Larry Johnson Cut

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Buster

Portis didn't run 7 yards backwards.

Portis didn't run a lot either. Personally, I don't understand why we got LJ in the first place, it's just that people need to realize that there's an issue with the run block in general, and not just one player.

Now, if Portis runs for 100+ yds against a good team, then we're all good. Until then, there is a problem with the running game.

Once again, fans focused on just one player and missing the big picture.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

I think before people go nuts on the LJ bashing, you may want to stop and realize that our offensive line is not doing the best run blocking. LJ played well in Cincy, which has a good power run game. Right now the team seems to be a pass first offense, something that might be a bit hard to get used to given our history of being run-first.

You make a good point Rush, but the big picture you're alluding too is being missed here.

I have no problem with the team cutting him if that's what they decided to do. He had limited opportunities, didn't contribute on teams, and had to deal with whatever deficiencies are those of the O/L that prohibits the running game from producing thus far, regardless of who the runner is. RB's need reps to be effective in any offense, he didn't and obviously wasn't going to get that here.

[saden1]

LOL @ cutting LJ. Makes you have to question the rational of the coaching staff at this point in the game. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures...the question is are we a desperate team?

[tryfuhl]

I don't think that any of our backs with the exception of Portis were above being cut at this point

this brings in a little youth and competition, he and Torain can battle it out for ST/3rd RB -- loser goes to PS

[NYCskinfan82]

I beleive if we sign someone of someone else's PS they have to make the squad they can not be placed on our PS someone please confirm.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by NYCskinfan82

I beleive if we sign someone of someone else's PS they have to make the squad they can not be placed on our PS someone please confirm.

That is correct. If you pluck a player from another teams practice squard, he must be signed to your 53 man roster.

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

That is correct. If you pluck a player from another teams practise squard, he must be signed to your 53 man roster.

Thanks for the confirmation.

[SirClintonPortis]

Originally Posted by SolidSnake84

It says in our paper here that Johnson could be re-signed after Sunday's game, kind of similar to what Pittsburgh did with Byron Leftwich.

They apparently need the roster spot temporarily.

Maybe so. But why Simpson? To scout the Colts?

[tryfuhl]

that's right.. my fault

can always cut him

[NYCskinfan82]

I think they might be looking at him as a 3rd down back a Westbrook type back.

[SirClintonPortis]

Originally Posted by NYCskinfan82

I think they might be looking at him as a 3rd down back a Westbrook type back.

Or a home run hitter. Simpson's got that speed. If he has the agility and cutting ability, we are golden.

[irish]

I said it before on a different thread that its amazing how good the line looks pass-blocking now that there is a QB that can get the ball out. I think the line would look a lot better run-blocking if the Skins had a quick RB that could hit holes fast.

[scowan]

Originally Posted by irish

I said it before on a different thread that its amazing how good the line looks pass-blocking now that there is a QB that can get the ball out. I think the line would look a lot better run-blocking if the Skins had a quick RB that could hit holes fast.

Irish, I would agree with you, but there aren't that many holes. I would love to see that push from our line where Portis makes his cut 1 or 2 yards up field. Right now he is stopped in the back field many times because the Defenses we are playing are pushing our guys off the line. Portis is stuggling just to get in between a seam when he makes his cut, because there is just not much there to work with. Our line is obviously a work in progress and it will take at least another year and 2 more solid linemen in my opinion before the Skins can cover up for the other less than solid guys we have.

I think the Skins could have les than talented RBs if the line was better. Right now it takes a superb RB to make our line look good and Portis is the only one that is close. Larry Johnson would have needed an excelent line to look good because he is slow.

[MTK]

Yeah a speedy back might help, but the thing with the zone scheme is it does require some patience, and vision as well.

At the end of the Cowboys game, and at a point last week the running game showed some flashes. I really don't think we've made a full commitment to it just yet. And as some have already said, this scheme does take some time to get the chemistry working.

[over the mountain]

any chance defenses are starting to fully understand the ZBS and how to combat it? or has the ZBS been around long enough that teams are already know how to fully prepare for it and other known ZBS teams are running it well this year so its just us going thru expected growing pains of a new O line and new scheme?