JLC Blog, OTA Opinion

[Skinsinparadise]

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

Posted at 9:05 PM ET, 05/ 8/2007

No Surprises at OTAs When It Comes To The MIAs

Springs and Taylor not at the start of OTA practices today at Redskins Park. I am off this week and Howard is holding it down, but figured I'd post while I feed Rocco.

I heard over the weekend that Springs had no plans to come in this month. He's still thinking he'll get cut - and who can blame him after being asked to take a pay cut then being shopped around the league all offseason? - and from what I hear, he's content to keep working out in Arizona and see what happens with the Skins.

He's said all along that if they can guarantee they'll keep him around at his slated salary, then he'll be the happiest camper around. But with the way this offseason has played out, he figures he might as well keep doing his thing and wait and see what happens by the time mandatory mini camp starts. Stay tuned.

As for Taylor, well his past speaks for itself. I'll know more tomorrow and maybe it turns out to be an "excused" absence, but as of late tonight the coaches and scouts didn't know of an excuse if there was one (and if upper management knew why Taylor wasn't here, they hadn't told anybody). I am told Sean was around the facility for the start of the workout program 5-6 weeks back and looked great and sounded great and the thought in the organization was that everything was cool ... but the players think otherwise and are convinced that Taylor isn't going to be around for a while and their read on the situation is that he wants to get paid.

Again, we'll see what the official word is on all of this, but his peers - many of whom had not talked to Sean in a while - were not surprised by his absence and figured it was an indication of his contract.

Some people want to label me negative or whatever, but I speak the truth people and told you guys weeks ago that drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety, and that we'll see how well these two get along. Staying away from OTAs is the classic Rosenhaus move, yet he's the agent of choice in these parts. Go figure. Yet another in a long line of mysterious Ashburn phenomena.

Now, skipping OTAs is no major offense - although in Coach Joe's eyes it's a big deal - and he's not breaking any laws. But it's also a passive aggressive statement about his level of happiness with the organization, and for someone whose development stunted last year and needs to start playing up to the mythic reputation some have created for him, it's a bad move.

He, more than anyone else, needs to be in there studying, learning the new nuances and changes of this defense and getting a read on opponents. He is the poster boy for OTAs are for, and he's not there for the second time in three years. Getting arrested in Florida while skipping out in 2005 hasn't made a major change in his thinking, apparently, when it comes to spring football.

Maybe he needed an extra day or two to tend to personal business or whatever, in which case, it's understandable. But I also think if that's the case than more coaches and people in the facility would have already known about it and been prepared for it.

[smitty71]

ST not showing will not help him if he is looking for a bigger contract. We all know how Gibbs feels about OTA's.

[MurrayH81]

I think that we should wait for the official word from the organization.

If he continues to not show up, there will be one. If he is in sometime this week, I doubt anything will be said.

Let's just hope and wait for the return of the Redskins teams that we all want to see.

/hail:helmet:

[Brandon Lloyd Christmas]

ugg, taylor is the last player we want to lose.

[McMetal]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?

Let's hope so.

Somebody please kick this supreme douchebag in the nuts for the sake of human decency.

[mistertim]

ugg, taylor is the last player we want to lose.

Man. Tell me about it. That would be bad news. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a contractual thing. He has always been a bit peeved about his contract and if Landry comes in and gets a giant one, that won't go over well. That would be 2 years in a row they bring in a super high price guy and passed ST over for a contractual raise. And what about Cooley? :doh:

[ibrahim]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?

Let's hope so.

Somebody please kick this supreme douchebag in the nuts for the sake of human decency.


Wow, easy dude, Its not that serious.

[SonnyJ]

I don't understand any logic about ST being unhappy about Landry's impending payday.

He himself was the fifth pick in the draft and got paid as such. Landry is going to be getting paid as the sixth pick in the draft and will be paid as such. It has absolutely no reflection on relative value or worth or ability. It's just the pay system of the league. Taylor benefited from it, now Landry will.

I don't get the issue, if there is one. :confused:

[whatmeworry]

I really don't there will be a problem between Landry and ST. They seem to be in the same mold personality-wise. It might even help ST get over us losing Clark. But we need to lock him and Cooley up. The sooner the better. i'm assuming the FO has enough sense to do that.

[Art]

The one constant of the idiotic negative crowd is their endless need to tell everyone else they are just speaking the truth and keeping it real. It's actually a remarkably funny thing to behold. And, once again, Jason shows his complete inability to understand football in any way. His statement, "Now, skipping OTAs is no major offense ..." reveals his own thoughts as HE is skipping them himself, but, bear no reflection on the actual importance of missing these workouts.

Jason even seems to understand Gibbs thinks these things are important, yet, can't let that sway his truthful impression it isn't. You see, Jason covers sports, but doesn't GET sports. He doesn't get team. If Taylor is missing OTAs for an unknown reason, voluntary or not, it's a big deal on many levels. Gibbs made a deal with the leaders of the team to give them more freedom. Those leaders had to bring the concerns of the team to him, and they took back Gibbs' answer.

Missing out in an unexpected, uncommunicated way -- should that be the case here -- is a very major issue because Taylor will not be showing respect to the leaders who went to bat for the welfare of every player, instead doing his own thing. OTAs are important this year more than in the past because of the freedom up to this point. It's Taylor betraying the leaders of his team and the team itself.

It's important for him to show up unless he worked out why he couldn't. Now, Taylor gets special treatment by the organization. And, these are voluntary workouts, so, they can't punish him. But, he can arrive at camp again on the bench working his way back into the lineup. He's good enough that won't take long, but, anyone who understands team dynamics knows if he's blowing this off -- and we don't know that's the case -- it's a big deal.

But, I should be careful. I don't want to tell you I'm just telling the truth or anything.

[Bounce]

I don't understand any logic about ST being unhappy about Landry's impending payday.

He himself was the fifth pick in the draft and got paid as such. Landry is going to be getting paid as the sixth pick in the draft and will be paid as such. It has absolutely no reflection on relative value or worth or ability. It's just the pay system of the league. Taylor benefited from it, now Landry will.

I don't get the issue, if there is one. :confused:

Same reason Tony Gonzalez wanted a new contract after Vernon Davis was drafted and became the highest-paid tight end in the league before ever playing a snap. Taylor feels that some rookie who's never played in an NFL jersey before shouldn't be making more than him, and I can't say I completely disagree.

[Dirk Diggler]

I don't understand any logic about ST being unhappy about Landry's impending payday.

He himself was the fifth pick in the draft and got paid as such. Landry is going to be getting paid as the sixth pick in the draft and will be paid as such. It has absolutely no reflection on relative value or worth or ability. It's just the pay system of the league. Taylor benefited from it, now Landry will.

I don't get the issue, if there is one. :confused:

Yup. Not to mention the kid has 3 or 4 more years left on his contract. But let's wait and see how this plays out.

[Dirk Diggler]

Same reason Tony Gonzalez wanted a new contract after Vernon Davis was drafted and became the highest-paid tight end in the league before ever playing a snap. Taylor feels that some rookie who's never played in an NFL jersey before shouldn't be making more than him, and I can't say I completely disagree.

Wasnt Taylor made to be the highest paid safety in the league (or damn close) when he came out in 2004? Seems he benefitted quite well from the injustice of the draft back then. Is Taylor even halfway through his rookie contract? Tell me the last time a team tore up a contract of a player drafted in the top 10 after 3 years? Doesn't happen. Know why? Because they WERE taken care of from the get go, unlike players who fall out of the first round and end up playing like a pro bowler while getting paid like an average starter. Those players have a legit gripe.

[Yusuf06]

Wow, easy dude, Its not that serious.

He can't help it Ibrahim, it's an unconscious reflex action. Just more of the typical knee-jerk response for the kool-aide crowd.:rolleyes: Anything even remotely negative said about the team automatically equals a vast anti-Redskin conspiracy or is at best interpreted as unimaginable incompetence...be it true or otherwise.

