***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (3 Viewers)

[Sammy Traveller]

My favorite team just signed an incompetent homophobe in diapers.

:X

 

[Marvelous]

I'll go on record supporting the LJ signing. I like him better than Willie Parker. If Shanny sees something left in a RB, I'm on board.

Anyone see the contract details?

The source said Johnson agreed to a three-year deal that will pay him up to $12 million. News of Johnson's signing was first reported this afternoon by ESPN.com

That's per Rick Maese, but I don't know how much of it is guaranteed.

On 980, I thought they said it was a 3 year, $3.something M contract with incentives. Probably not much guaranteed.

 

[fatness]

It makes sense to have the contract heavy on incentives. A couple people mentioned PFT a little while ago and I just wanted to add that I really enjoy that site. Here's the latest from PFT on the Johnson signing:

The Redskins have officially announced the signing of running back Larry Johnson, and head coach Mike Shanahan is praising Johnson as a major part of the offense he wants to build in Washington."We are excited to bring in a running back that has had so much success in this league," Shanahan said in the team's statement. "Larry is a physical runner who will be a great addition to our backfield."

 

[Johnny Ice]

My favorite team just signed an incompetent homophobe in diapers. :X

I think you should save that reaction for when we draft Jimmy Clausen.

 

[Sebowski]

Or maybe the PFT post from Florio was deleted?

I like PFT. I think most hatred directed towards sports media is borne of jealousy, probably from a bunch of never-was desk-jockeys thinking they could do better. To be fair, most probably could. But most media bashing seems like a waste of time.

I feel like wasting a couple minutes of timehttp://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football...tory?id=4991744

Larry Johnson to make Clinton Portis look spry

Johnson signing with the Skins means little from a fantasy perspective

By Christopher Harris

ESPN.com

....I still think at some point in April's draft, the Skins are going to select a running back -- I'll go way out on a limb and say Toby Gerhart in the third round -- who'll make all this LJ stuff look like much ado about nothing.

Which, at least from a fantasy perspective, is what it is.

Maybe it's just too much to ask that a writer for ESPN (or his editor) know that the team they are writing about doesn't have a third round pick.

 

[Bizkiteer]

My gut tells me that the LJ move is in three parts:

A) Insurance if Portis doesn't get it in gear and has to be cut. If he buys in and works out, then two back power machine.

B) Questionable OL = bad pass blocking, easier to run big bodies than have them pass block...two feature backs = 30+ carries a game.

C) Could allow a rookie QB not to get hammered all the time if we are a run heavy team.

Just some initial thoughts...

 

[Sammy Traveller]

My favorite team just signed an incompetent homophobe in diapers. :X

I think you should save that reaction for when we draft Jimmy Clausen.

reaction 2xbut I actually don't think they'll draft Clausen. If Bradford is taken by another team, Skins will go in a different direction.

 

[southeastjerome]

My favorite team just signed an incompetent homophobe in diapers. :X

I think you should save that reaction for when we draft Jimmy Clausen.

reaction 2xbut I actually don't think they'll draft Clausen. If Bradford is taken by another team, Skins will go in a different direction.

I really hope that you are right. I abhor the thought of them drafting Jimmy. Jimmy does not impress me.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

My gut tells me that the LJ move is in three parts:A) Insurance if Portis doesn't get it in gear and has to be cut. If he buys in and works out, then two back power machine.B) Questionable OL = bad pass blocking, easier to run big bodies than have them pass block...two feature backs = 30+ carries a game. C) Could allow a rookie QB not to get hammered all the time if we are a run heavy team.Just some initial thoughts...

A1) Competition for Portis that represents "a ploy to motivate Clinton Portis". I too believe that we'll draft a RB in the later rounds, a Mike Bell or hopefully Terrell Davis type that might be our RB of the future. That damn well had better happen on Day 2 of the draft, however.

 

[Sidewinder16]

On 980, I thought they said it was a 3 year, $3.something M contract with incentives. Probably not much guaranteed.

WaPo reports:

...Johnson signed a three-year contract that carries a base salary of $3.5 million and could be worth $12 million with incentives.

 

[thayman]

On 980, I thought they said it was a 3 year, $3.something M contract with incentives. Probably not much guaranteed.

WaPo reports:

...Johnson signed a three-year contract that carries a base salary of $3.5 million and could be worth $12 million with incentives.

