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Shaun Alexander Update Thread - OUT for Week 11 (1 Viewer)

TheBigDog

Footballguy
What does everyone think about Shaun Alexander? I was offered him in a trade (not asking for trade advice!) and I just want to make sure this isn't going to be his last year or anything like that. I'm just wondering what you guys think about him and his potential output for the next couple years. I think he's 30 years old, and that's definitely getting up there. So is he going to be broken from here on out or make a dramatic return to dominance?

 
I am not a Seattle homer but he sure seems to be washed up at this point.

 
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He's old...his line stinks...his arm is broken....next year is his last and he ends up ranked 25ish......

 
Reminds me of Eddie George's last days. I wouldnt even be surprised if he wasnt on SEA next year. Theyll probably try to renegotiate a contract with him and if he refuses theyll cut him and he'll play out his years as part of a RBBC.

 
That's what I was thinking too...just hoping some Seattle homers might have heard something about him making a miraculous comeback...but I guess not. Thanks for the feedback!

 
That's what I was thinking too...just hoping some Seattle homers might have heard something about him making a miraculous comeback...but I guess not. Thanks for the feedback!
I dont think you need a homers insight on how pathetic he has become. I own him and have the Sunday ticket and the comparison to Eddie George couldnt be more right. I have owned both and it's kind of sad to watch them both fade away.
 
Its amazing how fast the bottom drops on these RBs....he stinks and is playing with no heart or prude right now - just shocked!

 
SA is a good RB, and you just don't forget how to run or hit holes. He still knows how to get it done, but cannot for some reason. If that reason is due to lingering (and new) injuries, then there is a possibility that a healthy SA can turn things around next year. However, if that reason is because he's lost the 'Edge' *, then I think he could be done for good. I still can't figure out which it is, or if it's a combination of both.

*Current definition of "Edge" - Marion Barber III's ability to turn a short yardage run into a mid to long yardage gain.

 
SA is a good RB, and you just don't forget how to run or hit holes. He still knows how to get it done, but cannot for some reason. If that reason is due to lingering (and new) injuries, then there is a possibility that a healthy SA can turn things around next year. However, if that reason is because he's lost the 'Edge' *, then I think he could be done for good. I still can't figure out which it is, or if it's a combination of both.*Current definition of "Edge" - Marion Barber III's ability to turn a short yardage run into a mid to long yardage gain.
I'm pretty sure Eddie still knows HOW to hit the holes-he just can't do it. The talent is gone. That is the reason. Nothing lasts forever...God may be in Alexander's corner but he sure doesn't seem to be backing his NFL career.
 
He is not a good back anymore he fears getting hit and seems like just wants to play out the rest of his contract without getting a concussion. Did anyone pick a worse 1-3(SA,Henry,Caddy) then me?

Dropped him this week and will not look back

 
There aren't a heck of a lot of backs that can make positive yards when the defense is in the backfield for the handoff. Alexander may be old, slow, injured, unmotivated or all of the above, but predictable playcalling and horrible run blocking are as big, or bigger, factors. There's just nowhere to go.

 
Is he going this week, or is MauMo up?
pretty sure it's a game time decision. Holmgren said they were going to rest SA during the week. probably won't matter much. all the talk here is that they're going to commit to the pass. expect a lot of 4 WR sets, like last season when Alexander was out and Morris was useless.
 
What does everyone think about Shaun Alexander? I was offered him in a trade (not asking for trade advice!) and I just want to make sure this isn't going to be his last year or anything like that. I'm just wondering what you guys think about him and his potential output for the next couple years. I think he's 30 years old, and that's definitely getting up there. So is he going to be broken from here on out or make a dramatic return to dominance?
Dude I'm all about a dramatic return, people are WAY underrating him.
 
