Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I'm just wondering what the Redskins Fans think about Ladell Betts. The guy is a great character piece in the locker room, He does virtually anything the coaches ask, and is pretty versatile, but my thought is that He and Portis are the same mould of RB essentially.. He doesn't have the breakout speed or the line jarring bulk that We need at a #2 back.... We are going to need a RB that can shoulder some of the load so Portis can get some sort of break and have enough steam in the late to post season, and unless the guy has a serious blossoming/break-out, I don't see it.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Depends on the compensation we would receive for Betts. And who would be our 2nd RB. I don't really see a viable option on the roster to spell Portis or be a featured back if he were to go down.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Betts wouldn't garner much value at this point and unless we replaced him w/ an upgrade, probably from FA, i don't see any reason to jetison him. Betts needs to stop fumbling regularly...IMO that is his real weakness. The rest is up to Zorn using Betts smarter i.e. give the guy several series in a row downhill running and more passes out of the backfield and i guarentee Warpathers will start singing his praises.

...to the point about our need for a change up to CP my gut has been we should go the other direction, a bruiser who will pound on the defense early in a game so when CP comes in he can slash and burn his way to big yardage. I hoped Betts would take on that role...maybe add 10lbs cuz his frame would hold up and then just pound on the defense.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I think we should adopt the Chargers running scheme:

1.LT-Portis
2.Sproles-Alridge or Dorsey
3. J.Hester- Sellers

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Expendable . . . Yeah maybe.

But there is really no dire need for a change at the position.

I will say that in the next couple years we should bring in a talented young guy to get in the mix, an after a coupe years replace Portis, much the way the Giants did with Brandon Jacobs.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

And who do you propose to be the 2nd RB? Rock, Marcus Mason (if we resign him), other?

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I don't know that he's expendable really. He still can be a valuable asset to the team. I do think that sooner than later we're going to have to start looking to the future. I wish we would have spent one of our later round picks on a RB (let him play teams for a year if necessary). Not a change of pace back, but a guy who could be a 15-20 carries a game back within a couple of years

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

They gave him 4.6 rushes a game this year and its hard to get something going if you do not get a feel for the game and thats hard to do with so few runs. When he signed his new deal I thought they would work him into the games more than they have. I have never seen him and Portis on the field at the same time and you would think they could design something with them together.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Betts is only expendable [B]if[/B] we find someone better or equal to Betts's ability. If we traded him our RB position would immediatley become a weakness, given that we have unproductive (Cartwright) or unproven RB's (Aldrige, Dorsey). So to answer your question, no I don't think Betts is expendable. We need him more than he needs us.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Betts is quite expendable. I just don't see anyone we like on the current 84-man enough to make me think he doesn't have the No. 2 RB role again this year.

I think if we are going to make a deep playoff run, we'll find a way to add a really talented guy (not unlike Lorenzo Booker with the Eagles last year, except hopefully with a little more size) who is better than Betts.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Now we have the legendary Marcus Mason he sure is...

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=firstdown;552579]They gave him 4.6 rushes a game this year and its hard to get something going if you do not get a feel for the game and thats hard to do with so few runs. When he signed his new deal I thought they would work him into the games more than they have. [B]I have never seen him and Portis on the field at the same time[/B] and you would think they could design something with them together.[/quote]Gibbs used to use them together all the time in 2005, but that was more to cover for a WR deficiency.