I'm a big fan of these incentive laden contracts they seem to be pushing. Perhaps that's a better indication of why Pashos and other FAs walked with out signing a deal

 

[fatness]

On Monday things start happening.

Link

Haynesworth plans to attend the beginning of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning program Monday at Redskins Park, multiple league sources said Saturday night. Coach Mike Shanahan recently stressed he expected all of his "team leaders" to participate in the program, and Haynesworth has committed to joining his teammates in Washington's first team activity under Shanahan.

Although Haynesworth is among the players expected at the complex, however, that doesn't mean he plans to address the media. There will be media availability at some point during the workouts, but Haynesworth just wants to work with his teammates and focus on preparing for the season, people familiar with the situation said. He doesn't want to become the center of attention at a time when Shanahan is just getting started, so he doesn't intend to comment after the workouts.

Moreover, there are no secrets between Haynesworth and the Redskins regarding Haynesworth's feelings about the new defense and his role in it, team sources said. In a meeting at Redskins Park in January, coaches discussed their plans with Haynesworth, and there have been follow-up conversations.

The Redskins do not plan to use Haynesworth as a classic nose tackle, the team sources said. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett intends to use multiple fronts and envisions Haynesworth moving between the nose and end spots in hybrid alignments. With what Haslett has planned, the Redskins believe Haynesworth will thrive.

Despite all the criticism of Haynesworth last season, there is no denying the impact he had on the defense. His presence in the middle of the line helped to elevate the level of play of the entire defense, said assistant coaches on other teams who have studied film of the Redskins.

Eyebrows were raised in the coaching offices at the complex early last season when former defensive coordinator Gregg Blache said Haynesworth didn't help to make his teammates better. Two former Redskins assistants told me they strongly disagreed with Blache, who feuded with Haynesworth during the season.

He was fun to listen to for awhile but I'm glad Blache is gone. Inflexible and petty are not good attributes in a coach.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins have announced the re-signing of offensive lineman Will Montgomery. Montgomery, a four-year veteran, appeared in all 16 games last season and started three at guard. He was one of five linemen to start at the right guard spot in the turbulent 2009 season.

LinkAnd in the "Not Exactly Murderer's Row" department:

The offensive linemen currently under contract for 2010 include: Montgomery, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Mike Williams, Stephon Heyer, Artis Hicks, Paul Fanaika, Kory Lichtensteiger, Clint Oldenburg, Edwin Williams and Will Robinson.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

If they like Montgomery, then I'm fine with retaining him. I'd assume he's back to be a backup. Have they made any statements on Rinehart?

And yeah, it's looking like Blache's glib and often funny brashness was better understood as his way of covering for some insecurities on his part. He was best suited to be a position coach.

And in the "Not Exactly Murderer's Row" department:

The offensive linemen currently under contract for 2010 include: Montgomery, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Mike Williams, Stephon Heyer, Artis Hicks, Paul Fanaika, Kory Lichtensteiger, Clint Oldenburg, Edwin Williams and Will Robinson.

Really? I'd be more than happy to line them all up and put them out of their misery.

 

[Marvelous]

On Monday things start happening.

Link

Haynesworth plans to attend the beginning of the team's voluntary offseason conditioning program Monday at Redskins Park, multiple league sources said Saturday night. Coach Mike Shanahan recently stressed he expected all of his "team leaders" to participate in the program, and Haynesworth has committed to joining his teammates in Washington's first team activity under Shanahan.

Although Haynesworth is among the players expected at the complex, however, that doesn't mean he plans to address the media. There will be media availability at some point during the workouts, but Haynesworth just wants to work with his teammates and focus on preparing for the season, people familiar with the situation said. He doesn't want to become the center of attention at a time when Shanahan is just getting started, so he doesn't intend to comment after the workouts.

Moreover, there are no secrets between Haynesworth and the Redskins regarding Haynesworth's feelings about the new defense and his role in it, team sources said. In a meeting at Redskins Park in January, coaches discussed their plans with Haynesworth, and there have been follow-up conversations.

The Redskins do not plan to use Haynesworth as a classic nose tackle, the team sources said. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett intends to use multiple fronts and envisions Haynesworth moving between the nose and end spots in hybrid alignments. With what Haslett has planned, the Redskins believe Haynesworth will thrive.

Despite all the criticism of Haynesworth last season, there is no denying the impact he had on the defense. His presence in the middle of the line helped to elevate the level of play of the entire defense, said assistant coaches on other teams who have studied film of the Redskins.

