Samuels Will Hold Noon Press Conference on Thursday to Announce Retirement

[GTripp0012]

It'll be interesting to see what kind of role Randy Thomas plays this year. Unless you count Dockery, he really is the last piece of the old guard that's still here. I have to imagine he will be the day one RG, but if he makes it to Week 3, that will be 2 times in the last 4 seasons he's plugged all the way to late September.

With that said, Thomas is still very clearly our best lineman, when healthy. But at this point, I'm not even sure that's average.

[MTK]

If they bring Thomas back you would think it would have to be as a backup only.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

If they bring Thomas back you would think it would have to be as a backup only.

I would think that with the current status quo at the position, he and Dockery are the opening day guards. And I don't believe a late round draft choice would change that.

In addition, the players on the FA market who have experience in the Shanahan-Shanahan system primarily have played LG.

Rinehart could beat him out again this year, it's more than possible and would be a great thing for the long term status of the line, but in the absence of that occuring, I think RT's starting job is safe.

I think we'll look in at bringing in both Wiegmann and Hamilton to play the Center position, but feel confident that the depth chart at RG will either be Thomas-Rinehart (Rinehart-Thomas?), or Thomas-late round rookie.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

If they bring Thomas back you would think it would have to be as a backup only.

I agree with this but they need to rip up his old contract first.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I would think that with the current status quo at the position, he and Dockery are the opening day guards. And I don't believe a late round draft choice would change that.

In addition, the players on the FA market who have experience in the Shanahan-Shanahan system primarily have played LG.

Rinehart could beat him out again this year, it's more than possible and would be a great thing for the long term status of the line, but in the absence of that occuring, I think RT's starting job is safe.

I think we'll look in at bringing in both Wiegmann and Hamilton to play the Center position, but feel confident that the depth chart at RG will either be Thomas-Rinehart (Rinehart-Thomas?), or Thomas-late round rookie.

Isn't Big Mike just as good or better than Rinehart?

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

Isn't Big Mike just as good or better than Rinehart?

Doubt it. They're different kinds of Guards, but Mike Williams can't make the cut block on the interior that was so critical to the zone rushing attack. He can hold his own in one on one protection, but I don't think that Rinehart is going to struggle with a majority of 3-techniques and blitzing ILBs.

Last year, it probably wouldn't much have mattered which guy was playing, we weren't going to be able to run the ball. Going forward, Rinehart is better.

I don't think Shanahan is going to make any attempt to re-sign Mike Williams, who came here on a one-year deal.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Doubt it. They're different kinds of Guards, but Mike Williams can't make the cut block on the interior that was so critical to the zone rushing attack. He can hold his own in one on one protection, but I don't think that Rinehart is going to struggle with a majority of 3-techniques and blitzing ILBs.

Last year, it probably wouldn't much have mattered which guy was playing, we weren't going to be able to run the ball. Going forward, Rinehart is better.

I don't think Shanahan is going to make any attempt to re-sign Mike Williams, who came here on a one-year deal.

It sounds like you don't think he could improve any. I was hopeful that with a healthy foot, being used to his new body type and the first year of playing football after many off would leave some room for improvement.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

It sounds like you don't think he could improve any. I was hopeful that with a healthy foot, being used to his new body type and the first year of playing football after many off would leave some room for improvement.

There's probably something to that, but even if you're right and I'm wrong, he's still a 30 year old playing RG for the first time in his career. Any gains he made would be short lived.

We certainly have the option at returning him on a contract near the veteran minimum. I just don't foresee Shanahan using an OL roster spot on him.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

There's probably something to that, but even if you're right and I'm wrong, he's still a 30 year old playing RG for the first time in his career. Any gains he made would be short lived.

We certainly have the option at returning him on a contract near the veteran minimum. I just don't foresee Shanahan using an OL roster spot on him.

You are probably right. Maybe it is wishful thinking that one of those bums that played for us last year could be a serviceable backup.

[tootergray34]

even though he was from bama...i love samuels. He had a great career, many pro bowls...and a class act to boot! doesn't get much better. I'm glad he's retiring though, I was afraid he would risk further injury had he continued to play. It is a shame what happened to him though...but I bet he has plenty of money to live off of...or he could get a job on espn or nfl network!

[tryfuhl]

maybe a thread title update for those who don't know yet?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

maybe a thread title update for those who don't know yet?

I was thinking the same thing. Updating it now

[CRedskinsRule]

Redskins Tribute video for Chris Samuels at:
RBN's Chris Samuels Highlight Video

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Redskins Tribute video for Chris Samuels at:
RBN's Chris Samuels Highlight Video

I can't think of a better player to have represent your team than Chris Samuels. Awesome player, awesome human being. He will be missed both for his play...and his character. I wish him nothing but good things for his future.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Redskins Tribute video for Chris Samuels at:
RBN's Chris Samuels Highlight Video

Are you going to keep him for your avatar, C?