Shaun Alexander to Bengals? (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

Alexander to Bengals?

The draft is completed. The Bengals did not select a running back. Coach Marvin Lewis said the team is optimistic that tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry will return to health and the field in 2008. There is depth with Kenny Watson. There is the untapped potential of DeDe Dorsey, who has been a regular during the offseason at the facility. There is the Kenny Irons, who probably won't be ready for the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL injury, but he was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2007.

OK, what about adding a former league MVP to the mix in Shaun Alexander? The former Boone County star and Florence resident was terminated by the Seahawks this offseason after eight years in Seattle.

"Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail this morning.

The NFL's most valuable player in 2005 hit some impressive statistical milestones in 2007.

His four rushing touchdowns give him 100 for his career. He added another receiver touchdown and has 12 in his career.

He rushed 207 times for 716 yards. He now has 2,176 attempts for 9,429 yards. He started 11 games and played in two more, pushing his career totals to 97 starts and 119 games played.

He will turn 31 on Aug. 30.

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/benga...-to-bengals.asp

 

[gman8343]

"Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail this morning.

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/benga...-to-bengals.asp

Boy that sounds desperate.

 

[Rushmore]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

 

[moderated]

The phone must not be ringing so the've resorted to randomly calling teams.

Any team that signs Alexander to a decent payday is nuts, so cinci does make some sense.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

It's time to give up this dream... Perry is a has-been who never-was...

 

[Fallerjw]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

It's time to give up this dream... Perry is a has-been who never-was...

Exactly, he has no chance. He's already 26 for crying out loud!

 

[thecardiackid]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

It's time to give up this dream... Perry is a has-been who never-was...

Exactly, he has no chance. He's already 26 for crying out loud!

The problem is that he's been on IR for 25 of those years.

 

[Bri]

the guy just said give Perry one more shot

 

[Sweet Love]

Why not give Perry a final chance? They have four RB2s at this stage and adding Alexander would give them five.

 

[Buckna]

I realize there is a question mark in the title, but this "news" doesn't seem like anything more than speculation.

 

[Roethlisburger]

Alexander to Bengals?

The draft is completed. The Bengals did not select a running back. Coach Marvin Lewis said the team is optimistic that tailbacks Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry will return to health and the field in 2008. There is depth with Kenny Watson. There is the untapped potential of DeDe Dorsey, who has been a regular during the offseason at the facility. There is the Kenny Irons, who probably won't be ready for the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL injury, but he was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2007.

OK, what about adding a former league MVP to the mix in Shaun Alexander? The former Boone County star and Florence resident was terminated by the Seahawks this offseason after eight years in Seattle.

"Making calls to teams. Bengals are on our list!" Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, told The Enquirer in an e-mail this morning.

The NFL's most valuable player in 2005 hit some impressive statistical milestones in 2007.

His four rushing touchdowns give him 100 for his career. He added another receiver touchdown and has 12 in his career.

He rushed 207 times for 716 yards. He now has 2,176 attempts for 9,429 yards. He started 11 games and played in two more, pushing his career totals to 97 starts and 119 games played.

He will turn 31 on Aug. 30.

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/benga...-to-bengals.asp

Shaun is old and needs to play for a contender. That'd be like Edge signing with a team like the Cards after leaving Indy, it'd never happen.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

I was at various AFCNorth forums during the draft.

Again and again the Bengals fans mentioned that the team would pick up a RB if it made an impact. They didnt just want depth but something more qualified.

When Mendenhall went past Detroit they were screaming to trade Chad Johnson to the Redskins for the picks and grab Mendenhall. Lets just say the nealy the entirety of Bengals nation was on suicide watch shortly thereafter. The Redskins did trade their first. The Redskins did go after receivers. And Rashard ended up on the Steelers. They had me laughing so hard from the posts I was in tears.

If they want something of possible "impact" after the draft... Alexander is about the biggest possibility out there.

