****OFFICIAL 2009 Off Season Washington Redskins Thread**** (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Redskins also signed draft picks Eddie Williams (H-Back) and Cody Glenn (NotReallyTicketScalper) today!

Fixed.

 

[Sebowski]

Oh and James Thrash was released toady too, per PFT.

I am surprised Thrash didn't just retire. Maybe he still wants to make a comeback and the Redskins think he cannot do it or it's time to move on. Thrash apparently need surgery to continue playing.

I'm guessing he'll retire. From the WaPo:

Thrash Released by Skins (Updated)

The Redskins have released wide receiver James Thrash, who failed a physical.

"I talked with James and we agreed that this was the best way to proceed," Redskins Coach Jim Zorn said in a statement released by the team. "James can focus on getting healthy and we can move forward. James is a true Redskin and a fan favorite. He was great player, teammate and team leader. Though we had to make this decision, we are confident that James will be involved in some capacity within the Redskins organization."

Thrash came to the Redskins out of Missouri Southern (Joplin!) in 1997. His tenure with the team was interrupted only by a three-season stint in Philadelphia (2001-2003). His NFL totals: 165 games (71 starts), logged 290 receptions, 3,646 yards and 22 touchdowns.

"It has been a great honor to get to know James and his family," owner Daniel M. Snyder said in a statement released by the team. "James is a tremendous person who has been a great ambassador for the Redskins in our community. He has produced nine outstanding seasons for our team. It is our hope that he will continue a long-term relationship with our organization."

Said Vinny Cerrato, executive vice-president of football operations (also in a statement from the team): "James has been a valuable member of our team and a tremendous asset to our organization. He always put the team first and was a great role model in our locker room. We appreciate his contributions to the Redskins organization."

Really hope he eventually becomes our WR coach.

 

[fatness]

Marko Mitchell signed.

 

[Swing 51]

June 14, 2009Deep in Debt, Six Flags Is BankruptBy MICHAEL J. de la MERCEDSix Flags, the theme park operator, filed for bankruptcy early Saturday in Delaware after failing to reach an agreement with lenders to reorganize its debt.Six Flags is the latest company to prove unable to cope with its debt load at a time when previous solutions like refinancing are largely unavailable. The theme park operator, which had $2.4 billion in debt, faced nearly $300 million in payments to preferred stockholders due in August.In a statement, Six Flags said it was seeking court approval for a restructuring plan it had already negotiated, which has the unanimous approval of its lenders. That proposal would eliminate $1.8 billion in debt and slice off the $300 million in preferred stock payments.“The current management team inherited a $2.4 billion debt load that cannot be sustained, particularly in these challenging financial markets,” Mark Shapiro, the chief executive of Six Flags, said in a statement.The filing is a blow to Dan Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins, who took control of Six Flags in 2005 after waging a proxy fight and holds about a 6 percent stake in the company. He sought to turn around the company by installing new management, led by Mr. Shapiro, and selling underperforming parks. They improved the remaining parks by banning smoking, increasing security and having more costumed characters like Tweety on the grounds.Other major investors include Cascade Investment, controlled by Bill Gates, which held an 11.1 percent stake, and the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, with a 5.5 percent stake.Six Flags said in its statement that the filing came despite a good 2008, in which the company cut its net loss to $135 million from $275 million a year ago. Its net loss for the first three months of 2009 narrowed nearly 7 percent from the period a year earlier, to $146.3 million.But the company had a 24 percent drop in revenue over the same period, affected by lower attendance at its parks and less spending by customers.

 

[fatness]

They improved the remaining parks by banning smoking, increasing security and having more costumed characters like Tweety on the grounds.

So that's where he got his approach to the draft.

 

[T Bell]

They improved the remaining parks by banning smoking, increasing security and having more costumed characters like Tweety on the grounds.

So that's where he got his approach to the draft.

I, too, loved that line in that article.

:marketinggenius:

 

[fatness]

Thrash==>out

Tweety==>in

 

[T Bell]

Thrash==>outTweety==>in

That could be a problem on special teams. Tweety always leads with his giant head on tackles.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Thrash==>outTweety==>in

That could be a problem on special teams. Tweety always leads with his giant head on tackles.

Tweety can return kicks, punts, play RB or catch it because he is very elusive. Of course that is as long as we are playing Sylvester. Then again, I'm sure Tweety can return punts better than ARE since he can fly and doesn't dance around all the time.

 

[buster c]

Thrash==>outTweety==>in

That could be a problem on special teams. Tweety always leads with his giant head on tackles.

Tweety can return kicks, punts, play RB or catch it because he is very elusive. Of course that is as long as we are playing Sylvester. Then again, I'm sure Tweety can return punts better than ARE since he can fly and doesn't dance around all the time.

I predict that as Tweety's skills begin to decline, the FO will extend his contract and pay him $20m up-front

 

[Bizkiteer]

Thrash==>outTweety==>in

That could be a problem on special teams. Tweety always leads with his giant head on tackles.

Tweety can return kicks, punts, play RB or catch it because he is very elusive. Of course that is as long as we are playing Sylvester. Then again, I'm sure Tweety can return punts better than ARE since he can fly and doesn't dance around all the time.

I predict that as Tweety's skills begin to decline, the FO will extend his contract and pay him $20m up-front

Good point, but of course that will be after the $80-$100 mill contract that got him here in the first place.

 

[T Bell]

Thrash==>outTweety==>in

That could be a problem on special teams. Tweety always leads with his giant head on tackles.

Tweety can return kicks, punts, play RB or catch it because he is very elusive. Of course that is as long as we are playing Sylvester. Then again, I'm sure Tweety can return punts better than ARE since he can fly and doesn't dance around all the time.

I predict that as Tweety's skills begin to decline, the FO will extend his contract and pay him $20m up-front

Good point, but of course that will be after the $80-$100 mill contract that got him here in the first place.

Don't forget the second rounder. And next year's 4th.

 

[fatness]

Chris's other brother, Tweety Cooley.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Chris's other brother, Tweety Cooley.

That proves that Tweety has got serious game!

 

[Sidewinder16]

Matt Terl chats with Kirk Olivadotti. Some highlights:

A lot of talk this offseason has centered -- for obvious reasons -- on who's going to be stepping in at strong side linebacker. Can you give a quick summary for the uninitiated on how the strongside and weakside roles differ?

