert, just callin it as i see it, a whole hearted Redskins fan. Time to make up the signs, "We Want Lavar".

[roybus14]

As much as I want this to go away, it won't. Basically, the Redskins are telling everyone that Lavar is an uncoachable idiot.

Also, it's really amazing how some of our former players (Jake and Riggo) are piling on Lavar now by calling him a "one play wonder." He will make one big play and then miss four. Come on man.... If he was so undisciplined and couldn't get the scheme, why did he start the first three games last season? He had 15 total tackles, 1 sack, and 2 passes deflected before he got hurt. I guess he got stupid all of a sudden after his knee surgery.

It doesn't make any sense to me at all. It has to be more than the "packages" because he's not even playing on Special Teams. It's time to stop all of the smoke and mirrors and come clean. It's kind of ironic that he was not on John Thompson's show yesterday at Four, isn't it????

Even though he is being treated like this and several former Skins are basically saying he is done, he has remained professional about the whole situation. He is not a distraction like T.O. calling press conferences with his agent, not talking to teammates, not doing sit-ups in front of his house... I wonder what is "Danny Boy's" take on this?

[The Hogster]

I agree and to back it up with further facts, Warrick Holdman has a whopping 10 tackles, 7 solo through 4 full games.

C'mon he is averaging 3 tackles per game out of 70+ plays?? This guy is a non-factor. The Redskins are running a tight ship, and Lavar may not be the right fit..BUT GEEZ LETS GET SOMETHING OUT OF HIM BEFORE HE IS CUT OR TRADED!!!

We are wasting our frickin money on this guy to keep him a clean millionaire.

[Jake]

I have never seen a situation like this. It is complete b.s. I understand the organization likes to keep things in house but feeding the fans such nonsense is horrible. We deserve more than that. We demanded P. Ramsey last year and we should do the same for Lavar now.

No, we shouldn't.

Last year was a completely different situation. Brunell was playing like crap and was losing games. A change needed to be made.

Holdman has been filling in very well for LaVar so there's no need to make a change if it's not necessary.

LaVar is getting paid $12 million to understand a defensive system and until he does that, then he's going to be treated like anyone else who didn't understand the system.

[Jake]

I agree and to back it up with further facts, Warrick Holdman has a whopping 10 tackles, 7 solo through 4 full games.

So?

Has he been losing games for us? How many times has he been out of position or freelancing?

All that matters is that he understands the system and he helps prevent as many big plays as possible. I could care less how many tackles he has compared to the next guy.

[soco18]

You guys have all made good points,but this much I know.GW has taken this defense and made it a top 5 unit ever since he's been here.I'm gonna trust in his judgement that the players that he is playing are the ones that give us the best chance to stop the opposing team.I have gotta beleive that this coaching staff wants to win no matter how and that Lavar would be in there,situationally or not,if they thought it would benefit the defense.

[SkinsJock]

I have never seen a situation like this. It is complete b.s. I understand the organization likes to keep things in house but feeding the fans such nonsense is horrible. We deserve more than that.

These 2 guys (JG & GW) are running the team and they are doing it the way they want. While we would like to think we have some or any influence over anything - we don't! IMO not even DS can do anything regarding this situation whether he wants to or not. The team is 3-1 and is playing with a lot of heart.

There is no doubt we are not getting the truth from the coaching staff and...it looks pretty certain he is done in Washington.

His knee is most likely fine, thats not the issue. If we later traded him the team would work him out and see he cant run. !

So then it points to his contract disputes and speaking out against the team last year about his injury. Its sad to see but Lavar is being made an example of to the rest of the team. Everyone knows he can play, period. Its sad because he is in his prime and being wasted. In a nutshell they are saying he is not smart enought to play in this system.

We do not really know any of this - it is all conjecture! It looks like it but things are rarely what they seem.

.. We need to stop sitting here all confused week after week talking about will he play a down or 2 and DEMAND HE PLAY. Even Gibbs gave into the Ramsey chants last year.

GW and JG will play him! They have earned the right to decide when that will happen.

Reporters need to put more pressure on the coaches in interviews, more specific questions, i.e. Holdman didnt play well last week, why not play Lavar, is he really that mentally incompetent to the system? Do u think a 3 time Pro warming the bench should stay a Redskin or be traded? The reporters are being too passive.