 

[cstu]

I think SA is better off waiting until someone tears a knee to sign somewhere.

 

[Godsbrother]

I think SA is washed up so I hope this is true.

I never understood the Bengals handling of Rudi though. They would run him in the first half and get a lead and then sit him in the second half when they should have been running out the clock. A couple 3 and outs in 4th quarter and they would be behind because their defense couldn't hold the lead.

I think that Marvin Lewis is one of those guys that is a great assistant coach but not a very good head coach.

 

[Rushmore]

I think SA is washed up so I hope this is true.I never understood the Bengals handling of Rudi though. They would run him in the first half and get a lead and then sit him in the second half when they should have been running out the clock. A couple 3 and outs in 4th quarter and they would be behind because their defense couldn't hold the lead.I think that Marvin Lewis is one of those guys that is a great assistant coach but not a very good head coach.

I specifically remember that happening against the Steelers 2 years ago at home, and against the Chargers that same season. But, Rudi for the most part has been pretty ineffective, which contributes to the more recent lack of a running game. Watson is just servicable.

 

[Kirby]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

Perry is the most talented back on the team, and has better hands than all of the receivers including Housh. It'd be nice if the Bengals could catch a break and have Perry be healthy. The O is totally different with him in there.

 

[Fallerjw]

I'd like to see a healthy Chris Perry for once. I still say he's the most talented on the team, even if they signed Alexander. Obviously saying "healthy Chris Perry" is an oxymoron thus far in his career. I'm probably in the minority of fans, but I say give him one more shot.

Perry is the most talented back on the team, and has better hands than all of the receivers including Housh. It'd be nice if the Bengals could catch a break and have Perry be healthy. The O is totally different with him in there.

As a Browns fan, I kinda' hope this doesn't happen. However, I do agree that he's the most talented back on the team.

 

[sholditch]

So, I notice no mention of Kenny Irons in this post. He was doing fairly well before his injury last year. Have they given up on him being on the team?

 

[Maroney=Sped]

There is the Kenny Irons,

Miss South Carolina, is that you?

 

[Rushmore]

So, I notice no mention of Kenny Irons in this post. He was doing fairly well before his injury last year. Have they given up on him being on the team?

Last I heard, his rehab was going a bit slower than they had hoped, and that he may not be ready by the start of training camp.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

The O is totally different with [Perry] in there.

He's been in there?

 

[Bri]

So, I notice no mention of Kenny Irons in this post. He was doing fairly well before his injury last year. Have they given up on him being on the team?

post 1

There is the Kenny Irons, who probably won't be ready for the start of training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL injury, but he was the Bengals' second-round pick in 2007.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

Shaun Alexander has been soft his entire career. He just had the most dominating offensive line since the 90s Cowboys. Now he's old, slow and soft. Sound like a RB your team needs?

If he is lucky enough to sign somewhere, I don't think he'll make a roster. Much better to have a 7th rounder or an UDFA with heart and desire. Backup RBs usually play Special Teams as well. Good luck getting Alexander to block or tackle anybody on teams.

 

[Bri]

Bengals coaches and executives wrapped up a two-day visit Monday with former league MVP Shaun Alexander.

Alexander, a Boone County High School graduate from Florence, is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, Anderson’s agent Jim Steiner said.

Alexander was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

“I have talked to Shaun,” Steiner said Monday afternoon. “I have not talked to (the Bengals). We don’t even know if the Bengals are interested.”

Alexander grew up a Bengals fan.

“Certainly, the home team has some weight,” Steiner said when asked if Alexander would like to play for his boyhood favorites.

Alexander began a visit with the Bengals on Sunday and had dinner downtown that night with coaches, the team’s official Web site said. Today the team gave him a tour of Paul Brown Stadium, and Alexander underwent a physical. Alexander did pass a physical in Seattle before he was released, according to the Associated Press.

Discussions are very preliminary, and no real direction has been set by either side.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis had declined comment on the Alexander visit on Friday, the first day of rookie minicamp. No additional comment was available today from the club.