Zorn got them both into the game together a few times at the beginning of the season, and it was kinda fun for awhile, but when Betts got hurt and missed that month, Zorn forget to use him altogether. Thus, expendable.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I was kinda kicking this idea around in my head today. I worry that the Eagles and Giants have really upgraded alot this offseason and the Redskins finished behind these teams last season so it is going to be tougher this year. The Redskins have signed Haynesworth and drafted Orakpo and I think that will help alot but I don't think that it is enough to win out over the other 3 teams in the division (maybe the Cowboys because I think they took a few steps backward). I think the Redskins have to do more so this is my unqualified attempt to make them better. First they need a lb and I think they should go to Marcus Washington agent and attempt to resign him, if he doesn't want to come back tell them they are going to check out Leroy Hill and maybe Washington will realize that he doesn't have alot of options and will resign cheap. I think that is the only weak link left to fill on defense so thay need to turn to the offense now. I would like for the Redskins to make an offer to Levi Jones when he is cut by the Bengals to fill the hole at RT if it is cost efective. Now to the Ladell Betts part. I can't beleive that I'm saying this because I'm not a huge fan of his anticts but I wonder if the Bengals would trade Chad Johnson to the Redskins for Betts,Thomas or Kelly & a conditional 3rd round draft pick. Marvin Lewis always went after former Redskins when they were cut because he coached here and the Bengals have a need at RB. If Betts were traded I would look into the health of Duece Mcallister who is old but hasn't played alot the last few years because he was injured. The Saints released him early and I haven't heard of any intrest in him from other teams so maybe he isn't healthy i'm not sure though. It may be laughable but those were my thoughts today.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=89moss89;552610]I was kinda kicking this idea around in my head today. I worry that the Eagles and Giants have really upgraded alot this offseason and the Redskins finished behind these teams last season so it is going to be tougher this year. The Redskins have signed Haynesworth and drafted Orakpo and I think that will help alot but I don't think that it is enough to win out over the other 3 teams in the division (maybe the Cowboys because I think they took a few steps backward). I think the Redskins have to do more so this is my unqualified attempt to make them better. First they need a lb and I think they should go to Marcus Washington agent and attempt to resign him, if he doesn't want to come back tell them they are going to check out Leroy Hill and maybe Washington will realize that he doesn't have alot of options and will resign cheap. I think that is the only weak link left to fill on defense so thay need to turn to the offense now. I would like for the Redskins to make an offer to Levi Jones when he is cut by the Bengals to fill the hole at RT if it is cost efective. Now to the Ladell Betts part. I can't beleive that I'm saying this because I'm not a huge fan of his anticts but I wonder if the Bengals would trade Chad Johnson to the Redskins for Betts,Thomas or Kelly & a conditional 3rd round draft pick. Marvin Lewis always went after former Redskins when they were cut because he coached here and the Bengals have a need at RB. If Betts were traded I would look into the health of [B]Duece Mcallister[/B] who is old but hasn't played alot the last few years because he was injured. The Saints released him early and I haven't heard of any intrest in him from other teams so maybe he isn't healthy i'm not sure though. It may be laughable but those were my thoughts today.[/quote]
The Deuce is done my friend. Betts is way better these days. But, I do believe that sooner than later we will need to find a replacement for Betts(1-2yrs), who in turn would eventually (1-2yrs)after replacing Betts as #2, would replace Portis as the #1 back. Remember Betts is 30, Portis 27 going on 28 THIS SEASON.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=The Goat;552566]Betts wouldn't garner much value at this point and unless we replaced him w/ an upgrade, probably from FA, i don't see any reason to jetison him. Betts needs to stop fumbling regularly...IMO that is his real weakness. The rest is up to Zorn using Betts smarter i.e. give the guy several series in a row downhill running and more passes out of the backfield and i guarentee Warpathers will start singing his praises.

...to the point about our need for a change up to CP my gut has been we should go the other direction, [B]a bruiser who will pound on the defense early[/B] in a game so when CP comes in he can slash and burn his way to big yardage. I hoped Betts would take on that role...maybe add 10lbs cuz his frame would hold up and then just pound on the defense.[/quote]

I kind of liked what the Ravens did last year with McClain and Neals, they had two guys in there that tipped the scales at 280+ and just pounded the defensive lines into the mud, if Sellers can work on his fumbling issues, would it be feasable to throw Yoder back there as Seller's FB, or the other way around?

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I wish we would have ended up with a change of pace back in the draft. A la Javon Ringer or a Kory Sheets.

Betts is a downgrade from Portis in basically every aspect when he's on the field. I'd like a 3rd down scat-back kind of player who can spell Portis AND bring something different to the table.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I'd like a bigger RB like Brandon Jacobs or Marion Barber to run up the middle and let Portis cut up the sides like he was meant to do.

I think Betts would be a better ball carrier if he got more carries. Portis and Betts fumble every once in awhile although it's usually when we really don't need it.

Betts isn't expendable unless there's an upgrade waiting to take his spot. Mason has the same kind of build as Betts and Portis with the latter two having a few more years in the weight room. With Mason we're just getting a younger Portis or Betts without the experience, bulk, or skill. I do like him though.

How about this one? Which RB would you most be willing to part with and why? What Sayeth the Mob?

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;552651]I'd like a bigger RB like Brandon Jacobs or Marion Barber to run up the middle and let Portis cut up the sides like he was meant to do.