"What, you mean they wrote that the team isn't very good just because we only won 5 games? Morons! They always seem to be hatin' on the Skins." :doh:

[number twenty-eight]

Knowing this is a minority opinion, and reserving a ration of skepticism for this particular blog, I think Taylor's problems are all in the area above the neck. I hope he gets that worked out, because he's a special talent.

[SkinsHokieFan]

Every offseason its the same damn drama with ST

Cut the crap dude. Show up, study and be ready to go and see what your pay day will be in the end

I don't understand why this guy just can't get in here and do his damn job to the best of his ability

[Siven]

Guys, Taylor wants to get paid for 2 reasons

1. He made the pro bowl, albeit he might not have had the most pro bowl worthy season, he made it.

2. Landry got drafted at 6, and while Taylor was drafted at 5, Taylor has an 8 year deal. Now also, every year, there is inflation, and say the 5th pick of 2004 had a guranteed 12 mill, the 2007 5th pick will get 16 mill guranteed. See ST's gripe?

[willmb5]

why cant every player on the team be more like chris cooley. god i love that guy (man crush)

[ashsra]

We'll see how this thing plays out. If he misses the whole week, then the team will have to give a statement to the media regarding where he is. For some reason I don't think he'll hold out, Rosenhaus has a good relationship with Snyder and I don't think he'll risk that considering he knows Dan will always help drive up the price of players. Plus Rosenhaus knows ST didn't have the greatest year last year and he knows it's better to hold out after a stellar season. Sean won't be happy, but he'll show up and he'll eventually get paid. The Dan and Gibbs know they would have a fan revolt on their hands if they let Cooley and Taylor go.

[TheLongshot]

There seems to be a short memory here. Remember that Taylor fired his agent and hired Rosenhaus because he felt like his deal was undervalued when he was drafted. So, not only is Landry going to get a better deal because of inflation, it may also be better because Taylor signed a below value deal. (At least in his mind)

Some of this could also be Rosenhaus as well, because he really hasn't gotten much value out of Taylor yet, since he hasn't done a contract for him. It is in Rosenhaus' best interest to get a new deal done for his guy.

To be honest, at this point I'm not bothered by this. It is early and a lot can happen. He did the same thing in 2005 and as long as he isn't hunting down thieves, I do think he will be back. If you want a new deal, you are going to have to talk to someone about it.

Even if the worst happens and he holds out, Taylor doesn't really hold much leverage. On one side we have drafted a stud guy. On the other, we have experienced veterans that, while not as talented as Taylor, can probably hold down the fort.

As I say, tho, it is too early to talk about that. Right now, he's still following the letter of the law, if not the spirit.

Jason

[glikster04]

why can't there be more insightful responses like Art's? what he said is completely true. the point is that JLC doesn't know crap about football. further - we, as redskins fans, let him get under our skin about information that we dont even know is true. until he sites a source, i will continue to take everything he says as a grain of salt, just like my fellow fan's opinions. he has no inside sight that we dont have. he merely repeats what we as fans say.

so relax, have a beer, and wait for the season :o)

[jivelikenice]

I've said it before ... and I'll say it again. ST is a time bomb waiting to explode.


He hasn't gotten in trouble since the offseason following his rookie season...What do you know to support this?? ST has stayed out of trouble since his initial run ins with the law yet people still view him as a ticking time bomb....Ridiculous....

And this is just speculation on my part but look at it this way...ST came to every OTA last year and had peobably his worst season....Maybe for him to perform to his capabilities he needs time away in the offseason....Everyone has their own way of preparing themselves....You should not expect for every player to follow the same program...People don't work like that....

Let's wait til mini-camp before we panic and overreact...

[jivelikenice]

I usually don't think JLC is doing a bad job BUT in this case he absolutely is off base. Why would ST have a potential problem worth watching with Landry over his contract if that same problem never materialized with AA....Correct me if I'm wrong but AA was the highest paid safety in the league and did he and Sean have any problems? There were none reported so if ST had no issues with AA, then why would he have issues with Landry? Can someone explain that?

[ncr2h]

OFF-TOPIC BUT HIGHLY NECESSARY:

Did JLC take a **** on some of your guys' chests or something? I mean...I feel like this thread exposed a couple of you guys as pure haters, incapable of reading something without throwing a hissy fit. McMetal and Art, I'm looking at you two.

The dude just wrote a blog about how the word on the street is that Springs is staying in Arizona because he thinks he'll be on a different team in a couple of months, and Taylor is MIA most likely because he wants to renegotiate his contract.

You guys act like he just wrote Mein Kampf.

Art, honestly I think it's getting to the point where you have lost all reason. To you, anything JLC says is stupid (even though the point you made about the importace of OTAs is pretty much the same thing JLC says in the third- and second-to-last pgphs). You will disagree with anything he says and make personal insults no matter what the guy says. Why do you even bother posting in JLC-blog threads? We already know what you're going to say before you even say it: You'll start off by needlessly bashing JLC a little bit, then you'll tell everyone how you disagree, then you will make some argument that ibasically says "the coaches know more about football than JLC, so why is he disagreeing with them?", then you'll finish up with some over-the-top JLC jabs.

Take a chillpill guys. Relax.

[SkinsFTW]

So, do any of you think that Taylor might possibly be the Archuleta/Lavar/Coles/Bailey of the 2008-2009 offseason?

Think there may have been more reasons to draft a guy like Landry high this year than just that our SS position was so so important even though it had been fine with players we got off the scrap heap in 2004-2005?

[milliondollarslim]

it's May.....

[Forever21]

There seems to be a short memory here. Remember that Taylor fired his agent and hired Rosenhaus because he felt like his deal was undervalued when he was drafted. So, not only is Landry going to get a better deal because of inflation, it may also be better because Taylor signed a below value deal. (At least in his mind)

Man I wish more people understood this.

Landry will absolutely get more money than Taylor for those reasons.

I just hope Taylor is mature enough to realize those realities also and not hold out because Landry signs for more.

And I hope Rosenarse is not a bastard and he doesn't try to convince Taylor to hold out, something I could see happening.

[Forever21]

You guys act like he just wrote Mein Kampf.

Take a chillpill guys. Relax.

While I don't think JLC knows his arse from a hole in the ground I still think the insanity and attacks over this blog are a bit wild.

Everyone should relax a bit for sure. Have a drink and realize it's 4 months to the day until our kickoff against Miami!

:cheers:

[Walking Deadman]

mountains outta molehills right now.

Last year we had almost a 100% turnout on OTAs/workouts (Arch the only one missing if memory serves) and we went 5-11..........

so I'm not worried.

And nobody seems to mention that if Taylor is pissed about a contract, it might stem back to last years signing of Arch, paying him "highest paid safety" money and then planning to only use him in certain packages instead of being a full-time starter (that was apparently the plan before PP was injured).
So in the end Arch was the higest paid safety playing STs......yet Taylor was a full time starter and playing STs and not getting paid like Arch, yep I think that would piss off Taylor a bit.

[GoSkinsGo]

Wasnt Taylor made to be the highest paid safety in the league (or damn close) when he came out in 2004? Seems he benefitted quite well from the injustice of the draft back then. Is Taylor even halfway through his rookie contract? Tell me the last time a team tore up a contract of a player drafted in the top 10 after 3 years? Doesn't happen. Know why? Because they WERE taken care of from the get go, unlike players who fall out of the first round and end up playing like a pro bowler while getting paid like an average starter. Those players have a legit gripe.
The guy who did Taylors contract orginally got under market value for the pick.

In 2003 Terence Newman was the 5th pick.

Newman agreed to a seven-year contract worth $33.4 million with the Cowboys in July 2003, including a $13.1 million signing bonus and $15 million base salary for 2009.