SA is a good RB, and you just don't forget how to run or hit holes. He still knows how to get it done, but cannot for some reason. If that reason is due to lingering (and new) injuries, then there is a possibility that a healthy SA can turn things around next year. However, if that reason is because he's lost the 'Edge' *, then I think he could be done for good. I still can't figure out which it is, or if it's a combination of both.*Current definition of "Edge" - Marion Barber III's ability to turn a short yardage run into a mid to long yardage gain.
:lmao: I don't put much stock in character assassination theories that are all the rage around here, but then I'm a materialist not a ghosthunter or a mind, er, heartreader. I just think he's hurt. He's going to have a cast on his wrist the rest of the season, and it wouldn't surprise me if his recent leg injuries aren't more than has been reported. Depending how injured he really is, he could be a surprise down the stretch. A RBBC, even if temporary, might not be a bad thing for his value. It would get him some relief and with the way he's running right now Morris is better at getting the Hawks down the field - at which point SA comes in for the TD. Alexander owners will rejoice when their Jamal Lewis 20-37-4 game comes in the playoffs!
 
The fact that Seattle's O line is completely out of sync in terms of run blocking plays a bigger role than SA diminishing skills. He has never been a guy that runs through tackles if there is no hole to hit. He has always been one to avoid taking hits that some backs will bust through. There just isnt any continuity on the O line right now. Refer back to the Cincy game to see what he can do when there is a hole to hit. There is no doubt that he isnt the same guy that scored 28 tds two years ago, but he aint totaly washed up either.

 
I cut bait with him for this year (traded for T. Henry who is a headache himself) but I'll be looking to pick him up in a later round next year if he falls that far, which he probably will the rate he's going. I think the cast and his o-line are not helping. People are saying he fell off a cliff... what, he waited four weeks into the season to do it? He's lost a step for sure and he's not going to do well probably for the rest of this year, but he's not dead yet.

 
There aren't a heck of a lot of backs that can make positive yards when the defense is in the backfield for the handoff. Alexander may be old, slow, injured, unmotivated or all of the above, but predictable playcalling and horrible run blocking are as big, or bigger, factors. There's just nowhere to go.
Bingo. Seahawks homers saw this with the end of Ricky Watters too, and as hard to accept as it is---it's over, folks.Sad. True. See Ya.Let's hope they make the right moves in the off-season to address the position. Mo Morris is not the answer.(Hello..Jonathan Stewart..Seattle homie...time to come out early whether you win the national title or not...ditch the Ducks, 'Hawks could use you.")Hey--it could happen. :football:
 
RB Alexander Has Multiple Injuries - Broken Wrist, Twisted Knee, Sprained Ankle.

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Shaun Alexander had three reasons for not only being out of the Seahawks' practice but out of sight Wednesday. A broken left wrist. A twisted left knee. A sprained left ankle. Alexander sustained the knee and ankle injuries while rushing for just 32 yards on 14 carries Sunday. "The swelling has gone down. It was not a structural injury," Holmgren said. "It's just now the swelling has to go down, his range of motion has to come back. The inflammation is limiting his ability to bend his knee. "Friday or Saturday he has to show me he can do what he does, otherwise we'll probably rest him." (AP)

 
SA is a good RB, and you just don't forget how to run or hit holes. He still knows how to get it done, but cannot for some reason. If that reason is due to lingering (and new) injuries, then there is a possibility that a healthy SA can turn things around next year. However, if that reason is because he's lost the 'Edge' *, then I think he could be done for good. I still can't figure out which it is, or if it's a combination of both.*Current definition of "Edge" - Marion Barber III's ability to turn a short yardage run into a mid to long yardage gain.
I'm pretty sure Eddie still knows HOW to hit the holes-he just can't do it. The talent is gone. That is the reason. Nothing lasts forever...God may be in Alexander's corner but he sure doesn't seem to be backing his NFL career.
I personally think injuries and lack of holes are the major problem, but he also doesn't seem to have much fire when he runs either.
 
Morris will see plenty of action , the Niners are in complete disarray and they're falling apart at the seams.

I'd expect Seattle to get up HUGE in this game early on, and run MoMo down their throats in the second half.

and, Seattle always seems to come up big @ home in Monday night games.

 
* No Shaun Alexander. Holmgren said Alexander did some conditioning but Alexander was not at practice. He's a game-time decision, too.

 
On the bottom scrolling ticker on espn, it said that Alexander was not expected to play. Sorry no link.

I immediately picked up Morris in the one league he was still available.