Alexander played in 13 games with 11 starts last season, missing three games with a sprained left knee. He played through a left wrist fractured in Week 1. In 2006, he missed six games because of a severely bruised left foot that eventually resulted in a fracture.

He will be 31 Aug. 30.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...pt02/305050099/

 

[reg]

Bengals coaches and executives wrapped up a two-day visit Monday with former league MVP Shaun Alexander.

Alexander, a Boone County High School graduate from Florence, is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, Anderson’s agent Jim Steiner said.

Alexander was released April 22 after eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

“I have talked to Shaun,” Steiner said Monday afternoon. “I have not talked to (the Bengals). We don’t even know if the Bengals are interested.”

Alexander grew up a Bengals fan.

“Certainly, the home team has some weight,” Steiner said when asked if Alexander would like to play for his boyhood favorites.

Alexander began a visit with the Bengals on Sunday and had dinner downtown that night with coaches, the team’s official Web site said. Today the team gave him a tour of Paul Brown Stadium, and Alexander underwent a physical. Alexander did pass a physical in Seattle before he was released, according to the Associated Press.

Discussions are very preliminary, and no real direction has been set by either side.

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis had declined comment on the Alexander visit on Friday, the first day of rookie minicamp. No additional comment was available today from the club.

Alexander played in 13 games with 11 starts last season, missing three games with a sprained left knee. He played through a left wrist fractured in Week 1. In 2006, he missed six games because of a severely bruised left foot that eventually resulted in a fracture.

He will be 31 Aug. 30.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...pt02/305050099/

Who's Anderson?

 

[noneother]

as an Irons owner, I see this as good news, since they didn't wrap him up while he was onsite..

 

[Bri]

Who's Anderson?

typoI also think Mark Curnutte meant to word it as they haven't had contract talks not that they haven't talked. He's a very good Bengals beat writer, I think it's just an oops

 

[msommer]

Maybe he'll do a Corey Dillon and just fade away

 

[Bri]

It'll be interesting to see what happens after a two day visit. That's longer than "just stop by and chat".

IMO It would be a bad sign(re NFL career) if he doesn't get an offer from the Bengals after that. However, if he can get the Saints to offer him a deal in the meantime, it wouldn't matter one bit if the Bengals don't. It's just....I figure the other teams will raise an eyebrow if someone of his reputation visits for 2 days and doesn't get offerred a deal.

 

[SayWhat?]

Do NFL teams watch game tape of other NFL teams? If so, I can't see any reason why anyone would touch Alexander other than as a cheerleader or mentor to a team with young and inexperienced running backs.

The fact that he's going to cost a fair amount of money to sign is just another reason I'd avoid him like the plague. He's as washed up as an NFL running back can be IMO.

 

[Bri]

Do NFL teams watch game tape of other NFL teams? If so, I can't see any reason why anyone would touch Alexander other than as a cheerleader or mentor to a team with young and inexperienced running backs. The fact that he's going to cost a fair amount of money to sign is just another reason I'd avoid him like the plague. He's as washed up as an NFL running back can be IMO.

I believe his agent says he was hurt last year and "not himself". That should lend to a lot of "well let's see" calls from teams IMO. He's done so much in 8 years, I figure each GM doesn't want to be the guy that didn't sign a guy that's as great(very good?) as Alexander was. You and many others think he's done. I figure they will want to be sure, or as close to sure as they can be.Imagine if he runs for 1400 yards in 08 and team Y didn't sign him because they thought he was done. That GM would be "beaten up" in the press and probably never allowed to forget that.********I have no idea about Shaun the mentor. In following Curtis Martin's career, I'd recommend any team sign and pay him to mentor some youngster(if he were available) because he comes across as such a great influence on and off the field. I believe there's also plenty of similar quotes out there by Martin's teammates saying as such too. So if Shaun has that quality, maybe some team with a young RB could use him in that regard. If true, that would make all this production/stat talk meaningless.