In 2004 Taylor was the 5th pick.


Signed a seven-year, $18 million contract in July of 2004. 7.2 million signing bonus

Which is why he fired his agent and hired Drew pretty much right after he signed that contract.

source (http://www.rotowire.com)

[Russell Shotgun]

If Taylor really wants a new contract bad enough to hint at threatening a hold-out, we should pay him to a new 6-7 year deal right now.

Not because he's a great player and we're in love with him or anything, but merely because we can sign him to an extension now and pay MUCH less than we will have to in 3-4 years when his contract is up.

How old is Sean? 25? If his contract runs out in 3 years, he'll be 29 and likely one of the most highly coveted free agents on the market (assuming his play doesn't drop off or he gets injured). In such a case, signing him would be a lot more expensive down the road. If we sign him to a new 6-year contract this offseason, we'll have him until Sean in 31, in which case his market will have dried up a bit, being over the 30 hurdle, and re-signing him (assuming the team wants to) again to keep him in B&G for life will be less.

If we have the cap space, go ahead and do it. And sign Cooley while you're at it.

[redskinsfan1201]

Man. Tell me about it. That would be bad news. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a contractual thing. He has always been a bit peeved about his contract and if Landry comes in and gets a giant one, that won't go over well. That would be 2 years in a row they bring in a super high price guy and passed ST over for a contractual raise. And what about Cooley? :doh:

I have faith in this FO to give ST a big contract, they did it for cornerstones like Jansen and Samuels. Taylor is the cornerstone of this secondary.

[Chump Bailey]

If Taylor really wants a new contract bad enough to hint at threatening a hold-out, we should pay him to a new 6-7 year deal right now.

Not because he's a great player and we're in love with him or anything, but merely because we can sign him to an extension now and pay MUCH less than we will have to in 3-4 years when his contract is up.

How old is Sean? 25? If his contract runs out in 3 years, he'll be 29 and likely one of the most highly coveted free agents on the market (assuming his play doesn't drop off or he gets injured). In such a case, signing him would be a lot more expensive down the road. If we sign him to a new 6-year contract this offseason, we'll have him until Sean in 31, in which case his market will have dried up a bit, being over the 30 hurdle, and re-signing him (assuming the team wants to) again to keep him in B&G for life will be less.

If we have the cap space, go ahead and do it. And sign Cooley while you're at it.



That's what many have been echoing for some time as well. We need to keep the guy happy and at least explore a contract extension soon. A mere phone call from Snyder or whomever might mean a lot to the guy. I do disagree with you about him not being a great player though - if that is ineed what you meant. I do think he is a great player and the only true playmaker we had on defense last year - granted his performance was not stellar every game either.

It means nothing anymore it seems regardless of the duration of the contract you sign or if you are slapped with the franchise tag. If the player is not happy with his contract, he has most of the leverage from what I can discern. Sure, we can fine the **** out of the person if applicable but if it comes to that irreparable damage likely will have been done - at that point you may or may not get good value in a trade or worst case scenario a prolonged hold out. It makes sense to keep the guys happy - especially productive and unique players like Sean.

[redskinsfan1201]

The guy who did Taylors contract orginally got under market value for the pick.

In 2003 Terence Newman was the 5th pick.


In 2004 Taylor was the 5th pick.


Which is why he fired his agent and hired Drew pretty much right after he signed that contract.

source (http://www.rotowire.com/)

Taylor is five times better then Newman so he deserves to get payed, have faith in the FO

[Skinsinparadise]

I don't understand any logic about ST being unhappy about Landry's impending payday.

He himself was the fifth pick in the draft and got paid as such. Landry is going to be getting paid as the sixth pick in the draft and will be paid as such. It has absolutely no reflection on relative value or worth or ability. It's just the pay system of the league. Taylor benefited from it, now Landry will.

I don't get the issue, if there is one. :confused:

It makes sense to me. Landry will likely be paid A LOT MORE than Taylor because today's salary structure has skyrocketed from Taylor's time. So we all talk about the 2 stud safetys. One of them hasn't played a down yet and will be paid much higher than a guy who already apparently thinks he's underpaid. Veterans usually expect to get paid more than rookies. Now this is how it all goes down really based on luck, Landry came out at a better time for a higher pay scale. But it is what it is. I can envision Taylor wanting more based on this.

[Art]

NCR,

Appreciate the input brother, but, I judge every statement on the merits of the statement. When Jason reveals something insightful, I'll probably completely agree with him. Here, the opinion he offers is that he's "speaking the truth" and that it's not a big deal Taylor isn't there, if he's not there in an unexpected fashion, requires one to question the conclusions.

But, you'll see me be complimentary of Jason as well when he writes something that strikes me as compliment worthy. To be fair, it won't likely be his blog because I don't happen to find him nearly as charming as he finds himself, but, that is a style element for everyone to determine themselves.

Jason, for better or much worse, is a message board poster here. He just does it by proxy :).

[Russell Shotgun]

I do disagree with you about him not being a great player though - if that is ineed what you meant.

No, I think he is a great player as well. Well, better than great, he's among the top at his position as is, and will be THE top FS in the league when the rest of the defense is clicking.

I meant that the main reason we re-sign him shouldn't be because of his play on the field, but because it will be drastically cheaper now than 3-4 years from now. But when you put both factors together, it's hard to argue against re-signing him, especially with cap space available and the possibility of Spring getting cut.

[Chump Bailey]

No, I think he is a great player as well. Well, better than great, he's among the top as his position as is, and will be THE top FS in the league when the rest of the defense is clicking.

I meant that the main reason we re-sign him shouldn't be because of his play on the field, but because it will be drastically cheaper now than 3-4 years from now. But when you put both factors together, it's hard to argue against re-signing him, especially with cap space available and the possibility of Spring getting cut.


Okay, that's what I thought R.S. - Caffeine has yet to kick in :D

I agree. Let's get a deal done sooner than later. It just makes sense.

[F Landry]

I don't understand...

I thought the players were allowed to work out on their own if they want to this offseason?

???

[KingGibbs]

Springs or Taylor not being there should surprise no one. I've stated many times before that I'm not a big fan of Taylor because it is only a matter of time before this does indeed become an issue. Is it yet? Only time will tell.

Springs IMO has every right to feel the way he does because he's been jerked around this offseason. We can't afford to lose this guy because of our inadequacies on the DL.

Oh and Jason if you're reading this (according to Art you are always reading this site) just wanted you to know that some of us enjoy your opinions and they really don't differ that much from many 'skins fans. Apparently, w/out naming names, you have many fans and some are obsessed with your every word. :doh: Now give me a shout out in your blog. :D

[Om]

Someday, people will come to understand the difference between news and opinion.

And all will be well with the world.

Or, more likely, they, and it, will not.

[Forever21]

Someday, people will come to understand the difference between news and opinion.

And someday the sun will burn out.

Care to make bets on which happens first?

:D

[KingGibbs]

Someday, people will come to understand the difference between news and opinion.

And all will be well with the world.

Or, more likely, they, and it, will not.

It's a ****ing blog. Maybe one day you will be able to differentiate the two. Maybe if you and your compadres were a little less arrogant you wouldn't receive the backlash that you do. I know, that's how you roll. :rolleyes:

[sean"Hitman"taylor]

I Will Go Crazy If We Lose Taylor.......hope We Pay Him Well...also Cooley...i Want Them To Stay A Redskins...throughout Here Career... I HOPE THIS IS NOT TRUE AND JUST AN OPINION

[Russell Shotgun]

My #1 worry with this whole issue is that the front office might think - "well, if Sean Taylor doesn't want to come to these practices, he's a bad seed, so let's trade him or cut him because we have a replacement in Landry now."

I was all in favor of drafting Landry (and called in months ago, btw), but a small part of me wonders if he was meant not to just complement Taylor, but to replace him if Taylor becomes too much of a liability or unpredictable.