Unfotunately as we have seen recently this group has absolutely no credibility.

I think there are a number of us here who are as baffled by this situation but I guess I am just going to go along with "if it aint broke, don't fix it" even though it makes little to no sense. I'll say it again - these guys have earned that.




BTW - welcome to the site and IMO a good post with some interesting points - albeit, a frustrating situation for all of us!

[The Hogster]

I agree and to back it up with further facts, Warrick Holdman has a whopping 10 tackles, 7 solo through 4 full games.

So?

Has he been losing games for us? How many times has he been out of position or freelancing?

All that matters is that he understands the system and he helps prevent as many big plays as possible. I could care less how many tackles he has compared to the next guy.

What do you mean SO? I guess whiffing at Tatum Bell on a TD scamper helped us win in Denver?? If you don't care if your OLB is not making tackles then you are completely in the dark.

If you read my post, I am not saying that Lavar should be here long term, but what I am saying is that if you are going to bench a Pro-Bowl player for another guy and say the reason is level of play or consistency, then it is only reasonable that the guy who steps in plays at a high level or at least consistent.

In my opinion, I haven't seen that from Holdman. If you want to be naive and think this is about playing ability then go right ahead, however I choose to look deeper to realize that Lavar is not going to be a part of this team's future "period". My only thing is don't give the fans this excuse that "it was his packages"...GW is famous for not having "starters" and having all of his active players play a role, and that is not happening with Lavar.

I don't subscribe to the school of thought that you apparently do in that one player can "loose games for us". That is simply wrong. Whether its Taylor or Arrington or Marcus Washington, singular players don't lose games, the team does. Arrington might freelance, but does that stop anyone from at least putting him in there strictly in certain blitz packages?? No it doesnt. Do you really think Williams would keep him off the field, if only in certain blitz situations if there wasn't something else going on??

There is something else to this story that is keeping Lavar off of the field, but at the moment, Warrick Holdman has not made anyone forget about Arrington, he just hasn't.

[KPrince1975]

I have never seen a situation like this. It is complete b.s. I understand the organization likes to keep things in house but feeding the fans such nonsense is horrible. We deserve more than that. We demanded P. Ramsey last year and we should do the same for Lavar now.

No, we shouldn't.

Last year was a completely different situation. Brunell was playing like crap and was losing games. A change needed to be made.

Holdman has been filling in very well for LaVar so there's no need to make a change if it's not necessary.

LaVar is getting paid $12 million to understand a defensive system and until he does that, then he's going to be treated like anyone else who didn't understand the system.

All Holdman can do is fill a gap. Wow! I am impressed. Give me a break. Lavar will eventually get in there, but come on, Holdman isn't doing anything but wearing a jersey and doing the best he can, which is average.

[KPrince1975]

I agree and to back it up with further facts, Warrick Holdman has a whopping 10 tackles, 7 solo through 4 full games.

So?

Has he been losing games for us? How many times has he been out of position or freelancing?

All that matters is that he understands the system and he helps prevent as many big plays as possible. I could care less how many tackles he has compared to the next guy.

Do you understand the defensive system? The lineman tie up the OL and our backers are supposed to make plays or force the ball back to the inside. You should care how many tackles he has because he is a linebacker, and this defense is built for them to make the tackles. He isn't the answer! Stop kidding yourself.

[KPrince1975]

You guys have all made good points,but this much I know.GW has taken this defense and made it a top 5 unit ever since he's been here.I'm gonna trust in his judgement that the players that he is playing are the ones that give us the best chance to stop the opposing team.I have gotta beleive that this coaching staff wants to win no matter how and that Lavar would be in there,situationally or not,if they thought it would benefit the defense.

Fine. I understand your point and agree, but the coaches are not saying that. They are saying, well ya know, the packages he is in weren't called because, blah, blah, blah. Are substitutions were way down because of the team we were playing, blah, blah. Come on our coaches are awesome, but they are human. Just give us the truth. They give the run around too much!

[KPrince1975]

I agree and to back it up with further facts, Warrick Holdman has a whopping 10 tackles, 7 solo through 4 full games.