 

[SayWhat?]

Bri - I can see where you're coming from on all accounts. I think Alexander would be a great mentor, but I'm not buying the injury card that his agent is trying to play as his excuse for running like a girl last year.

Again, the biggest plus I can see in signing him is to mentor a team with young and inexperienced running backs. That's why I don't get why some of these teams are bringing him in for a look?

Bengals - Plenty of running backs with Rudi and Watson as the veterans.

Saints - Two solid young running backs in Bush and Thomas with Deuce as the veteran.

Denver - Ok, they could likely use a mentor at RB. But again, Alexander isn't as talented as Henry or Young at this stage of his career.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

He's done so much in 8 years, I figure each GM doesn't want to be the guy that didn't sign a guy that's as great(very good?) as Alexander was.

I think you've got the institutional imperative completely backwards. Nobody will get fired or humiliated for passing up SA, even if he turns out like Moss. But you can get in big trouble if you give SA big money and/or the starting job and he looks terrible.I am personally very skeptical about SA. Like just about everybody else on this board, I thought he was just awful last year (admittedly, I've been bearish on him for years, much to my chagrin in 2006). I suspect that this was more mental than injury, which is why I'm not holding out hope for a turn-around.Re: mentorship, I don't think that's a draw either. That's like bringing in Aaron Brooks to mentor your young QB's. "See kid, the important thing is to have natural talent, good teammates, a me-first attitude and a questionable work ethic".

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

I just found it very funny that they dumped someone that looked awful in 2007 in Alexander and signed someone that looked equally as soft last year in Jones.

I remember when the Cubs signed Jeff Blauser because he killed them with the Braves @ Wrigley. That worked out well. Never understood/understand this logic.

 

[phthalatemagic]

The O is totally different with [Perry] in there.

He's been in there?

I think he means totally different becuase there would only be 10 men on the field.

 

[Bri]

Bengals.com

It appears the Bengals are waiting to see how their running backs perform before making a decision on pursuing former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander.

The Bengals open voluntary workouts Tuesday in which they will view a healthy Chris Perry for the first time since he severely dislocated his ankle in late November of 2006. Also on display is a beefed-up Rudi Johnson.

Jim Steiner, Alexander's agent, hasn't been reached for comment since last week. On Monday, Newsday's Bob Glauber quoted a league source familiar with the Bengals' situation saying, "They've got no intention of signing him at this point. Obviously, that could change."

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

It's interesting, Seattle has a long history of highly productive runners that just don't get respect around the league:

*** Curt Warner

*** Chris Warren

*** Shaun Alexander

Frankly I think the best situation for Alexander is to play for a championship caliber team as the backup. He is skilled enough to contribute, and playing for a contender with strong locker room leadership would be about the only way I can see him putting together a resurgent season or two.

But if he does end up in Cincinnati specifically, I would bet $$$ on him leading the team in rushing attempts, yards and TDs. He might not be a fantasy stud, but he'll be their best back.

 

[Enforcer]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

I make no predictions about where he'll end up or how much he'll make at this stage of his career; but I won't be at all surprised if he lands somewhere and plays quite a bit.That said, these arguments about what he did and his supporting cast make no sense to me, nor have they ever. It's that same argument people use when discounting Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher and rushing TD producer. The NFL is a TEAM GAME, very few if any players can achieve elite status without the help of great teammates. And, frankly, I find it laughable that anyone who is a casual fan like your or I can honestly sit back and say that it's easy to put up 1,600 yards and 15+ TDs for FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS under any circumstance.

 

[Enforcer]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

I make no predictions about where he'll end up or how much he'll make at this stage of his career; but I won't be at all surprised if he lands somewhere and plays quite a bit.That said, these arguments about what he did and his supporting cast make no sense to me, nor have they ever. It's that same argument people use when discounting Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher and rushing TD producer. The NFL is a TEAM GAME, very few if any players can achieve elite status without the help of great teammates. And, frankly, I find it laughable that anyone who is a casual fan like your or I can honestly sit back and say that it's easy to put up 1,600 yards and 15+ TDs for FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS under any circumstance.