Olivadotti: "We do it a little bit different than some people. The strong side linebacker is basically, he is our guy to the tight end side -- that's all that strong side means. Depending on what team you are playing, some teams run a lot to the tight end, some teams run a lot away from the tight end. So it depends. Both our outside linebackers have . got to be big hit guys, and that's what we need from them. Everybody's got to be great tacklers, but our mike linebacker, its designed that he is gonna make the most tackles."

What is it that makes, in your opinion, an effective strong side linebacker, especially when you're looking to fill a starting spot?

Olivadotti: "Really, to be honest with you, you look at what you got, and who your best eleven are, and you make your defense fit your best eleven, to be perfectly honest. And I know that's not the sexy answer that everyone wants, but that's what we need to do as coaches is, 'Okay, here is our best eleven, and that's who we are going to get on the field. This is what they're good at, these are their limitations,' and you go from there. What each guy can do differs from week to week. You just try to put guys in the best positions to be able to be productive."

...

All right. Let's catch up on some of your specific players, one by one, and where they're at heading into this preseason. Rocky McIntosh?

Olivadotti: "Rocky is having a good offseason. You know, Rocky has worked hard this offseason. Traditionally, everybody says, two years out of a major knee injury, you're always a little bit better. Rocky looks good right now, I'm pleased with where he's at. He is doing well; he's doing well in the meeting room. He has a lot more personality than people give him credit for."

...

Burying the big question: Brian Orakpo and his progress at linebacker?

Olivadotti: "Brian has done his part: he's trying to get better. He understands what we're trying to do with him, both with Coach Palermo and myself. He understands, I think, why we're trying to do it. He knows that some things, it's not all about being in the exact most comfortable position that he is used to being in, but right now is the time to see if we can get him comfortable doing some things, in order for him to be the most effective all the time. He has made progress each day -- he and Chris Wilson are kind of in the same boat on that: they find new and creative things to screw up, but they don't screw up the same things over and over, which is a good thing."

How is Chris Wilson's transition going?

Olivadotti: "He is making the transition, and all that stuff up on the board" -- and here he gestures to a white board that's covered with, literally, Xs and Os and arrows -- "that was Chris and I going over something that he didn't quite understand. Chris is putting in the time, and he is studying the film, he is putting in the time there too. I think he's excited about the change. He's gonna put himself in the position to be competitive."

Robert Thomas, who came into the league as a high pick and now finds himself sort of a journeyman type....

Olivadotti: "Robert is a professional guy. He comes in -- and he probably doesn't know that I notice it, but he is in here a lot. And he is out in the meeting room a lot by himself, making sure that he knows everything. And I'm putting a little more pressure on him, because he is playing a couple different things. He's doing a nice job, and he has really engulfed himself into our defense to try to learn it, because he understands the urgency, and he knows that he can't make mistakes and be a competitor. And he has done a nice job understanding and trying to learn on defense."

I don't know how many of you read Matt Mosley (ESPN's NFC East blogger) but he has been critical of the 'Skins for trying to play Orakpo at LB. I don't have a big problem with it, mainly because of the point Olivadotti brings up in this piece. That you should strive to have your best 11 defenders on the field as much as possible, and if that means altering your scheme and/or trying guys out at new positions to get everyone out there, then that's what you do.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Matt Terl chats with Kirk Olivadotti. Some highlights:

A lot of talk this offseason has centered -- for obvious reasons -- on who's going to be stepping in at strong side linebacker. Can you give a quick summary for the uninitiated on how the strongside and weakside roles differ?

Olivadotti: "We do it a little bit different than some people. The strong side linebacker is basically, he is our guy to the tight end side -- that's all that strong side means. Depending on what team you are playing, some teams run a lot to the tight end, some teams run a lot away from the tight end. So it depends. Both our outside linebackers have . got to be big hit guys, and that's what we need from them. Everybody's got to be great tacklers, but our mike linebacker, its designed that he is gonna make the most tackles."

What is it that makes, in your opinion, an effective strong side linebacker, especially when you're looking to fill a starting spot?

Olivadotti: "Really, to be honest with you, you look at what you got, and who your best eleven are, and you make your defense fit your best eleven, to be perfectly honest. And I know that's not the sexy answer that everyone wants, but that's what we need to do as coaches is, 'Okay, here is our best eleven, and that's who we are going to get on the field. This is what they're good at, these are their limitations,' and you go from there. What each guy can do differs from week to week. You just try to put guys in the best positions to be able to be productive."

...

All right. Let's catch up on some of your specific players, one by one, and where they're at heading into this preseason. Rocky McIntosh?

Olivadotti: "Rocky is having a good offseason. You know, Rocky has worked hard this offseason. Traditionally, everybody says, two years out of a major knee injury, you're always a little bit better. Rocky looks good right now, I'm pleased with where he's at. He is doing well; he's doing well in the meeting room. He has a lot more personality than people give him credit for."

...

Burying the big question: Brian Orakpo and his progress at linebacker?

Olivadotti: "Brian has done his part: he's trying to get better. He understands what we're trying to do with him, both with Coach Palermo and myself. He understands, I think, why we're trying to do it. He knows that some things, it's not all about being in the exact most comfortable position that he is used to being in, but right now is the time to see if we can get him comfortable doing some things, in order for him to be the most effective all the time. He has made progress each day -- he and Chris Wilson are kind of in the same boat on that: they find new and creative things to screw up, but they don't screw up the same things over and over, which is a good thing."

How is Chris Wilson's transition going?

Olivadotti: "He is making the transition, and all that stuff up on the board" -- and here he gestures to a white board that's covered with, literally, Xs and Os and arrows -- "that was Chris and I going over something that he didn't quite understand. Chris is putting in the time, and he is studying the film, he is putting in the time there too. I think he's excited about the change. He's gonna put himself in the position to be competitive."

Robert Thomas, who came into the league as a high pick and now finds himself sort of a journeyman type....

Olivadotti: "Robert is a professional guy. He comes in -- and he probably doesn't know that I notice it, but he is in here a lot. And he is out in the meeting room a lot by himself, making sure that he knows everything. And I'm putting a little more pressure on him, because he is playing a couple different things. He's doing a nice job, and he has really engulfed himself into our defense to try to learn it, because he understands the urgency, and he knows that he can't make mistakes and be a competitor. And he has done a nice job understanding and trying to learn on defense."

