I Don't Like Alexander, Here's Why (MET)

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

.... then why don't you marry him?

It's unbelievable how many people around here think Alexander is the second coming of Christ. (Many of you are probably the same people who thought Jason Taylor would have 14.5 sacks this season...)

Shaun is injury-prone, hates contact, tip-toes in the backfield, coughs up the ball, and sounds like a complete twink when he talks. (Not to mention, Madden cursed him several years ago, and there is no returning from that.)

Seriously though, we are talking about a player who was bumped in Cincinnati in favor of CHRIS PERRY. Yes, the same Chris Perry who is far-and-away the WORST starting RB in the league. (2.6 yards per carry, 5 fumbles).

Talk to any Seahawks fan, and they will straight-up tell you: Shaun Alexander was a product of a PHENOMENAL offensive line and a great coach in Holmgren who ran a one-back system. He is a very slow and awkward runner who stands straight-up and is pretty weak in pass protection.

Rock isn't all that great in the backfield either, but for Alexander to step in here and immediately start getting carries over #31 would be the most ridiculous thing our team has done in a while.... (And that's saying something.)

[Califan007]

Let's just say this thread will be bookmarked and bumped as necessary...

[redskns21]

What a lame thread title and lead in. What are you 6 years old?

[santana_4_prez]

Why didn't you inform Coach Z of your inside info?

[inevitable]

Rock isn't all that great in the backfield either, but for Alexander to step in here and immediately start getting carries over #31 would be the most ridiculous thing our team has done in a while.... (And that's saying something.)

You want to talk about coughing the ball up? You should probably look at stats before you say things like that.

Rock has fumbled once every 29 carries. Shaun Alexander fumbled once every 70 carries.

Rock is a special teams captain. Thats where he belongs. Shaun Alexander is a running back, and he was a good one at that, even considering he ran behind a very, very good line (second to KC's at the time, without question). There's plenty of reasons to like Rock over Alexander. Fumbling is NOT one of them. I get scared every time rock touches the ball in the backfield.

[Skinz4Life12]

don't hate on the op. the man is just speaking his mind.

i'll take a wait and see approach

[drums and skins]

.... then why don't you marry him?


Because he doesn't put out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7tq0Ri7ucY) until after getting married.



(yea, it was hard for me to watch that video...he basically talks about nothing...O_o)

[Touchdown Redskins]

I have to agree with you, although I'm not as pessimistic about his production here as you might be. You yourself stated that he had his good years when he was behind a great O-line. I think our O-line is one of the best in the league, so maybe he can regain the form that made him an MVP.

But, like I said, I do agree with you in that Shaun Alexander is not a very good running back.

[SkinsAllDay34]

WHOAAAA ...BUDDY

Calm the **** down....I dont think people on here think he is the 2nd coming of christ as you say but he will be a solid backup. Also how were we supposed to know that JT was gonna sprain his knee and have compartment syndrome...yea so SHUT THE **** UP...

Bump this thread after SA fills in nicely

[RedskinsNation]

Long days and Lamer threads......its only Thursday.

Has anyone started a Browns/Skins prediction thread yet?

[Fletch_Lives59]

.... then why don't you marry him?


Talk to any Seahawks fan, and they will straight-up tell you: Shaun Alexander was a product of a PHENOMENAL offensive line

Quick, name one, and don't say Walter Jones just cause he went to the best University in the world..:)

[BuddyLeeGhostHunter]

Really?

I've seen more hate than love around here.

As for me, I won't subscribe to any love or hate until I see him play. Any other opinion is really useless until then.

[mrredskinDgreen]

I don't think anyone has jumped on the shaun alexander wagon yet. It's a wait and see type deal...besides, WE HAVE THE #1 BACK IN THE LEAGUE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!

[BuddyLeeGhostHunter]

WHOAAAA ...BUDDY


I'm not a horse, fella.;)

[zskins]

Ok.... But you really need to tell us how you really feel though.