 
On the bottom scrolling ticker on espn, it said that Alexander was not expected to play. Sorry no link. I immediately picked up Morris in the one league he was still available.
While I don't discount it, the beat reporter from the Tacoma News Tribune says that SA has a 50-50 chance of playing per Holmgren. Depending on how he does at Sat's practice, though it is closed to the media. But honestly, if you're playing him or Morris (or both), then you must have no other choices whatsoever. And even if SA plays the signs show that MoMo will have a better game than SA anyways.
 
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On the bottom scrolling ticker on espn, it said that Alexander was not expected to play. Sorry no link. I immediately picked up Morris in the one league he was still available.
I have been dealing with the start/bench of SA all season.. I grabbed Morris in both leagues this week as well.. I really HOPE he doesnt play the rest of the year.. This way I'll have a starting rb that is out there trying..The games that I have seen SA in, he runs so slowly and then before he is even touched slows down more (almost so slow he is going backwards).. then falls.. It's painful to grab him in the first round (9th pick..) and have him not only be a bust but stay in the line up and dare you to start him against a poor defense.. I don't know if its just injuries or if he has lost effort out there.. but its something and im starting Morris this weekend
 
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Does it honestly matter at this point? I mean, he doesn't score anything when he plays a full game. Is anyone so desperate at RB that Alexander for half a game is worth considering???

 
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/205218.html

Found this today on the TNT. A very open and honest evaluation of Alexander's situation in Seattle.

Is Shaun Alexander running out of time?

Eroding skills suggest it may be time to look for replacement

FRANK HUGHES; The News Tribune

Published: November 16th, 2007 04:34 AM

KIRKLAND – As the Seattle Seahawks make the transition to the next phase of their development, they are forced to make difficult personnel decisions, often ones that transcend the normal practice.

Given that, there is a rather large pachyderm resting in the middle of team president Tim Ruskell’s office. Its presence seems to get larger each week:

What do the Seahawks do with Shaun Alexander?

No, not just what do they do with him this week against the Chicago Bears, allow him to play or permit him to get fully healthy? And not just what do they do with him in regard to a rotation with Maurice Morris.

The bigger picture, the larger question: What do the Seahawks do with Shaun Alexander when this season is over?

If this were almost any other player – say a Bryce Fisher or a Russell Davis – the Seahawks could simply part ways with him, the unapologetic engine of the sport burning through its fuel.

But like it or not, Alexander – for whatever reason a lightning rod for combustible conversation – is not just any other player. Even the team reluctantly acknowledges this, giving him his own news conference once a week and making him unavailable to the media the rest of the time. No other player but the quarterback receives that type of deference.

Besides, and perhaps more importantly, he was the 2005 Most Valuable Player, the only one in franchise history, and has multiple distinguished accomplishments that make him a player to be at least considered for the Hall of Fame, though by no means a shoo-in.

The point is, it is always difficult – and sensitive – for an organization to part ways with a legend. But the Seahawks find themselves on the precipice of making a decision: Do they say goodbye to Shaun Alexander after this season?

LIFE AFTER TURNING 30

Why, one might ask, would they want to part ways such a short time after his record-setting season, which helped the team reach the Super Bowl after the 2005 season?

First, he turned 30 on Aug. 30, and there is a long history of that being the threshold for a steep dropoff by NFL running backs. They routinely take a beating like players at no other position, a virtual bull’s-eye for fast-moving, destruction-minded missiles.

Eric Dickerson, one of the all-time best backs, averaged 4.51 yards a carry the first nine years of his career, including 4.1 the year he turned 30. The next season, his average dropped to 3.2. He never got above 4.0 again.

“I think a back can last for seven or eight years, depending on how much you get beat up,” Dickerson said in a telephone interview. “When you are young, you don’t think about being 30 or 35. That is an old man. When it happens, it is a shock to you. You want to be fast again but you cannot do it.”

Tony Dorsett averaged 4.53 yards a carry the first seven years of his career. He dropped to 3.9 when he turned 30, and averaged 3.94 over the last five years of his career.

