Marshall to be realeased in favor of Godfrey

[SkinsHead56]

It' seems that a few key elements are being missed in all the ranting I have read so far.

1. I can imagine being demoted sucks. May be he asked to be let go...or the coaches let him go so he can find a job on another team this year.
2. # 98 is hardly the proto type LB in terms of size.
3. We have two young LBs drafted this year. Lemar has reached his full potential. Time to rotate the crop, HB & Dallas can be Teams guys while they learn to play the system.
4. Godfrey knows Williams & vise-versa. Why not bring in a servicable back up with better physical tools?

Bottom line this is a depth move, and as Gibbs has stated in an interview before the Steelers game there is a fight for 53 going on. Every position every player has to prove their worth to be the last 53 players on the team.

Thanks Lemar good luck to you.

[SkinsChic]

Another one of Jake's jersey's bites the dust!!

[HEROHAMO]

My guess is he will end up in Philly. After losing Trotter I think they will go after Lemar for a season or two. I imagine he will thrive in Phillys defensive scheme.

[ChocolateMilk]

My guess is he will end up in Philly. After losing Trotter I think they will go after Lemar for a season or two. I imagine he will thrive in Phillys defensive scheme.

yeah thats a really good point.. they did just release trotter. man i hope he doesnt go there.

[Irn-Bru]

It's looking more and more like this was a simple personnel decision, with the Skins regarding Godfrey as the better player, and not wanting to let go of any of the young talent.

That's too bad; I really liked Marshall. Good luck to him, wherever he ends up.

[SkinsFreak]

It's looking more and more like this was a simple personnel decision, with the Skins regarding Godfrey as the better player, and not wanting to let go of any of the young talent.

I think you're right, Irn-Bru. It appears there is/was some competition at that position and Marshall simply did not perform well enough to warrant keeping him. Gibbs simply said they were going in another direction and feel there are other players on the roster coming through for the team and they intend to play those guys.

Marshall was a solid player, not great, but pretty solid. So if there are other guys who are performing better than Marshall, well I think that's a positive thing and good to hear. I think everyone liked Lemar, but this is a business and there's always someone out there to challenge you for the right to earn a spot on the roaster.

[Cappster]

I think it boils down to price/performance ratio. Lemar just didn't perform as good on the dollar as some younger players. I am glad to see that the are our team is starting to look at getting younger instead of always having the win now mentality.

[Redskin in Canada]

I think it boils down to price/performance ratio. Lemar just didn't perform as good on the dollar as some younger players. I am glad to see that the are our team is starting to look at getting younger instead of always having the win now mentality.

Excuse me PLEASE. Did we just not get OLDER at the start position instead of younger??? Has Godfrey not TWICE in a row considered retirement over the last couple of years??? Is he more than a band-aid for ONE year???

And are you sure this "young up and coming talent" behind Godfrey will really stay after the 53 cuts are made? Was Lemar really worse than several of the other backups???

PLEASE people. Something happened. We just do not know about it. Stop taking snake oil fed for public consumption at tis time. Come on.

[Fios]

I think it boils down to price/performance ratio. Lemar just didn't perform as good on the dollar as some younger players. I am glad to see that the are our team is starting to look at getting younger instead of always having the win now mentality.

Excuse me PLEASE. Did we just not get OLDER at the start position instead of younger??? Has Godfrey not TWICE in a row considered retirement over the last couple of years??? Is he more than a band-aid for ONE year???

And are you sure this "young up and coming talent" behind Godfrey will really stay after the 53 cuts are made? Was Lemar really worse than several of the other backups???

PLEASE people. Something happened. We just do not know about it. Stop taking snake oil fed for public consumption at tis time. Come on.

Yup, the team exchanged one veteran back-up for another. What about signing one guy and cutting another at the SAME POSITION means the other guys now have less of a chance of making the roster? Clearly the coaches do, in fact, value several of the other backups over Lemar.

[Redskin in Canada]

Clearly the coaches do, in fact, value several of the other backups over Lemar.

The post of a genius! No kidding.