I don't know how many of you read Matt Mosley (ESPN's NFC East blogger) but he has been critical of the 'Skins for trying to play Orakpo at LB. I don't have a big problem with it, mainly because of the point Olivadotti brings up in this piece. That you should strive to have your best 11 defenders on the field as much as possible, and if that means altering your scheme and/or trying guys out at new positions to get everyone out there, then that's what you do.

My biggest concern after I first read that is that he absolutely says nothing when a direct question was asked about Orakpo's progress. I understand he's not going to lay all the cards on the table, but he NADA and actually says as much about Wilson while answering an Orakpo question. Hmmm...if one was to read between the lines, I'd say that the transition is not going well.As far as putting your best players on the field, they aren't your best if they can't play the position. Thus, they are out of position and it doesn't matter how athletic a player you have running around. I hope that I am wrong, but so far this is pointing towards the same decision process as playing Jason Taylor (Life long RDE) on the left side type of decision. Again, I would love to be wrong on this...

 

[Yamato]

Matt Terl chats with Kirk Olivadotti. Some highlights:

A lot of talk this offseason has centered -- for obvious reasons -- on who's going to be stepping in at strong side linebacker. Can you give a quick summary for the uninitiated on how the strongside and weakside roles differ?

Olivadotti: "We do it a little bit different than some people. The strong side linebacker is basically, he is our guy to the tight end side -- that's all that strong side means. Depending on what team you are playing, some teams run a lot to the tight end, some teams run a lot away from the tight end. So it depends. Both our outside linebackers have . got to be big hit guys, and that's what we need from them. Everybody's got to be great tacklers, but our mike linebacker, its designed that he is gonna make the most tackles."

What is it that makes, in your opinion, an effective strong side linebacker, especially when you're looking to fill a starting spot?

Olivadotti: "Really, to be honest with you, you look at what you got, and who your best eleven are, and you make your defense fit your best eleven, to be perfectly honest. And I know that's not the sexy answer that everyone wants, but that's what we need to do as coaches is, 'Okay, here is our best eleven, and that's who we are going to get on the field. This is what they're good at, these are their limitations,' and you go from there. What each guy can do differs from week to week. You just try to put guys in the best positions to be able to be productive."

...

All right. Let's catch up on some of your specific players, one by one, and where they're at heading into this preseason. Rocky McIntosh?

Olivadotti: "Rocky is having a good offseason. You know, Rocky has worked hard this offseason. Traditionally, everybody says, two years out of a major knee injury, you're always a little bit better. Rocky looks good right now, I'm pleased with where he's at. He is doing well; he's doing well in the meeting room. He has a lot more personality than people give him credit for."

...

Burying the big question: Brian Orakpo and his progress at linebacker?

Olivadotti: "Brian has done his part: he's trying to get better. He understands what we're trying to do with him, both with Coach Palermo and myself. He understands, I think, why we're trying to do it. He knows that some things, it's not all about being in the exact most comfortable position that he is used to being in, but right now is the time to see if we can get him comfortable doing some things, in order for him to be the most effective all the time. He has made progress each day -- he and Chris Wilson are kind of in the same boat on that: they find new and creative things to screw up, but they don't screw up the same things over and over, which is a good thing."

How is Chris Wilson's transition going?

Olivadotti: "He is making the transition, and all that stuff up on the board" -- and here he gestures to a white board that's covered with, literally, Xs and Os and arrows -- "that was Chris and I going over something that he didn't quite understand. Chris is putting in the time, and he is studying the film, he is putting in the time there too. I think he's excited about the change. He's gonna put himself in the position to be competitive."

Robert Thomas, who came into the league as a high pick and now finds himself sort of a journeyman type....

Olivadotti: "Robert is a professional guy. He comes in -- and he probably doesn't know that I notice it, but he is in here a lot. And he is out in the meeting room a lot by himself, making sure that he knows everything. And I'm putting a little more pressure on him, because he is playing a couple different things. He's doing a nice job, and he has really engulfed himself into our defense to try to learn it, because he understands the urgency, and he knows that he can't make mistakes and be a competitor. And he has done a nice job understanding and trying to learn on defense."

I don't know how many of you read Matt Mosley (ESPN's NFC East blogger) but he has been critical of the 'Skins for trying to play Orakpo at LB. I don't have a big problem with it, mainly because of the point Olivadotti brings up in this piece. That you should strive to have your best 11 defenders on the field as much as possible, and if that means altering your scheme and/or trying guys out at new positions to get everyone out there, then that's what you do.

My biggest concern after I first read that is that he absolutely says nothing when a direct question was asked about Orakpo's progress. I understand he's not going to lay all the cards on the table, but he NADA and actually says as much about Wilson while answering an Orakpo question. Hmmm...if one was to read between the lines, I'd say that the transition is not going well.As far as putting your best players on the field, they aren't your best if they can't play the position. Thus, they are out of position and it doesn't matter how athletic a player you have running around. I hope that I am wrong, but so far this is pointing towards the same decision process as playing Jason Taylor (Life long RDE) on the left side type of decision. Again, I would love to be wrong on this...

You can throw that whole interview out the window. he gave generic answers to every question. He isnt going to prime anyones ego. He's going to be low key about all his players and the interview shows this. I bet last June he said the same thing about his LB's and he'll say the same thing next year.

 

[T Bell]

Yup, Yamato. It's an unwritten code in the NFL that you don't lavish your new draft picks with praise, and it's stronger the higher in the draft they were selected. It's true with all teams. I read zero into that interview.

For IDP purposes, the brief comments about the SLB primarily having TE duties and the MLB being "the tackler", while not all that illuminating, are at least substantive comments about their scheme.

 

[fatness]

Brandon Lloyd in the news

In the latest proof of a sucker being born every minute, first-year Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has decided to spoil his locker room chemistry by signing receiver Brandon "Laryngitis" Lloyd.

The moody, unproductive receiver was arguably the biggest bust of the Redskins' post-Jeff George era. Transfixed by Lloyd's athleticism, Dan Snyder, Vinny Cerrato and Joe Gibbs traded for him in 2006 without seemingly checking with anyone in San Francisco who could've told the Redskins' brass that he had no work ethic and was hated by his teammates, coaches and the media that covered the 49ers.

The same scenario soon unfolded in Washington, which dumped him after two worthless seasons during which he never scored a touchdown.