This would really be sad if this happens. I think Landry is the type of player that can really make ST shine in the backfield. It would be a damn shame if we don't get to see what our defense can be with both of them back there.

Here's to all of this worry just being offseason boredom and over-speculation by obsessive fans and annoying sportswriters just trying to get attention.
:cheers:

Oh yeah, one more thing - :dallasuck :dallasuck :dallasuck

[Om]

It's a ****ing blog. Maybe one day you will be able to differentiate the two. Maybe if you and your compadres were a little less arrogant you wouldn't receive the backlash that you do. I know, that's how you roll. :rolleyes:
Try going back and reading my comment again. Only this time read it as if I was talking about message board posters, not JLC. Which I was.

[#98QBKiller]

It's a ****ing blog. Maybe one day you will be able to differentiate the two. Maybe if you and your compadres were a little less arrogant you wouldn't receive the backlash that you do. I know, that's how you roll. :rolleyes:


Did you reply to the right comment?

[Pedro]

Guys, Taylor wants to get paid for 2 reasons

1. He made the pro bowl, albeit he might not have had the most pro bowl worthy season, he made it.

2. Landry got drafted at 6, and while Taylor was drafted at 5, Taylor has an 8 year deal. Now also, every year, there is inflation, and say the 5th pick of 2004 had a guranteed 12 mill, the 2007 5th pick will get 16 mill guranteed. See ST's gripe?

I can't see how a predetermined contract (based solely on draft position) can be a gripe for Sean when he has benefitted himself to the tune of 10s of millions of $$$. If he was a low round draft who was being underpaid then sure but he isn't, he is already more than financially secure for life BECAUSE of the inequalities of draft contracts.

That being said we don't know why he isn't there trying to build a rapport with his new Safety partner, welcoming him to the NFL and the Redskins, whilst getting to grips with how the Safety position is evolving within our organisation.

[GroundNPound]

Its all just speculation. There are a bunch of OTA's leading up till the real camp starts up. If Taylor would want to renegotiate he wouldn't be entirely out of rights. And as I said.. the OTA's just started up. Worry about something after it is worth worrying about, not before.

[hitmandm]

I don't understand any logic about ST being unhappy about Landry's impending payday.

He himself was the fifth pick in the draft and got paid as such. Landry is going to be getting paid as the sixth pick in the draft and will be paid as such. It has absolutely no reflection on relative value or worth or ability. It's just the pay system of the league. Taylor benefited from it, now Landry will.

I don't get the issue, if there is one. :confused:

Youre rationale is correct, but that doesnt mean squat. Taylor has been unhappy with his contract for a while and if they Skins bring in another rookie safety who has not played on a Pro Bowl level and pay him more, it is entirely reasonable to think that Taylor might be miffed. Its not logical its reality.

[DCsportsfan53]

ugg, taylor is the last player we want to lose.


If he keeps not showing up and playing like Lavar part II (ie, big plays on athleticism, lots of missed plays due to lack of discipline) then he will not and should not get the new contract he wants.

[Dick Edds]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?

Let's hope so.

Somebody please kick this supreme douchebag in the nuts for the sake of human decency.

dang mcmetal ... bringing the pain to ole' JLC!

[jnhay]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?
.
I'm not saying whether he speaks the truth or not, but the part you quoted uses the word "could" for a reason. And it's a blog.

[Philip Pease]

This OTA is voluntary. In my view voluntary means you do not have to attend. For anyone to think there is a problem with a player who doesn't attend is beyond me.

Why should we expect to hear the Redskins organization make any comments as to why any player was not in attendance when some reasonable excuses might be:

Want to spend more time with the wife and kids.
Dating a hot babe and have plans with her.
Gone fishing or it's turkey hunting season.
Time to do some spring planting.
Enjoying myself partying late and sleeping late.
(these are valid excuses when the OTA is voluntary)

I suggest that new players and those that are not starters choose to attend because they want to make the team and want as much exposure by the coaches as possible. Those starters who attend are most likely here because they want to get back with their teammates (friendship).

[ibrahim]

He can't help it Ibrahim, it's an unconscious reflex action. Just more of the typical knee-jerk response for the kool-aide crowd.:rolleyes: Anything even remotely negative said about the team automatically equals a vast anti-Redskin conspiracy or is at best interpreted as unimaginable incompetence...be it true or otherwise.

"What, you mean they wrote that the team isn't very good just because we only won 5 games? Morons! They always seem to be hatin' on the Skins." :doh:


:laugh:

[SlobberKnockinFootball]

Jason, for better or much worse, is a message board poster here. He just does it by proxy :).

Andyman is revealed.

[Flycoach]

I have no problem with the post except for your "Staying away from OTAs is the classic Rosenhaus move, yet he's the agent of choice in these parts. Go figure. Yet another in a long line of mysterious Ashburn phenomena." line.

The players choose their agent, not the team. If it turns out the a lot of players have him as their agent, then that's just the luck of the draw, not the 'skins fault.

[CPortJGibbs89]

I really hope that Taylor does not hold out but I could understand that he woudl be upset about his contact. Another poster pointed out how double A got a huge contract and sucked balls and rode the bench, if I was Taylor that would piss me off. But this is all just pure speculation on our part. I hope he shows up soon and him and double L can start to build a rapport. I will hold out a few more weeks before I start to flip out once we get some more info if he is holding out or not.

[Gilgamesh]

How can anyone worry about this at this point? There were a number of folks who were not there yesterday folks, not just Taylor. Who cares? We'll see how everyone looks next month during minicamp.

[Peregrine]

I dont understand the line of reasoning around Taylor being upset about the Redskins bringing in another hard hitting safety. Its one thing when management brings in a player that could possibly replace you. Its another when they bring in a player to compliment you, and more specificaly, turn you loose to be a better player. Anytime that happens you are absolutely thrilled to have that guy next to you. What talented player wants 10 bad players around him? He wants 10 great players around him. Just not one competing for his job.

I dont think Taylor is "holding" out or anything of the sort. Landry was brought in to help Taylor, and any money he gets is not going to put Taylor off.

[bowhunter]

Many of you seem to have glossed over Art's very insightful point that Coach made a deal with the teams leaders. More time off. Coach yielded to the team and yet some players are still complaining. I tolerate a lot of things from my employees, but never defiance. A new contract is between agent and FO. Either you are a member of this team or you are not. Taking your ball and going home should stop being part of your mentality by age 10. Call them voluntary OTAs if you want but Coach wants everyone here. Let your agent make the deal in the background, after all he'll make a million dollars or so when all is said and done.

[KingGibbs]

Try going back and reading my comment again. Only this time read it as if I was talking about message board posters, not JLC. Which I was.

Ooooopppps. :doh: :D

[Dirk Diggler]

The guy who did Taylors contract orginally got under market value for the pick.


Which is why he fired his agent and hired Drew pretty much right after he signed that contract.

Signed a seven-year, $18 million contract in July of 2004. 7.2 million signing bonus

source (http://www.rotowire.com)



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38000-2004Aug3.html

Taylor may not have received as much money as Newman ON THE DAY HE SIGNED THE CONTRACT, but he did receive over 13 mill in guarantees making him the highest paid safety in the league at that time. His contract was a bit unusual in that he deferred some of his bonus money over 3 seasons. That was a team-player move though I wonder if Taylor even knew it.

Did he leave money on the table? Probably. But how is that Snyder's problem? Hey Sean - how about seeing if you can put together a solid season followed by an offseason off the police blotter before coming back to the table crying of poverty?

Bottom line - unlike the Cooley situation, the Skins don't have to do a damn thing. Taylor got a $hitload of guaranteed money (Cooley didn't) and he has a 4 years left on his contract (Cooley has 1). And frankly, I wouldn't give him another penny until he shows some kind of consistency on and off the field.

