The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Whet else is he going to say?? Remember how bitter Trotter was when he signed with us? And how he was going to "show the Eagles" !! How did that workout

Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

Here is what I take away from LA's tenure as a Redskin. First I will always be appreciative of the way he handled himself when interacting with fans. The guy is approachable and friendly, that was always refreshing. He endured a great deal of upheaval and change and bore that with a mostly positive attitude. The fan base at the games his first few years was, in a word, pathetic.
I'll never forget his TD return against Carolina because I was at the game (great seats) and the stadium was so empty I ran the last 30 yards "with him" screaming in joy. I used to walk away from games at FedEx just disgusted with the rich people who showed up because it was an "event."
I'll remember some devestating hits, too numerous to recount here. The man is unquestionably gifted.
Here comes the caveat. I want to be clear that this is not me lashing out against our newest NFC East foe out of spite even though it may read that way. What follows is based on what I've seen from LA. Additionally, I've been fairly consistent in this regard.
While I remember the big hits and spectacular plays, I do not remember consistency. LA is touted as (and was fairly compensated to be) a top-flight, game-chaning linebacker. He simply has not lived up to that billing.
It has become a broken record with LA, the same refrain of "this will be his monster year" sung time and time again, even by me. The Redskins paid him to be the best/most dominant linebacker in the NFL. Since Marcus Washington arrived, LA hasn't even been best linebacker on his own team. I can recall screming at the TV when LA (I think against the Panthers) abandoned the tight end (who was his responsibility) to try for a sack which led to a TD which cost the Skins the game. Sorry but LA was simply paid too much money to make that mistake. That wasn't anyone's fault but his and that was not an isolated incident.
I have no sympathy whatsoever regarding the contract dispute. When the argument becomes one of "I got X millions and you promised Y millions" I stop listening. Further, it seems that about four seasons ago, you could set your watch by LA's inevitable "nobody likes me" middle of the off-season whine fest.
I know some people think LA will go to New York and finally realize his potential but I'd like to ask this: based on what? LA may have had a series of coaches but 1) the tenure of NFL coaches is short, no matter where you are and 2) LA hasn't exactly been saddled with porous defenses. The team has fielded several good and a few excellent defenses in his time in Washington.
His recent comments don't suprise me at all, he's reading from the script Pierce wrote which goes like this: I didn't get paid as many millions as I wanted therefore the Redskins are not about football. It's childish.
So LA, thanks for the memories, but not all of them. At the end of the day, I think you'll be remembered as a great guy with a lot of potential.[/i]

DEHog wrote:Whet else is he going to say?? Remember how bitter Trotter was when he signed with us? And how he was going to "show the Eagles" !! How did that workout

Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

I used to get blasted for saying Champ left because of the state of the franchise instead of money. Gibbs hadn't proved a thing when Champ left and I didn't blame him one bit. This franchise was a dump.

I still stand by that but I call BS on Smoot and Lavar. Smoot left and used the same line Champ did and it simply wasn't true. Now Lavar has the nerve to say the Skins aren't about football and lack focus?

DEHog wrote:Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

If the Skins "threw Champ under a bus" I'd like to know that bus route because I will gladly be run over to end up with Champ's horrific fate.

I'm not really happy he's in our division still but we can handle him.

One thing I will give credit for is that he has a little bit of burgundy and gold blood in him. That was made apparent when immediately after he was released he said he was not going to Dallas. I gotta respect him for that.

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

If the Skins "threw Champ under a bus" I'd like to know that bus route because I will gladly be run over to end up with Champ's horrific fate.

Not the Skins we the fans blasted him for wanting to test the FA market and see what his worth was.

HEROHAMO wrote:Letting go of Lavar was a huge mistake. Allthough he is gone now Joe seems too never like having a superstar caliber player. In all the teams past and present Joe has always opted for med to good players playing as a team. Which is a SuperBowl winning formula I just wish he could have fit Arrington into the mix. I dont have any negatives against Arrington and wish him well just not against us. You guys are kidding if you dont think its going to be a tough game against the Giants who now have two new linebackers to bolster theyre already decent Defense not to mention they have two of the best D ends in the league. It is not going to be easy running on the Giants we all know Lavar is a beast. Well the Lavar era is over now how do you get over losing a Superstar player go draft another one. My wishlist anyone of these guys will do. Manny Lawson , Antonio Cromartie, Mathus Kiwaniku, Or just draft best possible athlete available.

