Well Big Joe is gone

[JWsleep]

Hey--we've got to get younger, and the D last year was VERY bad, so it's not surprising that they go with some new blood. Both Marshall and Big Joe were great stories--real Gibbs-type skins--but the number just weren't there for those guys. We've got decent younger guys at both DT and LB, so I think it's the right move.

That being said, the young guys have to step up! Having a healthy Griff is good for whoever is next to him, and London will help all the LBs, so I am optimistic.

But cheers to both Marshall and Big Joe for these last few years--Salavea especially was a great story and a fun guy to listen to.

[Beemnseven]

Wasn't Joe Salave'a brought in as a stop-gap measure when Brandon Noble went down? Turns out he was a pleasant surprise for a time, but Salave'a was never going to be a long term answer at this position.

After last year's dreadful showing along the D-line, I don't understand why anyone could believe Salave'a deserved an automatic spot on the roster this season.

[dall-assblows]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Wasn't Joe Salave'a brought in as a stop-gap measure when Brandon Noble went down? Turns out he was a pleasant surprise for a time, but Salave'a was never going to be a long term answer at this position.

After last year's dreadful showing along the D-line, I don't understand why anyone could believe Salave'a deserved an automatic spot on the roster this season.

he was injured for the majority of last year. hense the starting of golston.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by dall-assblows

he was injured for the majority of last year. hense the starting of golston.

Yep. Which is why he never should have been counted on as a long term answer at DT, and really, it shouldn't be a shocker that he isn't here now.

[70Chip]

I understand the move, but I can't help but think there will be some goalline stand this year where he could have been mighty useful. I hope we don't get gutted up the middle. Golston is aggressive and he makes plays, but he also can be pushed around at times. Joe was very difficult to move. He could be stymied but it usually happened right where he stood.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

I understand the move, but I can't help but think there will be some goalline stand this year where he could have been mighty useful. I hope we don't get gutted up the middle. Golston is aggressive and he makes plays, but he also can be pushed around at times. Joe was very difficult to move. He could be stymied but it usually happened right where he stood.

It's really not hard at all to replace a run stuffer like Joe. After all, it's not like his skill set was ever in high demand.

I am however worried that we do not have that replacement on the roster.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

It's really not hard at all to replace a run stuffer like Joe. After all, it's not like his skill set was ever in high demand.

I am however worried that we do not have that replacement on the roster.

I have to believe that Golston beefed up in the offseason to be able to play the run, as well as the pass. Between Golston and Montgomery, I think we may have enough run-stoppers if those two play as well as the coaching staff thinks they can.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I have to believe that Golston beefed up in the offseason to be able to play the run, as well as the pass. Between Golston and Montgomery, I think we may have enough run-stoppers if those two play as well as the coaching staff thinks they can.

Golston obviously relies on his speed moves to be successful. Not sure how much a weight gain will help him if he's still trying to penetrate as opposed to stalemate. If anything, seems that added weight make make him a step slower...

For the record, I think a DT who can get through the OL is a lot more valuable than one who is big strong and takes up space, not only against the run, but against the pass. Golston was not that good against the run last year, and I really think this weight gain will only hurt his game.

However, the experience he has added over the offseason should more than nullify this effect. I just think he would have been better playing at a more "natural" weight. Assuming of course that he was told to gain weight by the coaches.

[DirteePosse]

Yeah, best wishes to Salavea and Marshall. They were good to go and i would have loved to see them keep playing for the Redskins. Hopefully, Big Joe will get picked up by another team.

[skinsnut]

Does anyone think this slot is being opened up for a replacement not already on the team? remember Simeon Rice is still out there and his price is probably dropping. (just speculating folks...dont shoot me!)

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by skinsnut

Does anyone think this slot is being opened up for a replacement not already on the team? remember Simeon Rice is still out there and his price is probably dropping. (just speculating folks...dont shoot me!)

No, we're rolling with what we have. I think you'll see Alexander and perhaps someone like Buzbee (Georgetown) battle for the last position. You have to figure D. Evans fits in there somewhere too.

But I would be suprised if they brought in any new faces at this point. Ummm....Simeon Rice is most definitely out of the picture.

[stu_nna]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

No, we're rolling with what we have. I think you'll see Alexander and perhaps someone like Buzbee (Georgetown) battle for the last position. You have to figure D. Evans fits in there somewhere too.

But I would be suprised if they brought in any new faces at this point. Ummm....Simeon Rice is most definitely out of the picture.

But damn Evans over Salavae? I'm not feelin that. I believe it may have had to do with his long term durability. The coaches probably have a close ear to the training room this year. Those with a prior injury history are probably being carefully watched. If Joe got nicked that may have been the reason...

[dall-assblows]

i was aite with the marshall release but joe, not so much

[MTK]

I think JLC summed things up pretty well here:

Big Joe getting cut has been lingering for a while - think I blogged about it well before the start of camp- but to his credit he looked healhty and active this camp. I thought if they keep 9 guys he'd have a shot, but even with Joe looking refreshed, they knew it was time to bleed some kids there, and Golston, Montgomery, Wilson and Alexander could likely all make this team (obviously Golston and Montgomery will). Joe would have had to have an truly outstanding camp to make the team, and given his injury history I can see why they would look at other guys.

It stinks on a lot of levels, but that's the business. It's very cruel, especially this time of year.

It's about time they went with more kids there and longterm it's the right move. From a chemistry standpoint, losing Lemar and Salave'a in the span of the week is a big blow to the locker room, but this is a team that was ranked 31st a year ago on D, so that's going to happen.

It's one where your heart says keep him around, but the mind tells you something else. Overall, I like what the Skins are doing on D. Nine months ago they looked old, but now you see Landry, Taylor, Carlos, Rocky, Golston, Montgomery and even a kid like Wilson - who could fill that Chris Clemons role from a few years ago - and it bodes well for the future.

Redskins Insider

[SmootSmack]

How about Justin Hickman, did he get any quality PT last Saturday?