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CanesSkins26
Canes Skin
Joined: 13 Aug 2007
Posts: 6870
Location: Alexandria, VA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject: Redskins' Offseason: It's On |
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Getting Elite Receiver Is Team's Top Priority
By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 12, 2008; Page E01
Now that the Washington Redskins have hired Jim Zorn as head coach, the team's focus turns to free agency, a period in which owner Daniel Snyder traditionally has dominated headlines with high-priced acquisitions. With executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato making personnel decisions with Snyder in place of Joe Gibbs, the Redskins may be preparing for a return to the busy offseasons of the past.
Snyder and Cerrato are working to renegotiate a dozen or so contracts, with the team roughly $16 million over the salary cap. It's an annual ritual -- converting base salaries to bonuses for cap savings -- and undoubtedly the Redskins will be left with room under the salary cap to add players.
Numerous league sources, including some with direct knowledge of conversations between Snyder, Cerrato and recent head coaching candidates, have affirmed that the Redskins have interest in trading for Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Johnson, with two league sources saying Johnson is eager to land a hefty new contract from Washington.
Acquiring an elite receiver is Snyder's top priority, league sources said. The Bengals have said they have no intention of trading Johnson, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is working quietly to broker a deal, the sources said.
The Redskins also are expected to again pursue Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, another Rosenhaus client they attempted to trade for last offseason.
Most of the needs on defense -- particularly on the line -- will be addressed in the draft, which is what newly promoted defensive coordinator Greg Blache is pushing for, team sources said. Blache is also said to have contacted several veterans -- cornerback Shawn Springs and tackle Cornelius Griffin among them -- to inform them they remain in his plans.
Some change is inevitable, though. Interviews with candidates for the Redskins' head coaching job, as well as with team and league sources, give a sense of the Redskins' preliminary plans.
Quarterbacks
Snyder and Cerrato are intent on seeing Jason Campbell prosper, and the pressure is on Zorn to produce with him in the near term. Campbell will be working under a seventh offensive system in eight years dating from college and some wonder how much patience the Redskins' front office will have with him as he learns another system.
"It's a two-to-three year process," said one veteran coach who, like Zorn, is a disciple of Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren. "I'll be very interested to see what kind of rope that kid gets."
The Redskins have made no attempt to re-sign quarterback Todd Collins; doing so had been considered a high priority under Gibbs and Al Saunders, the former associate head coach-offense.
At least three other teams have interest in Collins, but the Redskins have until the start of free agency on March 1 to re-sign him. Several general managers said that bringing Collins back could jeopardize Campbell's development.
Veteran Mark Brunell, a Gibbs favorite, is a free agent who is unlikely to be re-signed, team sources said, with Zorn perhaps pursuing a veteran third-stringer such as Trent Dilfer who knows his offense.
Wide Receivers
Johnson is a game-breaker who is strong and, at 6 feet 1, has the kind of size the Redskins' wide receivers lack. But his quick tongue and clashes with coaches have caused turmoil with Cincinnati. If he is traded, two general managers estimated it would take a low first-round and a third-round pick, or perhaps two second-round picks, to land him.
New England is likely to put a franchise tag on Randy Moss, retaining his rights, while less-stellar wide receivers such as Jerry Porter (Oakland) and Javon Walker (Denver) could be possibilities. Johnson, however, would be Snyder's ideal acquisition, according to multiple sources.
"He made it very clear that was his top choice," one coaching candidate said.
Brandon Lloyd is almost certain to be released, according to sources who have talked to Snyder and Cerrato. Veteran Keenan McCardell is also unlikely to be back. James Thrash, a special teams standout for Gibbs, might not return, and concerns over chronic knee problems could mean that reserve Reche Caldwell also will not be re-signed.
Veterans Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El need to overcome injuries that plagued them last season. Team sources said Snyder is adding to the training staff a full-time specialist to help with stretching and focus on hamstring issues, which were prevalent on the team in 2007.
Running Backs/Tight Ends
Snyder and Cerrato raved about Clinton Portis during interviews with head coaching prospects, sources said. Another renegotiation of his contract is likely. While Gibbs sometimes referred to Portis and Ladell Betts as "interchangeable," sources said that Snyder and Cerrato spoke of Betts solely as a backup. Team sources said they expect Betts to resume kick returning duties in 2008. Free agent Rock Cartwright is expected to depart.
Fullback Mike Sellers and tight end Chris Cooley will have significant roles in the West Coast offense under Zorn. Backup Todd Yoder has earned the respect of coaches in two seasons in Washington and depth could come from Tyler Ecker, team sources said. He was injured during the first weekend of training camp last season and placed on injured reserve. Ecker "completely reshaped his body" during rehabilitation, a team source said.