I like your choices but ill go with my choice of a SuperStar already on our team!!!

He wears number 21.

SEAN TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't need to replace Lavar, we need guys to play where g. williams wants them to play. I loved Lavar here, and honestly ill love that guy until he retires, except for two maybe 3 times a year. I burned Chump Bailey's jersey when he left town, My #56 will be handed down to my son and ill be quick to remind him that Lavar made one of the single greatest plays in Redskin History........

He ended the career of Troy Aikman. Good luck Lavar! Sometimes.

DEHog wrote:

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

If the Skins "threw Champ under a bus" I'd like to know that bus route because I will gladly be run over to end up with Champ's horrific fate.

Not the Skins we the fans blasted him for wanting to test the FA market and see what his worth was.

You and I have markedly different recollections of that series of events, I was mad at Champ because he wanted so more than he was worth. I don't recall anyone blasting him for wanting to give free agency a shot.

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

If the Skins "threw Champ under a bus" I'd like to know that bus route because I will gladly be run over to end up with Champ's horrific fate.

Not the Skins we the fans blasted him for wanting to test the FA market and see what his worth was.

You and I have markedly different recollections of that series of events, I was mad at Champ because he wanted so more than he was worth. I don't recall anyone blasting him for wanting to give free agency a shot.

Actually we have the same view...Many here blasted Champ for not taking the Skinks "lower' offer over what the market brought. I think he wanted what he was worth and while I'm glad we didn't pay him that kind of money it's obvious our offer wasn't enough. Glad we got something in return. Getting back on topic It just kills me how quick fan give up on a player when they don't wear their teams colors anymore. I totally agree with your view on Lavar and will add that he is one of the most physically gifted LB ever!! Even more than Ray Lewis he just never out the time in off the field. The play I remember was the OT game against the Giants when he decided to blitz Collins instead of covering Finn out of the backfield 40 yards later the Giants kicked the GW fieldgoal.

DEHog wrote:The play I remember was the OT game against the Giants when he decided to blitz Collins instead of covering Finn out of the backfield 40 yards later the Giants kicked the GW fieldgoal.

That play has been engrained in my mind since it happened and sadly that sticks out to me moreso than the Aikman hit.

Im not turning on Lavar now that he's gone. My post history shows that Ive never man crushed the dude but anyone who isn't in the B&G is my enemy.

DEHog wrote:

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:

Fios wrote:

DEHog wrote:Remember this is a business, from what I read the Skins wanted Lavar...just not at the the price tag he had on him. How soon we forget it was just yesterday that we threw Champ under the bus for the same thing

If the Skins "threw Champ under a bus" I'd like to know that bus route because I will gladly be run over to end up with Champ's horrific fate.

Not the Skins we the fans blasted him for wanting to test the FA market and see what his worth was.

You and I have markedly different recollections of that series of events, I was mad at Champ because he wanted so more than he was worth. I don't recall anyone blasting him for wanting to give free agency a shot.

Actually we have the same view...Many here blasted Champ for not taking the Skinks "lower' offer over what the market brought. I think he wanted what he was worth and while I'm glad we didn't pay him that kind of money it's obvious our offer wasn't enough. Glad we got something in return. Getting back on topic It just kills me how quick fan give up on a player when they don't wear their teams colors anymore. I totally agree with your view on Lavar and will add that he is one of the most physically gifted LB ever!! Even more than Ray Lewis he just never out the time in off the field. The play I remember wad the OT game against the Giants when he decided to blitz Collins instead of covering Finn out of the backfield 40 years later the Giants kicked the GW fieldgoal.

