Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

there's a total of maybe 7 teams with an RB situation bad enough next year to make him a starter, and some of them may find someone this year already on their rosters or draft a stud in april.

he's decent, but if he's your starter, you're probably not a great team.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

Not saying he is a superstar in waiting - and I agree with your assessment as to teams looking next year. With that said, I think he would be a fine feature back and quality starter. Watching him last year, he seemed to have decent vision and do some good straight ahead running. To me, it seems he has improved each year he's been here.

However, it all matters not. time will tell, let's see how does with the pads on, blah blah blah. : )

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

Ladell Betts seems like he'd be the next Duce Staley, to me. He could be a solid featured back if given the chance. Can run over some people, can catch a few passes, can do some blocking. But he'll never make a pro-bowl, and he's not the type to rush for much more than 1000 yards in a season. Duce was a nice back during his prime, I feel like Betts could have a similar career if given the feature role.

Betts is a perfect guy to have as your 2nd RB; he can step in and keep the defense honest while Portis is catching a breather. That's all you can ask for from your 2nd.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10]Ladell Betts seems like he'd be the next Duce Staley, to me. He could be a solid featured back if given the chance. Can run over some people, can catch a few passes, can do some blocking. But he'll never make a pro-bowl, and he's not the type to rush for much more than 1000 yards in a season. Duce was a nice back during his prime, I feel like Betts could have a similar career if given the feature role.

Betts is a perfect guy to have as your 2nd RB; he can step in and keep the defense honest while Portis is catching a breather. That's all you can ask for from your 2nd.[/QUOTE]
That's a great comparison. Betts has shown that he's a dependable, solid player, and I have no doubt that he'd be a 1000-yard rusher in this league if he was in the feature role. That being said, if your team has a 1000-yard rusher as its feature back, you are looking for an upgrade.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

What has happened with Duce Staley anyway? Whenever I saw a Steeler game, (and I've seen several) he was in street clothes on the sidelines.

The comments about Betts are spot on, I think. He's perfect in the role that he's in now. But I don't know if I'd want him starting for 16 games. Plus, he's about as elusive as an M1A1 Abrahms tank. Just watch him on kickoffs -- he'll find the nearest pile of players and ram himself into it.

I don't expect him in Washington as the #2 guy next year though.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

I like his straight ahead style on kickoffs, sometimes that's the best approach. He averaged 25.9 per return last year, pretty damn good.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Mattyk72]I like his straight ahead style on kickoffs, sometimes that's the best approach. He averaged 25.9 per return last year, pretty damn good.[/quote]I would think they will let him return kicks this year. We already have Randle El returning punts and playing offense, and we have a defense that wont let the opposing offense on the board much. I would be happy starting from the 25-35 on offense every time rather than the 20 most times, and the 45 every once in awhile.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

From today's (6/19/2006) WT:

[QUOTE]One player who has caught associate head coach Al Saunders' attention is running back Ladell Betts, who is again slated to be a kick returner and backup to Clinton Portis this season.
"I don't know if people realize what a quality player he is," Saunders said. "He's a three-dimensional player -- he runs the ball, he can catch it and he can block well enough to be successful. Clinton is Clinton, one of the dominant backs in the NFL. Having somebody like Ladell has been a surprise because I knew he was good, but not this good.
"We'll have situations where Ladell and Clinton will be in the game at the same time. Ladell deserves to play and we've got to find a way to get him on the field and not just as a back-up player to Clinton." [/QUOTE]

So it appears that Ladell is going to get his opportunities here in Washington. Good for him, and good for us.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

Betts and CP in the backfield at the same time...

I like that!

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Mattyk72]Betts and CP in the backfield at the same time...

I like that![/quote]

especially if they are used in the passing game more, which seems to be the way it's going to be. I feel like opposing defenses are going to be lost against us and I love it!

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Mattyk72]Betts and CP in the backfield at the same time...

I like that![/quote]

Yeah it works especially well because CP and Betts can both block.

The 2 RB backfield is something people like to mention as a great way to threaten the defense. But if both runners are basically just running threats, it's actually not much of a solution. But when both players are threats to run, block, or catch the ball; that backfield can give D coordinators nightmares because there are so many plays that can be run out of that formation.

Portis on a sweep with Betts on a lead block, Portis on a screen with Betts blocking, Portis and Betts kept in to max protect, Betts swings out to the flat with Portis in to block, Portis swings out to the flat with Betts in to block... etc. The defense has no idea what's coming. But when you see something like Stephen Davis and Larry Centers, you pretty much know you have to watch Davis on a run up the middle, and keep an eye on Centers in the flat. It was still hard to stop that tandem, but stopping Portis and Betts would be harder.