I think Betts would be a better ball carrier if he got more carries. Portis and Betts fumble every once in awhile although it's usually when we really don't need it.

Betts isn't expendable unless there's an upgrade waiting to take his spot. Mason has the same kind of build as Betts and Portis with the latter two having a few more years in the weight room. With Mason we're just getting a younger Portis or Betts without the experience, bulk, or skill. I do like him though.

How about this one? Which RB would you most be willing to part with and why? What Sayeth the Mob?[/quote]

Rock no question...like someone else said I could see this as the year he gets cut. We need something new on KR...maybe one of these young prospects.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;552651]I'd like a bigger RB like Brandon Jacobs or Marion Barber to run up the middle and let Portis cut up the sides like he was meant to do. [/quote]

I've got the perfect RB for you, [B]Michael Bush of the Raiders[/B]. In my opinion that guy could be better than Brandon Jacobs, he's a beast!! Supposedly the Raiders were shopping him before the draft. Did you see what he did to TB in TB who at the time was fighting for a playoff spot?

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;552655]I've got the perfect RB for you, [B]Michael Bush of the Raiders[/B]. In my opinion that guy could be better than Brandon Jacobs, he's a beast!! Supposedly the Raiders were shopping him before the draft. Did you see what he did to TB in TB who at the time was fighting for a playoff spot?[/quote]Bush is skilled, but the Raiders need him more than they think they do. No amount of hype is going to make Darren McFadden a great runner, nor will any amount of money make Justin Fargas reliable. Basically, their price tag on Bush will be much higher than anyone can afford for a complementary runner.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;552657]Bush is skilled, but the Raiders need him more than they think they do. No amount of hype is going to make Darren McFadden a great runner, nor will any amount of money make Justin Fargas reliable. Basically, their price tag on Bush will be much higher than anyone can afford for a complementary runner.[/quote]

They were ready to trade him for Ocho Cinco but must have come to their senses.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[URL="http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/04/28/cardinals-release-rb-james/"]Edgerrin James released[/URL]. He's not going to get any play with the Colts drafting Donald Brown, so maybe we could re-visit this in June.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=Superman13732;552632]I kind of liked what the Ravens did last year with McClain and Neals, they had two guys in there that tipped the scales at 280+ and just pounded the defensive lines into the mud, if Sellers can work on his fumbling issues, would it be feasable to throw Yoder back there as Seller's FB, or the other way around?[/quote]

THAT'S WHAT I AM SAYING!!!!!! Our skins have a history of smash mouth, rush heavy offense. I think we find a couple of big backs with potential and start developing them along with building a deep, strong OL with what's left in free agency and udfa's. With that done, JC can really develop even more.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I say cut him he's been several years and he hasn't pushed CP, we need a 2nd RB that is going to challenge CP if you can't do that you need to go in my opinion.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Simple answer...yes. Just about everyone is expendable.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=NYCskinfan82;552676]I say cut him he's been several years and he hasn't pushed CP, we need a 2nd RB that is going to challenge CP if you can't do that you need to go in my opinion.[/quote]

:doh: Sorry but "push CP"

Really? I can count all of two backs in the whole league who could be said to "push" CP...but then i tend to think that's a lousy comparison even because Peterson and Turner both run behind vastly superior lines.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=The Goat;552725]:doh: Sorry but "push CP"

Really? I can count all of two backs in the whole league who could be said to "push" CP...but then i tend to think that's a lousy comparison even because Peterson and Turner both run behind vastly superior lines.[/quote]

Amen, CP has been good for us, but take a look at his stats from his Bronco days behind thier insane line (it was insane back then, any runner that was behind it had over a thousand yards). If we can get a a couple of more pieces on that line, watch out world.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Yeah you really can't fault Betts when he gets zero carries, if Portis wouldn't throw a fit everytime hes taken out maybe Betts can see the potential come out from a couple years ago. Plus Betts getting more carries only helps Portis, for this season and maybe add some time to his career.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

