Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*

[Ruhskins]

Rock is valuable to have as a KR. Even if Rock becomes #2 why not have someone like Alexander at #3 or have both of them split the carries. I could be wrong, but I think Rock has had problems holding on to the ball as a RB. I think this is a low-risk move by the team, that could work out great if Alexander has something left in the tank.

And to the Marcus Mason fan club, remember how terrible he did when he played the starters in one of the latter pre-season games. He did great against scrubs, I just don't see him doing that great as a backup.

[724Skinsfan]

It seems it could be a decent pickup for more than just spelling CP until Betts gets back. I'm thinking that eventually Zorn is going to turn his attention to tweaking the running game to suit his overall offensive philosophy. Having Alexander on board to assist with the transition could prove useful.

[RMSkins]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

It seems it could be a decent pickup for more than just spelling CP until Betts gets back. I'm thinking that eventually Zorn is going to turn his attention to tweaking the running game to suit his overall offensive philosophy. Having Alexander on board to assist with the transition could prove useful.

Why would Zorn want to "tweak" our running game when we have one of the best rushing offenses in the league?

[rypper11]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

It seems it could be a decent pickup for more than just spelling CP until Betts gets back. I'm thinking that eventually Zorn is going to turn his attention to tweaking the running game to suit his overall offensive philosophy. Having Alexander on board to assist with the transition could prove useful.

Why tweak when you have the #1 rushing offense in the league? That's like a new coordinator in New England messing with Brady's delivery.

[Monkeydad]

Another thing that has not been mentioned, Alexander knows Zorn's system already...or at least the passing part of it.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by Buster

Another thing that has not been mentioned, Alexander knows Zorn's system already...or at least the passing part of it.

I'm sorry I keep hearing this in some fashion and I must have missed something. When did SA learn Zorn's offense? He knows Seatles offense. Zorn didn't design it. Zorn didn't develope it. He was the QB coach. SA knows Holmgrens(sp) offense. Yes, Zorn's offense should look similar due to the fact that all WCO look similar but even Zorn said he was going to change up what he knew and learned in Seatle and make it a better passing offense.

SA also has to learn the terminology. Even though most WCO's use similar terms, each coach will have to have his own terminology so other teams will not know what play is being called. Something SA will have to learn within a week. Also the running game is supposed to be Gibbs running system. Does SA know Gibbs running system? Even if he is hired he will be either not used unless in an emergency or utilized very little simply for the reasons above.

I mentioned Marcus, yes cause I'm a fan, but also cause he knows the plays. He knows the calls. He knows where to head with the ball. and....yes he did have problems with the regulars ....maybe cause the linemen were having trouble opening holes for him against regulars. Look at our first game against the Giants. We stuggled with the run. Portis had a hard time. Since then the linemen have been able to gel and get their blocking scheme's down. The holes are their for either Portis or Betts which means they should be their for Marcus.

but, no matter how much I try or anyone else tries to prove or disprove their points on here the Skins coach's/ front office will do what they think is best. We all will have to support who ever is put back their. I just hope they are not making a mistake in writing off Mason and going with a RB that has had knee problems, shoulder problems, hand problems and has been knocked out by one of our own. Go Skins.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Buster
Another thing that has not been mentioned, Alexander knows Zorn's system already...or at least the passing part of it.

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I'm sorry I keep hearing this in some fashion and I must have missed something. When did SA learn Zorn's offense? He knows Seatles offense. Zorn didn't design it. Zorn didn't develope it. He was the QB coach. SA knows Holmgrens(sp) offense. Yes, Zorn's offense should look similar due to the fact that all WCO look similar but even Zorn said he was going to change up what he knew and learned in Seatle and make it a better passing offense.

See here:

Oct 15 RB Shaun Alexander, who signed with Washington on Tuesday, isn't exactly in unfamiliar territory. Alexander has the same position coach -- Stump Mitchell -- he had throughout his eight-year tenure in Seattle. Head coach Jim Zorn was a Seahawks assistant the past seven seasons. Alexander was a classmate of left tackle Chris Samuels and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin at Alabama, a teammate of cornerback Shawn Springs in Seattle and of running back Clinton Portis at the 2003 Pro Bowl. “This is an exciting time for me," said Alexander, who signed with Washington on Tuesday to replace the injured Ladell Betts as a backup to NFL rushing leader Clinton Portis. "I just like the atmosphere. They're winners already. To be a part of that is a good thing. It being coach Zorn and Stump being here, I already knew they worked well together. Clinton and I played together in the Pro Bowl. Chris Samuels and Cornelius (Griffin), we graduated from Alabama together. It just fits and I'm really excited." So are the Redskins. "He's a tremendous back," Zorn said. "He has uncanny acceleration. He can glance off of guys. He's a bigger load than a lot of people think. His cuts are immediate and they have the same kind of speed. You could see that out there today."

Shaun Alexander - Washington Redskins - News - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

[johnerotten]

rock is too good on special teams.as long as he does'nt have fumbleitus,i'm ok with SA.

[hail_2_da_skins]

All of you Shaun Alexander supporters have short term memory. The bum doesn't run with the same determination he had when he was an overrated Pro Bowler. I've watched too many of his games and he always tends to avoid contact. Runs out of bounds whenever possible. Has alligator arms when he anticipates a hit after a catch. Falls down upon first contact. He is the exact opposite of Clinton Portis. This guy would be a cancer in the backfield. The Redskins are better off without him. I hate to say I told you so, but wait until you see this guy fall down at first contact. You will be booing him like Durant Brooks. Please, please, Vinny don't do it.

[nyredskinsfan]

I listened to an interview a while back, prior to start of season I think, and S.A. stated he just wanted to play. He was healthy, fired up, and didn't care as long as he could contribute. I think it's a good move. Randy

[CA_Redskins]

Anyone who doesn't love this is crazy!

All upside. No downside.

Alexander is a proven RB, willing to run for cheap, and knows the JZ pass offense. This could be a match made in heaven.

Could he be a bust? Yup. Back where we started.

Could he be the one piece of the puzzle that creates the best 1-2 punch in the NFL? Yup.

Someone, please tell me why this isn't a great move? I'm still looking.
Rock over Sean? Please. I didn't see #31 on my old Madden game.

[johnerotten]

i just wonder who will get the ax when betts comes back?

[SFREDSKIN]

Originally Posted by johnerotten

i just wonder who will get the ax when betts comes back?

Justin Hamilton was the sacrificial lamb.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I like this move. I agree that there is huge upside for us and not to much downside. If he comes in and isn't ready we can just dump him if need be. Mason is still out there. I am kinda surprised that mason wasn't brought back in.

[Ruhskins]

Bring back the Wishbone Formation to the NFL! Portis, Betts, Alexander! LOL.