Lloyd, who turns 28 next month, sort of resuscitated his career last year in Chicago under offensive coordinator Ron Turner, his coach at Illinois, with 26 catches for 364 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games.

Lloyd once excused his poor play during the Redskins' ugly 2006 season by saying he played better for winners. Trouble is that he has never played for one during his seven NFL season. And with his addition, the Broncos have sealed another season out of the playoffs.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Matt Terl reporting that Mike Williams checked out of Redskins Park before the break at 365 pounds.

 

[Sidewinder16]

From a Sporting News interview with Nnamdi Asomugha:

Q: What are your thoughts on DeAngelo Hall and his brief time in Oakland?

A: When he got here, everyone was expecting big things. Of course, I was expecting big things from D-Hall. I loved his personality. So when he got here, he started talking and saying that we were the best. And I believed that we were, if not the best, then right up there. Now when the season started, I remember DeAngelo would tell me in the middle of games, ‘I didn’t know you guys played this much man-to-man.’ It can get frustrating, because I’ve been frustrated with it. I don’t think DeAngelo was prepared for that much man-to-man. He’s a man/zone guy. He likes to see the ball coming out, make plays and do that sort of thing. I don’t know if our schemes utilized his skills to the best of his ability.

Just thought it was worthwhile noting that another voice is supporting the idea that Hall was a square peg in a round hole on the Raiders defense. With such an open-ended question it seems Asomugha was very deliberate about not painting Hall in a bad light, or as a bad teammate.

 

[buster c]

From a Sporting News interview with Nnamdi Asomugha:

Q: What are your thoughts on DeAngelo Hall and his brief time in Oakland?

A: When he got here, everyone was expecting big things. Of course, I was expecting big things from D-Hall. I loved his personality. So when he got here, he started talking and saying that we were the best. And I believed that we were, if not the best, then right up there. Now when the season started, I remember DeAngelo would tell me in the middle of games, ‘I didn’t know you guys played this much man-to-man.’ It can get frustrating, because I’ve been frustrated with it. I don’t think DeAngelo was prepared for that much man-to-man. He’s a man/zone guy. He likes to see the ball coming out, make plays and do that sort of thing. I don’t know if our schemes utilized his skills to the best of his ability.

Just thought it was worthwhile noting that another voice is supporting the idea that Hall was a square peg in a round hole on the Raiders defense. With such an open-ended question it seems Asomugha was very deliberate about not painting Hall in a bad light, or as a bad teammate.

I love the "you guys" DH throws out there - in the middle of a game no less! and this epiphany comes to him after the free-agent vetting process...and after training camp.

oh, and he doesn't like to play man-to-man coverage. great. will the noted team cancer nix blitz packages?

 

[fatness]

will the noted team cancer nix blitz packages?

"Noted" in this case means "noted by buster c".

 

[dgreen]

From a Sporting News interview with Nnamdi Asomugha:

Q: What are your thoughts on DeAngelo Hall and his brief time in Oakland?

A: When he got here, everyone was expecting big things. Of course, I was expecting big things from D-Hall. I loved his personality. So when he got here, he started talking and saying that we were the best. And I believed that we were, if not the best, then right up there. Now when the season started, I remember DeAngelo would tell me in the middle of games, ‘I didn’t know you guys played this much man-to-man.’ It can get frustrating, because I’ve been frustrated with it. I don’t think DeAngelo was prepared for that much man-to-man. He’s a man/zone guy. He likes to see the ball coming out, make plays and do that sort of thing. I don’t know if our schemes utilized his skills to the best of his ability.

Just thought it was worthwhile noting that another voice is supporting the idea that Hall was a square peg in a round hole on the Raiders defense. With such an open-ended question it seems Asomugha was very deliberate about not painting Hall in a bad light, or as a bad teammate.

I love the "you guys" DH throws out there - in the middle of a game no less!

Not sure I'd assume Asomugha is giving an exact quote here, so I don't get the desire to bash him for "you guys." Unless, of course, you are just looking for reasons to bash Hall. Now, I'm not saying he didn't say "You guys," just that I wouldn't use this quote to prove anything.

and this epiphany comes to him after the free-agent vetting process...and after training camp.

Generally players expect to be used to their best of their ability. If man-to-man isn't where he's best, maybe he expected it to be different. Maybe they even told him it would be different. Maybe they practiced a bunch of both, but called mostly man-to-man during games. Or, maybe he's just not the smartest guy. If so, so what? Again, it seems that you are just looking for reasons to bash him.

oh, and he doesn't like to play man-to-man coverage. great. will the noted team cancer nix blitz packages?

Why would he like to do something that isn't based on his strengths?

 

[Sidewinder16]

and this epiphany comes to him after the free-agent vetting process...and after training camp.

I certainly won't say that Hall has zero blame in any of the reasons that went in to his early release from the Raiders. It's quite possible that he didn't do his homework on what kind of D the Raiders would be running most of the time. It's also just as possible that he was sold a bill of goods that he never received.Neither of those possibilities makes him a de facto team cancer.The fact that a former teammate states that he "loved his personality" and that he (Asomugha) would get frustrated with the defensive play calling like Hall did is pretty decent evidence that Hall was not a team cancer on the Raiders (at least, unless one thinks Asomugha is also a team cancer).

 

[Swing 51]

