Lavar Arrington "Glass half Empty"

[chicosbailbond]

I will start by saying this guy has gone through a ton of coordinators and head coaches and hasn't enjoyed much sucess... but I am sick and tired of hearing crap like this come out of his mouth...

"It gets frustrating, man," said linebacker LaVar Arrington, a spectator the last three games because of a knee injury. "This is my fifth season. ... It's like the same old results every single season, the same thing every season."

If this is the public comments your so called team leaders are making... Well then Gibbs has a bigger problem he is dealing with than just an inept offense....

This team is full of non-believing glass half empty players...


Lavar isn't even all that anyway... We should have paid Champ the money and let this guy go somewhere else... I will take a team of Pierces and Warners and Salavae's and Nobles... blue collar over achieving type players...


Lavar Arrington is the Chris Webber of the NFL...

[SkinsJock]

you've got to stop eating lettuce, it's obviously affecting your abilities!

[Irn-Bru]

I don't believe that Lavar has that killer instinct which would drive him to play like the best of the blue collar players. It is my belief that you have to try and hit guys hard enough to hurt them (though that's not why you're hitting them), and Lavar seems like much more of a don't-get-dirty type of player.

There was an article about this in the Post a while back. My main man Sam Huff was talking about how, if he had been the linebacker who had ended Aikman's career, he really would have fed off that and tried to hit people even harder afterward. Lavar just isn't that kind of guy, he doesn't have that mean streak.

I can sympathize with his frustration, it doesn't seem like anything is working. But the answer is to work out of it--I think we've finally got hope of stability under Gibbs, and if our Skins just keep working hard good things are going to happen. Lavar will definitely feed off of that, because simply hitting people and being mean isn't going to cut it. I view that as a weakness in Lavar, but as long as we're winning I don't think it'll be much of a problem.

[redskins56]

I will start by saying this guy has gone through a ton of coordinators and head coaches and hasn't enjoyed much sucess... but I am sick and tired of hearing crap like this come out of his mouth...

"It gets frustrating, man," said linebacker LaVar Arrington, a spectator the last three games because of a knee injury. "This is my fifth season. ... It's like the same old results every single season, the same thing every season."

If this is the public comments your so called team leaders are making... Well then Gibbs has a bigger problem he is dealing with than just an inept offense....

This team is full of non-believing glass half empty players...


Lavar isn't even all that anyway... We should have paid Champ the money and let this guy go somewhere else... I will take a team of Pierces and Warners and Salavae's and Nobles... blue collar over achieving type players...


Lavar Arrington is the Chris Webber of the NFL...

I'd be willing to bet that I speak for a plethora of people on this board that would be willing to knock some since in to you right about now.

Arrington is a monster, and if you don't see that you are a clown. His tackle totals have improved every season he has played in, despite the fact that you yourself mentioned, he hasn't had the same coordinator twice. He's played for 4 coaches in 5 years, and hasn't had a winning season yet. When you leave everything out on the field, every week, and year after year have nothing to show for it, you are going to get fed up. Any committed and team-oriented player would. At least he isn't sitting back saying, oh well, I've been to three strait pro bowls, I am getting paid 80-plus million, It doesn't matter...

I don't think that him saying that is really that big of a deal. Is it wrong for him to say he is tired of losing. Wait your right, he should go on John Thompson's show when his team is 1-4 and say, "It's okay, eveything is fine. I'm excited to be playing for another sub-.500 team. As a linebacker, playing for a loser is neat." What in the crap should he say. He has seen talent and coaches come and go, played PHENOMENALLY through it all, taken crap from Earl Forcey and haters like yourself, been a standup guy, and gotten nothing in the W column for it.

As far as him being Chris Webber, I'm not sure what you base the refernce on. If by that you mean that they are both perrenial all-stars at their positions, than yes. That's where the similarities stop. Lavar has never been in trouble with the law, is amazing to the fans, and the face of the franchise.

Not feeling it on this one... Gotta say... It's been a long week... actually, make that month... sorry for venting... A win will solve all of my problems.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I dunno how to feel about it. I know exactly how he feels but he has to feel it 100x more because he's on the team. The man is frustrated.

He feels he's been cheated out of money by his owner.
His owner has caused him valuble years out of his time in the NFL. Imagine how good he'd be if he'd had some stability.

I think he's fed up and I wouldn't be shocked if he leaves.

Now watch how everyone turns on him and calls him a subpar backer once he leaves, like they did with champ.

[2K1NSM2U]

This probably sounds dumb but I would take Lavar's half empty glass over the majority of the other LBs in the league full glass any day.

