JLC: Alexander's Ready to Play

[Jofizz]

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 10/15/2008

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/10/alexanders_ready_to_play.html

Alexander's Ready to Play


Jason La Canfora reports:

Shaun Alexander has been out of football since the end of last season, but says he expects to play Sunday against Cleveland, backing up Clinton Portis.

"That's the plan," Alexander said. "I'll be ready."

Alexander said his ties to Jim Zorn, Stump Mitchell, Chris Samuels (a college teammate) and Portis (they became friends at a Pro Bowl) made the Redskins an obvious choice for him.

"It just fits," he said."I'm really excited."

Alexander said he is fully healthy for the first time since 2005 - "for the first time I finally got to heal all the way up," he said - and that when Mitchell called Monday to ask if he was in shape and ready to work out for the Skins, he leaped at the opportunity, getting his three young daughters excited to move here from Seattle.

Alexander was still not healthy this spring, so he said the delay in being signed was not a huge surprise.

"Football is a business, and everyhody had to put their team together," he said. "I had to sit and wait my time that way."

...

Mark Maske is at the owners' meetings in Florida and just posted an intriguing item about the possibility of a spring NFL game.

[mrredskinDgreen]

Good stuff...I hope he's close to 05' form, if so we just landed ourselves a BEAST for pretty much nothing.

[THUNDERDOME]

Good to hear. Let's hope he has something left in the tank, even if it's fumes.

[Jofizz]

As long as he doesn't turn the ball over, and can take a light to medium load, this was a good pickup.

[RedskinsFanatic]

What a great thing it would be though if he has more than just a little left in the tank. Can you imagine it? either way, let's hope he does well for us. Go 'Skins!

[CallMeGreen]

Look at it this way. He HAS to have more value to us than TJ Duckett did, right? And once again, we spent nothing in the way of draft picks.

I did see in the Post today that Rock is being listed as the #2 back for right now.

[Audible_Red40]

Here's hoping we have positive threads for him on Monday, rather the the crucify threads.

[Jofizz]

I did see in the Post today that Rock is being listed as the #2 back for right now.

I think that depends on Shaun's week of practice.

[terpfan]

I'm still skeptical. I just hope we work him in slowly.

[JustAfan47]

it would just be to much for me to handle if SA gets to the same form in 2005...We've all wanted to see CP do what he did in 2005 again and this year he had the best off season of work and healing and look what we got now..Alexander feels fully healthy still in shape and is with one of the best rushing offensive lines in the league..In the past 3 years the skins still have been one of the better rushing offensive lines in the league while seagals were one if the better offensive lines once in 3 years...

[LaxBuddy21]

Im excited. How much more can you ask for in a backup? Betts is an amazing backup but since he is hurt, we really cannot ask for more right now. And if he gets back to form, can you imagine the one two punch? Put Portis and Alexander both in the backfield to keep defenses guessing who will get the ball....

[#98QBKiller]

Yep I see a lot of the split-back formation in our future

[CliffBattles]

If he is close to his former form, this kinda reminds me of when the Skins picked up George Rogers in the 80's.

Rogers had an amazing rookie year then slowly fizzled just a little with the Saints; Skins got him and he provided a couple of good years.

[RonArtest15]

Towards the end of his days in Seattle, his name used to be synonymous with "2 yard loss on the play." I have my doubts.

[skinsfan07]

I have a good feeling about Alexander. Remember how good he was with a good offensive line? If he can be anywhere near that good here, we may have a great duo for the time being.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

He'll do fine.

I think he was mostly a product of the system + his offensive line. I don't believe he's a great running back, but hopefully we've done a good job of replicating the offense he was in back in 2005.

Either way, I'm looking for him to handle 10 snaps per game...no more.

[Truant]

He'll start off okay, angry and looking to prove something.

Problem is that when he gets banged up, he plays SOFT. Limited role and if there is a gaping hole, he can be serviceable. Other than that...

[RonArtest15]

He'll start off okay, angry and looking to prove something.

Problem is that when he gets banged up, he plays SOFT. Limited role and if there is a gaping hole, he can be serviceable. Other than that...