[emor09]

this thread title leads me to believe your about 8 years old

[BuddyLeeGhostHunter]

this thread title leads me to believe your about 8 years old
You're too kind.

[KyleVA]

Not like he's supposed to be our feature back anyways?

As long as he can pick up 2-3 yards when Portis needs a breather it's whatev.

[elkabong82]

Agree with Cali, this will be bumped a lot if Alexander performs well.

But to the OP's points, who exactly has been showing so much love to Alexander on here? From what I've seen, most people like the potential of the move and the fact we got him at vet minimum, but I have yet to see anyone proclaiming we will be great because of the move, or even that Alexander will be a beast. Most people have adopted a patient, wait-and-see attitude with this move.

Injury-prone? Before 2006, Alexander had never missed a game. Last season he missed only 3. And please don't chime in with "Why didn't Seattle keep him?" because he has always had a strained relationship with Seattle even when he was MVP.

Hates contact? That doesn't seem typical of someone who was the NFL MVP, and is a false perception perpetrated by some that doesn't hold up in reality. No NFL RB is afraid of contact, otherwise they wouldn't be in the NFL, and they most certainly would not have had the success that Alexander did.

Coughs up the ball? The most fumbles he's ever had in a season is 5, and the most he's ever lost in a season was 4 one time, back in 2001. Still, he does fumble a little more than probably any of us would like, but out of the many carries he's had the percentage isn't that high.

Sounds like a twink when he talks? Is this supposed to be a legitimate arguing point? How someone talks has no bearing on their on-field performance.

Madden curse? Seriously? You want to bring that into the discussion? Get real.

OH no, he was bumped in favor of Perry? Cuz Cincy makes the right moves all the time, that's why they're a perrenial contender. Teams make bad decisions all the time, and Perry hasn't accomplished anywhere near what Alexander has in this league.

Zorn is 4-2 as head coach, beating the Cowboys and Eagles in their homes back-to-back. Sure we had a gaffe against the Rams, but that still doesn't take away from what Zorn has accomplished, something none of us foresaw. So maybe let's try trusting the coaches for a change, instead of scrutinizing every little thing. Or at least if we are going to scrutinize, let's use some better arguing points than perception-based ones.

[Chump Bailey]

Eh, Zorn likes him and has stated that he already knows much of the passing plays and assignments - I guess that is enough...

I would like a chance to see Mason also however. Doc Walker said that MM struggled with pass protection and other ST related areas. Betts is not the greatest blocker either though. I think Rock might be okay in that regard - just guessing.

[WARLORD1863]

Bottom-line: he's 100% healthy, has a pretty good OL to work with, knows Zorn and the west coast system, has a lot to prove, and is reunited with the runningback coach he had in his glory days. I think that's worth league-minimum veteran pay and a back-up role.

Also, I always thought Jason Taylor was doing a good job. Maybe not in the sack department, but I've seen some good pass rush and tipped passes that leave me pretty confident that Taylor is doing fine.

[ST is my boy]

What the hell are you talking about dude? I havent seen ANYONE say ANYTHING like hes going to tear up the league or anything.

This is the most random thing ive ever seen on this messege board.

Ok....I wont go that far.....its bad though.

[Jinkz]

Bad title followed by an even worse point.

[Forehead]

Quick, name one, and don't say Walter Jones just cause he went to the best University in the world..:)

Steve Hutchinson and Robbie Tobeck were on that line in Seattle. Can't remember who the RG and RT were though.

Anyway, while I would not have conveyed my points in quite the same manner as the OP chose to, I still agree with him on some things. Alexander had a great few years, especially in 2005. However, he did noticeably avoid contact later on in his career (up to this point) and seemed to fall down awfully easy once he had been touched. He did not seem like a tough nosed runner anymore. Perhaps the time off has rekindled his fire, because I'm afraid he lost it at some point.

That said, for the vet minimum, there's not much to criticize about the move. I still don't like it.

[Califan007]

You're too kind.
Wait...are you ALSO LaronDontLikeUgly?...Because that's who started the thread...