The real test of analysis is to delve deeper and see if you can find out why. Sure, there's opinion involved. In the end its all subjective. Time will tell. My suggestion is not to place too much stock in the worth of Alexander this year. In my subjective opinion he was never anything special. You can point to all the stats you like. I can find just as many numbers that will support my opinion as well.Do you really think Chester Taylor posted those monster stats based on his individual talent two seasons ago? Do you think ADP was really worthy of all that praise and adoration? Of course not. Hutchinson played a much larger part in those numbers than anyone is going to give him credit for. Its so easy to point to the skill position stat mongers and give too much credit. That's the easy way out.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

I make no predictions about where he'll end up or how much he'll make at this stage of his career; but I won't be at all surprised if he lands somewhere and plays quite a bit.That said, these arguments about what he did and his supporting cast make no sense to me, nor have they ever. It's that same argument people use when discounting Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher and rushing TD producer. The NFL is a TEAM GAME, very few if any players can achieve elite status without the help of great teammates. And, frankly, I find it laughable that anyone who is a casual fan like your or I can honestly sit back and say that it's easy to put up 1,600 yards and 15+ TDs for FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS under any circumstance.

The real test of analysis is to delve deeper and see if you can find out why. Sure, there's opinion involved. In the end its all subjective. Time will tell. My suggestion is not to place too much stock in the worth of Alexander this year. In my subjective opinion he was never anything special. You can point to all the stats you like. I can find just as many numbers that will support my opinion as well.Do you really think Chester Taylor posted those monster stats based on his individual talent two seasons ago? Do you think ADP was really worthy of all that praise and adoration? Of course not. Hutchinson played a much larger part in those numbers than anyone is going to give him credit for. Its so easy to point to the skill position stat mongers and give too much credit. That's the easy way out.

Enforcer, please "just as many numbers" that support Alexander having been an average back please. I'm curious.

 

[Enforcer]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

I make no predictions about where he'll end up or how much he'll make at this stage of his career; but I won't be at all surprised if he lands somewhere and plays quite a bit.That said, these arguments about what he did and his supporting cast make no sense to me, nor have they ever. It's that same argument people use when discounting Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher and rushing TD producer. The NFL is a TEAM GAME, very few if any players can achieve elite status without the help of great teammates. And, frankly, I find it laughable that anyone who is a casual fan like your or I can honestly sit back and say that it's easy to put up 1,600 yards and 15+ TDs for FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS under any circumstance.

The real test of analysis is to delve deeper and see if you can find out why. Sure, there's opinion involved. In the end its all subjective. Time will tell. My suggestion is not to place too much stock in the worth of Alexander this year. In my subjective opinion he was never anything special. You can point to all the stats you like. I can find just as many numbers that will support my opinion as well.Do you really think Chester Taylor posted those monster stats based on his individual talent two seasons ago? Do you think ADP was really worthy of all that praise and adoration? Of course not. Hutchinson played a much larger part in those numbers than anyone is going to give him credit for. Its so easy to point to the skill position stat mongers and give too much credit. That's the easy way out.

Enforcer, please "just as many numbers" that support Alexander having been an average back please. I'm curious.

It appears you're purposefully being obtuse. Don't the last two season count for some reason?252 attempts 896 yards 3.6 ypc207 attempts 716 yards 3.5 ypcAverage? Are those average stats?Again, why do you want to point at stats? How do you quantify the contribution of a linemen with statistics? Is there any way we can show how much more valuable that Steve Hutchinson was to the Seattle running game than Alexander was?I'll take the combined opinion of the all the general managers around the league and feel great about it. Nobody wants him. Nobody. He's a completely unrestricted free agent and he's a non-factor. Lastly, you've ignored every question I've posted. All of them. I'm guessing we're done here if you're only going to throw more questions at me in hopes that I'll step on my own words so you can feel better about ranking Alexander too high.