He's as soft as baby poo. I don't get why people are drinking the kool-aid on this signing. Hopefully, Betts can make a speedy recovery and get back to that #2 spot.

[SkinsGuy]

He's as soft as baby poo. I don't get why people are drinking the kool-aid on this signing. Hopefully, Betts can make a speedy recovery and get back to that #2 spot.

There is no kool-aid to drink.

He is a member of the Washington Redskins now. As fans, we are showing our support for him to do good things in the B & G uniform.

That is what fans do.

Try it. :)

[iMeast]

I will believe it was a good pick-up if he performs well. Right now he is a pick-up of necessity and nothing more. :brownsuck

HTTR

[RonArtest15]

There is no kool-aid to drink.

He is a member of the Washington Redskins now. As fans, we are showing our support for him to do good things in the B & G uniform.

That is what fans do.

Try it. :)

U still have a Jeff George poster on your wall? Because as "fans" we support our players.

[BigMike619]

Yep I see a lot of the split-back formation in our future

Shaun is a big boy and could be a good blocker. and we both know how CP dooz it..

[Jofizz]

U still have a Jeff George poster on your wall? Because as "fans" we support our players.

Exactly.

He has one of these on now :helmet:.

People that still want to hate cannot call themselves true fans.

[GenMgr]

SeattleSkins Unite!

Seriously, this points heavily to Vinnie's new philosophy of bringing in familiar faces only, rather those who have a connection to someone on the staff.

http://images.follicolli.com/images/squeezealbums.gif

[NeckBone]

cp is all about the ring at this point in his carreer. everyone saw his pass protection in the previous weeks. if sa can get anywhere near what he used to be I can see cp as his no. 1 fan, as well as a huge factor and contributor

[DiscoBob]

I'm somewhat sceptical, BUT.......

There is the potential that this could turn out really well for us....

If Alexander is anywhere near the player that he was, even on a limited basis....he will be a great addition.

SO, I'm not overly optimistic, but there still is the possibility that we hit a home run with this one...

[SkinsGuy]

U still have a Jeff George poster on your wall? Because as "fans" we support our players.

George is no longer a member of the Washington Redskins.

So why would I be supporting him?

Obviously, common sense is not your forte'. :)

I guess you are one of those clowns that is more concerned about being right than supporting the Redskin players on game day.

I'm sure you are hoping Alexander falls flat on his ass so you can come here tell us all you told us so. :rolleyes:

Glad I'm not that miserable all the time.

[rellascout]

People forget that the same year Alexanders numbers went to downhill was the same year Hutchinson went to the Vikings.....

in 2005 (w/ Hutch) Alexander posted 1880 yards, 5.1ypc, and 27 TD's [16 games]

in 2006 (w/o Hutch) Alexander posted 896 yards, 3.6ypc, and 7 TD's [10 games]

Hutchinson went to Minnesota in 2006.

in 2005 (w/o Hutch) Mewelde Moore & Michael Bennett posted a combined 1135 yards, about 4 ypc, and 4 TD [16 games]

in 2006 (w/ Hutch) Chester Taylor posted 1216 yards, 4.0ypc, and 6 TD's [15 games]

in 2007 (w/ Hutch) Adrian Peterson posted 1341 yards, 5.6ypc, and 12 TD's [12 games]

[SlobberKnockinFootball]

Let me pose this hypothetical question to the board.

Say this signing of Alexander becomes a great success and he's comfortable with being a backup to Portis. Do we trade Betts in the offseason to recoup our 2nd round pick? Do we even think we can get that for Betts?

Now, I'm not saying this is what I want. I'm just throwing a topic out for discussion.

:dallasuck

SKF

[Sekhmet728]

If Shaun Alexander is somehow back to his 2005 form....

God have mercy on the rest of the NFL.

:evil::allhail::evil:

[TD_washingtonredskins]

Let me pose this hypothetical question to the board.

Say this signing of Alexander becomes a great success and he's comfortable with being a backup to Portis. Do we trade Betts in the offseason to recoup our 2nd round pick? Do we even think we can get that for Betts?

Now, I'm not saying this is what I want. I'm just throwing a topic out for discussion.

:dallasuck

SKF

I would say no...we have Betts under a very affordable contract and he is a good veteran backup with little wear and tear on his body.