Eyebrows were raised in the coaching offices at the complex early last season when former defensive coordinator Gregg Blache said Haynesworth didn't help to make his teammates better. Two former Redskins assistants told me they strongly disagreed with Blache, who feuded with Haynesworth during the season.

He was fun to listen to for awhile but I'm glad Blache is gone. Inflexible and petty are not good attributes in a coach.

Haynesworth definately made the DL a lot better. But the Redskin's defense was not better because the secondary played so poorly. Rogers had a bad year. Hall gave up too many big plays. And Landry was abused in coverage. The play as strong safety seemed ok. I think it's ironic that the best play in the secondary was by two low round draft picks (Horton and Doughty) and the other high picks struggled.I was also a bit puzzled that Gray was looking for promotions (interviwed for the Redskin's HC position and Redskin's and Seatle's DC position) when his unit played so poorly.

 

[Marvelous]

I was reading in the "Champ Bailey: Is He a HOF" thread. Reminded me of what a terrible trade Gibbs made. Champ Bailey AND a high 2nd round pick for Clinton Portis.

A HOF CB is worth a lot more than a good RB. I am not clear on why Washington did not want to pay Bailey.

 

[thayman]

I was reading in the "Champ Bailey: Is He a HOF" thread. Reminded me of what a terrible trade Gibbs made. Champ Bailey AND a high 2nd round pick for Clinton Portis. A HOF CB is worth a lot more than a good RB. I am not clear on why Washington did not want to pay Bailey.

This has been over ad nauseam as to why the Redskins gave up a 2nd as well as Bailey for Portis. The alternative was Bailey would have played at most one more season in Washington and then hit the Free Agent market.

 

[fatness]

Haynesworth definately made the DL a lot better. But the Redskin's defense was not better because the secondary played so poorly.

I agree.And I'm also glad to see Haynesworth will be showing up Monday and taking a "making no waves" attitude towards beginning things under Shanahan.

 

[fatness]

Larry Foote is supposedly on his way to sign with the Steelers.

 

[buster c]

I was reading in the "Champ Bailey: Is He a HOF" thread. Reminded me of what a terrible trade Gibbs made. Champ Bailey AND a high 2nd round pick for Clinton Portis. A HOF CB is worth a lot more than a good RB. I am not clear on why Washington did not want to pay Bailey.

This has been over ad nauseam as to why the Redskins gave up a 2nd as well as Bailey for Portis. The alternative was Bailey would have played at most one more season in Washington and then hit the Free Agent market.

ad nauseum - I'll agree with you on that.you neglect to point out that they could have franchised him or put the transition tag on him, gotten a #1 & a #3, and been as well off with Betts being the #1 RB as they were with #26

 

[thayman]

I was reading in the "Champ Bailey: Is He a HOF" thread. Reminded me of what a terrible trade Gibbs made. Champ Bailey AND a high 2nd round pick for Clinton Portis. A HOF CB is worth a lot more than a good RB. I am not clear on why Washington did not want to pay Bailey.

This has been over ad nauseam as to why the Redskins gave up a 2nd as well as Bailey for Portis. The alternative was Bailey would have played at most one more season in Washington and then hit the Free Agent market.

ad nauseum - I'll agree with you on that.you neglect to point out that they could have franchised him or put the transition tag on him, gotten a #1 & a #3, and been as well off with Betts being the #1 RB as they were with #26

Yes but Champ had already made it clear that he wanted out of DC. And IIRC they couldn't franchise him for more than one year, I think because they would have been over the cap. It was pretty understood that they could trade him for what they could get or let him walk after one year.Not my favorite trade but I still don't think they had too many options.

 

[TankRizzo]

Wow....teams are FLEECING the Broncos; almost as bad as the broncos took advantage of us under Shanahan

 

[fatness]

you neglect to point out that they could have franchised him or put the transition tag on him, gotten a #1 & a #3, and been as well off with Betts being the #1 RB as they were with #26

Except for the fact that no one would have given a 1st and a 3rd for him, and the fact that Betts was nowhere near as good as Portis.

 

[fatness]

Matt Terl, the team's official blogger, tweeted that he has already seen Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth and Laron Landry this morning.

link

 

[TankRizzo]

you neglect to point out that they could have franchised him or put the transition tag on him, gotten a #1 & a #3, and been as well off with Betts being the #1 RB as they were with #26

Except for the fact that no one would have given a 1st and a 3rd for him, and the fact that Betts was nowhere near as good as Portis.

