Great Article on the Skins' offseason

[Mississippi Hog]

Read this on ESPN. Great article by the NFC East blogger:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/ ... -pragmatic

[SkinsJock]

Read this on ESPN. Great article by the NFC East blogger:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/ ... -pragmatic

THANK YOU - I saw this and am glad that some of the media are 'seeing the light'

Dan Snyder is JUST being the owner and our franchise is better off for it

The Redskins have managed to operate, under difficult circumstances, in a manner that allows them to believe they can defend their title as long as Robert Griffin III can get back on the field following knee surgery. They haven't done anything exciting, because they haven't been able to. But the fact that they've chosen to handle this situation in a prudent and responsible manner -- and the fact that Snyder hasn't stepped in and commanded anyone to do otherwise -- is a strong indication that the Redskins' franchise is in a much better place than it was three years ago.

Things run coolly and intelligently in Ashburn these days. Even when the people in charge have a ready-made excuse to veer from the plan, they appear determined not to do so. And if you're a Redskins fan frustrated by the lack of offseason activity, that has to give you confidence about the direction of the franchise and the way it's being run

WE ARE VERY, VERY FORTUNATE



The cap hit is BS but it has forced this FO to spend VERY carefully - I think that has actually helped, in a way

we could very well win the NFC East again but the biggest test is going to come next year when we have a bunch of money to spend ... maybe $30M plus
I hope this FO continues to ONLY keep AND PAY the big contracts to the players that have REALLY earned it AND ... BUILD THRU THE DRAFT

I like it that players don't get paid what they think they're worth - I hope we continue to 'reward' the players that deserve it and let the others go

[rskin72]

This team has an exciting young nucleus of players on it. As bad as the cap penalty was (and as unfair), it is demonstrating that our free spending days under Cerrato and Snyder have indeed come to a deserved end.

But...lets not get carried away. We made the moves to get our franchise QB, and he turned out to be far better than most of us ever envisioned. As long as he returns this season, fully recovered and healthy, then all will be good.

Also, I was not thrilled with the way Zo claimed to have been treated. This was someone who I thought was an important member of our team, both on the field and within the locker room. Thought he deserved a bit better than he claimed the team gave for him.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Keyword- *most.
Some of us envisioned exactly what we got- the new breed of qbs, and an extremely gifted rare talent.

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

[crazyhorse1]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

Lol, we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed? Not saying I would hate adding harvin but let's be real, dream teams usual don't pan out....

[Deadskins]

The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks.

We'll be at least as good as last season, and arguably better with the O-line having a year together under their belts, and RGIII and Morris no longer rookies. In addition to having several players back, others will now have had that year of play since a major injury that it seems to take to really get back to their former performance levels. We have more depth, which is crucial, because we all know there will be new injuries this year. I don't see the doom and gloom you do. I say 11-5, NFC East champs again, and possibly a bye.

[crazyhorse1]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

Lol, we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed? Not saying I would hate adding harvin but let's be real, dream teams usual don't pan out....

If Garcon, Davis, Orakpo, and RG!!! show up gimpy and stay that while for any length of time, we lose. Get real.

[HTTRRG3ALMO]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

Lol, we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed? Not saying I would hate adding harvin but let's be real, dream teams usual don't pan out....

Exactly. Because every man is for himself. We're a unit of players growing as a team.

[Deadskins]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

Lol, we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed? Not saying I would hate adding harvin but let's be real, dream teams usual don't pan out....

If Garcon, Davis, Orakpo, and RG!!! show up gimpy and stay that while for any length of time, we lose. Get real.

I'll give you RGIII, but the others? Not so much.

[SkinsJock]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed?
Not saying I would hate adding Harvin but let's be real, dream teams usually don't pan out....

If Garcon, Davis, Orakpo, and RG!!! show up gimpy and stay that while for any length of time, we lose. Get real.

I'll give you RGIII, but the others? Not so much.

The reality is that the only player that we really need to come back in decent shape is RG3
there's a chance that he's not as good as he was but there's a better chance that he's faster and much more aware of what he has to do

any team is hurt by injuries - why look at it from that perspective - that's really very negative

I will be very surprised if the offense is not subtly different than we saw last season to take advantage of RG3's speed, passing and the experience gained from last season

I think the defense is helped by players returning from injury and it's hard to imagine the pass defense will not be better than it was

we have a lot to look forward to

[riggofan]

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

I don't get this at all. Lorenzo Alexander was as true a Redskin as we've had around here the past few years and a fan favorite for good reason. He got a chance to earn a little more for his family and a real chance to prove he can be a starter in the league for real. I wish him the best, just wish he was able to do it here in DC.

[yupchagee]

I don't see how we've improved the team so far this off-season. We've probably lost more than we've gained: Jackson, Hall, Zo. Trueblood is shaky at best and we already had Fred, though most are reacting to his coming back as if it were an addition. The best news is that injuries may be healed. If not, we lose the division, in spite of the fact that our competition sucks. At this point I'm praying for a great safety to show up in the draft. Now, that would make a difference. My prayers for Harvin didn't work.