The guy who held the fort in 2005 and led the defense to GREAT results then is no longer serviceable EVEN as a backup. At last I am saying I really do not know what went on. I could speculate about:

a) LM asking for a trade;

b) LM physical status or the likelihood of an injury;

c) a locker problem; or

d) Save cap space or just save some of Danny's green; or

e) use your creative imagination here to continue the list endlessly ...

But Joe's press conference does not support any f these hypotheses. The cut appears to have been a surprise and difficult for Joe and Lemar. I just DO NOT believe the arguments presented by the team to date. It was possible to bring Godfrey -and- keep Lemar, particularly with an injured Marcus Washington.

At the end of the day, I am going to tell you what gets under my skin the MOST: THE LACK OF LOYALTY BY THE TEAM TO ITS "CORE" PLAYERS!!!

There you have it. Core Redskins!!!??? Who dat???

You better be right on this one Mr. Williams. But even then, I do not like the way you do BUSINESS.

[Cappster]

I think it boils down to price/performance ratio. Lemar just didn't perform as good on the dollar as some younger players. I am glad to see that the are our team is starting to look at getting younger instead of always having the win now mentality.

Excuse me PLEASE. Did we just not get OLDER at the start position instead of younger??? Has Godfrey not TWICE in a row considered retirement over the last couple of years??? Is he more than a band-aid for ONE year???

And are you sure this "young up and coming talent" behind Godfrey will really stay after the 53 cuts are made? Was Lemar really worse than several of the other backups???

PLEASE people. Something happened. We just do not know about it. Stop taking snake oil fed for public consumption at tis time. Come on.

Yup, the team exchanged one veteran back-up for another. What about signing one guy and cutting another at the SAME POSITION means the other guys now have less of a chance of making the roster? Clearly the coaches do, in fact, value several of the other backups over Lemar.

I was pointing out the fact that I think the coaches felt that Marshall's pay was too much for his performance. I do not know how much Godfrey signed for but I know Gibbs stated that they were after Godfrey before he "retired". I don't think Godfrey is anything more than just a 1 year "filler" until the young guys get up to speed. If anything, he is experienced and can share his knowledge with the young guys. Godfrey even said in his interview that he would do special teams or whatever the coaches wanted. I feel he is an insurance policy/special teamer and maybe Marshall had a problem with that role.

[Fios]

Clearly the coaches do, in fact, value several of the other backups over Lemar.

The post of a genius! No kidding.

The guy who held the fort in 2005 and led the defense to GREAT results then is no longer serviceable EVEN as a backup. At last I am saying I really do not know what went on. I could speculate about:

a) LM asking for a trade;

b) LM physical status or the likelihood of an injury;

c) a locker problem; or

d) Save cap space or just save some of Danny's green; or

e) use your creative imagination here to continue the list endlessly ...

But Joe's press conference does not support any f these hypotheses. The cut appears to have been a surprise and difficult for Joe and Lemar. I just DO NOT believe the arguments presented by the team to date. It was possible to bring Godfrey -and- keep Lemar, particularly with an injured Marcus Washington.

At the end of the day, I am going to tell you what gets under my skin the MOST: THE LACK OF LOYALTY BY THE TEAM TO ITS "CORE" PLAYERS!!!

There you have it. Core Redskins!!!??? Who dat???

You better be right on this one Mr. Williams. But even then, I do not like the way you do BUSINESS.

Your reply would be funny if 1) it was actually funny and 2) you hadn't posted this:

Was Lemar really worse than several of the other backups???

[BnGhog]

At the end of the day, I am going to tell you what gets under my skin the MOST: THE LACK OF LOYALTY BY THE TEAM TO ITS "CORE" PLAYERS!!!
here you have it. Core Redskins!!!??? Who dat???

You better be right on this one Mr. Williams. But even then, I do not like the way you do BUSINESS.

Exactly what pisses me off. If it a good signing, fine, but Marshall has done a lot for us, and has worked hard.

I mean, isn't that the only reason MB04 is on the team still. Because he took us to the playoffs and he is due, to be paid for nothing???

[Redskin in Canada]

Your reply would be funny if 1) it was actually funny

Only the first line in the second post above was meant to express laughter on -my- side.

and 2) you hadn't posted this:

Was Lemar really worse than several of the other backups???