[21ppg=superbowl]

ST's negative feelings certainly won't diminish if Landry comes in getting paid a higher salary, and i can't say that i blame him. the way the skins throw money around at everyone else, I can see why he'd skip out on the OTAs to make a statement. not saying it's the right thing to do or the best way to conduct business, only that i'm not surprised by the course of events.

[ouvan59]

I dont understand the line of reasoning around Taylor being upset about the Redskins bringing in another hard hitting safety. Its one thing when management brings in a player that could possibly replace you. Its another when they bring in a player to compliment you, and more specificaly, turn you loose to be a better player. Anytime that happens you are absolutely thrilled to have that guy next to you. What talented player wants 10 bad players around him? He wants 10 great players around him. Just not one competing for his job.

I dont think Taylor is "holding" out or anything of the sort. Landry was brought in to help Taylor, and any money he gets is not going to put Taylor off.

The problem with this is that he has stayed away before when he was unhappy with his contract and that time he wasn't even allowed to renegotiate for the next year. As much as I like Taylor he is an odd bird. Hopefully he doesn't become a distraction but there is one thing we do know. He will be there when he absolutely has to be and he will knock the snot out of a lot of people when he is there.

And JLC, you might want to look up the definition of "truth" vs "opinion." You are telling the opinion, not the truth. It may come true but it isn't there yet.

[PeterMP]

Many of you seem to have glossed over Art's very insightful point that Coach made a deal with the teams leaders. More time off. Coach yielded to the team and yet some players are still complaining. I tolerate a lot of things from my employees, but never defiance. A new contract is between agent and FO. Either you are a member of this team or you are not. Taking your ball and going home should stop being part of your mentality by age 10. Call them voluntary OTAs if you want but Coach wants everyone here. Let your agent make the deal in the background, after all he'll make a million dollars or so when all is said and done.

Whether you like it, this is a common negotiating ploy used in the NFL. So you might as well get used to it.

[onnie007]

I think people need to chillax and take the wait and see approach. He could show up today or next week and all of this speculation and criticism of ST would have been unnecessary.

[herb mul-key]

Ya Taylor needs to honor his deal and being a good teammate while looking for a new deal...

I just don't appreciate JLC not really being neutral as a reporter...you can tell he just does not like the 'skins organization...he is so clearly a Ravens Colts fan B-moron.

[GoSkinsGo]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38000-2004Aug3.html

Taylor may not have received as much money as Newman ON THE DAY HE SIGNED THE CONTRACT, but he did receive over 13 mill in guarantees making him the highest paid safety in the league at that time. His contract was a bit unusual in that he deferred some of his bonus money over 3 seasons. That was a team-player move though I wonder if Taylor even knew it.

Did he leave money on the table? Probably. But how is that Snyder's problem? Hey Sean - how about seeing if you can put together a solid season followed by an offseason off the police blotter before coming back to the table crying of poverty?

Bottom line - unlike the Cooley situation, the Skins don't have to do a damn thing. Taylor got a $hitload of guaranteed money (Cooley didn't) and he has a 4 years left on his contract (Cooley has 1). And frankly, I wouldn't give him another penny until he shows some kind of consistency on and off the field.
I stand corrected on the guaranteed amount. But the contract is also a reason he fired his agent and singed with Drew.

He's made noise about his contract in 05. He thinks he got a raw deal and wants to renegotiate for more upfront cash, like Lloyd, El, Carter and Arch.

I would think he's not going to be overly happy watching two safeties two years in a row coming in and making more than him. Just my :2cents:

[TheLongshot]

Really, the conclusion you get from reading JLC's blog is that right now, no one knows why Taylor isn't there. Everyone seems to be speculating based on past behavior, but at the end of the day JLC doesn't know why.

Jason

[onedrop]

It will be interesting to see if ST checks in late to the OTA's or worse, fails to show for the June mini-camp. He is a "hothead" on (and off) the field, probably feels that he ws screwed over by the Skins $$$$-wise a la Lavar ... and now is facing the propective signing of a rookie at a competitive position who probably will be compensated at a higher level. To me this is a very unstable and unhappy scenario.


fortunately its a scenario you alone have dreamed up at this point. IF and PROBABLY are not truths. and the Landrys position is complementary not competitive.

[Vinnick]

Jason was correct on the Lavar front awhile back. I wasn't a poster at the time, so I don't know if people were calling him out then.

I guess the moral of this story is. If you hate the guy like McMetal does. then don't read his stuff (unlike McMetal).

Personally, I would prefer to read the good with the bad. If it was all good, we'd be a winning franchise, not a losing one right now.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

First of all, it's way too early to worry about two players missing a voluntary team activity.

Secondly, Taylor has nothing to be pissed about. He signed a contract as the #5 pick a few years back. If what JLC is saying is true, then what would keep every veteran from demanding a new contract once the new rookie class comes in?

That's not how it works...Taylor will have to deal with his contract since he signed it. If the team decides it's in its best interest to sign Taylor long-term, then that's another thing, but if they're happy with him playing out the last 3 or 4 years and then hitting the market, they should feel no pressure to re-do his deal.

[HOF44]

I am a big Taylor fan, and I really hope he turns it on and becomes the player I think he can be. I hope this year was just an aberration. I hope he was just overcompensating for lack of talent in the secondary.

Now here is the but, I am starting to get a deja vu feeling with him. It's like Lavar II. Master of the big hit, but ignores assignments that lead to huge plays for the other team. Also going for the kill hit and allowing a first down because he missed it.

This coming year is going to define him, at least for me. He needs to make strides in taking care of his responsibilities in coverage. I don't want him to become our new Lavar. Where we all talk about his potential if he just fulfills it.

[jeronimobrat]

I stand corrected on the guaranteed amount. But the contract is also a reason he fired his agent and singed with Drew.

He's made noise about his contract in 05. He thinks he got a raw deal and wants to renegotiate for more upfront cash, like Lloyd, El, Carter and Arch.

I would think he's not going to be overly happy watching two safeties two years in a row coming in and making more than him. Just my :2cents:

How does: Not ONE, but TWO first rounders and an additional Second sound?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38000-2004Aug3.html

Taylor may not have received as much money as Newman ON THE DAY HE SIGNED THE CONTRACT, but he did receive over 13 mill in guarantees making him the highest paid safety in the league at that time. His contract was a bit unusual in that he deferred some of his bonus money over 3 seasons. That was a team-player move though I wonder if Taylor even knew it.

Did he leave money on the table? Probably. But how is that Snyder's problem? Hey Sean - how about seeing if you can put together a solid season followed by an offseason off the police blotter before coming back to the table crying of poverty?

Bottom line - unlike the Cooley situation, the Skins don't have to do a damn thing. Taylor got a $hitload of guaranteed money (Cooley didn't) and he has a 4 years left on his contract (Cooley has 1). And frankly, I wouldn't give him another penny until he shows some kind of consistency on and off the field.

:applause: This is by far the most candid post that I have seen today!

[Skinsinparadise]

NCR, Jason, for better or much worse, is a message board poster here. He just does it by proxy :).

I post a lot of his blogs because am a fiend looking for Skins info so I post lots of news stuff when I find it. Not saying Art's saying its me. But for the record if Jason is posting on the blog, its not via me. I've argued with some of his posts, especially the D line stuff. I don't mind Jason even though I don't per se agree with some of his stuff -- I am into anybody in the off season who wants to give Skins news or editorial whether I agree with them or not.

By the way if you guys disagree with him on stuff as I did with his post on the D line, one thing I'll say is you can send him an email about it and he responds.

[onedrop]

Onedrop ... I think you are in denial ... we have no heard the last of ST's shenannigans.

the only think that im in denial over is this imaginary situation you have created. the ONLY thing we know currently is that ST is not at the VOLUNTARY OTA.

you have the guy not showing up at all, then posibly missing mini camp, pulling a "lavar", PROBABLY feeling screwed over and feeling that the guy they brought in to assist him is somehow competition. talk about assumptions, good lord.