I'd love to use SA until Betts is 100% healthy and then cut him.

[RonArtest15]

George is no longer a member of the Washington Redskins.

So why would I be supporting him?

Obviously, common sense is not your forte'. :)

I guess you are one of those clowns that is more concerned about being right than supporting the Redskin players on game day.

I'm sure you are hoping Alexander falls flat on his ass so you can come here tell us all you told us so. :rolleyes:

Glad I'm not that miserable all the time.

It's not about being "right," more in being REALISTIC. If you saw any of Shaun Alexander in his last year in Seattle you would know he's garbage. Of course I'll support the dude while he's in the B&G, but I have my doubts about him. I'm not going to puff my chest out and gloat if I'm right about him, but in the end I would want nothing more than for him to succeed.

It's good of you to make assumptions about anyone who has a different opinion than yours. You are getting a defensive for no reason. I must have struck a nerve....

[emor09]

all i ask is 6 carries for 30 yards every game

[Sekhmet728]

Let me pose this hypothetical question to the board.

Say this signing of Alexander becomes a great success and he's comfortable with being a backup to Portis. Do we trade Betts in the offseason to recoup our 2nd round pick? Do we even think we can get that for Betts?

Now, I'm not saying this is what I want. I'm just throwing a topic out for discussion.

:dallasuck

SKF

Dunno about that. Betts has been far more reliable than Alexander.

I mean, there is a reason he was looking for work.

[skins4me58203]

Yep I see a lot of the split-back formation in our future


Why? Is Betts not the right fit for that formation? I don't know why we will be changing sets just for him.

[SkinsAllDay34]

I would not cut him if he can give us 2-4 good weeks as a backup. When Betts returns use a 3 headed monster like the Giants...it is sure damn workin for them.

[Sekhmet728]

People forget that the same year Alexanders numbers went to downhill was the same year Hutchinson went to the Vikings.....

in 2005 (w/ Hutch) Alexander posted 1880 yards, 5.1ypc, and 27 TD's [16 games]

in 2006 (w/o Hutch) Alexander posted 896 yards, 3.6ypc, and 7 TD's [10 games]

Hutchinson went to Minnesota in 2006.

in 2005 (w/o Hutch) Mewelde Moore & Michael Bennett posted a combined 1135 yards, about 4 ypc, and 4 TD [16 games]

in 2006 (w/ Hutch) Chester Taylor posted 1216 yards, 4.0ypc, and 6 TD's [15 games]

in 2007 (w/ Hutch) Adrian Peterson posted 1341 yards, 5.6ypc, and 12 TD's [12 games]

Aye. Hutchinson is a beast.

Even though I'm a Skins fan, he's my favorite lineman in the NFL.

[BigRay]

Some of you guys that was hating on Alexander especially after that playoff game in 05 including myself where he was knocked out of the game then was on the sideline jumpin and down clapping his hands after the touch down have to swallow a little pride Shaun is a redskin for now :)

[Califan007]

U still have a Jeff George poster on your wall? Because as "fans" we support our players.
Is Jeff George still on the team?...That's news to me.

[RonArtest15]

Some of you guys that was hating on Alexander especially after that playoff game in 05 including myself where he was knocked out of the game then was on the sideline jumpin and down clapping his hands after the touch down have to swallow a little pride Shaun is a redskin for now :)

Exactly....anyone want to address this?

[santana_4_prez]

I'm still skeptical. I just hope we work him in slowly.

Of course we'll work him in slowly...Portis will still get the lion's share of the carriers.

[Califan007]

SeattleSkins Unite!

Seriously, this points heavily to Vinnie's new philosophy of bringing in familiar faces only, rather those who have a connection to someone on the staff.

http://images.follicolli.com/images/squeezealbums.gif
Exactly, exactly, exactly...first thing I thought of when hearing about these signings is remembering Vinny talking about trying only to take chances on players that the coaching staff has some direct familiarity with (London Fletcher, Fred Smoot) instead of players they do not (Archuletta, Brandon Lloyd).

[Muzzah]

We got a good offensive line. I think he can make some good runs. He has been marred by injuries but being the #2 back could prove to be good for him.