[air_hog]

LaVar is a leader and plays with a passion, if he says something the crew will listen and step up their game

[hkHog]

Alright, two points:

1. Anyone who thinks that LaVar isn't tough and lacks desire obviously forgets when he would knock himself out because he hit guys so hard. Under Marvin Lewis he knocked out a lot more QBs out than just Troy Aikman. This year in the pre-season he made a huge hit on Vick. He has only had a chance to make plays like that under Marvin Lewis and now Gregg Williams. If anything, the guy can be too aggressive. Also anyone remember that he put the nail in the coffin in week 1 when he sacked Brad Johnson.

2. That particular quote is a bit out of context. I saw more of it somewhere and I got the impression that he was upset that he couldn't do anything about the situation being ingured, I never thought he was giving up or bashing the team. He wants to play and even a game or two ago he was saying how excited he was about our team. He called into the radio after the Dallas game.

It is too bad he hasn't had a chance to play the last few games. He's going to be amazing in this defense when he is finally healthy. He's going to have a lot of sacks, I can promise you that. I think that this year he will step up and lead the team by example.

[TheMagicThree]

He's like Ken Harvey all over again. But faster and more fearsome. And I loved Ken Harvey.

[DEHog]

I've said it before I'll say it again....Lavar is the most gifted LB in the NFL but not the best. I believe he has more talent than Ray Lewis. When and if he decides to put a desire to be the best with his God given talent...he will be a special player.

As for other comments about how hard he's had it here...I saw no love for Bailey last year when he decided to leave...Bailey never said things like this when he was here...Somewhere in Denver he's smiling. But Gibbs will have the last laugh. If guys on this team don't want to stick around and see what Gibbs is about..I say see ya later. I for one am ready to stop bringing in players who have had a good years with other teams. It's time for us to have some players make their names with us!

[DEHog]

Also this is what I was talking about in another thread when I said Gibbs has to change a culture of losing here. I mean we are only 5 games into the Gibbs era and Arrington is waving the white flag??? Maybe give need to have him reread his CV

[SkinsLaVar]

Arrington is a selfish son of a b. he was about to bounce last year but snyd payed him a crapload for a new contract. snyd better not blow all his money on people like lavar.

[redskincity]

Lets not take Lavars comments out of context. He's not lying, because the results are the same. He is just as frustrsted as the fans who come and bash, after we lose a freakin game, but the diffrence is he is part of it.

He could have easily taken that big contract and sat down and said nothing. This guy wants to win and he wants to win with us.

Lets not bash LA, lets try sticking with the bashing of Brunell. The defense is not the problem.

[chicosbailbond]

the chris webber analogy is saying both players have tremendous talent... but don't live up to potential...


my point isn't lavar's skills or his potential... the guy has loads of potential... but he really hasn't done much... yes he hits hard... yes he has ended careers... but he is constantly out of position.... i was watching nfl playbook and solomon wilcotts was saying our linebackers are playing better and are in better position now that lavar isn't in there... he was aluding to him always over persuing...

linebacker is not a glorious position and lavar has been dubbed a super star... linebacker is a position on the field that discipline and toughness are paramount... as General Manager of a team... I would rather have average linebackers and spend money on rush defensive ends and cover people.... i would want blue collar lunch pale linebackers...


how much are we really missig lavar on the field right now... our defense is playing pretty good....


so back to the point... instead of praising the defense he is a part of... his comments are more of the whoa is me.. .here we go again... losing team...

lavar stand up be a leader and rally around your coach and organization....

mark my words this guy won't do that.....

[chicosbailbond]

Also this is what I was talking about in another thread when I said Gibbs has to change a culture of losing here. I mean we are only 5 games into the Gibbs era and Arrington is waving the white flag??? Maybe give need to have him reread his CV

good point... it just seems that he has thrown the towel in... what happen to changing your destiny and overcoming adversity...

you hit the nail on the head.. these players haven't done that... the players that are there haven't tasted sucess after adversity... so they are willing to just accept that we are bad... Gibbs has his work cut out for him...

His job is more to change the culture of the team... and he needs to start with some of his "star players"

Mr. Arrington.....

[doroshjt]

We don't know what he says to his team, I hope he walks up to the offense and calls them out for being a bunch of bums. If we had any sort of offense we should be 4-1 and maybe 5-0. I'd be frustrated as hell too. The team isn't winning, he needs to get fired up and start riding people that aren't performing. All inside the locker room of course, there is no place for publicizing this stuff. I hope he is a leader and can inspire the offense to do something besides 3 and out. I hope he comes back soon and maybe we can score off some more turnovers to win a game.

[redskincity]

Its funny that when we had Ray Rhodes and Marvin Lewis here he was always in position, now that they are else where we want to place blame on him. When he is out of position and make plays, "Lavar is the Bomb!" when he is out of position and does not make plays threads like this pop up. Dont believe me? Just you use the search feature and put in the box "lavar."

Ray Lewis was asked the best LB in the League besides himself,and guess who he said?

