Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

So I see we have a couple of new guys. Welcome to the board.

Agree with Blount.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=freddyg12;673955]definitely. I could even see a rookie late rounder working his way into the rotation & CP being #3 by year's end.[/quote]


I wouldn't bet on that but anything is possible. If Portis is on the opening day roster, he will be given every chance to have a huge year.

They aren't paying a 3rd string runningback 10 million.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Audi;674191]I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but I'm just getting bad vibes about this offseason. Mike Shanahan has never been known as that great of a GM in terms of acquiring players (draft or free agency) though he is great at wheeling and dealing (getting 3rd and 4th rounders from the Redskins for Ashley Lelie (via TJ Duckett), getting a 2nd rounder in addition to Champ Bailey from the Redskins, getting a 3rd and 4th rounder for Jason Campbell's draft slot from the Redskins).

This move just screams of another useless Travis Henry signing. I mean, we might as well have just kept Ladell Betts.[/quote]


You just said that he isn't been good at aquiring players but that he is good at getting players and draft picks through trades. Which is it?

You could argue that he hasn't been good at getting defensive players but he has picked some monsters on offense.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=SmootSmack;674194]LJ isn't the one coming off of a torn ACL (for the second time in less than five years), he's also younger than Betts[/quote]


If anyone really thinks that Betts is a better back than LJ right now, they need to fix the gas leak in their house.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Audi;674198]True but Larry Johnson has taken a heck of a lot more beatings and also has some character issues. I thought by unloading Betts, we would be looking for young blood or someone cheaper... LJ is essentially neither. My gut feeling is that this was a pointless signing, but it's not going to make or break the Redskins.[/quote]


We haven't had the draft yet and FA is far from over.

I think that having 2 veterans and a project is better than 2 projects and a veteran.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Oh my God. So I like totally found this article.

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/clinton-portis/dick-vermeil-makes-bold-predic.html#comments]Redskins Insider - Dick Vermeil makes bold prediction about Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis[/url]

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=artmonkforhallofamein07;674357]

So I see we have a couple of new guys. Welcome to the board.

[/quote]

Thanks.....glad to be here.....

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

I still don't understand how signing LJ for practically nothing is a pointless signing. The guy obviously showed something when he was given an opportunity in Cincy, and his contract is full of performance based rewards (something apparently the critics of this signing have failed to notice). Bottom line is that if he does well he gets paid, if he doesn't he sees no money; and he's being asked to share the load with CP and whatever 3rd RB we end up having (Alridge or a rook). I highly doubt that Thomas Jones, LT, or Chester Taylor would have agreed to such signing.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Yeah I don't see Blount really fitting here the more I've looked at his profiles. He would probably do better somewhere like NE or Denver.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

I am becoming a huge fan of the Bruce Allen incenetive based contracts... Make em work hard to earn those big bucks!

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Vermeil and Herman Edwards on LJ

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/16/AR2010031601742.html]Dick Vermeil predicts Larry Johnson will push Clinton Portis 'right out of a job' - washingtonpost.com[/url]

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Wow, Vermeil obviously feels pretty strongly about LJ.

Can't really argue his point, CP better be on notice.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Some more from Herm here

[url=http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/redskinsjournal/2010/03/16/former-coach-herman-edwards-johnson-can-produce-under-shanahan/]Former coach Herman Edwards: Johnson can produce under Shanahan - Redskins Journal[/url]

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

I hope Vermeil is right. That would be great!

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Wow, some reputable backers for LJ.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

If these reports of LJ's approach to practice holds true, CP definitely better wake up. A guy who works hard in practice is going to earn the trust and respect of the team and coaches pretty quick. Especially if the guy he's competing against is sitting out with mystery ailments all the time.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=SmootSmack;674613]Some more from Herm here

[url=http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/redskinsjournal/2010/03/16/former-coach-herman-edwards-johnson-can-produce-under-shanahan/]Former coach Herman Edwards: Johnson can produce under Shanahan - Redskins Journal[/url][/quote]

"They've got to get that offensive line fixed." There's the key.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Mattyk;674618]If these reports of LJ's approach to practice holds true, CP definitely better wake up. A guy who works hard in practice is going to earn the trust and respect of the team and coaches pretty quick. Especially if the guy he's competing against is sitting out with mystery ailments all the time.[/quote]

This is EXACTLY what Portis needs. I hope LJ works his ass off.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=SmootSmack;674603]Vermeil and Herman Edwards on LJ

[URL="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/16/AR2010031601742.html"]Dick Vermeil predicts Larry Johnson will push Clinton Portis 'right out of a job' - washingtonpost.com[/URL][/quote]


Hmm. I am torn on who to side with on this one. Herm Edwards and Dick Vermeil or the people who want all our players to be in the Vienna Choir and think there are a handful of young unsigned runningbacks who are just ready to run for 1500 yards?