 

[Bri]

Again, why do you want to point at stats? How do you quantify the contribution of a linemen with statistics? Is there any way we can show how much more valuable that Steve Hutchinson was to the Seattle running game than Alexander was?I'll take the combined opinion of the all the general managers around the league and feel great about it. Nobody wants him. Nobody. He's a completely unrestricted free agent and he's a non-factor.

You're commenting on 2 great Seattle linemen and Jason mentioned Emmitt's linemen. As Jason said, I feel the same, I don't much care for people discreditting Emmitt's success due to his line. I think that's totally opinion and no way to tally that up. The Boys OL was great, it's not hard to see their side of the argument.You seem to be discreditting Shaun's success similarly due to his linemen. IMO there's gotta be a point where you say only a special player could do that, without mentioning the OL. I think Shaun and Emmitt have had some seasons that were special. Similarly Priest or LJ and KCs offensive line. If you don't think any of Shaun's best years were on him, that's your prerogative.As for OL credit, we've probably all seen these lines create a whole so wide you could drive a car thru it. I wish we could give the OL rushing stats for those holes and see where the stats fall.I don't think you're going to get an end to your debate, it never did with Emmitt, just seems too hard to separate the OL from the RB.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm not going to argue that Alexander has a ton left in the tank, NFL history isn't kind to backs with his mileage who have started to have down years. That said, I feel like the "Alexander is soft" label is one of those concepts that just became rote gospel by football fans without much history to back it up. Yes, you can point toward SA's numbers last year; but the guy was about as dominant as we've ever seen for five consecutive seasons and won the NFL MVP to boot; let's not forget that.

Without much to back it up?Seriously?He had the convenience of playing behind LT Walter Jones and LG Steve Hutchinson. A very sound argument can be made these two were the hands down best at their positions while together. Alexander had so many gapping holes to trot through it was sickening. Do you know how many of touchdowns he got running left as opposed to right in his MVP year?Let's not forget the truth. Alexander was never a monster talent, and he was never a dominant individual player. He had a monster opportunity that lots of NFL running backs could have coasted to the MVP with. And this is coming from a Seahawk fan. I can go on if you wish giving even more detailed reasons why Alexander lucked into the perfect storm of a situation for an NFL running back. Hasselbeck, West coast offense, Holmgren, the defense, etc.Don't be shocked when no NFL team offers him enough money to support his ego. I won't be shocked to see him take NFL minimum before he embarrasses himself. However, I don't wish him ill. I hope he is able to land a job somewhere on a contender and contribute. I just won't be shocked to see the exact opposite happen.

I make no predictions about where he'll end up or how much he'll make at this stage of his career; but I won't be at all surprised if he lands somewhere and plays quite a bit.That said, these arguments about what he did and his supporting cast make no sense to me, nor have they ever. It's that same argument people use when discounting Emmitt Smith as the league's all-time leading rusher and rushing TD producer. The NFL is a TEAM GAME, very few if any players can achieve elite status without the help of great teammates. And, frankly, I find it laughable that anyone who is a casual fan like your or I can honestly sit back and say that it's easy to put up 1,600 yards and 15+ TDs for FIVE CONSECUTIVE SEASONS under any circumstance.

The real test of analysis is to delve deeper and see if you can find out why. Sure, there's opinion involved. In the end its all subjective. Time will tell. My suggestion is not to place too much stock in the worth of Alexander this year. In my subjective opinion he was never anything special. You can point to all the stats you like. I can find just as many numbers that will support my opinion as well.Do you really think Chester Taylor posted those monster stats based on his individual talent two seasons ago? Do you think ADP was really worthy of all that praise and adoration? Of course not. Hutchinson played a much larger part in those numbers than anyone is going to give him credit for. Its so easy to point to the skill position stat mongers and give too much credit. That's the easy way out.