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

What a lame thread title and lead in. What are you 6 years old?

I'm 23 years old. And it's called "being facetious" my clueless friend.

You can call my title/lead-in whatever you want... but it sure got your attention.

Check back in with me in a few weeks after #37 averages around 2.5 yards per carry and we'll see who looks like the child.

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

Zorn is 4-2 as head coach, beating the Cowboys and Eagles in their homes back-to-back. Sure we had a gaffe against the Rams, but that still doesn't take away from what Zorn has accomplished, something none of us foresaw. So maybe let's try trusting the coaches for a change, instead of scrutinizing every little thing. Or at least if we are going to scrutinize, let's use some better arguing points than perception-based ones.

I wouldn't say that all of my points were perception-based. The Madden thing and "twink" thing were not meant to be taken very seriously (although it seems to be the focus of many people's replies) - but I have watched Seahawk games very carefully over the past few seasons (thank you NFL ticket) and I know what I see when this guy runs the ball.

There is a reason the Qwest Field boo-ed the **** out of this guy. There is a reason the Hawks brought in Julius Jones and *cough *cough TJ Duckett. It's not just something LaRonDontLikeUgly came up with randomly and spat-out on a message board.

[ljs]

well....take it from someone in Seattle territory. Someone who really hears it every day about the Hawks, and have for most of my life.

Here is the DL on SA (from local Hawks fans)
~Not a solid blocker, but can
~Much props to his OL during his MVP Season. Coincidence that when Hutchinson left, SA's production went down the toilet?
~Not that great of a pass catcher, but last year was blamed on his hand injury
~Has a bad rep around the NW for his primadonna attitude. (maybe he has been humbled lately??)


Now, some good things said is that he is a tough runner, which is opposite of what I have seen posted on here. People think he is weak, but I have seen him break tackles and run right through the middle. So I don't see him as a weak back. He has talent, I give credit to the OL, but he did the running.

My stance-skeptical, wait and see approach. Trust me, I hope he tears it up, just not betting my annual salary on it.

[SkinInsite]

Now people are complaining about backups on the team. This is what happens when you lose to the Rams.

[maskedsuperstar]

You want to talk about coughing the ball up? You should probably look at stats before you say things like that.

Rock has fumbled once every 29 carries. Shaun Alexander fumbled once every 70 carries.

Rock is a special teams captain. Thats where he belongs. Shaun Alexander is a running back, and he was a good one at that, even considering he ran behind a very, very good line (second to KC's at the time, without question). There's plenty of reasons to like Rock over Alexander. Fumbling is NOT one of them. I get scared every time rock touches the ball in the backfield.


You aren't kidding. I'm still pissed at Rock for fumbling away the game in Kansas City, 3 years ago.

[F Landry]

WHOAAAA ...BUDDY

Calm the **** down....I dont think people on here think he is the 2nd coming of christ as you say but he will be a solid backup. Also how were we supposed to know that JT was gonna sprain his knee and have compartment syndrome...yea so SHUT THE **** UP...

Bump this thread after SA fills in nicely

QFT.

Bump it after this week.

[IbleedBnG83]

Chris Perry was doing a great job in preseason...

[elkabong82]

I wouldn't say that all of my points were perception-based. The Madden thing and "twink" thing were not meant to be taken very seriously (although it seems to be the focus of many people's replies) - but I have watched Seahawk games very carefully over the past few seasons (thank you NFL ticket) and I know what I see when this guy runs the ball.

There is a reason the Qwest Field boo-ed the **** out of this guy. There is a reason the Hawks brought in Julius Jones and *cough *cough TJ Duckett. It's not just something LaRonDontLikeUgly came up with randomly and spat-out on a message board.

I got you. Just the way you presented the Madden and twink things made it seem like you were trying to pass them off as legitimate points.