[BigRay]

Is Jeff George still on the team?...That's news to me.

[Califan007]

Exactly....anyone want to address this?
What's to address? As fans of the Skins you "hate" on opposing players since their goal is to make sure your team loses. You make fun of them when they fail against your team (see Barber, Tiki...and his fumbles). And you get angry at your team when opposing players have success against them (see Barber, Tiki...and his 200 yard games).

This isn't rocket science lol...

[BigRay]

Exactly....anyone want to address this?


Man, there has been quite a few players I didn't care for that has put on the Redskins uniform Prime Time, Dana Stubbfield, James Washington so on and so on:doh: had to deal with it because they played on my favorite team.

[skinzdar55]

all i ask is 6 carries for 30 yards every game

and maybe a TD here or there :fingersx:.......

oh yeah, and NO turnovers

[Califan007]

Man, there has been quite a few players I didn't care for that has put on the Redskins uniform Prime Time, Dana Stubbfield, James Washington so on and so on:doh: had to deal with it because they played on my favorite team.
To me, the difference is having a player who I personally dislike how they conduct themselves suddenly playing on the team (like T.O.), and having a player who I only disliked when they played against the Skins but otherwise had nothing against them. Alexander falls into that 2nd category in my eyes.

[btfoom]

OK, for all of you who are 'skeptical' about this signing, or think it will be a 'bust', or just plain don't like it, I have a question for you: Did you read the article about SA, especially the part about WHY we signed him and WHAT we gave up to get him?

You see, in the article I read, the reason WHY we signed him is that Betts is hurt and we need another running back. We didn't sign SA to replace Portis, he was not signed to be our primary back, and he's not here to 'save' the team. He's here to provide backup to CP.

The article also mentioned that the Skins gave up exactly NOTHING to sign him. No draft picks, no players, not even a hit to the salary cap.

Considering that he has a relationship with Zorn, knows how he likes the offense to run, and has shown that he can be a great back at one time in his career, I see no downside as to this pick. I also can't see why anyone wouldn't be happy with this signing. Can you name one other FA running back that would have been a better fit right now???? Anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller????

Worst case scenario - we signed an over the hill player who just can't hack it any more. The coaches see this in practice and during parts of the game. Move Rock to #2 RB, release SA, and try to find someone else. Again, nothing was lost.

Best case scenario - we signed a stud RB who, due to a combination of injuries and bad personnel decisions by Seattle (shocking, I know), appeard to be in decline but is now healthy and ready to perform at his 2005 level. Gives the Skins two premier backs the rest of the way (anyone pay attention to Fred Taylor/MJD - looks pretty good to me) and we grind the rest of the NFL underneath their cleats.

IMHO, we will end up somewhere in the middle, which is OK with me as we stay pretty much level until Betts gets back.

And by the way, the Jeff George poster has been consigned to the inside of the dog house.

[SkinsGuy]

It's not about being "right," more in being REALISTIC. If you saw any of Shaun Alexander in his last year in Seattle you would know he's garbage. Of course I'll support the dude while he's in the B&G, but I have my doubts about him. I'm not going to puff my chest out and gloat if I'm right about him, but in the end I would want nothing more than for him to succeed.

It's good of you to make assumptions about anyone who has a different opinion than yours. You are getting a defensive for no reason. I must have struck a nerve....

No nerve struck, nor any defensiveness. You are the one saying those here supporting Alexander are "....drinking the kool-aid...."

I said we are Redskin fans backing up our new player, and hoping he does great things. No one here said they were expecting him to be another John Riggins. They and me hope he does well with the few times he carries the ball (I'm thinking, if he gets it ten times in a game, it will be a lot).

Sure, he didn't finish great in Seattle, but he was injured and his OL was falling apart.

With a fresh start and a really good rushing o-line in front of him, he may do well here.

You can say like the other complainers on this board that you are "keeping it real", but you are just being negative for negative's sake.

