Skins plan on bringing back Hightower in 2012

[Tarantula]

The Redskins are interested in re-signing impending free agent Tim Hightower (ACL surgery).
"We'll keep our fingers crossed that he goes through rehab and there's no setbacks and he's good as new," said coach Mike Shanahan. "He's tough, hard-nosed, and he was a good addition to our football team." The Shanahans love Hightower's pass protection, so he could return as a third-down complement to Roy Helu and Evan Royster if the Redskins don't upgrade.

Related: Roy Helu
Source: Washington Times

Judging by the way Helu and Royster blocked this year, I can't honestly say this isn't a surprise. Hightower is still a lot faster and runs harder than both Helu and Royster, so this is a move I can see us making in the offseason.

[terrifNick21]

:wtf:

Hightower is not faster than Helu. :ols:

[LoudMouth12thMan]

:wtf:

Hightower is not faster than Helu. :ols:

Sorry but this is exactly what I was thinking. Helu is the fastest back we have. Hightower could stay or go. Don't care either way and I don't think it makes a difference one way or another.

[STBonecrusher21]

I'd say that THT is the best blocker, but Helu is no slouch either. I can only remember one time where Helu couldn't pick up his man in pass pro.

[Hitman21ST]

Hightower is still a lot faster and runs harder than both Helu and Royster,

Yeah...no.

Don't get me wrong, he runs hard, but faster than Helu? There's a chance THT is the slowest of the group. He is the best blocker, though.

[joeknows]

:wtf:

Hightower is not faster than Helu. :ols:

this was EXACTLY my thoughts when i read that lol ... im not opposed to bringing him back .... especially if it is as a 3rd down back. but if it means losing helu im not on board.... and even though royster played well in pre season .... and did really well last weekend... im not buying into him quite yet.

[prsnljournalst3]

this was EXACTLY my thoughts when i read that lol ... im not opposed to bringing him back .... especially if it is as a 3rd down back. but if it means losing helu im not on board.... and even though royster played well in pre season .... and did really well last weekend... im not buying into him quite yet.

we carried 3 backs this year, why not next year as well.

[joeknows]

we carried 3 backs this year, why not next year as well.

oh dont misunderstand me... i have no issue with bringing him back... in fact im on board with it... just not at the expense of Helu whom i have been saying all season this kid is gonna be a stud... Royster shows much promise and i have a friend who knows the kid personally... and he swears that kid is gonna be a stud too.... im not the biggest fan of hightowers seemingly upright running style but he runs hard and is a hell of a blocker... so yeah if we can have all 3 ... im game

[DogofWar1]

Hightower, Helu, and Royster form a very solid RB group. It will be nice to see what Shanahan can do now that Helu and Royster have a year under their belts. This could be a very dangerous group of backs with a monster run attack.

[21cents]

Hightower runs hard, real hard. Only problem he runs into his own blockers smh

[UKskins]

I'd like to see Hightower come back, as long as Royster and Helu stay on the roster too (Cant imagine Shanny plans on cutting either of them!). I like Hightower and think that the rotation we could pull with these 3 actually gives us a more than solid running game, opening it up for Shanny Jr's play action.game.

[UK SKINS FAN '74]

I'm not sure that says that we are planning to bring him back. I'd say that could go either way.

Helu has 1000 all purpose yards already this year and I get the feeling Mike is going to run his ass into the ground over the next 3 seasons.

[The Fax]

Depth is never a bad thing.

[Capt. Kaos]

Let me start with, Bringing Hightower back wouldnt be the end of the world. But...

In regards to the statement you quoted, What did you expect him to say?

"We couldnt possibly care less if Tim Hightower recovers from his surgery, We have no plans to re-sign him anyways." :)

I don't think his comments are ringing endorsements. I don't think they are NOT ringing endorsements either.
I do think they are proper coach speak and that you shouldnt read too much into them.

In regards to your statement about Hightower being the fastest back on the team, :yikes:

[skinsince72]

Keep al 3. The all bring something good to the team. It would come in very handy in weeks 10-16.

[HailGreen28]

Hope we keep all three. Hightower could be the closest thing to a power back we have. (Among our HBs, not counting Young and any other FBs.)

It could be interesting who starts next season.

[Hitman21ST]

Hope we keep all three. Hightower could be the closest thing to a power back we have. (Among our HBs, not counting Young and any other FBs.)

It could be interesting who starts next season.

Shanahan's going to kill their fantasy value again next year :ols:

[authentic]

I think it all comes down to how Hightower's knee is progressing. I doubt he will get big$$ on the open market, mainly because of the knee. I wouldn't mind bringing him back at a modest price.

[jbowman]

this was EXACTLY my thoughts when i read that lol ... im not opposed to bringing him back .... especially if it is as a 3rd down back. but if it means losing helu im not on board.... and even though royster played well in pre season .... and did really well last weekend... im not buying into him quite yet.

I think the plan would be Helu on 1st and 2nd downs with Hightower being the 3rd down back, or possibly vice versa. I imagine training camp would be when that decision is made. Both backs have skillsets that would allow them to play both roles well. THT is the better blocker in pass protection whereas Helu is a bigger threat as a receiver.

