Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*

[mheisig]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Thank You! You beat me to it. What is wrong with Mason that they would not pull him back from the Ravens? He knows the plays, knows the calls, and has worked with the team recently so you will see continuity. Nothing against SA but he will have to come in here and learn the terminology, learn the blocking scheme (cause it was a Gibbs running plan not WCO), and get connected with the players.

Is it his size? are they looking for a heavy power runner and Mason is not but 215 pounds? I don't get it. He had the most yrds out of all the RB in preseason. Bring back Mason. Keep grooming him.

Like someone pointed out earlier, there have been knocks from coaches on Mason's "football intelligence" and his ability to grasp the playbook.

He did have the most yards out of all RBs in the preseason - he also got all those yards against 3rd and 4th string guys and scrubs.

Obviously the coaches see something they don't like or don't see something they think is necessary. Either way, they've spent way the hell more time evaluating him than any of us have.

[CRedskinsRule]

I could see this being a good short term move. the main thing is to have a couple options for when CP comes out. Ladell and Rock always worked in complement to each other to spell CP and I think that always contributes to the defenses getting worn down by the 4th qtr. The biggest concern would be if it hurts Rocks motivation. But he knows he has a home here so it i would hope its ok

[Dblock804]

Shut the front door. The guy is soft.

[BleedBurgundy]

This reminds me of the TJ Duckett trade, only there's no down side. Good move, imo.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by mheisig

Like someone pointed out earlier, there have been knocks from coaches on Mason's "football intelligence" and his ability to grasp the playbook.

He did have the most yards out of all RBs in the preseason - he also got all those yards against 3rd and 4th string guys and scrubs.

Obviously the coaches see something they don't like or don't see something they think is necessary. Either way, they've spent way the hell more time evaluating him than any of us have.

Obviously something the coach's are seeing or not seeing that we don't, and I am biased about my oppinion. However, when you listen to RB talk they all say about the same thing. Portis seems to say/illude to it all the time and that is ...the RB just has to find the right hole. Mason did that in preseason. whether with scrubbs or not he always found the right hole and got yardage. Maybe he's dumber then a box of rocks, but he knows that plays, knows the calls, and has team chemistry. SA will have one wk to get into shape, learn the plays and the calls for the plays, and build chemistry. but if I'm right all he has to do is look for a hole.

How soon will SA go down with a knee or shoulder injury?

[Paintrain]

Alexander is good veteran depth with Betts out up to a month, gives us a proven body as a backup to Portis, he knows the offense and has MUCH better hands than Rock as the primary backup. No downside here.

[MTK]

I thought they were saying 2 weeks for Betts, now it's a month?

[BDBohnzie]

Alexander has a chip on his shoulder, and would provide ample depth if Betts is out for an extended period of time. And if it doesn't work out, the Skins can cut their losses and be done with it. If it does work out, the Skins would then have 4 backs who can shoulder the load if need be.

[redsk1]

Didn't read all of the posts, but why not Rock for #2? Alexander may be brought in for a #3 anyway. Rock deserves a shot. When given the opportunity he was pretty good.

Alexander has been called soft by our own team. Marcus Washington in so many words called him that after taking him out of that playoff game a couple years ago. I don't think you want a guy like that on your team.

[MTK]

Rock is too valuable on teams I'm guessing. If he were to get hurt we'd be down a backup RB and our primary return man on kicks.

[Redskins_P]

I don't know how anyone can say that Mason is a "proven" runner. What has he proven? That he can run the ball in the PRESEASON against 2nd and 3rd stringers? Has he even touched the ball during the regular season?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Redskins_P

I don't know how anyone can say that Mason is a "proven" runner. What has he proven? That he can run the ball in the PRESEASON against 2nd and 3rd stringers? Has he even touched the ball during the regular season?

I think a new poll is in order.

Most overrated preseason Redskins running back:

Sultan McCullough
Marcus Mason

As for Rock, to Matty's point if he goes down we're down not only another running back but our primary kick returner (and keep in mind Betts is usually his main backup on kickoffs, if not Thrash).

As for Alexander, first there's no guarantee he'll be signed. Secondly, if he is what's the harm? He knows the system better than any other back on the team and is only going to be asked to spell Portis for a few plays (if even that).

[SFREDSKIN]

If you want to look at positives for signing Alexander here they are:

Hungry to prove he can still play
Great on screen passes
Knows coaching staff and most of the system
Cheap signing

[hail_2_da_skins]

This is a bad move. Shaun Alexander has been without a job for awhile and there is a reason why. He sucks. Every team in the NFL has passed on him because he is injury prone and does not run hard anymore. Whatever happened to Marcus Mason? He looked like a Clinton Portis clone in pre-season. The guy deserves a shot and Rock Cartwright deserves the opportunity to move up in the depth chart if Betts is unable to go. Let's not waste time, money or effort on a broke down back. The emphasis should be placed on getting a punter and a wide receiver if Malcolm Kelly is going the injured reserve.

[Darrell_Green_28]

any updates on this and/or the punters?