For Zorn And Gibbs, A Day At the RacesBy Mike WiseWednesday, June 24, 2009Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn stood in the rain, waiting for a NASCAR race to start as the downpour came. Until earlier this month at Lowe's Motor Speedway outside Charlotte, the retired-for-good Redskins coaching icon and the man who succeeded him had never really spent time together.They talked family and Washington and football, which meant they also talked Jason Campbell."Just like anybody else would, like two armchair quarterbacks," Zorn said, quickly adding, "With maybe a little more knowledge.""Good conversation," Gibbs said. "We talked a little bit about everything. Not personnel, but more general talk between coaches."Asked if he felt Campbell was mistreated by an organization that dangled him for Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez, Gibbs wouldn't bite."I have a different outlook on that," Gibbs said of shopping the quarterback he had plucked from Auburn. "At some point you're going to have to take the team down the field in a driving hailstorm to win the game. If you get all uptight about stuff as the quarterback -- if [trade rumors] is something that bothers you -- you're in the wrong position."Translation: Buck up, Jason."You gotta realize an NFL quarterback is going to go through a lot -- all the ones I coached did," Gibbs added through that wheezing laugh of his. "If it wasn't [Mark] Rypien getting benched in the middle of a season, it was Joe Theismann technically going to get benched. Or it was Doug Williams going through two teams and coming here when everybody thought his career was over."Gibbs related his meeting with Zorn at a recent FedEx charity event in front of the Salvation Army off New York Avenue in Northeast Washington. The president of Joe Gibbs Racing had invited Zorn down to the speedway to experience the zoom of his racing team's engines, and Zorn finally took him up on the offer. He brought his son Isaac to Charlotte while also visiting his father, who lives in the area.Zorn has been supportive of Gibbs's charity, Youth for Tomorrow. But for much of the past 18 months, since he got the Redskins' head coaching job in February 2008, Zorn has tread lightly on the topic of Gibbs, walking a fine line, paying homage to his predecessor's great past while being careful not to get caught up in the hyperbole that surrounds a legend.For weeks during his first training camp in Washington, Zorn never mentioned Gibbs by name, and his say-anything candor felt like a cutting protest to the tight-lipped icon he replaced.Zorn clearly felt comfortable around Gibbs and admired and appreciated what he had accomplished. But he was also confident, without being arrogant, that he could make his own mark as a head coach in the NFL.If the post-Gibbs Redskins were still going to be all about Joe, what kind of environment would that be for a newbie to foster respect in the locker room?As the long season wore on, it was also natural for Zorn to wonder what made Gibbs so beloved as a leader, so good at what he did.They spent probably an hour together in Charlotte talking, mostly because the weather forced postponement of the race. Zorn never heard a car start, but he got to see how Gibbs meticulously runs a team."To see Joe in his element as a racing owner, how much he is involved, was pretty incredible," Zorn said, recalling that one crew member he met from Michigan was flown in specifically to take care of the two rear tires of Gibbs's Home Depot car."He had all the parts and systems working and he made it seem so easy.""I think he has a good feel for the job and where he is," Gibbs said of Zorn. "He understands coaching. He understands where he is. I think that going through that first year, I know what that was like for me. I mean, he wound up in the same spot I did -- 8-8. The second year, you're more settled."Blemished legacy or not, Gibbs said he doesn't regret his second go-round in Washington, coming back for four more years and three playoff games."In life, you get an opportunity you take it," he said. "It was important for me to come back. I felt like it was the right thing for me to do. I think it was the right time for me to leave. I took my best shot and went after it."The four games we won after Sean [Taylor] died was the most unbelievable coaching experience ever," he added. "How that team came together and got into the playoffs, man, just unbelievable."When they spoke in the rain a few weeks ago, Zorn said he didn't make any cracks about following an icon. "No, but I know," he said."My hope is he sees my passion for this football team as well," Zorn said. "My hope is he sees it in good hands and he likes how it's run. I want him feel like it's run well, where he says: 'Hey that's good. That's good.' And those 'That's goods' get louder and louder, instead of 'Aw, sheesh.' He still cares about what we do."One last thing: When the rains became heavy that day, Zorn recalled Gibbs coming over to make sure he and his son Isaac stayed dry."He handed me an umbrella," Zorn said of Gibbs, the man still very good at protecting others from a downpour.

 

[buster c]

I'm ready for Gibbs 3.0

 

[Sebowski]