So?

Has he been losing games for us? How many times has he been out of position or freelancing?

All that matters is that he understands the system and he helps prevent as many big plays as possible. I could care less how many tackles he has compared to the next guy.

What do you mean SO? I guess whiffing at Tatum Bell on a TD scamper helped us win in Denver?? If you don't care if your OLB is not making tackles then you are completely in the dark.

If you read my post, I am not saying that Lavar should be here long term, but what I am saying is that if you are going to bench a Pro-Bowl player for another guy and say the reason is level of play or consistency, then it is only reasonable that the guy who steps in plays at a high level or at least consistent.

In my opinion, I haven't seen that from Holdman. If you want to be naive and think this is about playing ability then go right ahead, however I choose to look deeper to realize that Lavar is not going to be a part of this team's future "period". My only thing is don't give the fans this excuse that "it was his packages"...GW is famous for not having "starters" and having all of his active players play a role, and that is not happening with Lavar.

I don't subscribe to the school of thought that you apparently do in that one player can "loose games for us". That is simply wrong. Whether its Taylor or Arrington or Marcus Washington, singular players don't lose games, the team does. Arrington might freelance, but does that stop anyone from at least putting him in there strictly in certain blitz packages?? No it doesnt. Do you really think Williams would keep him off the field, if only in certain blitz situations if there wasn't something else going on??

There is something else to this story that is keeping Lavar off of the field, but at the moment, Warrick Holdman has not made anyone forget about Arrington, he just hasn't.

Thank you. A man with some sense

[roybus14]

For those of you that feel that Holdman is doing a good job in place of Lavar and the other LBs are doing a good job, let me ask you this:

If GWs schemes are so good and these LBs do their jobs so well, why did we give up not one but two big runs Sunday?

Also, what kind of damage to our "scheme" will Lavar do as a starting DE? There are several guys starting at DE for their teams that are about the same weight and height as Lavar and they are doing a good job. Let's look up the road in Baltimore. Suggs and Lavar are about the same height and weight. He is the Ravens starting DE and their defense is still one of the tops in the league. Know why? It's because they have LBs and a secondary that make plays behind him. So he can go all out and even gamble because those guys are good enough and more than willing to pick any slack....

[Jake]

My point is that you all are making Holdman out to be a bum who doesn't know what he's doing.

He's a veteran who knows the system and is doing a solid job. If the defensive coaches trust him to be in there, then so do I.

I want LaVar on the field as much as the next guy. But if he is a liability on certain things, then I'm going to support whoever is in his place.

[SKINS#1]

Don't we know by now that JG and GW are telling us all they want us to know, which may not be all of the story but it is all we NEED to know. We should give it up and move on. Progress is in the making and we should sit down, shut up and enjoy.

[SkinzCanes]

Holdman has been filling in very well for LaVar so there's no need to make a change if it's not necessary.

Jake I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this. Holdamn is at best an average linebacker and I would argue that he has been bellow average thus far. The Seahawks figured out at half time that they could run his way with ease and it was Holdman that failed to keep containment on Bell's first td run. He is too small to shed blocks and isn't fast enough to make up for his lack of size.

[Riggo44]

i have to agree w/ Canes. Holdman is average at very best. i don't remember seeing him make any tackles the past few weeks. he just doesn't seem to be around the ball. i understand that williams doesn't want to use lavar for some reason and i need to move on, but you can't tell me that he's not better for our football team than holdman.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

i have to agree w/ Canes. Holdman is average at very best. i don't remember seeing him make any tackles the past few weeks. he just doesn't seem to be around the ball. i understand that williams doesn't want to use lavar for some reason and i need to move on, but you can't tell me that he's not better for our football team than holdman.

While I don't completely disagree with SkinzCanes and Riggo44, I do think that this wouldn't be such a big deal if we were 4-0 right now. We'd be chalking up the big runs to non-calls and such, and Holdman, though still "inferior" to Lavar, would still be considered a vital part of the starting defense.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

FYI: Lavar will make his weekly appearance on Sportstalk 980 today at 4:00 PM ET.

I'll do my best to post a recap, but, please, do tune in.

Click here to listen.