I know Alexander has had his struggles at times. I don't really care that the Hawks fans booed him though, because our own fans have been down on CP at times as well. I don't think you're making up your criticisms, I just think some of them are false perceptions, possibly driven by the media who love to turn on players. Alexander isn't the greatest back out there, but I wouldn't say he is terrible. Keeping in mind he's a former MVP, we got him for the vet minimum, AND he's only a back-up, and his familiarity with our offense, I don't see what is so terrible about the move. Of course there is a downside, as there is to any move a team makes, but I think the reward far outweighs the risk in this case.

Anyways, I simply prefer to hope he does well, rather than be determined he will fail.

[Fletch_Lives59]

I'm 23 years old. And it's called "being facetious" my clueless friend.

You can call my title/lead-in whatever you want... but it sure got your attention.

Check back in with me in a few weeks after #37 averages around 2.5 yards per carry and we'll see who looks like the child.

hahahaha, he's a B/U :doh:

[RiggosMohawk]

Steve Hutchinson and Robbie Tobeck were on that line in Seattle. Can't remember who the RG and RT were though.

That would be Pork Chop Womack at RT if I'm not mistaken.

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

Let's just say this thread will be bookmarked and bumped as necessary...

Can't wait to see it :D

[stoney26]

I got you. Just the way you presented the Madden and twink things made it seem like you were trying to pass them off as legitimate points.

I know Alexander has had his struggles at times. I don't really care that the Hawks fans booed him though, because our own fans have been down on CP at times as well. I don't think you're making up your criticisms, I just think some of them are false perceptions, possibly driven by the media who love to turn on players. Alexander isn't the greatest back out there, but I wouldn't say he is terrible. Keeping in mind he's a former MVP, we got him for the vet minimum, AND he's only a back-up, and his familiarity with our offense, I don't see what is so terrible about the move. Of course there is a downside, as there is to any move a team makes, but I think the reward far outweighs the risk in this case.

Anyways, I simply prefer to hope he does well, rather than be determined he will fail.

QFT. Couldnt have said it better myself. The main thing Im worried about is SA coming in and getting all of Betts carries. The guy hasnt been hit in a long time and hes going to come in and get 10 carries a game after not even practacing for more than a week?? I dont know. But Im just an armchair quarterback so Ill trust the professionals on this one. Just like we all should.

[HitStickTaylor21]

I just don't like him cuz of those massive elbow pads

[Taiwan32]

1 yr. vet min.

What's not to like?

[E33Green]

Best thread that has been started here in a while.

I plan on marrying Shaun Alexander, because he "talks like a twink"

[redskns21]

I'm 23 years old. And it's called "being facetious" my clueless friend.

You can call my title/lead-in whatever you want... but it sure got your attention.

Check back in with me in a few weeks after #37 averages around 2.5 yards per carry and we'll see who looks like the child.

"Being facetious" or not it was still lame.

As to your point, I'm kind of agree with you. I've not said 1 thing, goor or bad, about him nor do I expect him to do much so I'm not so sure I'll be the one looks like a child.

Having said that, it's hard to find a lot of fault in adding someone who's been in this system as a temporary fill-in for a #2 back at the vet min.

[Killer Rob]

I have always wondered what took Alexander so long to catch on with a team? What other option would we have filled Betts slot with besides Alexander? Oh well, time to see if he still has anything left in the tank. Maybe he's a little pissed off about all the lack of respect from the NFL teams and he's going to teach them a lesson. I'd like to see him do that in a Redskins uniform.

[paloosa]

Some people on here don't do their homework and just say things to justify why this player doesn't belong here or there. But who are any of us to evaluate players in the league? If they were better in evaluating talent then they would be the HC, GM, or owner of the team but they aren't. As fans we all want the best players to play for our favorite team and to say that Alexander is a fumbler or lacks any skill is dead wrong. I feel he can help the team and Zorn and Smith were in Seattle with him so they must know how he is or how good he is. I trust Zorn because he has done all the right things for this team and at this point we need more than Rock to carry the ball because Rock isn't the back that can do it on a consistant basis otherwise he would be doing it now. Besides Alexander is just here for a few weeks until Betts gets healthy but don't be surprise if he is with them longer. Just a hunch.