Based on the current playcalling we do, I imagine it would be Helu 1st and 2nd down and THT on 3rd because we pass a lot on 1st and 2nd downs.


Edit: I see us keeping Royster too. He can go in if either of the other 2 go out as well as potentially play FB if Young goes down. The odd man out next year will likely be Sellers.

[London Kev]

Definately re-sign him if he heals up ok. I'm sure that he will want to compete to be the starter, which should push all three to improve, if he ends up being a blocking, third down back, then I'm fine with that. As for him being a lot faster than Helu, I don't think so.

[The Dude]

Why not? He's one of the best RBs in the league. This is a no-brainer.

[Renegade7]

I felt Hightower was our most complete back coming into this season. Helu has shown enough in my eye that he will eventually be better, but you're still going to want some kind of size at RB in this division. Healthy, Hightower can give you that...

[paloosa]

It doesn't matter who is faster just as long as we can keep these guys healthy through the year we will have a very good running game that will in turn open up or passing game even more. Of course we still need some more pieces to fit the puzzle and add some depth to the Offensive and Defensive lines. We need to get that QB of the future instead of getting retreads from other teams.

[The Tris]

Never a bad thing to have more than a few starting caliber RBs.

Charles, Forte, Peterson, Jackson, Best, Murray are just a few of the backs that landed on IR this season. Many more missed significant time that didn't require IR.

Additionally, it would be interesting to see Hightower running behind a line that was clearly clicking more in the second half of the season and had jumped to 11th in run blocking DVOA by this week, from the low 20s earlier in the year.

[UK SKINS FAN '74]

I think it all comes down to how Hightower's knee is progressing. I doubt he will get big$$ on the open market, mainly because of the knee. I wouldn't mind bringing him back at a modest price.

Another great thing about getting production from the 2011 rookies is that these guys are on minimum salaries. The Redskins roster is full of guys earning 'low' base salaries. Players like Helu & Royster as probably picking up 500k to get their tails worked off. Why pay 3 or 4 times that when you can dig out mid or late round picks on low salaries - and still get production.

I think THT could contribute here - but as you say, it will be at a modest price from this FO.

[TheLongshot]

I felt Hightower was our most complete back coming into this season. Helu has shown enough in my eye that he will eventually be better, but you're still going to want some kind of size at RB in this division. Healthy, Hightower can give you that...

I agree. Also, as much as people think Helu and Royster are studs, I'm not fully convinced until a guy does it for a couple of seasons. You'd think the example of Torain would give one pause on how much a few good games show.

[WhoRUSupposed2Be]

I have mixed feelings on Hightower...

One part of me likes him and wants him back. On the other hand, does he come back for 2yrs. because that's all that his value will be worth.

[BeefJerky]

Sign him to a 1 yr incentive laden contract. Hightower, Helu, and Royster is a pretty good backfield Imo.

[RVAbrendan]

Nice. Sign him. Only 1 injury away from losing any player at anytime. Great RB depth can't hurt!

[Skinz4Life12]

why wouldn't we bring back THT? this seems like a no brainer

[authentic]

Another great thing about getting production from the 2011 rookies is that these guys are on minimum salaries. The Redskins roster is full of guys earning 'low' base salaries. Players like Helu & Royster as probably picking up 500k to get their tails worked off. Why pay 3 or 4 times that when you can dig out mid or late round picks on low salaries - and still get production.

I think THT could contribute here - but as you say, it will be at a modest price from this FO.

Well we know how Shanny feels about not paying top $$ for RBs. So Hightower and his agent should know what to expect. If not, then Hightower walks and we go after a late round or Undrafted prospect.

[The Tris]

I mean, how much money is Tim Hightower worth on the open market any way? people are talking like hes going to get some mega deal here, as if that is what middle of the pack RBs get.

Couple million a year for 2-3 years, that's all he'll get.

[Kelvin Bryant]

Hightower is still a lot faster and runs harder than both Helu and Royster, so this is a move I can see us making in the offseason.

This claim has already been disputed, but I think such discussions are improved by including objective facts. Here are the 40-yard dash times from the combine:

(2011) Helu: 4.43, 4.42
(2008) Hightower: 4.50, 4.67
(2011) Royster: 4.53, 4.75

Anyone can have a bad run, but even if you throw out the slow times for Hightower and Royster, Helu is significantly faster.

[HigSkin]

This claim has already been disputed, but I think such discussions are improved by including objective facts. Here are the 40-yard dash times from the combine:

(2011) Helu: 4.43, 4.42
(2008) Hightower: 4.50, 4.67
(2011) Royster: 4.53, 4.75

Anyone can have a bad run, but even if you throw out the slow times for Hightower and Royster, Helu is significantly faster.

40 times are great and all but HT seems like he has better initial burst speed. I don't feel like looking it up but I'd be curious about a 20 time comparison. Seems his experience in picking holes and "football" speed make him look quicker.

[Tarantula]

40 times are great and all but HT seems like he has better initial burst speed. I don't feel like looking it up but I'd be curious about a 20 time comparison. Seems his experience in picking holes and "football" speed make him look quicker.

