Casserly Keeping his options open

[MTK]

I honestly don't think we knew what we had in Betts... plus when you factor in his history of injuries and that's why we went after insurance in Duckett.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I honestly don't think we knew what we had in Betts... plus when you factor in his history of injuries and that's why we went after insurance in Duckett.

Oh come on. With the way Al Sauners was going ga-ga over Ladell Betts before the season began? Even with their apprehension with Betts' history of injury, we still had Cartwright.

It was a blunder plain and simple. One of many, I might add.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Oh come on. With the way Al Sauners was going ga-ga over Ladell Betts before the season began? Even with their apprehension with Betts' history of injury, we still had Cartwright.

It was a blunder plain and simple. One of many, I might add.

The only part that is a blunder, in my opinion, was giving a pick to get him. Without question, they needed another back besides Betts and Cartwright after Portis went down, but giving up a third round pick for Duckett was pretty stupid.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Grim21Reaper

The only part that is a blunder, in my opinion, was giving a pick to get him. Without question, they needed another back besides Betts and Cartwright after Portis went down, but giving up a third round pick for Duckett was pretty stupid.

I don't know -- Cartwright had 27 carries last year for 199 yards in the 3rd spot behind Portis and Betts. This year Duckett has 30 for 118. Not that big a difference.

With as much as he busts his tail for special teams, you'd think the coaches have the confidence in Rock to be the third back. I don't want him for long stretches mind you, but a player on T.J. Duckett's level meant that a draft choice had to be in the offering to get him.

I think we'd have been fine with Cartwright.

And that's what I think has been one of the factors to the team's demise this year: Overkill with personnel on offense, while neglecting the obvious age of the defensive line.

[Bill B]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

I don't know -- Cartwright had 27 carries last year for 199 yards in the 3rd spot behind Portis and Betts. This year Duckett has 30 for 118. Not that big a difference.

With as much as he busts his tail for special teams, you'd think the coaches have the confidence in Rock to be the third back. I don't want him for long stretches mind you, but a player on T.J. Duckett's level meant that a draft choice had to be in the offering to get him.

I think we'd have been fine with Cartwright.

And that's what I think has been one of the factors to the team's demise this year: Overkill with personnel on offense, while neglecting the obvious age of the defensive line.

Beemnseven - I thought the Redskins were one of the oldest teams in the NFL overall as well - not just on the defensive side of the ball - correct?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Bill B

Beemnseven - I thought the Redskins were one of the oldest teams in the NFL overall as well - not just on the defensive side of the ball - correct?

Well, at the offensive line, Jansen and Thomas are the oldest, each with 8 seasons in the league. Behind them is Chris Samuels, with 7 seasons, Rabach has 5, and Dockery has 4. Not the oldest, but sometimes offensive linemen get into their best grooves later on. The biggest advantage we have is their time together. In 2007, that'll be 3 years playing together for all five of them, and 5 years for everyone except Rabach. That's fantastic continuity in this day and age.

Moss, Randle El, and Lloyd have 6, 5, and 4 seasons in the league respectively. Again, not the oldest tandem there is, in fact their experience is just where you'd like it.

Portis is young, but he's got lots of mileage; Betts was drafted the same year, (2002), and Jason Campbell is a youngster. Factor in Cooley, and this offense is young and vibrant at the skill positions -- with just the right level of maturity along the O-line.

Question is, will they gel to form a potent attack? I think so. It's all on Campbell and his chemistry with the receivers he's got.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

I don't know -- Cartwright had 27 carries last year for 199 yards in the 3rd spot behind Portis and Betts. This year Duckett has 30 for 118. Not that big a difference.

With as much as he busts his tail for special teams, you'd think the coaches have the confidence in Rock to be the third back. I don't want him for long stretches mind you, but a player on T.J. Duckett's level meant that a draft choice had to be in the offering to get him.

I think we'd have been fine with Cartwright.

And that's what I think has been one of the factors to the team's demise this year: Overkill with personnel on offense, while neglecting the obvious age of the defensive line.

The only problem that I would see having only Cartwright and Betts is that 1. Cartwright is a cog on all of the special teams. Those guys are always a play away from a season ender (see Prieleau sp? I love Taylor on teams but what happens if he gets hurt)

2. Betts has a long history of nagging injuries. If they went into the season with only Betts and Cartwright, that would be a leap of faith.

Anyway, I love Betts and what he brings to the table. I also love Cartwright and his versatility, but I think they had to have another good back. Giving up a third rounder was stupid. Especially since that will probably be a top 7 pick in the 3rd round.

[redsk1]

Originally Posted by Grim21Reaper

The only problem that I would see having only Cartwright and Betts is that 1. Cartwright is a cog on all of the special teams. Those guys are always a play away from a season ender (see Prieleau sp? I love Taylor on teams but what happens if he gets hurt)

2. Betts has a long history of nagging injuries. If they went into the season with only Betts and Cartwright, that would be a leap of faith.

Anyway, I love Betts and what he brings to the table. I also love Cartwright and his versatility, but I think they had to have another good back. Giving up a third rounder was stupid. Especially since that will probably be a top 7 pick in the 3rd round.

Don't forget we have James Thrash as a special teamer too. He's been here all year. So if Rock had to focus on O we still have options.