Offensive Line
Several coaching candidates were troubled by the repeated injuries to starting right tackle Jon Jansen, who broke his leg in the first week of last season. However, the Redskins gave Jansen a contract extension a year ago and sources said it would be difficult to release him because of the salary cap.
There are injury concerns with veteran guards Pete Kendall (arthritic knees) and Randy Thomas (who suffered another season-ending injury last year). League sources said a priority is acquiring, perhaps through the draft, a young center/guard to stabilize the interior of the line.
Veteran Mike Pucillo filled the role the past two seasons but has a serious back condition, sources said, making it less likely he will be re-signed.
Team sources said they expect Lorenzo Alexander -- who shined on the offensive and defensive lines last season -- to join the offense full-time. One coach said he believes Alexander is nimble and athletic enough to become the team's best pulling lineman.
Offensive line coach Joe Bugel has expressed some concern about Alexander's modest wingspan, team sources said, but he showed considerable promise last season and could help solidify the line.
With rookie Stephon Heyer showing promise as well last season, injury-prone backup tackle Todd Wade could be jettisoned.
Defensive Line
This is the primary area of concern on the defense, with Blache, a longtime line coach, adamant about adding depth. He aims to retain Griffin and veteran end Phillip Daniels, who team sources said may play more at tackle and is willing to rework his contract. But Blache's first priority it to groom a quicker, faster and more versatile tackle. Blache is also looking for a pass-rushing end who can line up opposite Andre Carter.
Younger players Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston developed in 2007, but age is a concern at some spots on the line. Blache will be pushing second-year speed rusher Chris Wilson to become a more well-rounded lineman, team sources said.
Linebackers
Former Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington has been injured often the past three years; third-year linebacker Rocky McIntosh is coming off reconstructive knee surgery and, though making progress, remains a question mark.
Briggs, a player Chicago is not interested in retaining, according to league sources, is a talented outside linebacker who can also rush the passer. Should McIntosh return, he will need time to get back to full speed, and Briggs could start at his weak-side spot. Backup Randall Godfrey is mulling over retirement again, team sources said, and also considering joining his mentor, Gregg Williams, in Jacksonville. Longtime reserve Khary Campbell, who plays primarily on special teams, could be the odd man out.
Defensive Backs
Cornerback Carlos Rogers is coming off major knee surgery and will have to feel his way through the first half of the season. Rogers was not progressing well in his rehabilitation until very recently, making the addition of a young cornerback another priority. Leigh Torrence and John Eubanks would be pushed if a new cornerback joins the roster. Blache has told others he believes it is imperative that Springs is re-signed. Starting cornerback Fred Smoot also returns after a strong finish last season.
Young safeties LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty played well in the aftermath of Sean Taylor's death. Landry is bordering on stardom and several NFL executives praised Doughty's development. Veteran safety Pierson Prioleau, a free agent and another of Williams's proteges, could decide to join the Redskins' former assistant head coach-defense in Jacksonville.
Specialists
Punter Derrick Frost had a strong first half, then tapered off and team sources said they expect special teams coach Danny Smith to bring at least one veteran into training camp for competition. Place kicker Shaun Suisham is also still developing and missed a critical field goal in the playoff loss to Seattle, but has strong support and is seen as someone who could provide stability at a position of great turnover in recent years. |
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/11/AR2008021102433.html?sid=ST2008021102877
Last edited by CanesSkins26 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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brad7686
B-rad
Joined: 26 Nov 2006
Posts: 2988
Location: De La War
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject: |
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| The betts situation still irks me, they didn't use him at all last year. Sure, portis has a history of injuries, but Betts could have gotten us some serious value, and a cheaper alternative could have been found, especially for a backup. Plus, Sellers is going to get his share of carries anyway. |
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Jake
Junior Hog
Joined: 05 Aug 2003
Posts: 11282
Location: Mayo, Maryland
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject: |
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Getting Johnson.... bad move.
Getting rid of Thrash... even worse. This guy is a core Redskin and is one of the most key players to team chemistry.
Moving Alexander to offensive line could bring about interesting results.
Much like if Thrash departs, jettisoning Khary Campbell would be very damning to our special teams. |
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absinthe1023
Hog
Joined: 28 Jul 2003
Posts: 1168
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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| brad7686 wrote: | | The betts situation still irks me, they didn't use him at all last year. Sure, portis has a history of injuries, but Betts could have gotten us some serious value, and a cheaper alternative could have been found, especially for a backup. Plus, Sellers is going to get his share of carries anyway. |
The fact that he wasn't used is irrelevant.
An NFL team needs to have two quality workhorse backs. This doesn't mean that they need be platooned in the backfield or share carries, but you need a capable back up to plug in in case of injury.