It still depresses me how Gibbs misused and abused Portis.

 

[TankRizzo]

Matt Terl, the team's official blogger, tweeted that he has already seen Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth and Laron Landry this morning.

link

I had a twitter account and never used it until I added the guys you said to follow, and man, is it awesome! Thanks again for posting that.

 

[buster c]

you neglect to point out that they could have franchised him or put the transition tag on him, gotten a #1 & a #3, and been as well off with Betts being the #1 RB as they were with #26

Except for the fact that no one would have given a 1st and a 3rd for him, and the fact that Betts was nowhere near as good as Portis.

wrong and wrongthere is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good." That's an opinion from the man in the box

 

[jbz]

I heard a rumor that Champ was caught screwing around on his wifey and she basically told him they had to leave Washington DC (assuming to get Champ away from his DC hizzoes) or it was over. I didn't put much stock into it at the time and still really don't, just thought I'd throw it out there.

That was still a horrible deal. Champ is likely a HOF corner. RBs grow on trees. I know Champ was basically going to be a malcontent and then walk, but the Skins could have franchised him at least once (did they?)

 

[Johnny Ice]

Matt Terl, the team's official blogger, tweeted that he has already seen Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth and Laron Landry this morning.

link

I had a twitter account and never used it until I added the guys you said to follow, and man, is it awesome! Thanks again for posting that.

Do you mind passing along that list? I don't use twitter that much either but I want to experience the awesomeness.

 

[buster c]

I heard a rumor that Champ was caught screwing around on his wifey and she basically told him they had to leave Washington DC (assuming to get Champ away from his DC hizzoes) or it was over. I didn't put much stock into it at the time and still really don't, just thought I'd throw it out there. That was still a horrible deal. Champ is likely a HOF corner. RBs grow on trees. I know Champ was basically going to be a malcontent and then walk, but the Skins could have franchised him at least once (did they?)

some players get franchised year after year (see Jones, W., OT Sea). It is laughable that anyone would bring up salary cap limitations, especially where this team is involved.

 

[TankRizzo]

oh no........oh.....oh no. Please, no.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...to-chris-simms/

With Brady Quinn now under contract at a base salary of only $700,000, the Broncos were able to part ways with last year's primary backup quarterback, Chris Simms.

 

[Sammy Traveller]

oh no........oh.....oh no. Please, no.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...to-chris-simms/

With Brady Quinn now under contract at a base salary of only $700,000, the Broncos were able to part ways with last year's primary backup quarterback, Chris Simms.

you mean......simms to DC? nah, doubt it.

 

[Marvelous]

I heard a rumor that Champ was caught screwing around on his wifey and she basically told him they had to leave Washington DC (assuming to get Champ away from his DC hizzoes) or it was over. I didn't put much stock into it at the time and still really don't, just thought I'd throw it out there. That was still a horrible deal. Champ is likely a HOF corner. RBs grow on trees. I know Champ was basically going to be a malcontent and then walk, but the Skins could have franchised him at least once (did they?)

some players get franchised year after year (see Jones, W., OT Sea). It is laughable that anyone would bring up salary cap limitations, especially where this team is involved.

The info on why Bailey and the Redskins pared ways is pretty scarce, which is actually the way it should be. Gibbs 2.0 was just starting. I was under the impression that the Redskins decided to not pay Bailey big money. But it is very hard be believe that money would be an issue since the Redskins went on a big spending spree, signing Portis, Brunell, Springs, and others to large contracts. As noted earlier, the Franchise tag was available and could be used repeatedly. I don't see the salary cap as in issue since the Redskins did not spend much in the Spurrier regime (cheap and available) and they could manipulate the cap pretty well.The only explaination I ever heard from Gibbs was when you have a chance to get a player like Portis, you go get him. He did not say much about Bailey, but Gibbs never bad-mouths anyone.Anyway, the Redskins had options available. And they chose to make a trade that I thought then, as well as now, was a terrible trade. Note that the Redskins have been fleeced by Shanahan repeatedly (Portis/Bailey, 1st round pick that became Jason Campbell, TJ Duckett 3 way). I am really hoping that Shanahan can work some trades like those working for the Redskins.

 

[fatness]

Matt Terl, the team's official blogger, tweeted that he has already seen Clinton Portis, Albert Haynesworth and Laron Landry this morning.

link

I had a twitter account and never used it until I added the guys you said to follow, and man, is it awesome! Thanks again for posting that.