Does CP have it in him to outwork someone? Especially when 7 million is guaranteed?

Very interesting dynamic.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Mattyk;674618]If these reports of LJ's approach to practice holds true, CP definitely better wake up. A guy who works hard in practice is going to earn the trust and respect of the team and coaches pretty quick. Especially if the guy he's competing against is sitting out with mystery ailments all the time.[/quote]

True...and I think if you read between the lines when Shanny speaks it has been pretty clear that CP is not going to be here if he doesn't clean up his act when it comes to practicing and conditioning. Whether it's LJ or some rookie...either way it's not going to be CP starting if he's not in shape and practicing.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=53Fan;674621]This is EXACTLY what Portis needs. I hope LJ works his ass off.[/quote]

At the risk of reading way too much into it ... perhaps ShanAllen (yes, I am going to keep repeating this until every else uses it) were aware of LJ's work habits? Maybe they knew from speaking to his former coaches that he was a mean practicing player? Maybe they thought "This will get under CP's skin and CP will either get fired up or fired." Would that indicate [I]a plan??[/I]

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;674683]At the risk of reading way too much into it ... perhaps ShanAllen (yes, I am going to keep repeating this until every else uses it) were aware of LJ's work habits? Maybe they knew from speaking to his former coaches that he was a mean practicing player? Maybe they thought "This will get under CP's skin and CP will either get fired up or fired." Would that indicate [I]a plan??[/I][/quote]

Football circles are pretty small I would imagine. And don't forget ShanAllen (Okay, I'll join you) coached in the same division and played LJ twice a year.

I wouldn't surprised one bit if LJ comes here and rushes for a little over 1,000 yds this year.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;674683]At the risk of reading way too much into it ... perhaps ShanAllen (yes, I am going to keep repeating this until every else uses it) were aware of LJ's work habits? Maybe they knew from speaking to his former coaches that he was a mean practicing player? Maybe they thought "This will get under CP's skin and CP will either get fired up or fired." Would that indicate [I]a plan??[/I][/quote]

Sure, and it's also consistent w/what shanny (not to be confused w/ShanAllen in this case) has said all along, he wants competition at each position.

If CP was a big disruption the last couple years (good evidence of that!) & they owe him $7 mil regardless this year, it's certainly worth having a plan in place that will force him to change. There has to be more than 'Clinton, we want you to practice'. This really sends a message early on & will force him to be accountable. My only fear is that he & CP try to outdo each other in off field blunders, quotes, etc.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

also, I think LJ is probably the better back. Don't think he's much of a blocker like CP, but at running & recieving he's better at this point.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=freddyg12;674700]Sure, and it's also consistent w/what shanny (not to be confused w/ShanAllen in this case) has said all along, he wants competition at each position.

If CP was a big disruption the last couple years (good evidence of that!) & they owe him $7 mil regardless this year, it's certainly worth having a plan in place that will force him to change. There has to be more than 'Clinton, we want you to practice'. This really sends a message early on & will force him to be accountable. My only fear is that he & CP try to outdo each other in off field blunders, quotes, etc.[/quote]

Football players have a way of putting on different masks when on the field and off the field. Some are great on the field and lame off it and vice versa.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

i was thinking of a nick name for this duo, something like P&J...

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Ignoring the ancillary conversation on LJ the scumbag, as I stated prior, I like the football move here.

One thing no one seems to be focused on is that Portis seemed to lose his burst to the hole sometime in 2008/9. I am not so interested in how hard he practices or where he does his off-season workouts (assuming he knows his assignments). CP gives 110% on the field during every play, always has.

What I am concerned with is that the guy has just lost the physical ability to break through the hole. You can't practice or work your way out of that...sometimes the body just starts to fade, especially with RBs. I think CP is done and will be out of the league by 2011, motivated or not.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=diehardskin2982;674716]i was thinking of a nick name for this duo, something like P&J...[/quote]

How about the broke-dick-bros?