Understood ... and yes, I remember that play too but I don't remember the game being that long ... 40 years ... wow

Jake wrote:I'm not really happy he's in our division still but we can handle him.

One thing I will give credit for is that he has a little bit of burgundy and gold blood in him. That was made apparent when immediately after he was released he said he was not going to Dallas. I gotta respect him for that.

This is an opportunity ... we know his weaknesses so we can sucker him in ... then burn him. LaVar over runs and over anticipates - we should use that against him.

rick301 wrote:

Jake wrote:I'm not really happy he's in our division still but we can handle him.

One thing I will give credit for is that he has a little bit of burgundy and gold blood in him. That was made apparent when immediately after he was released he said he was not going to Dallas. I gotta respect him for that.

This is an opportunity ... we know his weaknesses so we can sucker him in ... then burn him. LaVar over runs and over anticipates - we should use that against him.

He also knows our system and call tell the giants recognize what players can do, it works both ways. I don't think that will play a factor though, the only thing I worry about is Lavar will injury ey, Moss, Portis, or one of our offensive players.

John Manfreda wrote:

rick301 wrote:

Jake wrote:I'm not really happy he's in our division still but we can handle him.

One thing I will give credit for is that he has a little bit of burgundy and gold blood in him. That was made apparent when immediately after he was released he said he was not going to Dallas. I gotta respect him for that.

This is an opportunity ... we know his weaknesses so we can sucker him in ... then burn him. LaVar over runs and over anticipates - we should use that against him.

He also knows our system and call tell the giants recognize what players can do, it works both ways. I don't think that will play a factor though, the only thing I worry about is Lavar will injury ey, Moss, Portis, or one of our offensive players.

Lavar knows AS system already

1niksder wrote:

mulkey wrote:Lavarr said he doesn't understand how he got the rap of being a freelancer. Oh my God. If he wasn't a freelancer there has never been one. Don't get me wrong i liked Lavarr.
But come on dude. Don't you have to watch films of the games that you just played in. He overran plays like no other. He was a beast, a presence to be reckoned with but definitely not always within the sceme of the defense. I think when the Skins play the G-men, that the skins will exploit his over aggressiveness. That will mean a good day for Clinton...Hey just my honest opinion...

Why would he wacth film of a game he just played in?

Every player in the league does this every week.

Darth

DEHog wrote:

John Manfreda wrote:

rick301 wrote:

Jake wrote:I'm not really happy he's in our division still but we can handle him.

One thing I will give credit for is that he has a little bit of burgundy and gold blood in him. That was made apparent when immediately after he was released he said he was not going to Dallas. I gotta respect him for that.

This is an opportunity ... we know his weaknesses so we can sucker him in ... then burn him. LaVar over runs and over anticipates - we should use that against him.

He also knows our system and call tell the giants recognize what players can do, it works both ways. I don't think that will play a factor though, the only thing I worry about is Lavar will injury ey, Moss, Portis, or one of our offensive players.

Lavar knows AS system already

No he knows Williams and can tell the O what packages they do and how they put them in position and stuff like that.

No he knows Williams and can tell the O what packages they do and how they put them in position and stuff like that.

If I wanted to be a troublemaker, I'd probably suggest that Lavar would be the last person to ask for information about the Redskins' defensive schemes, given his seeming inability to learn them himself. But I'm probably being unfair.

John Manfreda wrote:No he knows Williams and can tell the O what packages they do and how they put them in position and stuff like that.

Sorry, but you can't convince me 100% that Lavar knows Williams' defensive system. He has never demonstrated on the field that he fully grasped the system and, frankly, I'm not entirely sure he actually "knows" it like you say he does.

DCGloryYears828791 wrote:

HEROHAMO wrote:Letting go of Lavar was a huge mistake. Allthough he is gone now Joe seems too never like having a superstar caliber player. In all the teams past and present Joe has always opted for med to good players playing as a team. Which is a SuperBowl winning formula I just wish he could have fit Arrington into the mix. I dont have any negatives against Arrington and wish him well just not against us. You guys are kidding if you dont think its going to be a tough game against the Giants who now have two new linebackers to bolster theyre already decent Defense not to mention they have two of the best D ends in the league. It is not going to be easy running on the Giants we all know Lavar is a beast. Well the Lavar era is over now how do you get over losing a Superstar player go draft another one. My wishlist anyone of these guys will do. Manny Lawson , Antonio Cromartie, Mathus Kiwaniku, Or just draft best possible athlete available.