“The running backs, those are the tough guys,” Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. “They get banged around pretty good. And over time, it’s a little like a prizefighter, so many body blows and pretty soon it has to have an effect on you. There are some guys that are genetically amazing guys, they can last a little longer than the normal guy. That idea of a running back past 30, there are numbers to go with that. That’s real. Then you throw an injury in there, depending on where it is, eventually that is probably the reason guys stop playing.”

Alexander has averaged 4.58 yards a carry through the first seven years of his career, topping out at 5.1 yards a carry during his MVP season, which also was his contract year. That average dropped to 3.6 last season, and is currently at 3.3 this season.

Understandably, Holmgren on Wednesday was not willing to say that Alexander has reached the downside of his career, though a wrist injury affects his unique way of running and a knee sprain that has slowed him.

But Dickerson said his observation of Alexander has nothing to do with injuries and everything to do with age.

“To me, Shaun was never a real, real fast guy anyway,” Dickerson said. “He was quick. But when you are not fast to begin with and you lose a step, it is even more noticeable. I have noticed it with him. He goes down a little quicker. He gets caught a little faster. Yeah, it’s very noticeable.”

The other part of the equation is that if the Seahawks stay committed to their pass-first attack, Alexander does not really fit into their scheme. Some would suggest he is a hindrance, given the benefit of the doubt because of his contributions in the past.

Alexander is a poor pass blocker, a liability for the long-term health of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. He never has been a great receiver, and that is more noticeable this season because of his wrist injury. He has dropped six passes this season.

And so if Alexander can’t do two-thirds of what is required of a versatile back in an offense that is starting to stress the pass, he puts the coaching staff in a bind in terms of either hiding him or calling plays around him.

“It’s hard for a play-caller when you get in those situations,” Holmgren said. “You have tendencies anyway. You try to break tendencies, at least create some indecision on the defensive team. But it’s a problem. And I’m well aware it’s a problem. It’s up to me and the coaches to try and help fix that a little bit.”

FINDING THE RIGHT REPLACEMENT

As is the case in all professional sports, salary, and what effect it has on the future of the team, must be taken into account when making a decision like the one the Seahawks have to make with Alexander.

After his MVP season, though some thought it was foolhardy, Alexander was signed to an eight-year, $61.7 million contract with an $11.5 million signing bonus.

Alexander is scheduled to make $4.475 million in 2008, though he will count $6.775 million against the salary cap because his signing bonus was prorated, $2.3 million of which counts against the cap next year.

If the Seahawks decide to release Alexander, they will not have to pay him his salary, but the remaining prorated portion of his signing bonus – $6.9 million – will count against the cap.

In short, it would cost the Seahawks nothing out of pocket to release Alexander, and would cost them a minimal $125,000 against the cap.

The question then for Ruskell is this: Since it doesn’t have a financial impact either way, are the Seahawks better off keeping Alexander around next season to see if he still can contribute? Or because of team dynamics and Alexander’s ego, are they better off parting ways?

Ruskell declined to comment for this story.

One of the things Ruskell must weigh in his decision is whether or not there is a replacement for Alexander.

Morris, who started last week against San Francisco when Alexander was sidelined, is a capable backup but has not proven to be a viable starter – though he seems suited for the passing game.

In the six games that Morris started last season, when Alexander was out with a foot injury, he rushed for 445 yards on 114 carries (3.9 average). He ran for 87 yards on 28 carries (3.1) Sunday against the 49ers.

Ruskell would have to get a high quality replacement via free agency or the draft if he decides that Alexander should no longer be a part of the team.

The top free agent is San Diego’s backup to LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, who likely will command a large contract this offseason. After Turner, there is Oakland’s Justin Fargas, Detroit’s Tatum Bell and Dallas’ Julius Jones.

A better option may be the draft, though only two running backs – Darren McFadden of Arkansas and Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart – appear to be franchise-type players, and Stewart, a junior, is no sure thing to make himself available in the draft.

Even if they are in the draft pool, they probably would not be available when the Seahawks are likely to pick (somewhere between the 20th and 30th selections). That means Ruskell would have to determine if he wants to use a first-rounder to get a secondary back he likes – West Virginia’s Steve Slaton, perhaps, or Rutgers’ Ray Rice – or wait until the second or third round to get one he thinks could develop.