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;674683]At the risk of reading way too much into it ... perhaps ShanAllen (yes, I am going to keep repeating this until every else uses it) were aware of LJ's work habits? Maybe they knew from speaking to his former coaches that he was a mean practicing player? Maybe they thought "This will get under CP's skin and CP will either get fired up or fired." Would that indicate [I]a plan??[/I][/quote]

I think in the end it mostly has to do with our need at RB, all the other stuff is a bonus.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;674683]At the risk of reading way too much into it ... perhaps ShanAllen (yes, I am going to keep repeating this until every else uses it) were aware of LJ's work habits? Maybe they knew from speaking to his former coaches that he was a mean practicing player? Maybe they thought "This will get under CP's skin and CP will either get fired up or fired." [B]Would that indicate [I]a plan[/B]??[/I][/quote]

Indeed. I think it would.....hmmmm. Maybe juuuusssst maybe, these guys know what they're doing? :)

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Mattyk;674618]If these reports of LJ's approach to practice holds true, CP definitely better wake up. A guy who works hard in practice is going to earn the trust and respect of the team and coaches pretty quick. Especially if the guy he's competing against is sitting out with mystery ailments all the time.[/quote]

Unfortunately we had the same situation when Betts was here: Betts worked hard every day and had the respect of the people around him. Then on Sundays Portis would start.

I hope that the new FO changes this dynamic. It seems that how the FO responds is more important here than LJ's work habits. Let's see what happens.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;674720]How about the broke-dick-bros?[/quote]
Or-

"Stumble" and "Fumble"

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Lotus;674735]Unfortunately we had the same situation when Betts was here: Betts worked hard every day and had the respect of the people around him. Then on Sundays Portis would start.

I hope that the new FO changes this dynamic. It seems that how the FO responds is more important here than LJ's work habits. Let's see what happens.[/quote]

Doubt that would have happened under Shanahan though, that's the big difference.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

in years past, the only leverage portis really had over the team was his relationship with the owner and his contract. given that the owner is, by all appearances, a non-factor when it comes to football decisions, its an uncapped year, and shanahan's already gotten rid of Portis once, i'd say he's on about as thin of ice as there is. if portis becomes a problem, i'd be shocked if he wasnt kicked to the curb.

shanahan doesnt seem like the kind of guy who takes crap from anyone. given that all the teams "leaders" were present at redskins park yesterday, it seems like the team knows it, too.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=sandtrapjack;674739]Or-

"Stumble" and "Fumble"[/quote]


What are Tony and Wade's nicknames? Choke and Joke?

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Dick Vermeil says that Larry Johnson will push CP out of a job

[url=http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/03/16/vermeil-johnson-will-take-over-redskins-rb-job/]Vermeil: Johnson Will 'Take Over' Redskins' RB Spot -- NFL FanHouse[/url]

[quote]
...

"He will take over the running back position," Vermeil told The Washington Post's Rick Maese. "That's what I think. He'll push that guy [Portis] right out of a job. Larry Johnson will work all week -- he'll work Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday -- and he'll make you start him on Sundays."

...
[/quote]

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Pocket$ $traight;674775]What are Tony and Wade's nicknames? Choke and Joke?[/quote]

I thought it was Choke and Bloat?

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=Mc2guy;674718]Ignoring the ancillary conversation on LJ the scumbag, as I stated prior, I like the football move here.

One thing no one seems to be focused on is that Portis seemed to lose his burst to the hole sometime in 2008/9. I am not so interested in how hard he practices or where he does his off-season workouts (assuming he knows his assignments). CP gives 110% on the field during every play, always has.

What I am concerned with is that the guy has just lost the physical ability to break through the hole. [B]You can't practice or work your way out[/B] of that...sometimes the body just starts to fade, especially with RBs. I think CP is done and will be out of the league by 2011, motivated or not.[/quote]

I think that's very debatable. If you're out of shape you can look older than your years. He definitely couldn't hit holes, find holes the same or keep his balance. But at least some of that has to be attributed to his lack of practice. When younger he could get away w/out practicing & being in shape. Now he needs it more than ever.

The way he lost his balance w/out being touched really shows that he was out of shape. When older players don't practice or stay in shape, they not only lose their quickness & speed, they lose their balance & timing. I agree he's lost a step, but he could've been much better in 09 if he prepared like a pro. I don't think your 2011 prediction is far off.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

[quote=freddyg12;674805]I think that's very debatable. If you're out of shape you can look older than your years. He definitely couldn't hit holes, find holes the same or keep his balance. But at least some of that has to be attributed to his lack of practice. When younger he could get away w/out practicing & being in shape. Now he needs it more than ever.

The way he lost his balance w/out being touched really shows that he was out of shape. When older players don't practice or stay in shape, they not only lose their quickness & speed, they lose their balance & timing. I agree he's lost a step, but[B] he could've been much better in 09 if he prepared like a pro.[/B] I don't think your 2011 prediction is far off.[/quote]

I agree Freddy and that's my biggest gripe with Portis. People like to post his total yards but how much better would they have been if he would've practiced and stayed in shape? Anyway...with Shanny in town it's all water under the bridge now. He'll be in shape and practice or he'll be outta here.

Re: Redskins Sign Larry Johnson
 

Apparently, Clinton Portis has shown up in great shape. So that's a good sign