Lol, we don't win the free agency bowl and now we are doomed?
Couldn't buy a sb then, what's changed? Not saying I would hate adding harvin but let's be real, dream teams usual don't pan out....

If Garcon, Davis, Orakpo, and RG!!! show up gimpy and stay that while for any length of time, we lose. Get real.

We won with Davis & Orakpo on IR last year.

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

I don't get this at all. Lorenzo Alexander was as true a Redskin as we've had around here the past few years and a fan favorite for good reason. He got a chance to earn a little more for his family and a real chance to prove he can be a starter in the league for real. I wish him the best, just wish he was able to do it here in DC.

Well now my quote is out of context.. I never disputed any of that, just pointed out we made him a fair offer for his services and he declined. He may fade into the shadows or maybe he blooms into the starter. He wasn't one here, and we weren't in a position to pay him starter caliber monies. I wish him the best, but disagree with him being mistreated... He wouldn't have been the only vet to return for less money for his family then he felt he could get.. He mighta been a "true redskin" like moss and ey and Fletcher, but like Hall he isn't anymore.

[burgngold4life]

Verrry good read here.

I very much enjoy the fact we're not making headlines for bonehead offseason moves... & that the regime is quietly keeping most of the team intact.

13' should be an awesome year for us.

[Deadskins]

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

I don't get this at all. Lorenzo Alexander was as true a Redskin as we've had around here the past few years and a fan favorite for good reason. He got a chance to earn a little more for his family and a real chance to prove he can be a starter in the league for real. I wish him the best, just wish he was able to do it here in DC.

And that would have been fine if he had just said that. But he made up a bogus story about the team lowering its offer by over a million dollars with no explanation. Maybe the Cardinals called him pretending to be Bruce Allen to seal the deal.

[riggofan]

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

I don't get this at all. Lorenzo Alexander was as true a Redskin as we've had around here the past few years and a fan favorite for good reason. He got a chance to earn a little more for his family and a real chance to prove he can be a starter in the league for real. I wish him the best, just wish he was able to do it here in DC.

Well now my quote is out of context.. I never disputed any of that, just pointed out we made him a fair offer for his services and he declined. He may fade into the shadows or maybe he blooms into the starter. He wasn't one here, and we weren't in a position to pay him starter caliber monies. I wish him the best, but disagree with him being mistreated... He wouldn't have been the only vet to return for less money for his family then he felt he could get.. He mighta been a "true redskin" like moss and ey and Fletcher, but like Hall he isn't anymore.

Out of context? I'm not sure how you can argue that. "F Zo" is a long way from "I wish him the best, but..."

Anyway, I'm not trying to attack you personally or anything. I've just noticed a number of fans sort of turn on Alexander like this. I find it kind of surprising. Zo seems like a guy who wanted to be back, but it just didn't work out.

[riggofan]

And that would have been fine if he had just said that. But he made up a bogus story about the team lowering its offer by over a million dollars with no explanation. Maybe the Cardinals called him pretending to be Bruce Allen to seal the deal.

Why is that story bogus? I can't find anything claiming that was bogus, and I'm not sure why Alexander would make it up anyway.

This is what the Washington Post reported:

The deal Alexander signed with Arizona is worth $9.5 million over three years and includes $3 million in guaranteed money. The Redskins offer was significantly less. Originally, the team had offered a deal that included $2.6 million in guaranteed money. But on Monday of this week, after the team learned that there was no chance they were recouping any of that $18 million, Alexander said that the offer dropped to $1.4 million. The difference was just too significant.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/foo ... -and-easy/

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Zo? F him. He got told he isn't starting caliber talent... And he still isn't. Two sides to that story,the other side paints him as a money grubbing me first hater who turned down a (cap strapped) More then FAIR offer. It is what it is- peace out OMG

I don't get this at all. Lorenzo Alexander was as true a Redskin as we've had around here the past few years and a fan favorite for good reason. He got a chance to earn a little more for his family and a real chance to prove he can be a starter in the league for real. I wish him the best, just wish he was able to do it here in DC.

Well now my quote is out of context.. I never disputed any of that, just pointed out we made him a fair offer for his services and he declined. He may fade into the shadows or maybe he blooms into the starter. He wasn't one here, and we weren't in a position to pay him starter caliber monies. I wish him the best, but disagree with him being mistreated... He wouldn't have been the only vet to return for less money for his family then he felt he could get.. He mighta been a "true redskin" like moss and ey and Fletcher, but like Hall he isn't anymore.

Out of context? I'm not sure how you can argue that. "F Zo" is a long way from "I wish him the best, but..."

Anyway, I'm not trying to attack you personally or anything. I've just noticed a number of fans sort of turn on Alexander like this. I find it kind of surprising. Zo seems like a guy who wanted to be back, but it just didn't work out.

Well he had an offer, and he turned it down... Then cried about being treated poorly. So in that regard f him. If he loved the team he'd take what he could knowing we need to tighten up the belt this season with cap gate, not make a fuss about it.
Now I don't blame him for leaving, nor do I let this sum up his career as a skin... But I won't blame the FO or agree he was mistreated. He's a great guy, but replaced pretty easily. Tapp?