I was waiting for someone to "get it." I realize 40 times are how most people rate speed, but hitting the holes and getting to the next level is a better way to gauge speed. I definitely like Helu more long term, but Hightower just seems like a better all around RB.

[Enter Apotheosis]

40 times are great and all but HT seems like he has better initial burst speed. I don't feel like looking it up but I'd be curious about a 20 time comparison. Seems his experience in picking holes and "football" speed make him look quicker.

Hightower wasn't invited to the combine, so I'm not sure you could find a decent split or shuttle time anywhere. Personally, I think Helu is probably a bit quicker than Hightower is as well but he is also a more patient runner.

[HTTR F Dallas]

We'll have an excellent RB crew with all 3 of them next year... That's like having 3 potential starting running backs in NFL on your roster. i wouldn't care who they started each week.

A good plan would be to bring them all back and try to showcase Hightower, hope he stays healthy and has a breakout season and then maybe shop him next year for a good deal. If we end up getting RGIII, we'll most likely be losing draft picks in 2013, would be nice if Hightower could help us recover atleast one of those draft picks in 2013; if we're still happy with Helu and Royster as our main 2...

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

The problem with carrying all three is: do they play special teams? Does Royster? I honestly don't know.

I'm just not a Hightower fan, it seems like the key to running in Shanahan's offense is vision and his is awful. It's like he guesses where the hole is more than anything else. If he guesses correctly, he is dynamic. If he guesses wrong, he runs up a guard's ass.

[RWJ]

Bring him back for a very modest contract, nothing big.

[RVAbrendan]

Watching Hightower break those outside runs was a thing of beauty. It seemed like he would get at least 8 years per carry on most of those.

[London Kev]

Watching Hightower break those outside runs was a thing of beauty. It seemed like he would get at least 8 years per carry on most of those.

8 years per carry........What was he carrying, Trent and Fred's stash?

[Hitman21ST]

8 years per carry........What was he carrying, Trent and Fred's stash?

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/27537_130588566954452_4451_n.jpg

[Tarantula]

This thread got me NNT'd because........................................... ....................?? I swear these mods just NNT people for the hell of it. :rolleyes:

[GaryGreenMonk]

Arguing who's best at this or that is silly.

I think Helu, Royster, Hightower will be an insanely good backfield for us. We might take the 3 headed monster title away from the Giants for the year they had.

[Loyal2Washington]

(2011) Helu: 4.43, 4.42
(2008) Hightower: 4.50, 4.67
(2011) Royster: 4.53, 4.75

Game isn't played in underwear running in a straight line. If it was the Ray-Duh's would be perennial SB champs every year. Check out shuttle time, 3 cone drill, broad jump, etc. to get a better understanding of an athletes explosion and foot work.

[Jumbo]

This thread got me NNT'd because........................................... ....................?? I swear these mods just NNT people for the hell of it. :rolleyes:

Well, I didn't NNT you. But...the reason are pretty obvious except to someone like you. And by someone like you I mean a guy who has such disinterest in the rules that he has now seven violations of four different rules, including 2 previous NNTs, and involving three different moderators. So for this one now you get a permanent B2A and can figure it was done "just for the hell of it." :)

[Park City Skins]

Yep. Just for the hell of it. Currently in the ATNFL forum.

http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?361006-T.O-about-to-play-for-Allen-TX-Ranger-(Indoor-Football-League)


:doh:

[Jumbo]

Yep. Just for the hell of it. Currently in the ATNFL forum.

http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?361006-T.O-about-to-play-for-Allen-TX-Ranger-(Indoor-Football-League)


:doh:

Now that's just awesome. I hadn't even seen that one. :ols:

The dude was mega-tard. :cool:

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

The odd man out next year will likely be Sellers.
yup

and he would have been cut last summer were it not for the lockout.



I am indifferent towards Hightower coming back. I dont think he is or ever was that good. I dont believe he is that fast either (:ols: at fastest back on the team), but he is a good guy out the backfield and is pretty good on short yardage.


He can stay or leave depending on his health. Im indifferent to him.

---------- Post added December-31st-2011 at 01:04 AM ----------


40 times are great and all but HT seems like he has better initial burst speed. I don't feel like looking it up but I'd be curious about a 20 time comparison. Seems his experience in picking holes and "football" speed make him look quicker.

Hightower doesnt spot holes, especially not as fast as Helu and he often falls over himself.

I think Hightower's dreads and hard running style make people believe he runs faster than he does.

[ukvillaskin]

With Helu, Hightower and Royster we have one of the best backfields in the league...right? It's a no-brainer to keep Hightower isn't it? He played well before the injury and deserves to be on next seasons roster. He still has a few years left in him and if he can continue to play well and stay fumble free, should be a plus. I don't see the point in trading a settled RB, unless we can get a great deal, or drafting someone that may take a season to settle, especially when we've got Helu and Royster who can go on for years. Add to that the experience Hightower has, I don't know anything about his relationship with Royster and Helu, but he could be a good influence on them.

[andy614]

Depth is never a bad thing.

Exactly! Why get rid of a guy that can be productive. Look how many backs we needed this season.