The line quoted above from the -previous- message had no smiley at all.

It is useful and healthy on any issue to take more than the institutional point of view. It is useful and informative to -try- to put yourself in the shoes of those players who have given you loyalty, put everything on the field for you and they still have something to give. How would you feel if you were in Lemar's shoes?

What message could this move send to the other "core" guys? Ever paused to think about that?

[Fios]

Yeah, obviously the relative talent available at quarterback and linebacker are the exact same so the comparison is apt. That's for a comment from BnGHog
Core Redskins? What does that even mean? Who decides that? A team should retain a player even when it considers that person to be detrimental to the cause because he's a good guy or the fans really like him? Greg Williams, not RiC, not the fans in general and not Marshall, is responsible for determining who best fits his scheme. He's assembled some great defenses in his time here and, god knows, I hope he does it again. But bemoaning the loss of a backup because he's nice is foolish.

[Redskin in Canada]

But bemoaning the loss of a backup because he's nice is foolish.

It is done whether some of you like it or some of us do not.

But the ideas of TEAM and LOYALTY are not foolish. I admit that I do not know enough about the BUSINESS practices of the modern NFL. I became a fan when a player would wear his colours for years, decades, sometimes for LIFE.

I do not understand the disposable mentality of treating PEOPLE, good players, like cattle or rookie cards or a fantasy league where you trade at your own free will without any consequences to anybody. Here, there are consequences to the player, other players, and the fans.

You are wrong when you call my argument foolish. It is not. Maybe TEAM and LOYALTY are -old fashioned- in the multi-billion dollar business of the modern NFL but they are not foolish.

Let me tell you how far off on opposite sides of this argument we are:

I would rather LOSE with a GREAT TEAM than win with a group of changing names I do not even recognise from one season to the next. I did not like it when we lost with Joe during his first tenure but I was still PROUD of them. Happy now? If this is your idea of foolish, you would be right.

[BnGhog]

But bemoaning the loss of a backup because he's nice is foolish.

Thats not even the reason. Just because he's nice?? I'm sure Arch is nice too.

No, because of his hard work, because of his dedication to the team, the heart and blood he's put into it. And because he only had one off year.
You think if ey had one off year, they'd send him packing?Oops........

Yeah, obviously the relative talent available at quarterback and linebacker are the exact same so the comparison is apt.

Oops, thats right he plays a different position I can't use ey as an example.


I was being sarcastic with the MB04 comment anyway.

[1niksder]

At the end of the day, I am going to tell you what gets under my skin the MOST: THE LACK OF LOYALTY BY THE TEAM TO ITS "CORE" PLAYERS!!!

If you look at how things have been done in the past and when roster cuts HAVE TO BE MADE, you might come to the conclusion that Lemar wasn't going to make the team with the influx of younger LBs on the squad. Bringing in Godfrey could be a move to fill a roster spot of a player that isn't going to make the team but the FO wanted to let go early enough that he can be picked up by some other team. Godfrey has no more of a chance to make the squad than Marshall but Marshall may latch on with someone before the end of the week.

Marshall would not have been tradeable considering he was replaced as the starting MLB, is coming off a injury and was a UDFA. Getting cut prior to the cutdown date for all teams (where so many players hit the market at the same time) is a good move for Lemar

[BnGhog]

I didn't think about that. That Godfrey may not make the team either. But, at the same time, I still don't see how Godfree would have a greater chance than Marshall would.

Sounds too much like the Co. I work for. They'd so much rather hire from outside the Co.

[Redskin in Canada]

Bringing in Godfrey could be a move to fill a roster spot of a player that isn't going to make the team but the FO wanted to let go early enough that he can be picked up by some other team. Godfrey has no more of a chance to make the squad than Marshall but Marshall may latch on with someone before the end of the week.

Nice theory. But I do not find support for it in the Press Conference by Joe. He said that the team had been paying attention to Godfrey for a while now. He was a hiring priority if not his exact words. Would you cut him having lost your former experienced backup? Something does not click here.

