Skins Sign Shaun Alexander

BossHog · Post by **BossHog** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:33 pm

I'm sorry to those that have been contributing to two threads, but I wanted to try and smooth out the dialogue a little bit. I thought it would be beneficial to have two separate threads about the Redskins' signings today.

My apologies to anyone who started or participated in various threads, I'm not doing this to 'censor you' in any way, I just wanted to give the whole community a little bit of direction going forward.

Thanks.

So please put your thoughts on the Redskins signing of Alexander right here.

jmooney · Post by **jmooney** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:52 pm

I think the Alexander signing had more to do with his familiarity with the offense than anything, you would have to believe Zorn would have some insight there.

Anybody know what its costing us?

RedskinsRule56 · Post by **RedskinsRule56** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:21 pm

I agree with what Jmooney said, I am very leery of this signing though. Earlier in the season The Lions and Bengals two teams in desperate need of running back help both passed on Shaun Alexander. I feel he is over the hill, slow and soft. I hope he will be effective with us in his limited role, but I am not very hopeful. I think Marcus Mason would have been the better option.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:35 pm

Just as my opinion of the punter signing, I will hol dmy opinion until game day.

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:38 pm

Marcus Mason is good.................against 3rd string defenders who are only on practice squads.

This opinion will probably get a lot of flack but I have that opinion based on what has been said in this thread.

There has been a need by teams for RB's. If he was such a hot commodity, he would have been picked up by someone....anyone.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:42 pm

frankcal20 wrote:Marcus Mason is good.................against 3rd string defenders who are only on practice squads.

This opinion will probably get a lot of flack but I have that opinion based on what has been said in this thread.

There has been a need by teams for RB's. If he was such a hot commodity, he would have been picked up by someone....anyone.

The same is said for Alexander. You can't hold it against Mason for not getting a chance against starting defenses. The ONLY thing we have to judge him on is what he showed us. Obviously, since he has a decent following, he showed something to someone, at least partially. There's no way to confirm or deny that he'd perform against a starting defense.

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:44 pm

I'm pretty sure that he did run against a starting defense at some point all be it at practice, etc and has not shown coaches what they want.

We are Redskins fans....so what does that make us..underdog lovers. Thats why we have jumped on any kid who comes in at camp and does something, anything special. We pull for him and want there to be a spot for him

I agree 100% he has shown something but I don't think that I am smarter than 32 NFL coaches in evaluating talent.

Redskin in Canada · Post by **Redskin in Canada** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:53 pm

I have learned to shut my big mouth until something is PROVEN on the field.

He is old and beat up. His best years have past but that does not mean that he could not resurrect his career in a rotation, particularly if L. Betts is truly hurt.

Clinton Portis is playing like the BEST RB in the NFL. This guy is a player knowledgeable about the system and he should be able to contribute relatively quickly.

Every coach is entitled to bring HIS players (and coaches) and Zorn is responsible for this signing. I am not surprised considering the injury to Betts but we already had one of the deepest RB corps in the NFL.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 6:54 pm

frankcal20 wrote:I'm pretty sure that he did run against a starting defense at some point all be it at practice, etc and has not shown coaches what they want.

We are Redskins fans....so what does that make us..underdog lovers. Thats why we have jumped on any kid who comes in at camp and does something, anything special. We pull for him and want there to be a spot for him

I agree 100% he has shown something but I don't think that I am smarter than 32 NFL coaches in evaluating talent.

Pulling hte coach card, I like it!!

There can be a lot more than just raw talent in the assessment of any guy. We'll never know what goes on behind closed doors and when the cameras are off. I'll stick by my opinion that he could be successful given the chance.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:19 pm

On the same day we send Doughty to IR, we cut another Safety to make room for an unemployed running back?? The only way this makes since to me is if the team realizes that Betts may be a lot more injured than initially believed. Although I like Rock, I understand why he's not getting promoted. He is just too good a returner to elevate to 8 carries/game in addition to kick return duties.

If Betts is severely injured, I get it. If not, I hope the evidence on the field makes this make since.

skinsfan#33 · Post by **skinsfan#33** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:50 pm

The Hogster wrote:On the same day we send Doughty to IR, we cut another Safety to make room for an unemployed running back?? The only way this makes since to me is if the team realizes that Betts may be a lot more injured than initially believed. Although I like Rock, I understand why he's not getting promoted. He is just too good a returner to elevate to 8 carries/game in addition to kick return duties.

If Betts is severely injured, I get it. If not, I hope the evidence on the field makes this make since.