[pjfootballer]

wow, another I hate Shaun Alexander thread.

[Bounce]

This is a lot of hate for someone who's probably going to average about 7 touches a game.

[NeueRedskinWelle]

CP and shaun combine for 600.

Book it.

[bih]

he might get more touches, nfl.com reports portis missed a practice due to injury. I dont know how serious is it, but I hope it doesnt mess with our running game.

[ciresolstice]

"Anyways, I simply prefer to hope he does well, rather than be determined he will fail."

pretty much.^

Dude vet min for a year and a back up, unbunch. I could understand if draft pick(s) were given or something.

[Veretax]

.... then why don't you marry him?

It's unbelievable how many people around here think Alexander is the second coming of Christ. (Many of you are probably the same people who thought Jason Taylor would have 14.5 sacks this season...)

Shaun is injury-prone, hates contact, tip-toes in the backfield, coughs up the ball, and sounds like a complete twink when he talks. (Not to mention, Madden cursed him several years ago, and there is no returning from that.)

Seriously though, we are talking about a player who was bumped in Cincinnati in favor of CHRIS PERRY. Yes, the same Chris Perry who is far-and-away the WORST starting RB in the league. (2.6 yards per carry, 5 fumbles).

Talk to any Seahawks fan, and they will straight-up tell you: Shaun Alexander was a product of a PHENOMENAL offensive line and a great coach in Holmgren who ran a one-back system. He is a very slow and awkward runner who stands straight-up and is pretty weak in pass protection.

Rock isn't all that great in the backfield either, but for Alexander to step in here and immediately start getting carries over #31 would be the most ridiculous thing our team has done in a while.... (And that's saying something.)

Granted, if he can spell portis till betts is back, is he not worth at least taking a chance on? I think he is. That's my opinion though.

[jileib]

I guess we should have gotten Jim Brown in his prime to play until Betts is back in about a month; if we did not sign a back and Portis went down, then what; give SA a chance; when JZ got hired last February, the sky is falling mentality on here went nutso; give it a chance.

[railcon56]

I plan on marrying Shaun Alexander, because he "talks like a twink"

So did Mike Tyson.... But want to mess with him?

[SKINSFAN87]

You must know alot of seattle folks to get this inside info. This is the most ridiculous post that Ive read yet. Get a clue. Rock couldn't hold shaun's jockstrap, let alone outplay him. I like rock, because he is a stud special teamer, but that's where it ends. If shaun is healthy, he could easily be a every down back for us. That's great insurance!! I hope you eat crow.

[kevin11]

I can't really stand BEtts. I always hold my breath when ever he gets a carry. It seems like Betts always fumbles when the game is on the line.

Maybe, I should give betts more credit. I still can't get over the 2006 season where he had 3 or 4 fumbles in a row. Game wise, of course.

[skinsfan67]

He's a Redskin, a back-up but a Redskin. Shut up and give him a chance. If the coaching staff likes what they see then who are we to ?. Did u predict us to be 4-2 right now, probably not. So back off and let the adaults do thier job.....HTTR

[hoskins]

This just in:

Clinton Portis is our starting RB. He will get the majority of the carries.

Betts should be returning after our bye week for the Dallas game (per Vinny on Redskins Nation today).

Betts WILL be getting his position back (again per Vinny on Redskins Nation today)

Betts has been averaging about 6 carries per game. Six. Less than seven.

So if all goes well, Alexander will get about 15-20 carries total and then either be our third string RB or be shopping around for another team. And we have zero picks and very small amount of money invested in him.

Why is this such a big deal again???

[lilty1975]

Well fellas once again it is your boy checking in from Iraq. I'm happy becasue I get to see the redskins game on AFN this Sunday. Even though it will be 1100 pm here I will still be watching my skins. SA is getting up there in age, so he isn't not an everydown back. So with that said this is a perfect situation for him to succeed. All he has to do is releive CP every now and then for a few series of downs. His body will not take the beating of being a featured back.