Who are these wonderful LB backups that are better than Marshall and Godfrey? Is it Khary Campbell we are talking about here? Because if he is the one, and he appear to be ahead of the rest, well, that is the topic of another thread.

It just does not make sense to me. Sorry. your post assumes a mix of arguments and philosophies between "win now" and "investment to the future" none of which truly convince me.

But you might be right and I will be the first to be surprised if and when Godfrey is cut.

(We are still welcoming Godfrey, even temporarily as 1nik seems to imply)

[Fios]

But bemoaning the loss of a backup because he's nice is foolish.

It is done whether some of you like it or some of us do not.

But the ideas of TEAM and LOYALTY are not foolish. I admit that I do not know enough about the BUSINESS practices of the modern NFL. I became a fan when a player would wear his colours for years, decades, sometimes for LIFE.

I do not understand the disposable mentality of treating PEOPLE, good players, like cattle or rookie cards or a fantasy league where you trade at your own free will without any consequences to anybody. Here, there are consequences to the player, other players, and the fans.

You are wrong when you call my argument foolish. It is not. Maybe TEAM and LOYALTY are -old fashioned- in the multi-billion dollar business of the modern NFL but they are not foolish.

Let me tell you how far off on opposite sides of this argument we are:

I would rather LOSE with a GREAT TEAM than win with a group of changing names I do not even recognise from one season to the next. I did not like it when we lost with Joe during his first tenure but I was still PROUD of them. Happy now? If this is your idea of foolish, you would be right.

Well, first, I'd rather win consistently, every single time. Secondly, I never said the idea of loyalty was foolish, I appreciate it when guys rework their contracts to stay in DC and give the team flexibility, that happens frequently. I assume you value that as well and the fact that guys like Jansen and Samuels and Washington and Griffin and Daniels and Portis and Betts and Moss have now been with the team for quite some time. I appreciate loyalty as a concept, it's the thing I value most highly in my personal relations, it's the reason I have cut ties with people who I considered to be friends in the past. But the NFL, whether it's likeable or not, is a business. Plain and simple: players take more money to go to other teams and teams cut players in favor of other players. If you want a static roster of veterans, buy Madden and set one up. The reality of today's game is that loyalty is a temporary thing and is pretty low on a list of priorities.

[Redskin in Canada]

I appreciate loyalty as a concept, it's the thing I value most highly in my personal relations, it's the reason I have cut ties with people who I considered to be friends in the past.

And I would think the higher of you for this reason alone. let me address the axiologic aspect of your words:

This is not a "concept" for you. It is a VALUE on which you put the basis of your interactions and conduct in your personal lifestyle and personal relationships.

And THAT, my friend, makes you a GREAT person in my book.

But the NFL, whether it's likeable or not, is a business. Plain and simple: players take more money to go to other teams and teams cut players in favor of other players. If you want a static roster of veterans, buy Madden and set one up. The reality of today's game is that loyalty is a temporary thing and is pretty low on a list of priorities.

And THAT, my friend, makes that side of the NFL despicable from my point of view. You see, to me is not about WHAT, it is about HOW.

It is not about WINNING at any cost.

It is about WINNING or LOSING -with- your TEAM.

I find it strange that people would treasure a value in their personal lives but find it difficult to relate to the professional lives of people in the public domain, particularly our own Washington Redskins. That is why I asked you, and you did not respond, how would you feel about it if -you- were LM?

Fios, maybe you are too young to have known or remember a sentence, which in a different context, was very popular many years ago:

Players and coaches are people too.

Peace brother.

RiC

[1niksder]

Nice theory. But I do not find support for it in the Press Conference by Joe. He said that the team had been paying attention to Godfrey for a while now. He was a hiring priority if not his exact words. Would you cut him having lost your former experienced backup? Something does not click here.
Who are these wonderful LB backups that are better than Marshall and Godfrey? Is it Khary Campbell we are talking about here? Because if he is the one, and he appear to be ahead of the rest, well, that is the topic of another thread.

It's not my theory... it was something I read:

Head coach Joe Gibbs said on Tuesday that coaches were impressed with some of its young linebackers. So they opted to release Marshall now so that he could have enough time to land a job with another team.