Found this on ES

Hello everybody, today on Sirius NFL Radio’s “The Sirius Blitz.” Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth was interviews by the show’s host Adam Schein and Jim Miller. The following is a recap of the interview:Jim Miller: Welcome to the show, everybody knows about the record contract, but tell us how are you settling-in in Washington after so many years in Tennessee?Albert Haynesworth: It’s a good fit. Believe it or not I don’t have a ton of pressure on me with the new contract, I actually think there’s less pressure on me now than when I was still in TennesseeAdam Schein: You’re telling me you had more pressure in Tennessee than in Washington with the 100-Million Dollar Contract!Albert Haynesworth: Yeah, I’ll try to explain it to people in a way they can understand so here goes. I compare it to elementary school grades 1st-2nd grades vs. 4th - 5th grade. When you are young and the biggest kid in the grade, when you do stuff there’s no flexibility because you stand out; but when you get older and some of the other kids start catching up to your size, some of the stuff you do goes under the radar. Nobody holds the stuff you did in 2nd grade against you because you have changes. It’s like getting a fresh start.Adam Schein: Was it a situation where everything ran it’s course in Tennessee? Was it time to leave Tennessee?Albert Haynesworth: Yes it was (time to leave Tennessee). It was time for me to go and get a clean slate and show people what I can do elsewhere.Jim Miller: How do you not feel the need to live up to the hefty contract?Albert Haynesworth: I tell people the contract is good, but I have to live up to the contract that is the expectations I set for myself.Adam Schein: Was the money an issue and why you went to Washington?Albert Haynesworth: No! I had more on the table in Tampa. They offered a lot more money, but Washington had some things I was more comfortable with. For instance they have a large media aspect that can set you up for life after football. Also Tampa doesn’t have a huge fan base like Washington does, so it wasn’t that hard of a choice to make in the end.Adam Schein: Were the Giants ever in it (to acquire your services)?Albert Haynesworth: Yes they were for a while, they were willing to make me the highest paid player in the NFL, but not to the extent that Tampa and Washington were offering. Atlanta was in there, but the Vick dead-money situation hurt them, and Denver was in there, but I wasn’t sure about the new regime there.Jim Miller: Is Tennessee still upset about how fast you signed. I mean, I see that they filed some papers with the League regarding tampering. Why are they mad? Is it because you just wanted to leave?Albert Haynesworth: It’s not really that (tampering). I made the decision that it was just best for me to move on. I’m not a Titan anymore and I can’t speak to what the Titans are thinking. I’m happy being a Redskin. I’m not sure how disappointed they are that I left because they had an opportunity to sign me for over a year leading up to me leaving and they only discussed a contract once over that entire period of time. It seems like now that I’ve left they just want to get something out of me for leaving. They’re trying to get a draft pick from Washington because I left. That’s not right!(Interjection/Schein): Wait a minute, there’s an elephant in the room. Our callers wouldn’t let me live it down if I didn’t ask the burning question: How did Haynesworth get all these offers within 24 hours of the start of free agency without tampering occurring.Albert Haynesworth: It went like this- The Redskins called first, then the Giants, then Tampa, then Denver. Washington, the Giants and Tampa all made offers within the first two hours. Denver never offered a contract. They just wanted me to keep them in the loop.Jim Miller: What about Detroit, you would have been the perfect fit for their Defense and they have Jim Schwartz:Albert Haynesworth: I was with Schwartz for 7 years, but Detroit din’t show interest. It’s funny because Jim used to joke that if he got a job within the next year, I would get a call, but nothing came of that.Adam Schein: We had a few callers that wanted us to ask why it seems like Albert Haynesworth only plays big when he has something to prove or a big payday on the line.Albert Haynesworth: I always feel I have something to prove. Look at my stats. I always feel I have something to prove. I get better each year. I can say I don’t care about the money, but it wouldn’t make sense because I just signed the huge deal. My goal is to go out there and beat the man in front of me each down to demonstrate that I am the best player in the league. I want to be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.After the Dallas situation with Gerrode, I wanted to prove I was a better person for my family and my kids. I know what people were saying and what situation I created by doing that. I just don’t want them to think of me like that. That’s important to me. People change throughout life. I just changed after that.Jim Miller: I know Greg Blache. He won’t let any body rest on their laurels. What is your take on him?Albert Haynesworth: Me and Blache have been working together on how he will implement me in his scheme. We run a lot of the same stuff that I ran in Tennessee. They aren’t set in their ways. We are both showing each other new things. And we’re going to see how we can both incorporate what we do to benefit the defense as a whole. It’s a good thing, we have a good marriage.Adam Schein: How good can the Redskins be? I think WAS is still ranked 4/4 due to the division they play in.Albert Haynesworth: I can see why a person would say that because this is the toughest division in football. I can’t promise anything, but we have some good players. We just have to play our game and get comfortable with each other. I think we’ll be OK when we do that. They were a good team last year with a strong defense.Jim Miller: Can Kyle Vanden Boch (sp) be a Pro Bowler again without your presence?Albert Haynesworth: I don’t know, I took on a lot of doubles, but who knows? It’ll all depend on how they adapt to the schemes changing against them without me in there. The AFC South is a tough division.Adam Schein: So Peyton’s thrilled to have you out of the Divison?Albert Haynesworth: Sure! he knows I was the guy he had to worry about. He knows the Titans have a good team, but I was the single player they were looking at.Adam Schein: Is it possible to replace Albert Haynesworth?Albert Haynesworth: I never look at myself as irreplaceable; I don’t know what they think. I know I want to make my presence in Washington feel like Albert Haynesworth can’t be replacedJim Miller: Can Vince Young have his career reestablished in Tennessee?Albert Haynesworth: Could he….. He’s a friend of mine, but I just don’t see it happening in Tennessee. Probably not! I know that organization and I played in Tennessee for a long time. I just don’t know!Jim Miller: Is he mentally-tough enough to rebound?Albert Haynesworth: I don’t know. He’s a passionate guy. He competes really hard, but he’s emotional. The guy refused to go back into a game, and then he gets hurt the next time he plays. The fans started getting all over him. The fans can make or break you in a place.Adam Schein: Why didn’t you and Jeff Fisher enjoy a special relationship? He’s a defensive minded coach and you’re one of the best defensive players in the league.Albert Haynesworth: I can’t say why we didn’t have a special relationship. There wasn’t a problem though. I just don’t know. He was alright.Jim Miller: A lot is being made about some players relationship with the coach in Washington, how is your relationship with Jim Zorn?Albert Haynesworth: Jim Zorn is just a cool guy. I’ve talked to him more times since I came here than I talked to coach Fisher the whole 7 years I was in Tennessee. It’s just a different situation here in Washington. I mean I never talked to Bud Adams (owner) either, but I’ve talked to Mr. Snyder a number of times already. He’s really cool.Adam Schein: Talk about that relationship with the Tennessee front office:I don’t know, it’s just different. In Tennessee I never talked to the GM, but I’ve already had a few conversations with Vinny. It’s not even about football all the time, we talk about life in general.Jim Miller: You know that Honeymoon can wear off quick?Albert Haynesworth: I know. At first I thought everything was all-good because I was the new guy, but then you talk to the players that have been around Washington for a while and they’re all like “Nah, this is how it is around here.” Everything is just dofferent. I mean from the classroom to the weight room, things are just different. When I was with the Titans I thought that environment was the best in the league based on conversations you have with other players around the league, but this atmosphere is great!Adam Schein: Albert great stuff. Best of Luck in 2009! We look forward to seeing you at training camp.

 

[fatness]

Albert Haynesworth: No! I had more on the table in Tampa. They offered a lot more money, but Washington had some things I was more comfortable with. For instance they have a large media aspect that can set you up for life after football. Also Tampa doesn’t have a huge fan base like Washington does, so it wasn’t that hard of a choice to make in the end.

Jim Miller: Is Tennessee still upset about how fast you signed. I mean, I see that they filed some papers with the League regarding tampering. Why are they mad? Is it because you just wanted to leave?

Albert Haynesworth: It’s not really that (tampering). I made the decision that it was just best for me to move on. I’m not a Titan anymore and I can’t speak to what the Titans are thinking. I’m happy being a Redskin. I’m not sure how disappointed they are that I left because they had an opportunity to sign me for over a year leading up to me leaving and they only discussed a contract once over that entire period of time. It seems like now that I’ve left they just want to get something out of me for leaving. They’re trying to get a draft pick from Washington because I left. That’s not right!

(Interjection/Schein): Wait a minute, there’s an elephant in the room. Our callers wouldn’t let me live it down if I didn’t ask the burning question: How did Haynesworth get all these offers within 24 hours of the start of free agency without tampering occurring.

Albert Haynesworth: It went like this- The Redskins called first, then the Giants, then Tampa, then Denver. Washington, the Giants and Tampa all made offers within the first two hours. Denver never offered a contract. They just wanted me to keep them in the loop.

Interesting stuff.

 

[pablito]

I'm impressed. Albert sounds like a much more intelligent and self-aware young man than I expected.

 

[T Bell]

I'm impressed. Albert sounds like a much more intelligent and self-aware young man than I expected.

The personality I'd compare him to is Chris Webber. Both are very intelligent guys who have been known to do stupid things. When you hear them interviewed the contrast between their words and their deeds can be startling.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm ready for Gibbs 3.0

You're a funny guy, bc.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm impressed. Albert sounds like a much more intelligent and self-aware young man than I expected.