There are other ancillary factors, as well. Holmgren has traditionally been faithful to his players, sometimes to a fault. But there has been speculation from a national perspective that this may be Holmgren’s final year coaching, particularly if he sees the Seahawks’ window of opportunity for returning to the Super Bowl closing.

For his part, Holmgren says he is taking his future year to year, though his contract runs through the end of next season.

At the same time, Ruskell has no particular allegiance to Alexander because he did not draft him, and it is widely perceived by those close to the organization that the contract he gave Alexander was more of a thank you for his MVP season than for his expected future contributions, given Alexander’s quirky reputation.

There are seven weeks remaining in the regular season. Seven weeks for Alexander to get healthy. Seven weeks for the coaching staff to determine how to use him. Seven weeks for Ruskell to evaluate him.

And that means there are seven weeks, perhaps, left in Alexander’s Seahawks career.
 
:lmao: ^

Alexander has always been soft to me but I overlooked it because he was so productive. Even at Alabama. I don't know what happened but I'm assuming he as 62 million reasons to throw the towel in. If I were Seahawks management, I would make a run for Julius Jones in the offseason and cut bait with Shaun.

 
Apologies if there is already a thread on this, although I didn't see one. Does anyone know what's going on with the Seattle RB situation this week (week 11)? Who will start? And regardless of "starting" title, who will get the most touches?

 
On the bottom scrolling ticker on espn, it said that Alexander was not expected to play. Sorry no link. I immediately picked up Morris in the one league he was still available.
While I don't discount it, the beat reporter from the Tacoma News Tribune says that SA has a 50-50 chance of playing per Holmgren. Depending on how he does at Sat's practice, though it is closed to the media. But honestly, if you're playing him or Morris (or both), then you must have no other choices whatsoever. And even if SA plays the signs show that MoMo will have a better game than SA anyways.
Everything I've heard up here is that he's doubtful and probably going to sit this week out.
 
Can anyone start a thread in this place without the first post, and every other post there-after being smart asses complaining about there already being a thread like this? You bums who sit on here all day long are the only one's who know every thread that passes through. Some people actually have lives, and pop in on occasion to ask a question or chat around. Most don't feel the need to hit the search function hoping to find some sort of info on what they are wondering about. They have a specific question, and want a specific answer. If you aren't interested in giving it, then stay out of the thread, and move on.

To answer your question... The last I heard he is still not feeling well. Hasn't really practiced this week, and is questionable for Week 11. I wouldn't think that he is a good start even if he does play, because he wouldn't be healthy, and wouldn't get the full load. So... I would take a "wait and see" approach to how Alexander is, even when he does come back healthy. Unless you are desperate at RB.

 
Can anyone start a thread in this place without the first post, and every other post there-after being smart asses complaining about there already being a thread like this? You bums who sit on here all day long are the only one's who know every thread that passes through. Some people actually have lives, and pop in on occasion to ask a question or chat around. Most don't feel the need to hit the search function hoping to find some sort of info on what they are wondering about. They have a specific question, and want a specific answer. If you aren't interested in giving it, then stay out of the thread, and move on.To answer your question... The last I heard he is still not feeling well. Hasn't really practiced this week, and is questionable for Week 11. I wouldn't think that he is a good start even if he does play, because he wouldn't be healthy, and wouldn't get the full load. So... I would take a "wait and see" approach to how Alexander is, even when he does come back healthy. Unless you are desperate at RB.
I know it takes a lot out of a guy's precious time to look at least on the front page and see the 2 or 3 SA threads.
 
Can anyone start a thread in this place without the first post, and every other post there-after being smart asses complaining about there already being a thread like this? You bums who sit on here all day long are the only one's who know every thread that passes through. Some people actually have lives, and pop in on occasion to ask a question or chat around. Most don't feel the need to hit the search function hoping to find some sort of info on what they are wondering about. They have a specific question, and want a specific answer. If you aren't interested in giving it, then stay out of the thread, and move on.To answer your question... The last I heard he is still not feeling well. Hasn't really practiced this week, and is questionable for Week 11. I wouldn't think that he is a good start even if he does play, because he wouldn't be healthy, and wouldn't get the full load. So... I would take a "wait and see" approach to how Alexander is, even when he does come back healthy. Unless you are desperate at RB.
Seriously dude, the SA post is like 5 posts below this. We really don't need the front page garbaged up with another. If you have time to start a thread, you have time to glance at the screen and see the other one is already there. Not being willing to move youe eyes enough to scan the first ten posts or so is so unbelievably lazy that it deserves whatever chiding it receives.
 