"It will be interesting to see if ST checks in late to the OTA's or worse, fails to show for the June mini-camp. He is a "hothead" on (and off) the field, probably feels that he ws screwed over by the Skins $$$$-wise a la Lavar ... and now is facing the propective signing of a rookie at a competitive position who probably will be compensated at a higher level. To me this is a very unstable and unhappy scenario."

[Redshu]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?

Let's hope so.

Somebody please kick this supreme douchebag in the nuts for the sake of human decency.

Hey, hey, hey....JLC is a fan also. Theres some merit there to what he's saying. Go with God brah.....go with God.

[Skinsinparadise]

Was listening to Bram Weinstein's show just now and he made an interesting point IMO. His point is Sean Taylor the type of player that is willing to do all the extra things to move from being a very good player to an elite player. Often that difference involves intangibles such as off season work, preparation, desire to be the best. I am not so sure Sean Taylor is hungry in that way, he generally eschews any voluntary prep stuff with the Skins and is not known as a guy who studys a ton of tape before games.

Strangely, thinking about what I've read about Landry -- Landry seems to have more of those intangibles. And actually could become the better safety for it. Don't get me wrong I love Taylor but his image isn't of a workaholic or a huge prep guy. I think he's a beast of an athlete who puts everything he has on the field. Landry is described as a similar type of athlete but also a determined football geek who likes to prepare and is a perfectionist.

[onedrop]

Onedrop ... you are entitled to your faith in ST as I'm entitled to disagree ... I think events will prove my scenario is more likely than not. I hope I'm wrong. ST is a time bomb waiting to explode!

you are attempting to have a debate that doesnt exist. nowhere in this thread have i stated any "faith" in ST. i have simply pointed out that you are making assumptions based on conjecture based on theory.

i do however find it interesting that you have such a low opinion of Sean and insist he is a "time bomb waiting to explode" while also thinking that he is somehow in competition with newly acquired Landry. of whom you list yourself as president of his fan club.

[fansince62]

On another note ... I doubt JLC is a Skins' fan ... he is merely doing a job that he may not necessarily enjoy ... liike a liberal reporter being assigned to and covering the Iraq war against terror. That being so ... he brings a bias to the table ... I've gotten used to it and so should all Skins fans ... we are not being forced to read his stuff, let alone swallow it.

I like the way you expressed this!

[onedrop]

Onedrop ... how perceptive ... I've always been down on ST ... I threw a rubber brick at the TV when he was drafted over Winslow II. And he has not disappointed my low expectations ... he is physically talented ... yes (like a thug may be) ... but as a football player he lacks judgement, discipline, instincts and anticipation ... IMO he will never fullfill the hugh expectations the ST lovers have ... Landry, IMO, will be the great cover safety Taylor never was or could be. If I were the Skins, I would try and trade ST before its too late.

right, so its a personal thing with you. ST has been great for us except last year and last year the entire D was bad. with all his skills and talent, with the flashes of brilliance hes shown you would still trade ST yet you think that a rookie who has never played a down of pro ball will be great and proclaim yourself the pres. of his fan club. bitter? seriously, did ST run over your dog or something?

you hate on a proven commodity and put all of your faith in guy that has yet to play. makes no sense.

[thomasroane]

I'm siding with Jason in this issue. And I'll give him credit for taking some of the sting out of his comments. This blog seems to be more objective and what I'd respect from a reporter. GJ JLC.

It really does bother me that SeanT isn't there. I mean we've all been convinced that fixing the secondary will help the line get by for this year. And now when one of the lynchpins of that is choosing to go AWOL when he needs to do a better job in coverage and studying scares the hell outta me.

SeanT is awesome when he's in the right place. But his penchant for playing based on what he thinks will happen instead of what he knows will happen gets him (and our Defense) in big trouble at times. He gets burned way too often on play action. To me, you prove that you're going to be a good student and really learn the scheme then you'll get the big payday. Why should the team reward him for a couple big hits every year?

[McMetal]

Hey, hey, hey....JLC is a fan also. Theres some merit there to what he's saying. Go with God brah.....go with God.

Ehh, my venom is now maxed out. He's not going to change, and a bitter, petty person like this does not merit the aggravation, I've decided.

I maintain though, that it's a shame that this is the best they can do for local coverage. People that actually like following this team deserve better.

And I would never in a million years classify this muckraking crank as a fan. His only avowed interest in seeing the team do better is so his job will be easier.

You don't have to be a fawning homer, but it's even worse ranting from the other side of the spectrum.

[skinsn24]

Why must ST always cause some kind of trouble? And why do people still defend him as being a great guy, who always has the best interest of the team on his mind.

Dont get me wrong, i have a 16X20 of him in my room, looking like a beast, and when i have spoken to him (yea just a breif couple of seconds) he seems really nice, but the guy just doesnt seem to have his head on straight.

1. The ATV
2. Signing a bum deal, blaming his agent, and firing him right away
3. Spittting in the tampa game
4. Missing a team scheduled charity event in 05
5. Missing the same event in '06
6. Missing OTAs in '06

When are we going to stop defending him?

As far as JLC saying "missing OTAs are not a big deal," i believe that statement was referring to the fact that lots of players around the league miss OTAs, however his statement should be taken in context. (which someone people seem to have taken it out of)

He goes on to describe why Taylor missing OTAs actually seems to be a problem that has been building for a while, so JLC does say that the specific case of taylor missing OTAs is a problem.

[onedrop]

Onedrop ... it may be personal ... but it is also objective ... see thomasroane's intelligent post ... I adopt his reasoning as my own!


his post does make sense. however, you take it further and if ones views are coming from personal feeling they are by definition SUBJECTIVE not objective.

[ClintonINFORSIX26]

We got some wiggle room, our key players need to be taken care of. We can not afford to play without our Pro Bowl Caliber TE and FS

[slackermike]

Hey, hey, hey....JLC is a fan also. Theres some merit there to what he's saying. Go with God brah.....go with God.

I don't think JLC is a 'Skins fan. In fact I seem to recall that he specifically stated that he was a Ravens fan, but I could be wrong.

Maybe this post (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/01/game_day_in_baltimore.html) is where I got that idea from:


As you guys know, I am a Baltimore guy through and through and love my hometown, but we do tend to lose perspective sometimes. Regarless, though, this game means much more than football to folks around here. I am bracing for what should be the most charged game-time atmosphere I have ever seen. Wish the press box windows were open so I could truly appreciate the noise.

[steveo21]

More on the blog....


As for other Skins news, I heard the team was pretty impressed with Brian Westbrook's kid brother, Byron. and if/when they create a little more roster room to sign a defensive player or two, he will get a real good look. Westbrook, another lad with local ties, was a corner at Salisbury. I also get the feeling they might sign another undrafted LB or two who they had in rookie camp last weekend.

Keep an eye on Nick Bunting (Tulsa), Zach Latimer (Oklahoma) and Mario Reese (Minnesota) - not all of them but maybe two of them - as possible guys to join the team in the next few weeks.


http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

[DCsportsfan53]

I am a big Taylor fan, and I really hope he turns it on and becomes the player I think he can be. I hope this year was just an aberration. I hope he was just overcompensating for lack of talent in the secondary.

Now here is the but, I am starting to get a deja vu feeling with him. It's like Lavar II. Master of the big hit, but ignores assignments that lead to huge plays for the other team. Also going for the kill hit and allowing a first down because he missed it.

This coming year is going to define him, at least for me. He needs to make strides in taking care of his responsibilities in coverage. I don't want him to become our new Lavar. Where we all talk about his potential if he just fulfills it.