The personality I'd compare him to is Chris Webber. Both are very intelligent guys who have been known to do stupid things. When you hear them interviewed the contrast between their words and their deeds can be startling.

IMO, that's an excellent personality comparison.

 

[fatness]

I'm impressed. Albert sounds like a much more intelligent and self-aware young man than I expected.

The personality I'd compare him to is Chris Webber. Both are very intelligent guys who have been known to do stupid things. When you hear them interviewed the contrast between their words and their deeds can be startling.

Well one difference I can think of is that Haynesworth is willing to bang the hell out of people, and Webber never was.

 

[dgreen]

Would Haynesworth do a throatslash after a tackle in the first quarter?

 

[sinatravolta]

I'm impressed. Albert sounds like a much more intelligent and self-aware young man than I expected.

The personality I'd compare him to is Chris Webber. Both are very intelligent guys who have been known to do stupid things. When you hear them interviewed the contrast between their words and their deeds can be startling.

pablito - you should check out this story:Haynesworth story

Here are some examples from there:

Former Tennessee defensive line coach Dan Brooks, whom Haynesworth credits with much of his development, recruited Haynesworth and worked closely with him on and off the field. Brooks, who now holds the same position at Clemson, acknowledged that "there were some things you had to deal with" because of Haynesworth's intensity. "I love Albert, and Albert is a nice person off the field, but anyone who has coached Albert or been his teammate knows that he plays the game with passion, with a madness about him, really.

Though he is better at controlling his emotions during games, Haynesworth continues to play with ferocity, even after serving his suspension. In February, Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn said of Haynesworth: "He is an angry football player. He plays the game mean. On game day, you'd better not try to talk to him."

Washburn, who lists Haynesworth as the smartest player he's coached, said: "Those coaches [in Washington] will figure that out real quick. He's not a player who you're gonna coach on the sidelines or have a real discussion with. About three hours before the game, he's a different person. There's no point in trying to communicate too much with him during a game."

Pretty hard not to get excited about him this season on the Redskins after reading stuff like that.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Would Haynesworth do a throatslash after a tackle in the first quarter?

Not with his hand but maybe with his cleat.

 

[Bangahaha]

I love the "you guys" DH throws out there - in the middle of a game no less! and this epiphany comes to him after the free-agent vetting process...and after training camp. oh, and he doesn't like to play man-to-man coverage. great. will the noted team cancer nix blitz packages?

Seems to me the team's job is to make sure he fits before filling his pockets with cash. They know their schemes and their plans, and the burden is on them to make sure they acquire players who best suit what they already know they want to do.His responsibility is to try to fit in as best as he can. If the Raiders believe that money greases that round hole so the square peg will fit, then the problem and fault is theirs, not his.Who was the last free agent to go to Oakland and not quit on them?~Bang

 

[fatness]

With four of their six draft choices already under contract, the Redskins have about $6.5 million left to spend this season if they so choose. First-rounder Brian Orakpo and third-rounder Kevin Barnes should account for about $3.1 million between them, leaving more than $3 million to sign veterans during training camp and/or replacements when players head to injured reserve during the season.

All of Washington's draft picks signed so far received 4-year deals. Fifth-rounder Cody Glenn's signing bonus was approximately $175,000. Sixth-rounder Robert Henson's was $102,000. Seventh-rounders Eddie Williams and Marko Mitchell received roughly $60,000 and $45,000, respectively.

David Elfin

 

[Sidewinder16]

If you're looking for a little something to pass away the time until TC, check out Cooley's blog. He has a few "video diaries" (decided to play it safe and not link to them directly because they do have a little bit of language) from his drive to Wyoming last week. They have a few entertaining moments, like his drive through Ohio, or the reason behind his truck breaking down on the trip (I won't spoil it for those that are going to watch ).

"Who doesn't have skull sunglasses? Losers."

 

[dgreen]

With four of their six draft choices already under contract, the Redskins have about $6.5 million left to spend this season if they so choose. First-rounder Brian Orakpo and third-rounder Kevin Barnes should account for about $3.1 million between them, leaving more than $3 million to sign veterans during training camp and/or replacements when players head to injured reserve during the season.

All of Washington's draft picks signed so far received 4-year deals. Fifth-rounder Cody Glenn's signing bonus was approximately $175,000. Sixth-rounder Robert Henson's was $102,000. Seventh-rounders Eddie Williams and Marko Mitchell received roughly $60,000 and $45,000, respectively.

David Elfin

CAP HELL!

 

[fatness]

CAP HELL!

If someone posted that article as a new thread, we could have another ridiculous "why are the Redskins not in cap hell?" thread. Remember when they were (supposedly according to some ignorant writer) going to have to cut 20 starters (or something equally stupid)?

 

[fatness]

3-page article on Mike Williams losing weight. No word on whether he can play.

Photo

 

[Sebowski]

I need to make a cut in my dynasty league by tomorrow. I've had Portis-Betts for 5 years. I'm leaning towards cutting Betts. I am just not impressed with him anymore and hope that if Portis goes down we will have more of a committee approach. Cab you guys convince me Betts can be a productive FF RB if Portis gets hurt? Is he still a must have handcuff? I'm not sure he is.

Here is my team:

Schuab

Campbell

Edwards

Portis

Betts

T.Jones

Washington

Mendenhal

M.Bush

Fitz

Rowdy Roddy

Bryant

Avery

Kelly

Cooley

Z.Milller

V.Davis

Jets D

Longwell

1.10

2.1

Need to cut one more.

 

[fatness]

Betts will give you about 4 pts/game unless Portis goes down. Then he'll give you 10-17 pts.game (assuming normal scoring). I don't see any indication that Betts has lost anything. He's just not as good as Portis and is behind him.

Do you really think Vernon Davis will ever do anything?

 

[Sebowski]

Betts will give you about 4 pts/game unless Portis goes down. Then he'll give you 10-17 pts.game (assuming normal scoring). I don't see any indication that Betts has lost anything. He's just not as good as Portis and is behind him. Do you really think Vernon Davis will ever do anything?

I have to. I gave up Santana for him last year. That was before getting Miller and eventually Cooley (for Breaston). I need to give Davis another year. It is a TE friendly system. He has the talent. He is worth the roster spot to me.PPRI only have to start 1 RB. 2nd is a flex. 3-4 WRs. I think if Portis goes down one of my WRs will out produce Betts.ETA: I could always redraft him at 2.1, but don't think I will.