Enforcer, please "just as many numbers" that support Alexander having been an average back please. I'm curious.

It appears you're purposefully being obtuse. Don't the last two season count for some reason?252 attempts 896 yards 3.6 ypc207 attempts 716 yards 3.5 ypcAverage? Are those average stats?Again, why do you want to point at stats? How do you quantify the contribution of a linemen with statistics? Is there any way we can show how much more valuable that Steve Hutchinson was to the Seattle running game than Alexander was?I'll take the combined opinion of the all the general managers around the league and feel great about it. Nobody wants him. Nobody. He's a completely unrestricted free agent and he's a non-factor. Lastly, you've ignored every question I've posted. All of them. I'm guessing we're done here if you're only going to throw more questions at me in hopes that I'll step on my own words so you can feel better about ranking Alexander too high.

Enforcer, it appears we're arguing two different issues.I take no issue with anyone wanting to suggest that Alexander's best days are behind him; nor do I even have a problem with people saying that once he got his huge payday, his heart hasn't been in it over the last two seasons. And never once have I said that the absence of an All Pro guard hasn't played a role in the Seahawks rushing attack; clearly it has. What I take issue with is, somehow in every discussion about Shaun Alexander, we inevitably have to go down this road where people argue he was "soft" and only a product of his offensive line. That infuriates me because it suggests that running for 1,500 yards every year for a half decade is easy, as long as you have a top tier offensive line. Do I think Alexander was the best RB of his generation? Of course not. Do I think other RBs would've had great years behind that line if given the chance? Sure. Do I think he probably wouldn't have had that ridiculously great 5-year run without Jones and Hutch blocking for him? Sure. But that's a LOT different than the way people dismiss a guy who has done what he did in his career. Another issue where we disagree is that no one wants him. It's typical in the NFL offseason for free agency to slow way down leading up to the draft and until mini-camps get underway. In Alexander's case; it's not that teams don't want them; it's that they want him on their terms. Very few teams would seriously consider bringing any RB his age coming off an injury in for big $$$, or with any guarantee of playing time. The most likely outcome, as it's been from day one, is that one of two situations is going to happen:*** A team, like the Bengals, is going to decide its RB situation is problematic and are going to sign Alexander to an incentive laden deal where he gets decent $$$ IF he starts and plays well; but leaves the team with very little financial commitment otherwise*** Alexander is going to get antsy and sign with a contending team as a backup; most likely for a one-year deal

 

[Enforcer]

Enforcer, it appears we're arguing two different issues.

Quite likely. Makes for a frustrating exchange.

What I take issue with is, somehow in every discussion about Shaun Alexander, we inevitably have to go down this road where people argue he was "soft" and only a product of his offensive line.

Like it or don't, that's just the reality. Alexander was soft by comparison to other NFL running backs. The comparison to Smith just isn't fair. Nobody could accuse Smith of being soft. Yes, they both benefited from great offensive lines, but that's where it ends. I understand your opinions there, but feel its very unfair to Smith. You won't find Dallas fans placing the soft tag on Smith like you will Seattle fans doing to Alexander because it just doesn't stick with Smith. Its very appropriate with Alexander. Ask around. There are other knowledgeable Seattle fans that have seen plenty of Alexander to confirm that this sweater fits all too well.

*** A team, like the Bengals, is going to decide its RB situation is problematic and are going to sign Alexander to an incentive laden deal where he gets decent $$$ IF he starts and plays well; but leaves the team with very little financial commitment otherwise*** Alexander is going to get antsy and sign with a contending team as a backup; most likely for a one-year deal

Time will tell. Emmitt Smith was able to post some respectable seasons in Arizona*. I highly doubt we'll see the same from Alexander. If I'm proven wrong so be it. Don't bet your next paycheck on it.* Edit: Probably should have said respectable "season".