Plus a smart QB can adjust the calls at the line. If you put two RBs in there, and if they're not good blockers, suddenly you're not feeling so good if you see a defense showing blitz. But both of these guys are well rounded enough to make a QB feel safe about having them back there to block. Complete football players are worth a lot and we have two of them at RB.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE]Plus a smart QB can adjust the calls at the line. If you put two RBs in there, and if they're not good blockers, suddenly you're not feeling so good if you see a defense showing blitz. But both of these guys are well rounded enough to make a QB feel safe about having them back there to block. Complete football players are worth a lot and we have two of them at RB.[/QUOTE]

Not so fast, my friend. Al Saunders [u]hates[/u] audibles. His playcalls are predicated upon surprising the D, not letting them dictate the tempo. I agree that putting explosive players on the field just makes things difficult for defenses to key on any one player, but I wouldn't expect to see many line calls at all.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Schneed10]Yeah it works especially well because CP and Betts can both block.[/quote]

Can Betts realy block all that well? I just had a flash back of sitting in the stands watching him whiff trying to block Ed Reed who got the sack, forced fumble, recovery, and the TD.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz]Can Betts realy block all that well? I just had a flash back of sitting in the stands watching him whiff trying to block Ed Reed who got the sack, forced fumble, recovery, and the TD.[/quote]

Exactly, I was about to say the same thing. Betts wasn't good at picking up blitzes, but in fairness to him maybe that 1 play has stuck w/me for too long.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/showpost.php?p=104672&postcount=3"]Al[/URL]

...guess I was just a few months too early with my Portis and Betts together prediction. Either way, me, Saunders, BrudLee-freakin' geniuses

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=ArtMonkDrillz]We've been talking a lot about how various players will do in Al Saunders' offense; I was just wondering how everyone thought Ladell Betts will perform this year.

I was looking over his stats for the past four seasons and I was suprised that he really hasn't been as productive as I thought. He averages 80 rushing attempts off 318 attempts a season, with about 4 yards per carry. I guess 4 yards a carry is pretty good, especially if he is in mainly for short yardage situations. Larry Johnson averaged closer to 5 ypc in KC (we can all hope Betts will turn out like that), and I think that extra yard will make a huge difference. Betts doesn't seem to be the most durable player on the roster, which freaks me out.

Maybe Saunders will decide to use Betts more in order to take some pressure off of Portis, which will keep him more fresh for the playoff push. I always worry about Ladell fumbling, even though he really doesn't do it too much, but I still think it will only help to having him rush more often.

Basically I would just like to hear how everyone else thinks Ladell will do this season.[/QUOTE]


Maybe you should check out Al Saunder's interview on Redskins TV on the teams website. I think from that you will get a good idea as to how Saunders feels about Ladell Betts.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Longtimefan]Maybe you should check out Al Saunder's interview on Redskins TV on the teams website. I think from that you will get a good idea as to how Saunders feels about Ladell Betts.[/quote]

So I was a month early with my thoughts; apparently I'm a little to jazzed (that's right, jazzed) for the season.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

Why would Betts block when you can stick Mike Sellers out there?

Betts will spell Portis and run back kicks. He is a great backup but hopefully he will have only 5 carries a game. Ride CP and burn them with play action. Then let the defense destroy everything that moves.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=TAFKAS]If you'll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me [URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/showpost.php?p=104672&postcount=3"]Al[/URL]

...guess I was just a few months too early with my Portis and Betts together prediction. Either way, me, Saunders, BrudLee-freakin' geniuses[/QUOTE]


Did you say Portis will be a slot reciever? Saunders has both in the backfield.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=offiss]Did you say Portis will be a slot reciever? Saunders has both in the backfield.[/QUOTE]

did you say tomah-to, did I say tomay-to? Point is having the two play together at the same time. Portis in the slot, Portis in the backfield, Portis at left guard. Whatever works

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz]Can Betts realy block all that well? I just had a flash back of sitting in the stands watching him whiff trying to block Ed Reed who got the sack, forced fumble, recovery, and the TD.[/quote]

In all fairness that was two years ago. He's not like Portis when it comes to blocking, but he's grown to the point where you can call him adequate. At least Saunders seems to think so.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Schneed10]In all fairness that was two years ago. He's not like Portis when it comes to blocking, but he's grown to the point where you can call him adequate. At least Saunders seems to think so.[/quote]

Still, my one concern is that Saunders is saying all this before they've had any full contact practices. He says Betts is a good blocker, but has he really seen him block anyone in person? However, I obviously have no idea what I'm talking about compared to Al Saunders, so if he thinks Betts is going to have a great year then the smile on my face just got even bigger than it already was.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

amd, i agree. betts has proven that he is alittle bit less than accomplished when it comes to blocking. no one can evaluate someone on blocking skills until they strap on the pads

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10]Yeah it works especially well because CP and Betts can both block.

