bigger role for Betts this year?

[30gut]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Yes you guys could be right. Maybe I have no clue what I'm talking about. But the team apparently seems to think they need the change of pace back cause that's what the position coach said on Redskins Nation. He stated the team was going to look for the change of pace back or scat back. Then they bring in two smaller speedier RB's. Hmmm. If it's just a fad and not needed one would think Zorn would say "we don't need it. we have Betts." but apparently he agrees cause the team brought in not 1 but 2 smaller speedier backs to take a look at.

Those backs that were brought in are long shots to even make the team, much less become a featured part of the offense.

When you speak about what the team is apparently thinking i'll take me ques from the OC:

"The guy that's been standing out to me is Ladell Betts," Smith said of the running back who serves as Clinton Portis's backup. "To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me.

Redskins Insider - Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts

[vallin21]

Originally Posted by 30gut

Those backs that were brought in are long shots to even make the team, much less become a featured part of the offense.

When you speak about what the team is apparently thinking i'll take me ques from the OC:

"The guy that's been standing out to me is Ladell Betts," Smith said of the running back who serves as Clinton Portis's backup. "To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me.

Redskins Insider - Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts

They're definitely not long shots, there's a reason why Zorn got 2 RB's that are speed backs and 1 whose a tweener, so I think it's pretty obvious they're looking for an upgrade. We just don't know what these guys can do yet. I'd bet a pretty penny Rock gets cut after Preseason.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by vallin21

They're definitely not long shots, there's a reason why Zorn got 2 RB's that are speed backs and 1 whose a tweener, so I think it's pretty obvious they're looking for an upgrade. We just don't know what these guys can do yet. I'd bet a pretty penny Rock gets cut after Preseason.

I get the same feeling also. Either Betts or Rock goes and since Rock is only taking on one role and the team likes players who fill several roles I can see Rock being let go....so long as the replacement is half decent.

I also think Zorn did not know exactly what he had as players. Not saying he did not look at film or know a little about the player prior to him becoming HC just that he did not understand each players specific abilities totally. I think he stayed status quo since the running game somewhat worked for Gibbs and he needed atleast some part of the offense to lean on. I think after last yr he better understands what he has and wants to tweek the running game.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by 30gut

Those backs that were brought in are long shots to even make the team, much less become a featured part of the offense.

When you speak about what the team is apparently thinking i'll take me ques from the OC:

"The guy that's been standing out to me is Ladell Betts," Smith said of the running back who serves as Clinton Portis's backup. "To me, he's stepped his game up. He's preparing like he's a starter. He's taken a leadership role, which I'm not saying he wasn't a leader before, but I just think he's a very good player. He's jumped out to me.

Redskins Insider - Smith: Offense Up To Speed -- And Watch Betts

Interesting.....so since Zorn spoke highly of Mason last night in interviews saying that he has great talent and he wished he didn't let him go last yr...does that mean he's a shoe in since Zorn is above the OC?

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Interesting.....so since Zorn spoke highly of Mason last night in interviews saying that he has great talent and he wished he didn't let him go last yr...does that mean he's a shoe in since Zorn is above the OC?

That's true, but to be fair, he also said that it was a good position to be in to have to cut good players. Apparently they think there is a lot of talent at that position and we can't keep them all. I would think Sherman Smith and Stump Mitchell would have a lot to say about it.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

That's true, but to be fair, he also said that it was a good position to be in to have to cut good players. Apparently they think there is a lot of talent at that position and we can't keep them all. I would think Sherman Smith and Stump Mitchell would have a lot to say about it.

I'm just poking fun. Honestly does anyone even think the Coach's would put anything less then the best player on the field. I get uptight sometimes when people slam Mason or say he "did it against 2nd stringers" but I know out of all the RB's he was let go for a reason. Perhaps the talent level was just so good they had to pick the RB with the least talent or the one not performing several duties. I don't know. What I do know is they kept him and put him on the practice squad for a reason. They had to let someone go in order to bring someone else in at another position. Then we lost him. I'm sure he's gratefull to be able to have a second chance at making the team and I hope he does well. Plus I would like for us to get younger as well as have a RB being developed for the future. One Portis can work with. Although the other two are vetrans they are older then Portis and I can see all three retiring at the same time causing us to have to find a replacement. It would be nice to have that replacement learning already. Maybe even getting a play here or there.

As far as the speedsters....I believe we need atleast one of them. Call it what ever you want but we have not had a RB that could take it to the edge in a long while. Years. We need someone who can do that.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Interesting.....so since Zorn spoke highly of Mason last night in interviews saying that he has great talent and he wished he didn't let him go last yr...does that mean he's a shoe in since Zorn is above the OC?

You really know how to take a statement and run wild with it huh?

I was responding to a poster that was saying that Aldridge and Dorsey were brought in to become the 'change of pace backs'.

i was just pointing out that for me, i'll look to the player the OC likes to become a 'change of pace back' rather then a couple of longshots


Yeah, sure, of course it means that Mason is a shoe in to start.
-JK

Zorn also said that when you have to cut good players like Mason it speaks highly of the talent already on the team.