I'm right there with you, Bob. It scares me quite a bit, actually. I'm starting to get a little pessimistic about it. He could be so good but who knows if he'll ever do what it takes to realize the potential. God I hate that word. :laugh:

[pjfootballer]

Same reason Tony Gonzalez wanted a new contract after Vernon Davis was drafted and became the highest-paid tight end in the league before ever playing a snap. Taylor feels that some rookie who's never played in an NFL jersey before shouldn't be making more than him, and I can't say I completely disagree.

Then you know what? The NFLPA needs to go back to the drawing board with regards to rookie contracts. They need to stop letting the agents bully them into a rookie scale to their liking instead of a rookie scale to the leagues liking.

IMO rookies should get paid veteran's minimum and below for their first 3 years. If they prove they are better, tear up the contract and renegotiate. There's a rookie scale in the NBA that they started when H.S. players were earning more than most veterans. When they had the lockout, that was one of the points of contention. Now the rookies are "locked in" to a certain amount that doesn't exceed the veterans.

Also, I think pro sports needs to start hiding salaries like in the working world. One employee is not supposed to know what the other employee is making. I'd rather see all terms go undisclosed and let the player, team, league and agents be the only one's who know what they make. Then all this manly-man posturing will stop.

[skinsn24]

Then you know what? The NFLPA needs to go back to the drawing board with regards to rookie contracts. They need to stop letting the agents bully them into a rookie scale to their liking instead of a rookie scale to the leagues liking.

IMO rookies should get paid veteran's minimum and below for their first 3 years. If they prove they are better, tear up the contract and renegotiate. There's a rookie scale in the NBA that they started when H.S. players were earning more than most veterans. When they had the lockout, that was one of the points of contention. Now the rookies are "locked in" to a certain amount that doesn't exceed the veterans.

Also, I think pro sports needs to start hiding salaries like in the working world. One employee is not supposed to know what the other employee is making. I'd rather see all terms go undisclosed and let the player, team, league and agents be the only one's who know what they make. Then all this manly-man posturing will stop. I could not agree more, with every single word of this post.

[Skinsinparadise]

I don't think JLC is a 'Skins fan. In fact I seem to recall that he specifically stated that he was a Ravens fan, but I could be wrong.

Maybe this post (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/01/game_day_in_baltimore.html) is where I got that idea from:

Interesting, he's posted that he's a hard core Red Sox fan, so the Sox and the Ravens, weird combo, I guess to each their own.

[pjfootballer]

bitter? seriously, did ST run over your dog or something?



ST probably stole his ATV.

[onedrop]

Hi Onedrop ... my personal views are not subjective ... they are my opinion.

opinions are subjective. yours, mine, everyones.

[TheLongshot]

Also, I think pro sports needs to start hiding salaries like in the working world. One employee is not supposed to know what the other employee is making. I'd rather see all terms go undisclosed and let the player, team, league and agents be the only one's who know what they make. Then all this manly-man posturing will stop.

Problem is, agents know what other players are making and there is nothing that keeps them from using that information. Also, the obsfucation doesn't prevent a player from asking for more money publically.

It also would be difficult to do cap analysis without knowing contract details.

Jason

[onedrop]

ST probably stole his ATV.

come one now, it was Seans ATVs that were boosted.

[pjfootballer]

Sigh...screw you, JLC. Just screw you, you rotten miserable bastard.

Speak the truth?

"Drafting Landry could cause big ripples for the resident hard-hitting safety"

How does that qualify as a truth? Because it MIGHT be true?

If I say "JLC could be fired because he is a caustic, sloppy malcontent who hides behind vague unnamed sources" does that count as true?

Let's hope so.

Somebody please kick this supreme douchebag in the nuts for the sake of human decency.

:applause: :laugh: I literally crack up laughing everytime I read this. Classic stuff!!! :laugh:

[pjfootballer]

come one now, it was Seans ATVs that were boosted.

I know, I was just playing around.

[onedrop]

I know, I was just playing around.

i know that you know. i figured you would come back with something else. probably best that you didnt as what i was thinking involved gunplay :D

[monkforhall]

I wish they would stop calling it optional, that would confuse me, as well as Sean Taylor. I'd think rookies and people that are trying to make the team, definitely need to be there. But if you expect every person to be there, and it's a huge thing when they take the other option, then make them mandatory. If my work has an optional training session, you can bet your ass that I won't be there. If it's optional then attendance should not be taken. Let Sean do what he wants, he'll be killing people come game day.


HI JLC, can I come to the press box sometime? I don't get to go to many games. Thanks buddy.

[Bangee7]

OFF-TOPIC BUT HIGHLY NECESSARY:

....I feel like this thread exposed a couple of you guys as pure haters, incapable of reading something without throwing a hissy fit. McMetal and Art, I'm looking at you two.

The dude just wrote a blog about how the word on the street is that Springs is staying in Arizona because he thinks he'll be on a different team in a couple of months, and Taylor is MIA most likely because he wants to renegotiate his contract...

Art, honestly I think it's getting to the point where you have lost all reason. To you, anything JLC says is stupid....

Take a chillpill guys. Relax.


I'm in agreement.

You can tell who live to argue around here, even at the expense of logic.

Whatever happend to being open minded and objective.

Take the good with the bad.
Even your favorite team sometimes had a bad moment or two.

[tex]

taylor = problem child

what's new.

[stoney26]

The one constant of the idiotic negative crowd is their endless need to tell everyone else they are just speaking the truth and keeping it real. It's actually a remarkably funny thing to behold. And, once again, Jason shows his complete inability to understand football in any way. His statement, "Now, skipping OTAs is no major offense ..." reveals his own thoughts as HE is skipping them himself, but, bear no reflection on the actual importance of missing these workouts.

Jason even seems to understand Gibbs thinks these things are important, yet, can't let that sway his truthful impression it isn't. You see, Jason covers sports, but doesn't GET sports. He doesn't get team. If Taylor is missing OTAs for an unknown reason, voluntary or not, it's a big deal on many levels. Gibbs made a deal with the leaders of the team to give them more freedom. Those leaders had to bring the concerns of the team to him, and they took back Gibbs' answer.

Missing out in an unexpected, uncommunicated way -- should that be the case here -- is a very major issue because Taylor will not be showing respect to the leaders who went to bat for the welfare of every player, instead doing his own thing. OTAs are important this year more than in the past because of the freedom up to this point. It's Taylor betraying the leaders of his team and the team itself.

It's important for him to show up unless he worked out why he couldn't. Now, Taylor gets special treatment by the organization. And, these are voluntary workouts, so, they can't punish him. But, he can arrive at camp again on the bench working his way back into the lineup. He's good enough that won't take long, but, anyone who understands team dynamics knows if he's blowing this off -- and we don't know that's the case -- it's a big deal.

But, I should be careful. I don't want to tell you I'm just telling the truth or anything.

I agree on almost everything you say. But just try to put your self in Taylor's or any pro athlete's shoe's. If you are prodigy or absolutely great at something you do, say it be writing (which im not that sharp at), accounting, bio physics, brain surgery, anything where there are a limited amount of jobs that require your specific skills, say 32 jobs in the whole world. If you are one of the best, say top 5 to be safe, wouldnt you want to get paid for your and a million abitlity? There arent to many ST in the world. Pay that man his money

[skinsn24]

I guess we didnt to hate on JLC for this post considering the new WP print article by HB, where teammates say Taylor is unhappy with his deal.

[Art]

I guess we didnt to hate on JLC for this post considering the new WP print article by HB, where teammates say Taylor is unhappy with his deal.

I didn't hate on him here for that. I hated on him here for not understanding it's a big deal.