[TheGreek1973]

I don't get some of you guys. Like others have said this move cost us NOTHING. The reward for making this move however could be EVERYTHING. SA has said he is finally healthy. what does that mean for us? don't know but I can't wait to findout, because if he plays like he did a couple of seasons ago or before that this cat can run the ball like only a few backs can. And yes I do include in there Betts. If SA is even close to his 05 form Betts can't hold his jockstrap guys lets be serious about this. IMO it is a great signing....until we findout its not.

[TheGreek1973]

posted twice...sorry

[STBonecrusher21]

I wonder who will challenge Shaun for "Comeback Player of the Year"!!!!!!!

[Califan007]

OK, for all of you who are 'skeptical' about this signing, or think it will be a 'bust', or just plain don't like it, I have a question for you: Did you read the article about SA, especially the part about WHY we signed him and WHAT we gave up to get him?

You see, in the article I read, the reason WHY we signed him is that Betts is hurt and we need another running back. We didn't sign SA to replace Portis, he was not signed to be our primary back, and he's not here to 'save' the team. He's here to provide backup to CP.

The article also mentioned that the Skins gave up exactly NOTHING to sign him. No draft picks, no players, not even a hit to the salary cap.

Considering that he has a relationship with Zorn, knows how he likes the offense to run, and has shown that he can be a great back at one time in his career, I see no downside as to this pick. I also can't see why anyone wouldn't be happy with this signing. Can you name one other FA running back that would have been a better fit right now???? Anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller????

Worst case scenario - we signed an over the hill player who just can't hack it any more. The coaches see this in practice and during parts of the game. Move Rock to #2 RB, release SA, and try to find someone else. Again, nothing was lost.

Best case scenario - we signed a stud RB who, due to a combination of injuries and bad personnel decisions by Seattle (shocking, I know), appeard to be in decline but is now healthy and ready to perform at his 2005 level. Gives the Skins two premier backs the rest of the way (anyone pay attention to Fred Taylor/MJD - looks pretty good to me) and we grind the rest of the NFL underneath their cleats.

IMHO, we will end up somewhere in the middle, which is OK with me as we stay pretty much level until Betts gets back.

And by the way, the Jeff George poster has been consigned to the inside of the dog house.
We heard bitching when the Skins signed McCardell last year...then heard bitching when we didn't re-sign him in the offseason lol :D...

Some Skins fans just love bitching and complaining about Vinny and Snyder, no matter what they do. It's almost Pavlovian...

[The Sir]

Did you know that back when we traded Champ for Portis, we contemplated an offer that would have sent Champ to the Seahawks in exchange for Shaun Alexander.

[BoomMeetLL]

Good stuff...I hope he's close to 05' form, if so we just landed ourselves a BEAST for pretty much nothing.
We already have THE best in CP :)

[jistardy]

It's not about being "right," more in being REALISTIC. If you saw any of Shaun Alexander in his last year in Seattle you would know he's garbage. Of course I'll support the dude while he's in the B&G, but I have my doubts about him. I'm not going to puff my chest out and gloat if I'm right about him, but in the end I would want nothing more than for him to succeed.

It's good of you to make assumptions about anyone who has a different opinion than yours. You are getting a defensive for no reason. I must have struck a nerve....
I did see him as well as his offensive line.
1. He was injured
2. O line was desimated
3. He will be a B & G monster 101% garanteeeeeeed!
Do not ever discount a man from 1 or 2 years of injury whom is hungry and 100% healthy, and with a solid blocking crew.
This will pay off bigger, faster than any signing this decade!!!
I have watched this man like a hawk.
He will make you piss your pants with joy, and teams piss their pants with fear.

The two headed monster is in D.C. baby!!!!!!
I wish I still lived there.

This man has a nose for the end-zone like no other!!!

Before you want to talk crap about S.A. Please talk to the hand first.
See what it has to say about it
I will give you a hint. It will say to say nothing.

Stump, Zorn and even the Snyd know what they got.
Just watch and learn. I promise you will like it!!!!

HTTR WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I don't like cool-aid

[IVSkinsFan]

i wonder who will challenge shaun for "comeback player of the year"!!!!!!!

cr #22

[Skinsgal83]

As long as Betts gets healthy it was a good hold over. GO Alexander! We will support you all the way to the end zone!

[pjfootballer]

Split backs, fake the handoff to CP, hand to Alexander and BAM!!! CP lead block knocks a LB on his ass.