I like your choices but ill go with my choice of a SuperStar already on our team!!!

He wears number 21.

SEAN TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't need to replace Lavar, we need guys to play where g. williams wants them to play. I loved Lavar here, and honestly ill love that guy until he retires, except for two maybe 3 times a year. I burned Chump Bailey's jersey when he left town, My #56 will be handed down to my son and ill be quick to remind him that Lavar made one of the single greatest plays in Redskin History........

He ended the career of Troy Aikman. Good luck Lavar! Sometimes.

Well said My thoughts exactly.Hail to the SKins!

Fios wrote:While I remember the big hits and spectacular plays, I do not remember consistency. LA is touted as (and was fairly compensated to be) a top-flight, game-chaning linebacker. He simply has not lived up to that billing.
It has become a broken record with LA, the same refrain of "this will be his monster year" sung time and time again, even by me. The Redskins paid him to be the best/most dominant linebacker in the NFL... So LA, thanks for the memories, but not all of them. At the end of the day, I think you'll be remembered as a great guy with a lot of potential.[/i]

Three seasons ago I said the same things, and was berated in Smack for doing so (admittedly, my methods of ripping ex-#56 were not the best). Go figure.

Toward the end of Joe's first season back, and at the begining of last season, I really hoped he'd turn things around in DC and help the team reach the Super Bowl. Of course, I, like everyone else, was let down.

I'm not as bitter as I once was toward LA, but, at this point, I really couldn't care less about his football production, as he is now on a different team.

It'll be weird not seeing him at Fed Ex, but the past two years got me accustomed to expecting little from him anyway.

Anywho, I hope Mrl. Arrington and his family enjoy NYC. He will HAVE to step up, or the fans up there will really tear him to shreds.

Justice Hog wrote:

John Manfreda wrote:No he knows Williams and can tell the O what packages they do and how they put them in position and stuff like that.

Sorry, but you can't convince me 100% that Lavar knows Williams' defensive system. He has never demonstrated on the field that he fully grasped the system and, frankly, I'm not entirely sure he actually "knows" it like you say he does.

In addition, GW's system is fluid. Taking advantage of the streagths of his players (ie. ST,MW, Griff, Springs,A Carter, Adam A). So it changes slightly every year.

Like it or not unless something goes terrible wrong in NY LaVars career with the skins will lead him to our ring of fame at the end of his career.

Any player who knocks the snot out of a Dallas QB to the point that he still mentions the hit to this day, will always be a Redskin in my book. He may not be my favorite player anymore but I will cherish the memories. I hope that he makes it back to the probowl again... and we can all attest to the fact that just because he makes it to the probowl doesn't mean that the giants will be any good!

On LA or anyone giving info on the Redskin offense or defense, remember that NFL coaches study the films of all the other teams. The assistant coaches move around. Coaches talk to each other all the time: there isn't much mystery about the Gibbs offense or the Walsh offense or the Greg Willliams defense or the Petibon defense or the Belichick defense.

In fact, see http://www.the-hogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6031. JanseFan posted a brilliantly clear explanation of the Coryell / Gibbs offense, written by a coach for other coaches.

No, no advantage to the Giants in having Arrington, whether he did or didn't understand the Williams offense.

All the rest is just TV entertainers stretching to say something that will keep viewers from falling asleep.

I wish LA well. You have to admit, whether good or bad, he was fun to watch. I'm all about the Redskins as a team but he is one player I'll miss even as frustrating as he was at times blowing his lane assignment. I hope he does well except against us.

Honestly, I'm getting sick about talking about Lavar. I think I've had enough of this.

I am now focusing on the Redskins, the team.....not Lavar, the player.

Anyone care to join me?