The 2 RB backfield is something people like to mention as a great way to threaten the defense. But if both runners are basically just running threats, it's actually not much of a solution. But when both players are threats to run, block, or catch the ball; that backfield can give D coordinators nightmares because there are so many plays that can be run out of that formation.

Portis on a sweep with Betts on a lead block, Portis on a screen with Betts blocking, Portis and Betts kept in to max protect, Betts swings out to the flat with Portis in to block, Portis swings out to the flat with Betts in to block... etc. The defense has no idea what's coming. But when you see something like Stephen Davis and Larry Centers, you pretty much know you have to watch Davis on a run up the middle, and keep an eye on Centers in the flat. It was still hard to stop that tandem, but stopping Portis and Betts would be harder.

Plus a smart QB can adjust the calls at the line. If you put two RBs in there, and if they're not good blockers, suddenly you're not feeling so good if you see a defense showing blitz. But both of these guys are well rounded enough to make a QB feel safe about having them back there to block. Complete football players are worth a lot and we have two of them at RB.[/QUOTE]

Betts and Portis in the block would be pretty sweet - Brunell would just get so bored back there he'd sit down and have a beer until someone got open.

I'd love to see Betts and Portis both in on a blitz, pick up the blitz and have one of them roll out into the flats for a pass. Hell yeah.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz]Still, my one concern is that Saunders is saying all this before they've had any full contact practices. He says Betts is a good blocker, but has he really seen him block anyone in person? However, I obviously have no idea what I'm talking about compared to Al Saunders, so if he thinks Betts is going to have a great year then the smile on my face just got even bigger than it already was.[/quote]

I'm sure he's seen plenty of film on him as well.

Betts had a very memorable wiff on Reed, but that's just one play. We tend to only remember the really great or really bad plays, in between he's had plenty of solid plays that nobody talks about or remembers.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=ArtMonkDrillz]Still, my one concern is that Saunders is saying all this before they've had any full contact practices. He says Betts is a good blocker, but has he really seen him block anyone in person? However, I obviously have no idea what I'm talking about compared to Al Saunders, so if he thinks Betts is going to have a great year then the smile on my face just got even bigger than it already was.[/QUOTE]

I would imagine Saunders' has seen plenty of film on Betts. In fact I'd imagine Saunders' has done little else than watch film since he arrived in DC.

I'm sure there's plenty of film of Betts blocking the past couple of seasons that Saunders' can make a judgement on it. Everything isn't totally new every season - there is history to base some judgements.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

Damn Matty, you beat me to it by 2 minutes...

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Mattyk72]I'm sure he's seen plenty of film on him as well.

Betts had a very memorable wiff on Reed, but that's just one play. We tend to only remember the really great or really bad plays, in between he's had plenty of solid plays that nobody talks about or remembers.[/quote]

Yeah I think you touched on it, blitz-pickups by RBs are the kind of plays that go completely unnoticed. On pass plays we usually have our eyes fixated on the QB, with maybe the occasional glance to see if any WRs are open downfield. If Portis or Betts pick up the blitzes, I usually don't notice until I see it on a replay.

It's hard to come down on Ladell Betts too hard for that Ed Reed play. It was relatively early in the year in Gibbs' first year back, just about everyone was playing like chickens with their heads cut off. There were blown assignments all over the place.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[quote=Schneed10]Yeah I think you touched on it, blitz-pickups by RBs are the kind of plays that go completely unnoticed. On pass plays we usually have our eyes fixated on the QB, with maybe the occasional glance to see if any WRs are open downfield. If Portis or Betts pick up the blitzes, I usually don't notice until I see it on a replay.

It's hard to come down on Ladell Betts too hard for that Ed Reed play. It was relatively early in the year in Gibbs' first year back, just about everyone was playing like chickens with their heads cut off. There were blown assignments all over the place.[/quote]I'm not sure if it's my QB background or what, but when I watch football, the first thing I seem to notice is how close the pass rush is to getting to the QB. You can tell right away if a QB is going to get drilled. The O Lineman usually gets beat on the frist three steps.

That said, I didn't notice a big difference in the protection scheme with Betts in than with Portis in. If there's one difference, its that Portis is less likely to miss his assignment. Both are able bodied blockers, and very willing.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012]I'm not sure if it's my QB background or what, but when I watch football, the first thing I seem to notice is how close the pass rush is to getting to the QB. You can tell right away if a QB is going to get drilled. The O Lineman usually gets beat on the frist three steps.[/QUOTE]

I'm the same way watching the game. First I take note of the formation, then when the ball is snapped, I'm looking at how much penetration the defensive line is able to get, and if there are any blitzes coming.

And I never played quarterback.

Re: Ladell Betts in Saunders' offense
 

I generally look at matchups, though sometimes jerseys are hard to make out... see who'ss lining up on who and who's man or zone.