I agree, he over pursues, but we dont know what these mediorcre coaches are doing with him in the offseason. Its not like he has a good year, bad year, but just a new caoch, new coach.

[Redskin in Canada]

"It gets frustrating, man," said linebacker LaVar Arrington, a spectator the last three games because of a knee injury. "This is my fifth season. ... It's like the same old results every single season, the same thing every season."

Who among all of us in the Skins family of fans does NOT share these views? If I had made that statement, I would have said TWELVE instead of five seasons as a fan. He only said five as a player. He has spent some of the best years of his short sports life wasted on failed experiments prior to the arrival of Joe Gibbs!

As mentioned above in other posts, the quote has been brought -out- of context. This is not fair to him and it is not fair to the team. Frustration can be a very destructive force but it can also be a very powerful incentive if you have the will, preparation and discipline to execute plays.

I am glad Lavar is frustrated. I am delighted that Joe Gibbs is miserable. I am convinced the rest of the coaches and players share these emotions. They should!!!

For -ANY- of you who doubt Lavar, I have only to remind you about one story:

You might recall that he had a death in the family a few weeks ago. This kid had been struggling with cancer for a while. It was a painful death for the kid physically and spiritualy and just as emotionally painful to the family and Lavar.

On his death bed, Lavar promised that he would play his heart out during the rest of the season for him.

I do not think that what it is important here is whether there are wins or loses. He can not control that. Not one player on any one team can. But what I will say that his desire to play to the absolutely best of his ability during the rest of the season is UNQUESTIONABLE to me.

Lavar is a man of his word.

His promise and his word are bigger than any of the opinions posted by any potential doubters in this thread.

His promise makes the game an opportunity to deliver something special that is bigger and more valuable than the game itself.

I am proud to have Lavar in our team. Joe Gibbs, Gregg williams and Lavar Arrinton will make history together.

Through the last few months and weeks, some posters have earned my attention and respect. Others are younger and they are learning slowly but surely to be Gibbs-Skins fans. I like them too.

There were several interesting angles taken in the thread above. But I will respond to one:

I've said it before I'll say it again....Lavar is the most gifted LB in the NFL but not the best. I believe he has more talent than Ray Lewis. When and if he decides to put a desire to be the best with his God given talent...he will be a special player.

I do not feel that it is lack of desire at all, which has prevented him to play with greater success. It is the fact that he has decided to over-compensate for what he perceives to be extra effort needed to make things work defensively. Yes, he has over-ran plays. Yes, he has guessed or read wrong some plays at times. In fact, he has not played at times with the DISCIPLINE which results from a firm belief in your defensive system and, utimately, your defensive co-ordinator.

This issue should not and will not be a problem in this system with Gregg Williams and Joe Gibbs as coaches in the team anymore.

I for one am ready to stop bringing in players who have had a good years with other teams. It's time for us to have some players make their names with us!

This was one of the trademarks of Gibbs' teams in the past but not the only one. There are many names of true Skins players such as Lachey (former Raider), Jacoby (former Eagle) or Riggins (former Jet), to name only three, who had some kind of history with previous teams. But, you are right, they made their names with us! They will always be remembered as Redskins on top of all. In times of free agency, this is an important clarification in my view.

I will never be able to remember Champ Bailey as a Redskin. Unfortunately and sadly, Joe Gibbs came a bit late to save his career with us.

The true story of the second time of Joe is only beginning to develop. We will remember as true Skins fans the difficulties and pain invested in our path to success. Yes, success, some of us do not have the slightest doubt about it.

Through thick and thin,
ALWAYS A REDSKIN!!!

[redskincity]

WoW! That was deep and true. Those were great points.

[BringThePain!]

so back to the point... instead of praising the defense he is a part of... his comments are more of the whoa is me.. .here we go again... losing team...

lavar stand up be a leader and rally around your coach and organization....

mark my words this guy won't do that.....

funny..... maybe he's influenced by some of the fickle fans who do the exact same thing... you know, the "here we go again" & "pointing fingers" attitude that I've read about after every loss this season...

Oh yeah, I forgot.... we, the all knowing fan, get a free pass when it comes to judging the players and coaches....

[redskincity]

Man, what are you guys drinking this morning, you guys are sharp.

[Jake]

Redskins Are Looking for a Way Up
Veterans Try to Keep Players United After 1-4 Start

By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 13, 2004; Page D01

Following Sunday night's 17-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington had trouble sleeping when he arrived at his Annapolis home. Arrington restlessly watched some late-night shows. Later, as the TV flickered, Arrington sat on his couch, staring at the walls in deep thought.

With the Redskins dropping to 1-4 despite another sturdy defensive showing, Arrington -- who has missed the past three games with a knee injury -- struggled to come up with the right words of encouragement for his teammates. "I did a lot of soul searching," Arrington recalled yesterday, "wondering what to say to the guys, wondering how they feel."