Can anyone start a thread in this place without the first post, and every other post there-after being smart asses complaining about there already being a thread like this? You bums who sit on here all day long are the only one's who know every thread that passes through. Some people actually have lives, and pop in on occasion to ask a question or chat around. Most don't feel the need to hit the search function hoping to find some sort of info on what they are wondering about. They have a specific question, and want a specific answer. If you aren't interested in giving it, then stay out of the thread, and move on.To answer your question... The last I heard he is still not feeling well. Hasn't really practiced this week, and is questionable for Week 11. I wouldn't think that he is a good start even if he does play, because he wouldn't be healthy, and wouldn't get the full load. So... I would take a "wait and see" approach to how Alexander is, even when he does come back healthy. Unless you are desperate at RB.
I know it takes a lot out of a guy's precious time to look at least on the front page and see the 2 or 3 SA threads.
The funny thing is... that it is normally you in EVERY thread doing this. Do you spend your time here to talk about football, or to police the forum? Thanks for your non-stop duties, saving us poor folk from dreaded repeated threads. They are real killers. It is real simple... if there is already a thread on the front page... THEN DON'T RESPOND TO THE REPEAT THREAD! Going into it and starting a pissing contest is pointless, and if you can't tell by now... IT IS NOT GOING TO STOP THREADS FROM BEING REPEATED! Find a different hobby.
 
mad sweeney in 3... 2... 1...
Uh, search function? Multiple previous threads?
Wow, what a suprise. You doing this again?
Relax. I found a good Alexander article, searched for an Alexander thread, and posted it. I bumped this thread.Do you think the article has any merit? I was surprised to see that Seattle dropping Alexander after the season wouldn't be a huge cap hit. I'm thinking he's toast when the season is over.
 
Can anyone start a thread in this place without the first post, and every other post there-after being smart asses complaining about there already being a thread like this? You bums who sit on here all day long are the only one's who know every thread that passes through. Some people actually have lives, and pop in on occasion to ask a question or chat around. Most don't feel the need to hit the search function hoping to find some sort of info on what they are wondering about. They have a specific question, and want a specific answer. If you aren't interested in giving it, then stay out of the thread, and move on.To answer your question... The last I heard he is still not feeling well. Hasn't really practiced this week, and is questionable for Week 11. I wouldn't think that he is a good start even if he does play, because he wouldn't be healthy, and wouldn't get the full load. So... I would take a "wait and see" approach to how Alexander is, even when he does come back healthy. Unless you are desperate at RB.
I know it takes a lot out of a guy's precious time to look at least on the front page and see the 2 or 3 SA threads.
The funny thing is... that it is normally you in EVERY thread doing this. Do you spend your time here to talk about football, or to police the forum? Thanks for your non-stop duties, saving us poor folk from dreaded repeated threads. They are real killers. It is real simple... if there is already a thread on the front page... THEN DON'T RESPOND TO THE REPEAT THREAD! Going into it and starting a pissing contest is pointless, and if you can't tell by now... IT IS NOT GOING TO STOP THREADS FROM BEING REPEATED! Find a different hobby.
Check the posts buddy. I didn't start the policing, just responded to a flawed argument against policing. And I don't di it in every thread, just obvious repeats that you can see from looking at the frint page, not by spending all your time here. It's very hard to talk about football when you've got 2 or 4 threads about the same thing with pweople posting different arguments in different threads. But thanks for uh policing the thread yourself to uh protect the others from the police men, or something like that. Very helpful and informative post you put there to complain about my unhelpful and uninformative posts, or something like that. Do yourself a favor, if you don't like what I write, take your own advice. I didn't start a pissing contest in this thread, two others did. But don't let truth or facts get in the way of blasting me with your righteous indignation. Hypocritical bum that you are.
 
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