Sellers is a powerful runner but isn't as versatile as CP and would have problems being effective as a HB over the course of the season, Rock has durability issues when he carries frequently, and Marcus Mason is simply unproven. Who would've stepped in last year if CP went down? Who would you have obtained in FA, and at what price?
Also, Betts still has trade value this year, and that value has not decreased much (if at all) largeley because he didn't rack up the mileage last season, so it's not as if the 'Skins missed out on some magical one year window for trading Betts..... |
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brad7686
B-rad
Joined: 26 Nov 2006
Posts: 2988
Location: De La War
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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| absinthe1023 wrote: | | brad7686 wrote: | | The betts situation still irks me, they didn't use him at all last year. Sure, portis has a history of injuries, but Betts could have gotten us some serious value, and a cheaper alternative could have been found, especially for a backup. Plus, Sellers is going to get his share of carries anyway. |
The fact that he wasn't used is irrelevant.
An NFL team needs to have two quality workhorse backs. This doesn't mean that they need be platooned in the backfield or share carries, but you need a capable back up to plug in in case of injury.
Sellers is a powerful runner but isn't as versatile as CP and would have problems being effective as a HB over the course of the season, Rock has durability issues when he carries frequently, and Marcus Mason is simply unproven. Who would've stepped in last year if CP went down? Who would you have obtained in FA, and at what price?
Also, Betts still has trade value this year, and that value has not decreased much (if at all) largeley because he didn't rack up the mileage last season, so it's not as if the 'Skins missed out on some magical one year window for trading Betts..... |
I acknowledge that if you are going to have a backup, Betts is an extremely good option- but they said they would be almost platooning the two, and that is the reason they didn't trade Betts for a second rounder. I seriously doubt they would be able to get a second rounder for him this year, because he isn't fresh off of that 1000-some yard half season, and the skins would be without that leverage. |
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absinthe1023
Hog
Joined: 28 Jul 2003
Posts: 1168
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| brad7686 wrote: | | absinthe1023 wrote: | | brad7686 wrote: | | The betts situation still irks me, they didn't use him at all last year. Sure, portis has a history of injuries, but Betts could have gotten us some serious value, and a cheaper alternative could have been found, especially for a backup. Plus, Sellers is going to get his share of carries anyway. |
The fact that he wasn't used is irrelevant.
An NFL team needs to have two quality workhorse backs. This doesn't mean that they need be platooned in the backfield or share carries, but you need a capable back up to plug in in case of injury.
Sellers is a powerful runner but isn't as versatile as CP and would have problems being effective as a HB over the course of the season, Rock has durability issues when he carries frequently, and Marcus Mason is simply unproven. Who would've stepped in last year if CP went down? Who would you have obtained in FA, and at what price?
Also, Betts still has trade value this year, and that value has not decreased much (if at all) largeley because he didn't rack up the mileage last season, so it's not as if the 'Skins missed out on some magical one year window for trading Betts..... |
I acknowledge that if you are going to have a backup, Betts is an extremely good option- but they said they would be almost platooning the two, and that is the reason they didn't trade Betts for a second rounder. I seriously doubt they would be able to get a second rounder for him this year, because he isn't fresh off of that 1000-some yard half season, and the skins would be without that leverage. |
Betts only carried 93 times this season and wasn't even dinged up. Heck, that only amounts to a quick drive around the block when you consider the carries logged by starting RBs. I submit that with this few carries for an entire season and without a history of significant injury, Mr. Betts is still fresh off his 2006-2007 performance in the eyes of NFL personnel gurus...
As for being able to trade Betts, a capable, healthy HB with 1,000+ yard potential, here's a list of teams that have a serious need at HB. At least one of these would be amenable to parting with a second rouder for Betts:
DET, CHI, SEA, NO, ATL, CAR, DEN, OAK, TEN, HOU, CLE, and NYJ
Last edited by absinthe1023 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:09 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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CanesSkins26
Canes Skin
Joined: 13 Aug 2007
Posts: 6870
Location: Alexandria, VA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Jake wrote: | Getting Johnson.... bad move.
Getting rid of Thrash... even worse. This guy is a core Redskin and is one of the most key players to team chemistry.
Moving Alexander to offensive line could bring about interesting results.
Much like if Thrash departs, jettisoning Khary Campbell would be very damning to our special teams. |
I also don't see the need in going after Briggs.
I hope Rock does in fact come back.
Also not sure why they want to keep Daniels. He is injury prone and at this stage in his career isn't very effective. |
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brad7686
B-rad
Joined: 26 Nov 2006
Posts: 2988
Location: De La War
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:11 pm Post subject: |
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| absinthe1023 wrote: | | brad7686 wrote: | | absinthe1023 wrote: | | brad7686 wrote: | | The betts situation still irks me, they didn't use him at all last year. Sure, portis has a history of injuries, but Betts could have gotten us some serious value, and a cheaper alternative could have been found, especially for a backup. Plus, Sellers is going to get his share of carries anyway. |
The fact that he wasn't used is irrelevant.