LaVar Arrington said he is trying to help his teammates stay upbeat despite the losing streak. (Toni L. Sandys - The Washington Post)

Because Arrington couldn't fall asleep after the game, he was exhausted after arriving at Redskins Park by 8:15 a.m. Monday. He said he felt compelled to keep players united after Washington's fourth straight loss. Although Arrington didn't address the team collectively, he spoke to several clusters of players about not giving up on the season.

Arrington found that a few other veterans, such as cornerback Fred Smoot and defensive end Phillip Daniels, also were taking preemptive steps to maintain team unity.

"Me and [Arrington] had been through the situation before," Smoot said yesterday. "So he knows I'm the last one he really has to talk to about it. We had already brought it up, letting everybody know: 'The only way we're going to make it out of this is to stay together.' "

A small group of veterans met, without the coaching staff's knowledge, to discuss ways to overcome the team's struggles. Smoot confirmed the get-together but declined to reveal details except to say the meeting was positive, with unity being the recurring theme.

Since then, several veterans have become proactive at the slightest sign of frustration, especially among defensive players who have watched the offense struggle. The offense's woes have raised the prospect of several potentially divisive issues, such as Coach Joe Gibbs's play-calling and his decision to stick with quarterback Mark Brunell over last year's starter, Patrick Ramsey.

"If I see even the slightest finger-pointing going on, I'll say something," defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin said. "Even if the offense is struggling, the defense has to play better. We can't start bickering. If we start, we don't have a chance at all."

Arrington agreed: "I don't care how bad [the offense] is. You don't turn on one another. We had opportunities to make plays that could have won that game."

Washington's four-game losing streak, several players said, is especially demoralizing because of the excitement surrounding Gibbs's return and the Redskins having the highest player payroll in the league as well as one of the league's most accomplished coaching staffs.

As Gibbs revamped the team, replacing roughly half of the 53-man roster from a year ago, he and his assistant coaches repeatedly stressed that they were searching for "character guys." So far, at least, the approach appears to have paid off in how players have reacted to the team's adversity.

"The great thing about it is we've got great characters here and there won't be any bickering," wide receiver James Thrash said. "The young guys understand it just as well as we do that although we lost four games, we continue working hard. We've got a lot of games ahead of us."

Last season, the Redskins suffered a four-game losing streak and finished 5-11. Turmoil was rampant between the front office and Coach Steve Spurrier's staff, and players who objected to the offense's reliance on the pass.

Several current players said they believe that Gibbs's track record and calm demeanor over the past two weeks have helped. Despite Washington's struggles, Gibbs has exuded confidence and assured his players that they will start winning, starting Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

"We have great coaches. Everybody respects them," tackle Chris Samuels said. "So guys are just staying with it."

Also, players point out, the Redskins' four losses have been by an average of five points; the largest margin of defeat was just seven points.

The only known fissure occurred minutes after a 17-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 3. Running back Clinton Portis, who ran for only 58 yards on 20 carries in one of the worst games of his career, told reporters that the Browns defenders were "literally" calling the run plays.

After reviewing film of the game the morning after, Gibbs gave a strong rebuttal of Portis's claims. Joe Bugel, the assistant head coach-offense, publicly admonished Portis. The two eventually hugged and patched things up late last week.

Portis's comments stemmed from frustration after a tough loss, Samuels said yesterday, noting that Portis also took blame for the team's slow start. Since the loss to Cleveland, Portis has declined to be interviewed by the local media.

Washington is in the midst of its worst start since the 2001 season, when coach Marty Schottenheimer's team was 0-5 before finishing 8-8. Eight current Redskins played on that club, including Samuels, who has brought up the experience in locker room conversations with teammates

"We kept pumping the weights, we kept working hard at practice," Samuels recalled of 2001, "and the season turned around just like that. We went through a tough time then and we just fought our way out of it. A lot of guys probably haven't been through that. Maybe a few, like the former Jets guys."

Wide receiver Laveranues Coles, kicker John Hall, returner Chad Morton and tackle Randy Thomas were on the New York Jets in 2001. That club also lost four of its first five, yet finished 9-7 to make the playoffs.

"We're at the bottom right now," Samuels said. "The only way we can go is up."

LaVar Trying To Keep Team Upbeat

[SkinsJock]

Thank you Jake! This does sound as though these guys are sticking together. I think we are going to see the results in the win column.

Gibbs and these coaches have players who want to be a part of a winning tradition and they know it begins with them.

[Irn-Bru]

Thanks, Jake.

[redskincity]

Good one Jake. I just knew that he was, but didn't have a link.

LA is serious about his and will rally us. He has been nothing but a positive influence his whole time here. The talking heads think the same, as they are the ones who labelel him, "Washingtons Superstar Playa."