Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by SFREDSKIN

Why waste time with him when we have a proven player in Marcus Mason, even if it was during the pre-season.

Read that back to yourself.



It's not a bad move, since we don't know the extent of Betts' knee and it has been said on here that Cartwright fumbles at RB. We saw on Sunday what fumbles will do to a good team, even against a horrible team.

For an emergency or 3rd-string depth back or even just someone to let CP catch his breath, it's not a bad idea to pick up another RB if Betts will miss time or be limited.

His main issue in his final year was a broken hand that didn't allow him to hold onto the ball. It's been given PLENTY of time to heal. He could be a good change-of-pace back because of his size.

I'm OK with it. Not excited or care either way, since it's likely another T.J. Duckett-like insurance policy.

[steveo395]

Why would they sign Shaun Alexander. He is washed up and doesn't run hard at all. If they really have to sign somebody it should be Marcus Mason.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Marcus Mason supposedly lacks "football intelligence" and had a hard time learning the playbook. Mason looked good against backups in the preseason, but it's hard to say he's proven or would certainly be a better signing than SA.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

Marcus Mason supposedly lacks "football intelligence" and had a hard time learning the playbook. Mason looked good against backups in the preseason, but it's hard to say he's proven or would certainly be a better signing than SA.

Yeah apparently he's a bad blocker and iffy on special teams. I like the guy though. It's not like Shaun Alexander is going to contribute on either of those fronts.

[JWsleep]

Obviously, Stump and Zorn know the guy--they must think he's still got something.

Don't know what to make of it--lack of confidence in Rock? Need 3 RBs in any event, with SA at #3 with a few weeks to prove himself?

[The Goat]

This whole situation w/ Betts bothers the shit out of me. I mean that I want CP to get a break now and then and Betts is the perfect guy - I wish we could get more accurate info on the status of his knee.

Beyond Betts I don't really give a rip who spells Portis, cause it won't matter all that much. Alexander, Rock, whoever all have major downside compared w/ Betts. We go from having a legitimate 2nd threat in the backfield to just a body.

[johnerotten]

maybe he wants to let portis rest a little more each game until the 4th quarter.
the pounding he takes every week has got to sting after awhile.i just hope that SA has gotten over his fumble problems and is'nt looking for another huge payday.

[KLHJ2]

I do not like the move. Like previously stated; Marcus Mason should be signed from B-More's practice squad. We already have 3 solid backs with their knees pretty much intact. Ladell Betts is an exception to that, but he shouldn't require surgery.

I would rather pay the Rookie min for a guy who was with us all preseason and has a career ahead of him, than Vet min for a guy with no knees who only knows half of the offense.

This is a "what have you done for me lately?" league. Alexander was cut from the team that he won MVP with because he had not done enough the past 2 seasons to keep the team confident in his abilities.

Rock Cartwright, a team captain, has paid his dues, and has had 100 yard games when given the opportunity. Let the man get some carries, he is hungry and durable. In fact I cannot remember the last time that this man was injured and could not play.

If we do not sign Mason and we want a security blanket as a 3rd runner, then throw Sellars into the mix to get a few more carries. I guarantee you that he would be just as productive as Alexander.

All in all this is a waste of time IMO, and I view it as a former boss trying to get one of his former employees some work. The sad thing is that Alexander hasn't done anything, nor are we really in a position to warrant the "thought" serious consideration.

[horse]

We got nothing to lose people, Kelly's probly going on IR anyway. We saw the benefit of having a guy who's been in a system last year with Todd Collins. I think Alexander would be good for short yardage and passing plays on third down. And if he's still got it and they put Portis and him in at the same time the D won't know what to do, It could be great.

[BleedBurgundy]

I am ok with this move. Alexander is a great back when he wants to be. Seeing as how no one came knocking down his door, I would expect him to have some motivation. Hell, Cedric Benson was signed before him.

[MTK]

Seems like a low risk move to me. Why not give him a shot?

[mheisig]

What have we got to lose?

I will say I'll be blown away if he's in anything approaching football condition. The guy was cut months ago and hasn't been on a team since - unless he's got one hell of a workout program I'd be surprised if he's got the strength and conditioning to last more than a handful of plays.

[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

[BleedBurgundy]

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

[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.