RC is great for our special teams(he has 20 yards to get his motor started) ;-), but he is not taking a handoff to the house. Everytime SA touches the ball we stand a chance for big run. When SA gets into the game he will always be fresh what cause trouble for any defense to always have to face a fresh running back with big play potential. We have two legit running backs that have lead the NFL before in rushing and when LB comes back we will have a 3 headed monster. I think it will be a great addition to the team, and we didn't have to give up the draft for it(i.e. 1st, 3rd, 6th) think about what it is costing us for this experiment..................nothing! HTTR Redskins fan for life!!!!

[Geoff_K]

Zorn and his crew surely know more about players abilities than 99.937 % of the ppl here.

I am confident he did not bring the guy in JUST to get a paycheck. If he showed up and was the suck, I have to think Zorn would have said thank you but no thanks ....

UNTIL the man shows he is a total bust here ... i will feel confident in the coaches choices.

[btfoom]

Yeah, I can see why you are so down on this pick, as SA was brought in to be our starting RB (what? he was brough in to be a backup due to Betts injury. are you sure???).

Well then, it must be that we gave up so much to get him. I can't believe we gave up all of those picks and players to sign him (come again, he was a FA who we signed to the veteran minimum? That can't be. Really?)

So, if we brought him to the team to be a backup and he cost us exactly NOTHING, I'm sure you are upset because there are so many really good RBs available, right now, in FA. Right? (who? well there's, uuhhh, ummmm, urrrrr. How bout you get back to me later on this one).

So here you are, hating on a pickup that the Skins made out of necessity, that has NO adverse affect on picks/players/cap space, with a player who may be washed up (in which case, the coaches will see in the next week or two at practice), may still have some left in the tank after taking a year to fully recover from injuries, or may be able to get back close to the way he played in 2005.

Yeah, I can certainly understand the title of this thread :doh:

[Cherokee]

Shaun Alexander is a B-A-C-K-U-P. But, when needed, he may be able to run routes, act as another receiver, or be an effective check down. He knows what Coach Zorn expects, understands the language of the offense. Sounds good to me. The sooner he integrates with the offensive scheme the better. He may turn out to be a kind of "suited-up coach" on the field, and help the offensive backfield go deeper into the playbook. From what I saw of the Seahawks, he was out on the fringe running a route out of the backfield and not necessarily on a screen. He has good hands, and could be an effective way to move the chains. During all that, Portis gets the needed rest to bust up a tired defensive line in the fourth quarter.
Its all good. Hail Redskins!

[Aston]

Talk to any Seahawks fan, and they will straight-up tell you: Shaun Alexander was a product of a PHENOMENAL offensive lineStraight up now tell me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu4NcgQZucE) do you really wanna hate Shaun forever, or are you just having fun?

[LaRonDontLikeUgly]

Zorn and his crew surely know more about players abilities than 99.937 % of the ppl here.

I love Zorn.

But not as much as Zorn loves his own guys.

Derek Devine and Shaun Alexander won't be the last players from Seattle to try to crack the Skins roster over the next few seasons. (And we know about the coaches...)

Am I trying to say Zorn may be a bit biased towards people he has worked with in the past? Yes. Am I also saying he may initially look past a players ACTUAL ability if he likes them and wants to give them a shot? Absolutely.

But this is what the NFL is all about in most cases.

So, here we are- I think SA is a real bum. I have made my prediction, and I am ready to swim in it.

[Doctorfro]

We need him to give us 8-10 carries averaging 4-5 yards per. If he can do that, he's a great addition. Doesn't need to be a savior.

[E33Green]

good call on this one

[SkinsManNJ]

Im so glad he is gone. Worst RB with so much hype I think I have ever seen. He is softer than the pillsbury doughboy. You cant be that way and be a RB. Good Riddens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[E33Green]

Im so glad he is gone. Worst RB with so much hype I think I have ever seen. He is softer than the pillsbury doughboy. You cant be that way and be a RB. Good Riddens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I kinda liked Shaun Alexander...