 

[fatness]

I cut bait on Vernon Davis last year. There's only so long before waiting on a sure thing becomes waiting for Godot. Betts will either give you nothing, or he'll be a solid starting RB (if Portis goes down), who will incidentally be worth a great deal in a trade if that happens. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[nittanylion]

I LOVE these...

...could you give us more info about your League?

Here's what I'm assuming: 10-Teamer, since you listed your Draft Picks as 1.10/2.01

Also, you must have a flex option, given that you only have to start 1 RB. Oh, I see it now...can you start 2 TE?

You pointed out that it's a TE-friendly League, but I'd like to know if that means PPR, and how PPR is spread over RB/WR/TE, please...

QB: Solid - Schaub is money, as long as he's healthy, so it's a good idea to have a backup tandem. Edwards has upside and Campbell at worst gives you a steady-eddie, and that's what I like out of a backup tandem. It's good to be relatively strong to other Teams in a 10-Teamer, because everyone else relatively is, too.

RB: Portis is your bell-cow, and you only have to start 1. TJones/Washington are a nice backup duo in PPR, but Shonn Greene is going to factor into the equation as early as this year. Depending on your PPR, Washington may hold more value than TJ. Mendenhall worries me, for some reason, but in a keeper, he's worth having around in case he blossoms this year - the RB situation in Pitt is liquid - FWP getting up there, MMoore is a legitimate weapon as a 3rd Down RB there. I LOVE Mike Bush, and think he's going to wind up being heavily involved in the Raiders Offense, as McFadden will be more of a Reggie Bush type this year - I would go as far as to say that Bush is Pierre Thomas light...but VERY light, due to the absolute disaster that could be the Raiders Offense, but I think you know what I mean...

***The most compelling reason to keep Betts on your Roster is your RB situation. IF Portis goes down, it's likely he'll be the most prolific RB on your Roster, due to the situations involving the other RB's on your Team. With your stable of RB's, I think he's pretty critical insurance.***

WR: Strong at the top with Fitz and RWhite. the Bryant/Avery combo is interesting. I like both WR's, but I have absolutely no faith in Tampa generating much Offensive Production at all this year. Some folks might argue that if they're behind, they'll have to throw, and that's true...but I have no confidence in any QB on that Team showing any consistency whatsoever, and I'm predicting TB will be one of the Top 8 Teams in 3-and-outs in 2009. Love me some Avery, and I'd actually have more confidence starting him over Bryant most weeks, especially if WR get significant PPR. Don't get me wrong about Bryant - I LOVE the Player, but hate the situation, and although I know what Dwayne Bowe was able to accomplish in KC last year, and that the Bucs have acquired a potentially dynamic TE and RB in the offseason to help out, the QB situation in TB is worse than what KC put out on the field last year, the TE isn't Gonzo, and the RB's aren't Johnson and Charles either...and they aren't playing the Broncos and Raiders, either.

You actually have Malcolm Kelly on your Roster...if it really IS a 10-Teamer (or a 12-Teamer for that matter), he really has little business holding up a Roster Spot that you could be using on someone else who could provide more immediate ROI.

***If you cut Kelly, I'd all but GUARANTEE he's available at the 1.10/2.01 turn. I also be inclined to bet there are better options than him available to you. Not only that, it would allow you a much better opportunity to 'have your cake and eat it too', in that you could keep Betts, and still get Kelly back if you want him***

TE: Outstanding - as a matter of fact, SO outstanding that you could easily cut VDavis without missing a beat, if you're really enamored with Kelly's potential. I can't imagine you can flex out to 3 TE, and in Cooley and ZMiller, you have 2 dare I say LOCKS to finish in the Top 10, so you're already far out in front of the other Teams in your League at the position. Unless a miracle, or an injury occurs, VD hasn't no business getting starts over Cooley and ZMiller, as far as I'm concerned. In a 10-Teamer where you can start two, it's tough seeing you roster VDavis when you could use a little bit better depth at RB and WR, given what your League-mates are probably rostering.

***You dont' HAVE TO do anything regarding VD, despite what you gave up for him, and that kind of thinking can prevent you from seeing an opportunity that might otherwise be staring you down the barrel. Last year was last year, close that chapter and open a new one.

If Portis goes down, and you don't have Betts, you're going to have to bet on two shaky props (Bryant and Avery) being in your starting lineup every week, along with a RB (TJones, I assume) that won't necessarily outperform them on a good day. I think you'll wind up being in a situation where you'd have to start both TJones and LWash in tandem to guarantee what you need out of them, and then you have to be 'right' each week about which WR to start between Avery and Bryant, and that's not easy.

Betts has a much greater likelihood of putting up Portis-type #'s in Portis absence than of anyone guessing correctly how to allocate TJones, LWash, Avery or Bryant every week.

...at least that's how I'd approach it.

Again, you'll easily be able to get Kelly back, or replace him with something immediately better for your Team, if you choose to hang onto Betts. Given your RB's, I think Betts plays a critical role to insuring you at RB1 so that you don't have to play a guessing game at WR with #3/#4.

Again, assuming you're playing in a 10-12 Teamer.

 

[iSnitch]

Niner homer...there's a good Vernon thread floating around here.

They're throwing the ball to him in camp...so they're getting him involved. And the coaches say they plan to continue getting him involved, even once the season starts.

He appears to have matured a great deal - he's no longer fighting with teammates and is leading some rookies in workouts. It may not sound like much but these are a big deal.

Singletary has called him out with praise a few times for working extra hard.

He's not dropping as many passes as he used to, but he's still dropping balls when they're hitting him in the numbers. And the hits aren't flying.

Crabtree, Gore, Bruce, Hill, Morgan...there are a lot of other options. Whoever is the qb won't have to force it to him.

His route running is the big question...allegedly it used to be so bad the qb's had ZERO faith in him being where he was supposed to, and it lead to some animosity.

The o-line looks good this year, and Martz is gone, so he shouldn't have to block as much.

 

[iSnitch]

btw, I'd cut Campbell. You guys have seen him play - do you ever think he would become more than an average fantasy option at best?

If your homerism stops you from doing that, I'd cut Vernon. He may pan out yet, but I'd rather gamble on the other TE's on your team. `