Do you mind passing along that list? I don't use twitter that much either but I want to experience the awesomeness.

Here you go.

If you want to follow some local Redskin writers on Twitter:

John Keim

Cindy Boren

Dan Steinberg

Rich Tandler

And of course Jason LaCanfora. I'm glad the rest of the country's being exposed to this guy's work because he's just plain good. But man, I miss him around DC.

 

[fatness]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

 

[fatness]

Apparently the team refused to give the press access to the players today.

 

[fatness]

Everyone I talk to at Redskins Park—from coaches to players to team employees—is raving about a new and improved atmosphere inside the building. That’s not surprising, considering just about anything is better than the stench of 4-12. But I really believe this is important for the franchise. Such intangibles as mindset and chemistry should not be underestimated in a football organization. A major reason for changing the general manager and coach was to remedy some problems in that regard. It’s a key part of the foundation for a turnaround. Now, the honeymoon might be temporary, especially once games start, but having respected people in charge such as Allen and Shanahan will have a lasting impact.

Link

 

[buster c]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

 

[Bizkiteer]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

LOL, I know you and Fatty aren't best of buddies, but you realize that you are actually arguing that Betts is as good if not better than Portis? Are you really serious??? I think your dislike for the poster is coming in the way of common sense or intelligence.As 32 NFL GM's the question of who would you rather have in their prime...Clinton Portis or Ladell Betts and you'll get 32 of the same answer...CLINTON PORTIS!

 

[Sammy Traveller]

Everyone I talk to at Redskins Park—from coaches to players to team employees—is raving about a new and improved atmosphere inside the building. That’s not surprising, considering just about anything is better than the stench of 4-12. But I really believe this is important for the franchise. Such intangibles as mindset and chemistry should not be underestimated in a football organization. A major reason for changing the general manager and coach was to remedy some problems in that regard. It’s a key part of the foundation for a turnaround. Now, the honeymoon might be temporary, especially once games start, but having respected people in charge such as Allen and Shanahan will have a lasting impact.

Link

i've heard this song every Redskins offseason.i'm not going to put much stock in those comments. show me the money once the season starts.

 

[Marvelous]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

LOL, I know you and Fatty aren't best of buddies, but you realize that you are actually arguing that Betts is as good if not better than Portis? Are you really serious??? I think your dislike for the poster is coming in the way of common sense or intelligence.As 32 NFL GM's the question of who would you rather have in their prime...Clinton Portis or Ladell Betts and you'll get 32 of the same answer...CLINTON PORTIS!

For Portis vs. Betts, I don't even think it is close. Joe Gibbs made a huge statement on Betts when he traded for Clinton Portis. So it is clear what one person thought at the time. Gibbs also said he later mis-evaluated Betts and thought he was a good football player. But he never went as far as to claim he was starter material. Personally, I thought Betts was good enough for a transition year under Gibbs. And I never thought Portis was worth Champ Bailey and a 2nd rounder and the mega contract plus mega contract restructurings. But Portis is/was a very good running back.

 

[Marvelous]

Everyone I talk to at Redskins Park—from coaches to players to team employees—is raving about a new and improved atmosphere inside the building. That’s not surprising, considering just about anything is better than the stench of 4-12. But I really believe this is important for the franchise. Such intangibles as mindset and chemistry should not be underestimated in a football organization. A major reason for changing the general manager and coach was to remedy some problems in that regard. It’s a key part of the foundation for a turnaround. Now, the honeymoon might be temporary, especially once games start, but having respected people in charge such as Allen and Shanahan will have a lasting impact.

Link

i've heard this song every Redskins offseason.i'm not going to put much stock in those comments. show me the money once the season starts.

Interesting article.My take: there is no reason for any team not be in the playoff hunt in two years (which really means near .500). If you get good coaching and a team all working together, even teams without superstars should be competitive. By not signing big name free agents, Shanahan/Allen can focus on team chemistry while the public expectations are low. Maybe super high expectations from within the organization has been one of the biggest problems in the past.

 

[Dexter Manley]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

Buster,Please quit trying to join MOP and Synthesizer in my sig. TIA.

 

[fatness]

"The main thing he stressed in this thing was, 'Hey, I want you guys to win and I want you guys fresh.' He said he's not about beating people up. He's about getting good work done, getting the hell out of there and winning games. He said he's got to keep us fresh. And from that point on, I think everybody was like, 'Hell yeah!' Everybody was thinking that with Mike Shanahan here, it was about old school two-a-day practices and beating guys up. He's about just having grown men doing their jobs. From the jump, he had guys like, 'Hell yeah!" From the jump."