[Deadskins]

And that would have been fine if he had just said that. But he made up a bogus story about the team lowering its offer by over a million dollars with no explanation. Maybe the Cardinals called him pretending to be Bruce Allen to seal the deal.

Why is that story bogus? I can't find anything claiming that was bogus, and I'm not sure why Alexander would make it up anyway.

This is what the Washington Post reported:

The deal Alexander signed with Arizona is worth $9.5 million over three years and includes $3 million in guaranteed money. The Redskins offer was significantly less. Originally, the team had offered a deal that included $2.6 million in guaranteed money. But on Monday of this week, after the team learned that there was no chance they were recouping any of that $18 million, Alexander said that the offer dropped to $1.4 million. The difference was just too significant.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/foo ... -and-easy/

And the Post offers nothing other than "Alexander said" the offer dropped. The Redskins said the offer was never dropped, and Shanahan repeated that at the owners meetings.

[riggofan]

And that would have been fine if he had just said that. But he made up a bogus story about the team lowering its offer by over a million dollars with no explanation. Maybe the Cardinals called him pretending to be Bruce Allen to seal the deal.

Why is that story bogus? I can't find anything claiming that was bogus, and I'm not sure why Alexander would make it up anyway.

This is what the Washington Post reported:

The deal Alexander signed with Arizona is worth $9.5 million over three years and includes $3 million in guaranteed money. The Redskins offer was significantly less. Originally, the team had offered a deal that included $2.6 million in guaranteed money. But on Monday of this week, after the team learned that there was no chance they were recouping any of that $18 million, Alexander said that the offer dropped to $1.4 million. The difference was just too significant.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/foo ... -and-easy/

And the Post offers nothing other than "Alexander said" the offer dropped. The Redskins said the offer was never dropped, and Shanahan repeated that at the owners meetings.

LOL. And our FO is always completely forthcoming and honest. Mike Shanahan in particular is well known around the league for transparency.

Anyway. You're free to believe what you want. I just don't see any reason why Lorenzo would invent this story about talking to Allen:

“I even asked Bruce why [the offer] changed, and he said, ‘It’s because of the cap,’ and I got emotional, because this is home. I love the fans, I love the team and the coaches and the guys in that locker room, and the city."

[Deadskins]

And that would have been fine if he had just said that. But he made up a bogus story about the team lowering its offer by over a million dollars with no explanation. Maybe the Cardinals called him pretending to be Bruce Allen to seal the deal.

Why is that story bogus? I can't find anything claiming that was bogus, and I'm not sure why Alexander would make it up anyway.

This is what the Washington Post reported:

The deal Alexander signed with Arizona is worth $9.5 million over three years and includes $3 million in guaranteed money. The Redskins offer was significantly less. Originally, the team had offered a deal that included $2.6 million in guaranteed money. But on Monday of this week, after the team learned that there was no chance they were recouping any of that $18 million, Alexander said that the offer dropped to $1.4 million. The difference was just too significant.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/foo ... -and-easy/

And the Post offers nothing other than "Alexander said" the offer dropped. The Redskins said the offer was never dropped, and Shanahan repeated that at the owners meetings.

LOL. And our FO is always completely forthcoming and honest. Mike Shanahan in particular is well known around the league for transparency.

Anyway. You're free to believe what you want. I just don't see any reason why Lorenzo would invent this story about talking to Allen:

“I even asked Bruce why [the offer] changed, and he said, ‘It’s because of the cap,’ and I got emotional, because this is home. I love the fans, I love the team and the coaches and the guys in that locker room, and the city."

The Post is always positive concerning the Redskins, too, and never prints rumor and conjecture where a negative about the team exists.

I think the quote from Zo gives ample motive for him invent a reason to blame the team. You're also free to believe what you want.

[SkinsJock]

the fact is Alexander just could not accept his role here - he was NOT good enough to be a starter

he was great everywhere but just NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Alexander needed to just accept his position and his role as a PART OF THIS TEAM

to leave in the manner that he did is just a shame - get over it

[riggofan]

I suspect your tin foil hat is clouding your judgement.

I don't see this story as any kind of negative comment on the Redskins either way. Whether from Alexander or the Washington Out To Get the Redskins Post. The Redskins made an initial offer under one set of circumstances. The league shut the door on the salary cap penalty. The team had to make some decisions based on that including changing their offer to Alexander.

Why is that a negative about the Redskins? According to Alexander, Bruce Allen was even honest about what happened. And Alexander says he understood that cap penalty affected their ability to retain him. The only "blame" he is leveling at the team is that they didn't pony up a competitive offer. BFD.

Seriously ,what's the big deal here? I don't see how this is some slanderous pack of outrageous lies against the Redskins.

[riggofan]

the fact is Alexander just could not accept his role here - he was NOT good enough to be a starter

he was great everywhere but just NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Alexander needed to just accept his position and his role as a PART OF THIS TEAM

to leave in the manner that he did is just a shame - get over it

Seriously??? He was wrong to take more money for a better job somewhere else??? Give me a freaking break. That's not SHAMEFUL. That is the AMERICAN WAY.