Just revisiting this thread b/c it appears that Saunders has really taken a liking to Betts:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Wash. Times; June 19, 2006
Big on Betts
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."
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From:
http://www.washtimes.com/sports/2006...816r_page2.htm (the article is on Hall and he hopes his surgery has solved his injury problems)
I have always liked Betts. It sounds like Saunders is pretty high on him. I think he is and has been a quality back that needed some seasoning. My guess is that he will be well utilized this year and then offered a starting job somewhere else next year. If this offense works as well as I think (and everyone hopes) it will, Betts could get a chance to shine no that he has had a chance to really learn and adapt to the pro game.
We'll see how it all works out during preseason.
Appropo of nothing in this thread - I really like the comments the players are making after mini-camp. Essentially that the talent on this team is much better than on the last few years and that players who's talent was good enough to make the team last year probably aren't talented enough to make this year's squad. They were naming names or pointing fingers, just saying that the bar has been risen.
I keep saying it (and am probably jinxing us bad) - but damn I think we are going to be scary good this year. A prolific offense and a stifling, hard-hitting defense. On top of that, the team is essentially returning all its starters and it seems that everyone who is here WANTS to be here and seems to have a sense that this is going to be something special.
Then again, its early, maybe I just had too much sugar in my coffee.