[skinsn24]

I didn't hate on him here for that. I hated on him here for not understanding it's a big deal. I know Art, i agree with you. For once i wasnt trying to break your balls.:cheers: . Some of the others who posted that JLC was just starting things for fun ect ect

[Art]

I agree on almost everything you say. But just try to put your self in Taylor's or any pro athlete's shoe's. If you are prodigy or absolutely great at something you do, say it be writing (which im not that sharp at), accounting, bio physics, brain surgery, anything where there are a limited amount of jobs that require your specific skills, say 32 jobs in the whole world. If you are one of the best, say top 5 to be safe, wouldnt you want to get paid for your and a million abitlity? There arent to many ST in the world. Pay that man his money

Taylor's getting paid well for his abilities and he'll get paid again for them at least once more in his career. Frankly, I think athletes fail to realize how much MORE than can make by being a local hero and even being considered somewhat selfless. See Darrell Green who will be beloved and get paid in ways that fulfill him for his entire life because of who he was for the fans. Mercenary players are never beloved. Taylor is well positioned to be a hero who gets to ride off his name for the rest of eternity if he does things right. If he doesn't, he'd better make a lot of money, because you'll never hear from him or WANT to hear from him when he's done with football.

[Mercuryrising]

NCR,

Appreciate the input brother, but, I judge every statement on the merits of the statement. When Jason reveals something insightful, I'll probably completely agree with him. Here, the opinion he offers is that he's "speaking the truth" and that it's not a big deal Taylor isn't there, if he's not there in an unexpected fashion, requires one to question the conclusions.

But, you'll see me be complimentary of Jason as well when he writes something that strikes me as compliment worthy. To be fair, it won't likely be his blog because I don't happen to find him nearly as charming as he finds himself, but, that is a style element for everyone to determine themselves.

Jason, for better or much worse, is a message board poster here. He just does it by proxy :).

You seem like a proxy of your own over-inflated ego.
You caught him in a catch-22; had he said that Taylor missing the OTA was very important and completely proved his prediction about drafting Landry creating an issue, you would have jumped all over him for crying how the sky was falling in Ashburn. Since he downplayed it you jumped on him for that. You did not even address the crux of his assertions, just dissected one little phrase and asserted Gibbs felt differently so JLC is an idiot. Good job!
PS This time last season didn't you and Gibbs think we were going to have a great 2006 season? JLC was right then too while you were wrong, wasn't he?

[Art]

You seem like a proxy of your own over-inflated ego.
You caught him in a catch-22; had he said that Taylor missing the OTA was very important and completely proved his prediction about drafting Landry creating an issue, you would have jumped all over him for crying how the sky was falling in Ashburn. Since he downplayed it you jumped on him for that. You did not even address the crux of his assertions, just dissected one little phrase and asserted Gibbs felt differently so JLC is an idiot. Good job!
PS This time last season didn't you and Gibbs think we were going to have a great 2006 season? JLC was right then too while you were wrong, wasn't he?

His sole "assertion" was his view was it wasn't a big deal and he speaks the truth. The other portions were generally sourced to other people and were not his assertions, but the information of others. I didn't speak to the parts sourced to others because it seems perfectly reasonable information of the unsurprising variety. The two areas he offered his opinion, I did offer mine.

No one is suggesting the sky is falling in Ashburn and Jason wouldn't have suggested so had he allowed that if the people running the franchise view missing the team sessions without any contact is a big deal, then it probably is a big deal, because, hey, they're making the decisions as to that type of thing. Jason even went on to explain precisely why it IS a big deal, especially for Taylor, so, my guess is, having heard criticism of his incredibly uninformed opinions, he decided to throw people a bone and went against what even HE knew to be true.

It is a big deal for players to blow the team off in such sessions. Entirely different than at least having the respect to make contact and put some rationale on the table, be it contract, or simply needing "me" time. I have no earthly idea what Jason thought last season would hold. I imagine he would have thought we were going to be at least an acceptably competitive, good team, given the media herd mentality that puts teams that did well up as good teams the following year and bad teams as bad ones the following year without ever doing more than puffing up one or two breakout teams a year, largely incorrectly.

In the end, I'll put up my statements against anyone elses without too much concern I'm speaking out of my butt :).

[soljaofjesus]

Think of it as if you were playing football and away from your family 3/4 of the year. Me personally, I would want to spend as much time as possible.. even if that means skipping VOLUNTARY workouts as long as Im working out back home.

[SkinsFanAnt]

Missing out in an unexpected, uncommunicated way -- should that be the case here -- is a very major issue because Taylor will not be showing respect to the leaders who went to bat for the welfare of every player, instead doing his own thing. OTAs are important this year more than in the past because of the freedom up to this point. It's Taylor betraying the leaders of his team and the team itself.

It's important for him to show up unless he worked out why he couldn't. Now, Taylor gets special treatment by the organization. And, these are voluntary workouts, so, they can't punish him. But, he can arrive at camp again on the bench working his way back into the lineup. He's good enough that won't take long, but, anyone who understands team dynamics knows if he's blowing this off -- and we don't know that's the case -- it's a big deal.


Here's the problem with this WHOLE situation. "it's a big deal..." and the thought that "It's Taylor betraying the leaders of his team and the team itself."

This is BS false loyalty superimposed on the teams best player aka known as politics. Honestly, since Taylor did play both FS and SS (hypothetically because AA was really a waterboy in pads) doesn't he have a right to feel even a bit betrayed by the organization? They give some has been system player oogles of money while he did ALL the work and now what the team is doing, is trying to save face with this BS.

The practices were'nt mandatory. Whether encouraged or not, if you want the guys there you make them mandatory. This has nothing to do with ST being 'above' the organization or 'getting special treatment'. If I'm ST, I don't go either. What's the point if all its going to be is a pep rally for rooks and those who want to make the team?

Maybe ST should have gone to the combine as well....then maybe Gibbs would have been happy!

If ST starts acting like TO, then the organization will deal with it. But for now, lets stop turning this into a TO soap opera crisis when ST is doing nothing of the sorts.

[SkinsFanAnt]

SeanT is awesome when he's in the right place. But his penchant for playing based on what he thinks will happen instead of what he knows will happen gets him (and our Defense) in big trouble at times. He gets burned way too often on play action. To me, you prove that you're going to be a good student and really learn the scheme then you'll get the big payday. Why should the team reward him for a couple big hits every year?

WHY SHOULD A TEAM REWARD HIM FOR A COUPLE OF BIG HITS EVERY YEAR?

:doh:.................
Here's Sean Taylor Career Stats:
Year, Tackles, Solo Ts, Assists, Sacks, Ints, Pass Deflections.

04 76 60 16 1 4 9
05 70 60 10 1 2 10
06 111 86 25 0 1 6

I think we're seeing the problem with Greg Williams's defense with practically NO ONE starting at Strong Safety. In '06 ST had to play the run much more which shows why there is a huge increase in tackles (btw, you don't want your FS leading the team in tackles which ST did thanks to our horrid LB and DT play). Basically, he played 3 positions...FS, SS, and WLB. Worthless Warrick Holdman was pathetic and Troy Vincent was too old. Anyone who has to make up for the lack of effective teammates will get 'burned' by the playaction...its the nature of the game.

As for the reason behind the lack of effective teammates...well, that happens to be thanks to Greg Williams, our coaching staff in general, and our FO. Seriously, if Snyder and the coaching staff screw up with ST like they did with Arrington, Pierce, and Clark, you can have this team.

It will have resorted to a ticket selling, fan exploiting, petting zoo where new favorites are brought in every year to replace the guys that actually work hard and give their best for the team game in and game out....ok, maybe Lavar doesn't exactly fit that catogory, but still.

If any of you guys can question that Sean didn't do that last year, you need to go cheer for the Cowboys and Roy Williams. You forget that our D sucked overall but I don't see how you can hit him up when he did everything he could...and the stats prove it.

Gibbs can play politics all he wants...the bottom line is that ST doesn't play that, he plays football. This JLC is a joke who's just creating buzz for a buck.