Hopefully this is just insurance for Portis and Rock. I hope Alexander is the third RB and when Portis gets winded Rock gives him a break and not Alexander.

Shaun is a very faint shadow of his former self, that Sellers could out rush.

I don't want to hear any of that non-sense that Rock couldn't handle both KR and backup RB. Heck B Mitch was the starting RB, PR and KR for a year and for many years he was a third down back, PR and KR. It is foolish to think Rock can't handle KR and backup RB/ third down RB duties.

Now I wouldn't want him to be the #1 RB and KR, but I in no way want Alexander to take carries away from Rock.

Since Doughty is on the IR, does that mean SA can wear his #37?

jmooney · Post by **jmooney** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 7:59 pm

The odd thing about Rock is, B-Mitch on several occasions has extended himself to Cartwright, offering to help him with punt returns. I do think Rock would be better than our current situation but, he obviously wants no part of that job.

That being said, I dont believe he would be overworked by getting 10 carries a game in his current capacity

Wahoo McDaniels · Post by **Wahoo McDaniels** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:00 pm

Does the name TJ Duckett mean anything to anybody? The last high profile RB to come over to the Skins to not live up to expectations.

I really dislike this move. Something like this could really destroy the chemistry of the team...especially since Portis and Betts are really close.

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:07 pm

RedskinsRule56 wrote:I agree with what Jmooney said, I am very leery of this signing though. Earlier in the season The Lions and Bengals two teams in desperate need of running back help both passed on Shaun Alexander. I feel he is over the hill, slow and soft. I hope he will be effective with us in his limited role, but I am not very hopeful. I think Marcus Mason would have been the better option.

I can't agree with this. This is a short term signing. Doesn't it make sense to sign a guy Zorn actually knows? The ones who passed on him don't know him like Zorn. And since he may just be here two weeks, doesn't it make sense to sign a guy Zorn can ramp up quickly? Why would you be leery of signing a player under those circumstances we can turn around and dump. We are in fact pretty certain to turn around and dump him. I'm not seeing pro-bowl caliber running backs we're passing on.

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 8:11 pm

VetSkinsFan wrote:You can't hold it against Mason for not getting a chance against starting defenses

I think the point is he hasn't "proven" himself against starting defenses, not that it's somehow blaming him for anything.

VetSkinsFan wrote:There's no way to confirm or deny that he'd perform against a starting defense.

Which is pretty much EXACTLY why for an emergency two week stint in the middle of the season Alexader makes more sense. At least he'll know what to do. This may be an argument to keep Mason over Alexander in the offseason, I think the point is we're in the middle of one.

PMG12569 · Post by **PMG12569** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:01 pm

Guys this is a win-tie situation. We bring an older guy whos going to know the offense and terminology so short time to learn. If hes not serviceable whenever Betts comes back well tell him thanks for your time and be on your way. If he plays really well then well keep him to contribute. Its not like hes going to take Portis's job and if he takes Betts' (which would require spectacular performances) then that is a plus for the Skins because that means hes beastin for us.

Californiaskin · Post by **Californiaskin** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:07 pm

boo hiss........sean alexander sucks.......this has danny boy written all over it.........................
Hey dan we need a nickle back.....lets get deion and jeff george too!!!!!!!!!

Why do we always bring in tired old guys?!?!

chiefhog44 · Post by **chiefhog44** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:10 pm

Californiaskin wrote:boo hiss........sean alexander sucks.......this has danny boy written all over it.........................
Hey dan we need a nickle back.....lets get deion and jeff george too!!!!!!!!!

Why do we always bring in tired old guys?!?!

Calm down. We have so many rookies on the roster this year.

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 9:51 pm

KazooSkinsFan wrote:
VetSkinsFan wrote:You can't hold it against Mason for not getting a chance against starting defenses

I think the point is he hasn't "proven" himself against starting defenses, not that it's somehow blaming him for anything.

VetSkinsFan wrote:There's no way to confirm or deny that he'd perform against a starting defense.

Which is pretty much EXACTLY why for an emergency two week stint in the middle of the season Alexader makes more sense. At least he'll know what to do. This may be an argument to keep Mason over Alexander in the offseason, I think the point is we're in the middle of one.

There surely was a reason why Alexander watched the first 6 weeks of football from his couch...

skins2357 · Post by **skins2357** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:14 pm

Everyone needs to calm down here. I mean geez, we just signed a guy 4 years removed from the MVP award for the vet minimum. Noone is saying he is a star, noone is saying he is going to get alot of carries.