[pjfootballer]

I don't get all this talk about Alexander being "soft". He scored 28 TD's in one season and you don't score all those TD's playing soft. Some people think he's supposed to run like Earl Campbell, which is just not his running style. He's more like a Ernest Byner type. Runs hard, gets alot of carries and yards, but won't run anyone over like Earl.

[JetSkins]

when RBs are done, they are DONE.

[G-Prime]

If he is close to his former form, this kinda reminds me of when the Skins picked up George Rogers in the 80's.

Rogers had an amazing rookie year then slowly fizzled just a little with the Saints; Skins got him and he provided a couple of good years.

Don't forget Terry Allen, got two blown out knees was kinda given up on, he comes in here and does a real solid job

[Califan007]

Don't forget Terry Allen, got two blown out knees was kinda given up on, he comes in here and does a real solid job
Hell, throw Ki-Jana Carter on that list as well...out his entire rookie season, only 8 rushing attempts in the two years prior to coming to the Skins, then puts in 63 carries, 4.9 yards per rush and 3 TDs while on the team. It was the only time in his career where he averaged more than 4 yards per carry.

[sameoldstory08]

It is what it is. SA is a backup. I'm more concerned about his blitz pick-up, he never was known as a good blocker. Portis is a beast on the blitzers. That all being said we've given up nothing to get him so anything we get is bonus.

[Califan007]

It is what it is. SA is a backup. I'm more concerned about his blitz pick-up, he never was known as a good blocker. Portis is a beast on the blitzers. That all being said we've given up nothing to get him so anything we get is bonus.
Blocking was never Betts' strong suit, either, so I'm only really concerned about whether or not he can contribute to the running game at the level that Betts would have...

[Gracelander]

I'm excited about him coming here. He sounds in good spirit's and was happy to come to DC. to play. I say give the man a chance before knocking him.

[benskins26]

I wasn't really excited about this move and I've never been a fan of him, but I like his attitude. Good luck to him

[ljs]

well all my Seattle buddies are actually saying we did good by this...I'm still skeptical, but hoping it works out.

[sameoldstory08]

It certainly could turn into a nice 1-2 punch. It's a perfect scenario for him. No pressure to produce, familiarity with the coaches & schemes and he's healthy. Could be good times.

[Capt Rich Fla]

Alexander was a bad decision. Bad, bad, bad.:mad:

[zoony]

OK, for all of you who are 'skeptical' about this signing, or think it will be a 'bust', or just plain don't like it, I have a question for you: Did you read the article about SA, especially the part about WHY we signed him and WHAT we gave up to get him?

You see, in the article I read, the reason WHY we signed him is that Betts is hurt and we need another running back. We didn't sign SA to replace Portis, he was not signed to be our primary back, and he's not here to 'save' the team. He's here to provide backup to CP.



That's where I'm coming from on this as well.

What do we have to lose? Nothing. What do we have to gain? More than nothing.

End of subject.

[Die Hard]

Man, there has been quite a few players I didn't care for that has put on the Redskins uniform Prime Time, Dana Stubbfield, James Washington so on and so on:doh: had to deal with it because they played on my favorite team.

I'd throw Jeff George and Tony Banks in there as well. Quite possibly the 2 worst starting QB's in NFL history (with a good number of starts). I hated them before they became Skins.... and I was sickened when we signed them. It still shames me that this franchise stooped that low.

[cubanl81]

I think this was a smart move. As has been said many times. We can't lose. I think this is going to be a great pick up. I think he will probably only be here one year. But one thing that has me excited was Portis comments. He basically said that he was watching Alexander tapes to see how he ran in this system. Now he gets to look over and ask him himself. If Portis is excited that works for me.

[dy44]

This post wont be long.

HE ONLY HAS TO BE BETTER THAN BETTS. No knock on Ladell this is the first year he is not responsible for losing several games for us.

[bulldog]

the price we paid to obtain Alexander was right given his age 31, falling production and recent history of injury.

that said, any fan in Washington after watching George Allen and Joe Gibbs over the years knows that having experienced players you can use off the bench in a situational role can often times get you over the hump in the NFL.