"We had some other guys who we felt like we were coming through for us," Gibbs said. :Lemar has done a lot for us. We kind of made up our mind that we would go in a different direction, and now he has a chance to play with [another team].

Gibbs added: "Lemar is a high-quality guy and he has meant a lot to us."

link

It just does not make sense to me. Sorry. your post assumes a mix of arguments and philosophies between "win now" and "investment to the future" none of which truly convince me.

You are overlooking the released player and his relationship with the team.

By letting him go now he stands a better chance of getting picked up by a team that can use a LB. If they didn't feel he would make the final roster it was in LM's best interest to hit the market it now. Gibbs knew that.

But you might be right and I will be the first to be surprised if and when Godfrey is cut.

I might be wrong and I'll be the first to be surprised if he isn't.

(We are still welcoming Godfrey, even temporarily as 1nik seems to imply)

It could be looked at as a upgrade it is still the pre-season

[Fios]

I appreciate loyalty as a concept, it's the thing I value most highly in my personal relations, it's the reason I have cut ties with people who I considered to be friends in the past.

And I would think the higher of you for this reason alone. let me address the axiologic aspect of your words:

This is not a "concept" for you. It is a VALUE on which you put the basis of your interactions and conduct in your personal lifestyle and personal relationships.

And THAT, my friend, makes you a GREAT person in my book.

But the NFL, whether it's likeable or not, is a business. Plain and simple: players take more money to go to other teams and teams cut players in favor of other players. If you want a static roster of veterans, buy Madden and set one up. The reality of today's game is that loyalty is a temporary thing and is pretty low on a list of priorities.

And THAT, my friend, makes that side of the NFL despicable from my point of view. You see, to me is not about WHAT, it is about HOW.

It is not about WINNING at any cost.

It is about WINNING or LOSING -with- your TEAM.

I find it strange that people would treasure a value in their personal lives but find it difficult to relate to the professional lives of people in the public domain, particularly our own Washington Redskins. That is why I asked you, and you did not respond, how would you feel about it if -you- were LM?

Fios, maybe you are too young to have known or remember a sentence, which in a different context, was very popular many years ago:

Players and coaches are people too.

Peace brother.

RiC

1nik's post above is why I didn't offer an answer to how I'd feel if I were LM. For all we know, he's been hoping for this release, he sees greater potential on other teams where he has a chance at being a starter. Then again, maybe he is livid. I don't know, I know teams try to put a positive spin on these things but it is entirely possible this was mutual. I'm not writing that simply to be argumentative, it's just difficult to say I'd be decidedly angry or relieved or what have you.
I think loyalty has a place in sports, I think letting Art Monk go to the Jets and letting Brian Mitchell leave are the two worst decisions I can remember as a Redskins fan. BUT I want a GM (ha ... sigh) or whomever in the Redskins case, to analyze in as detached a manner as possible. That isn't to say character doesn't play a role (or that loyalty has no role), I consider that crucial to the formula, but deciding on player X over player Y should be done dispassionately in my opinion. I think loyalty, and its misplaced usage, for example, is what got the team in the LaVar mess. There is NO chance I would have given Arrington that last contract. God bless him for leaving the way he did but that thing could have been an albatross and did, to an extent, sour the waters with Pierce. He saw loyalty and equated it with dollar signs because that was the template with Arrington.
So I do, sincerely, appreciate where you are coming from but, at the end of the day, there isn't a lot of room for sentiment in sports.

[Redskin in Canada]

So I do, sincerely, appreciate where you are coming from but, at the end of the day, there isn't a lot of room for sentiment in sports.

So, I also appreciate where you are coming from but ... at the end of the day, there is always room for principles and values. That is what makes the differences between

a) acquaintances and Friends.

b) politicians and Statesmen/women;

c) soldiers and Heroes;

d) coaches and Legends;

Do not get me wrong, I maintained that something may be going on that we did not and still do not know. I am only saying that I find it VERY difficult to believe that:

"We had some other guys who we felt like we were coming through for us,"

And for that reason, and showing a vote of confidence to those same "other guys", they go out and sign another veteran. I do not understand it. Hopefully, other information will come up to clear this up.

Cheers.