Can he be effective for 8 carries a game? I think so
Can he mentor CP is his roles of this offense? I think so
Can he be a valuable asset to this team? I think so

He is not TJ Ducket (we did not give up draft picks) We signed a player who has knowledge of this offense and used to be really good to the VET MIN. If he pans out awesome, Low risk High reward move here

ChocolateMilk · Post by **ChocolateMilk** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:22 pm

skins2357 wrote:Everyone needs to calm down here. I mean geez, we just signed a guy 4 years removed from the MVP award for the vet minimum. Noone is saying he is a star, noone is saying he is going to get alot of carries.

Can he be effective for 8 carries a game? I think so
Can he mentor CP is his roles of this offense? I think so
Can he be a valuable asset to this team? I think so

He is not TJ Ducket (we did not give up draft picks) We signed a player who has knowledge of this offense and used to be really good to the VET MIN. If he pans out awesome, Low risk High reward move here

is it known that he signed for the vet min? i havent seen anything about that yet

but any case, i really dont see the problem with this.. CP is having a great year, Rock always provides a good back up. and Alexander has skills. you just dont rush for nearly 2000 yards and 27 TDs without any skill. sure he had a good O-Line, but i'd like to think we have a good one too. Just not when it comes to pass protection.

CanesSkins26 · Post by **CanesSkins26** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:37 pm

skins2357 wrote:Everyone needs to calm down here. I mean geez, we just signed a guy 4 years removed from the MVP award for the vet minimum. Noone is saying he is a star, noone is saying he is going to get alot of carries.

Can he be effective for 8 carries a game? I think so
Can he mentor CP is his roles of this offense? I think so
Can he be a valuable asset to this team? I think so

He is not TJ Ducket (we did not give up draft picks) We signed a player who has knowledge of this offense and used to be really good to the VET MIN. If he pans out awesome, Low risk High reward move here

4 years is a very long time in the NFL. Alexander is done. There are a good number of teams in the NFL with problems at rb and none of them signed Alexander. I don't want to take too much away from Alexander because he put up some big numbers during his career, but the guy was mostly a product of his offensive line. It's not a coincidence imo that he started to suck as soon as Hutchinson left for Minnesota.

As for him being a mentor to CP in this offense, does it really look to you like CP needs any help right now? He is running better than any other back in the NFL right now.

gibbs4president · Post by **gibbs4president** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:44 pm

CanesSkins26 wrote:
skins2357 wrote:Everyone needs to calm down here. I mean geez, we just signed a guy 4 years removed from the MVP award for the vet minimum. Noone is saying he is a star, noone is saying he is going to get alot of carries.

Can he be effective for 8 carries a game? I think so
Can he mentor CP is his roles of this offense? I think so
Can he be a valuable asset to this team? I think so

He is not TJ Ducket (we did not give up draft picks) We signed a player who has knowledge of this offense and used to be really good to the VET MIN. If he pans out awesome, Low risk High reward move here

4 years is a very long time in the NFL. Alexander is done. There are a good number of teams in the NFL with problems at rb and none of them signed Alexander. I don't want to take too much away from Alexander because he put up some big numbers during his career, but the guy was mostly a product of his offensive line. It's not a coincidence imo that he started to suck as soon as Hutchinson left for Minnesota.

As for him being a mentor to CP in this offense, does it really look to you like CP needs any help right now? He is running better than any other back in the NFL right now.

Portis can't carry the ball every time or be in the game for every play. Alexander might be done, but this is a low risk move by signing him for the minimum. If he proves to be terrible, he probably won't be in Washington very long.

I agree, there could have been someone better out there, but I don't know who. Hopefully Alexander can help out in some capacity...

SCSkinsFan · Post by **SCSkinsFan** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:28 pm

In the previous linked thread ChocolateMilk wrote:

Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 10:51 am Post subject:

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IF we do sign him, anyone think he would try and buy his number from Doughty?
_________________
R.I.P. Sean Taylor

You will be missed, but never forgotten

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With Doughty being placed on IR that problem seems to have taken care of itself. It's a done deal. Now it will be up to Alexander to perform on the field. If he does, then the Skins, and all of us, will be the beneficiaries. If not, then when LB gets heatlhy and comes back, we cut our ties, move on, and go back to where we were before his injury.

Just my My 2 cents

worth.

Californiaskin · Post by **Californiaskin** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 11:34 pm

panther land?????? All that carolina country is actually skins land......shoot we were winning superbows before they ever even thought of any panthers.....