The players, however, must do their part to earn Shanahan's continued trust, which is why Monday's event was well attended.

"You saw today that everyone knows Coach Shanahan means business and everyone knows he's a disciplinarian," quarterback Jason Campbell said in a phone interview. "A lot of guys being here at this time of year, getting ready to get started off on the right foot, just goes to show the respect they have for Coach Shanahan.

J. Reid

 

[Peggy Starfish]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Betts, the man himself, also signed an extension with the team before the end of the best season of his career . . . for backup money to remain a backup behind Portis. It looks to me like Betts doesn't think he's better than Portis.

 

[Sidewinder16]

**** Vermeil on Larry Johnson:

"He will take over the running back position," said Vermeil, who coached Johnson in Kansas City from 2003 to '05. "That's what I think. He'll push that guy right out of a job. Larry Johnson will work all week -- he'll work Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday -- and he'll make you start him on Sundays."

 

[MikeApf]

**** Vermeil on Larry Johnson:

"He will take over the running back position," said Vermeil, who coached Johnson in Kansas City from 2003 to '05. "That's what I think. He'll push that guy right out of a job. Larry Johnson will work all week -- he'll work Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday -- and he'll make you start him on Sundays."

Wow. This will be an interesting side story in the coming season. While LJ may or may not unseat Portis, I think the bit of truth in this narrative is that LJ really will push Portis to work harder. We can debate all we want about whether Betts was as good as Portis, but the clear perception was that Portis was the man, and Betts would never be the starter. I think that's out the window now, and Portis is going to have to proove his worth. He's not going to be able to talk trash about Shanahan the way he did about Zorn (e.g. the "genious" comment)The other wrinkle will no doubt come on draft day, if the Redskins take a RB in the middle rounds. With Portis and LJ we now have 2 power guys, so I would bet my bottom dollar that the Skins look at a young speed guy in the middle rounds. Wonder who might be there who has promise -- and even THAT guy will add to this dynamic next year...

M

 

[dgreen]

Shanahan's desire for more turnovers is the driving force behind the Redskins' change [to a 3-4].

Another year, another solution to our turnover problem.

 

[buster c]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

LOL, I know you and Fatty aren't best of buddies, but you realize that you are actually arguing that Betts is as good if not better than Portis? Are you really serious??? I think your dislike for the poster is coming in the way of common sense or intelligence.As 32 NFL GM's the question of who would you rather have in their prime...Clinton Portis or Ladell Betts and you'll get 32 of the same answer...CLINTON PORTIS!

First off, I have no dislike for Fatso or any of you. In fact, the fathead and I are good pals. In an anonymous internet message board sort of way.Reading comprehension is way down here, so let me spoon feed this to y'alls: Nowhere do I say that Betts is better than CP. My point is that to say he is/was "nowhere near as good" is not a fact that will be supported by the numbers nor by my eyes. Done. Finished. Next.

 

[thayman]

there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

He never took Portis's job. And now he's not even on the team, while Portis is. It's pretty obvious.

Yeah, he never took the job. Do you think he ever had a chance to take it? Skins trade a future HOF CB and a #2 pick for Portis. Skins give him $50m+ You think he's going to start? oh, and I'd expect some sort of statistical evidence to back up "nowhere near as good." Bottom line - both guys averaged 4.1 ypc in DC. again: there is no fact that says Betts "was nowhere near as good."

LOL, I know you and Fatty aren't best of buddies, but you realize that you are actually arguing that Betts is as good if not better than Portis? Are you really serious??? I think your dislike for the poster is coming in the way of common sense or intelligence.As 32 NFL GM's the question of who would you rather have in their prime...Clinton Portis or Ladell Betts and you'll get 32 of the same answer...CLINTON PORTIS!

First off, I have no dislike for Fatso or any of you. In fact, the fathead and I are good pals. In an anonymous internet message board sort of way.Reading comprehension is way down here, so let me spoon feed this to y'alls: Nowhere do I say that Betts is better than CP. My point is that to say he is/was "nowhere near as good" is not a fact that will be supported by the numbers nor by my eyes. Done. Finished. Next.

Betts career YPC: 4.1Portis career YPC: 4.5Betts career TDs: 17Portis career TDs: 81