What about the new "TE" the skins drafted, Eddie Williams? I know it's early to envision him doing anything like spelling Portis, but what do you think the FO had in mind when they drafted him (I'm thinking Sellers back-up)? Assuming he makes the team, perhaps he'd end up being good for some tough up-the-gut carries, although we'd need to bulk him up by 20 lbs or so. Depending on how he, Dorsey and Aldridge do in camp, we'll know exactly how much leeway we have with Rock and Betts, and if one of those guys can step up, I think that would be great for the team. As much as I love Rock (always see him and Smoot at caps games), I don't know how much he helps our team on the field.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Two Fb formation like the ravins. I think sellers can be McClain from last year, all we need is another big body in front of him to play the FB spot, and we can decimate the opposing team's front 4, and possibly LB squads, taking some much needed pressure off of the OL.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=gw0103;552562]I'm just wondering what the Redskins Fans think about Ladell Betts. The guy is a great character piece in the locker room, He does virtually anything the coaches ask, and is pretty versatile, but my thought is that He and Portis are the same mould of RB essentially.. He doesn't have the breakout speed or the line jarring bulk that We need at a #2 back.... We are going to need a RB that can shoulder some of the load so Portis can get some sort of break and have enough steam in the late to post season, and unless the guy has a serious blossoming/break-out, I don't see it.[/quote]

The guy has proven that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher in this league.
Its up to the coaches to play him.
Imo Betts lack of production its a coaching/playing time issue rather then an ability issue.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=30gut;552762]The guy has proven that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher in this league.
Its up to the coaches to play him.
Imo Betts lack of production its a coaching/playing time issue rather then an ability issue.[/quote]

He also fumbles during key times of the game....Seattle this year...st. Louis the year we lost portis for the year

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=Nflnick11;552781]He also fumbles during key times of the game....Seattle this year...st. Louis the year we lost portis for the year[/quote]

The fumble against St Louis was effing ridiculous...can't remember what I threw at the wall but it broke. Held a grudge against Betts for quite a while. But when he catches a pass out of the backfield and barrels over a defender or two I warm up to him again...Zorn needs to use him smarter and we'll have a more dynamic offense.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

he may become expendible with james being released. Then again its a 3 rb nfc east

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I would love to see him replaced, we need a number 2 who comes in and makes some noise, not fumble or lose yardage, but one who can take it to the house or pound 3,4, and 5 yards out down the middle.IMO

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I wouldnt mind Betts if Portis wasnt our #1. because like weve said during season every year... u get the feeling watching Betts hes a "CP-Lite"... a slower, less elusive RB with almost the same running style.

WE NEED A CHANGE OF PACE. either a bruiser.. or a speed demon faster or just as fast as CP.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=30gut;552762]The guy has proven that he can be a 1,000 yard rusher in this league.
Its up to the coaches to play him.
[B]Imo Betts lack of production its a coaching/playing time issue rather then an ability issue[/B].[/quote]

I agree with 30gut. If the coaches used Betts more to "spell" Portis, I think he would do a fine job. There doesn't seem to be a "change up" plan. It's more or less, run Portis until he needs a blow or gets hurt, then put Betts in. I don't know if it would be any different with any other back we'd get. I can understand wanting a speedy back or even a bruiser to put into the mix, but would he even be used? They don't seem very interested in that or they would have addressed it. Maybe that will change w/Aldridge or the other guy but using Betts more would at least save Portis from being so beat up at the end of the season. Is it because of the coaching or Portis? He doesn't seem to like being taken out unless it's his own decision.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

I always find it funny when people are like, I remember that fumble from 3 years ago and I still hate him for that. Really? Like the guy hasn't done plenty of good things since then and before? One mistake and you're gonna crucify the guy? Please.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

Expendable? Yes. I cant think of anything Betts has done to make him a must keep.

Re: Do You think Betts is Expendable?
 

[quote=Mattyk72;552897]I always find it funny when people are like, I remember that fumble from 3 years ago and I still hate him for that. Really? Like the guy hasn't done plenty of good things since then and before? One mistake and you're gonna crucify the guy? Please.[/quote]

I don't think that it was just one fumble. As a point in fact, he had 6 in 2006. Worse yet, he has done it at very inopportune times. In limited action, he has fumbled only once each of the last two years, and lost them both. I think to use the word "hate" is harsh, but "frustrated" would be very appropriate. I even remember Portis being very frustrated on the one from last year.

Still, Betts value is really as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He excels at that. Not sure why no one else has brought this up. Not the scat back people are looking for here, but he does have exceptional skills at slipping out of the backfield on screens and outlet passes. Zorn seemed to be getting much better at using him to do those things later in the year and I expect this year he will be a legit threat in the passing game.