An NFL team needs to have two quality workhorse backs. This doesn't mean that they need be platooned in the backfield or share carries, but you need a capable back up to plug in in case of injury.
Sellers is a powerful runner but isn't as versatile as CP and would have problems being effective as a HB over the course of the season, Rock has durability issues when he carries frequently, and Marcus Mason is simply unproven. Who would've stepped in last year if CP went down? Who would you have obtained in FA, and at what price?
Also, Betts still has trade value this year, and that value has not decreased much (if at all) largeley because he didn't rack up the mileage last season, so it's not as if the 'Skins missed out on some magical one year window for trading Betts..... |
I acknowledge that if you are going to have a backup, Betts is an extremely good option- but they said they would be almost platooning the two, and that is the reason they didn't trade Betts for a second rounder. I seriously doubt they would be able to get a second rounder for him this year, because he isn't fresh off of that 1000-some yard half season, and the skins would be without that leverage. |
Betts only carried 93 times this season and wasn't even dinged up. Heck, that only amounts to a quick drive around the block when you consider the carries logged by starting RBs. I submit that with this few carries for an entire season and without a history of significant injury, Mr. Betts is still fresh off his 2006-2007 performance in the eyes of NFL personnel gurus... |
Even if they don't think he's any worse, they will still point to his lack of use last year and try to lowball. They will not be as eager to give up a high draft pick because in their minds they think they should be able to give up less. His sell-high period has expired. I severely doubt he will be traded for that reason, and i hope he isn't if they can't get as much as they could have for him last year. |
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PulpExposure
Pushing Paper
Joined: 06 Sep 2005
Posts: 4461
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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| CanesSkins26 wrote: | | I also don't see the need in going after Briggs. |
Me either. |
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Mississippi Hog
Hog
Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 473
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:02 am Post subject: |
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| PulpExposure wrote: | | CanesSkins26 wrote: | | I also don't see the need in going after Briggs. |
Me either. |
Five words will answer that question completely.
DAN SNYDER AND THE VINNY!!!
Man these guys are idiots. They say this is not a team in need of rebuilding, and they want to rip everything apart. I am sick and tired of having a stupid owner who thinks that he owns a fantasy football team. HE IS AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!! And talk about the blind leading the blind. They are both idots.
HAIL TO THE MAROON, BLACK, AND YELLOW!!! I wouldn't mind seeing black in our colors too. I did that on Madden and it looked pretty cool. Zorn really screwed up there. |
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Mississippi Hog
Hog
Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 473
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:08 am Post subject: |
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[/quote]DET, CHI, SEA, NO, ATL, CAR, DEN, OAK, TEN, HOU, CLE, and NYJ[quote]
I cannot completely agree with this list of teams needing good backs. Lewis had a great year in Cleveland. Atlanta has Dunn and Norwood ready to take over. That kid is really good. NO has Bush/McCallister, and other backups to get the job done. TEN has some good depth at RB with Lendale and the others. Carolina has a good situation with Foster and Williams in the wings. I say keep him. He will be more valuable to us if Portis goes down.[/quote] |
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PMG12569
Hog
Joined: 09 Aug 2006
Posts: 267
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:10 am Post subject: |
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Vinny Cerrato and Daniel Snyder's Guide to the offseason
First, I want to ensure all of you that are reading this Guide to NFL offseason success that you will probably not win a Super Bowl. Now if you are interested in a few mediocre and sub-par seasons with low seed playoff appearances every few years or so, THIS GUIDE IS FOR YOU!!!
Personnel
Now first move of the off-season is to go look for the free-agents. If they are a former pro-bowler, 30+, and on the downside of their career GIVE UP ALL YOU CAN FOR THESE GUYS!! They still have a lot left...trust us. The next thing is to find the guys who have pretty high Madden ratings. If they seem pretty good and other teams might want them PAY PAY PAY!!! Worry about continuity and the cap later. You just got yourself an 84 Safety on Madden and make them the highest paid at their position they will play harder. We had a great experience with this experiment with a young great Safety named Adam. Another rule is don't worry about trading players. TRADE DRAFT PICKS!!! The draft is for unproven losers who like to take gambles on players who have never made a pro-bowl and want less money then veterans and Vinny and I like to PAY PAY PAY!!! 1st rounder are alright to use but never mess with rounds 2-7 no one good has ever came from those rounds. Future round draft picks are great its like getting stuff for free. Ive always been super rich so I don't know much about debt but giving up future round draft picks is nothing like that. The last and least most important thing is continuity. If you have a gritty hard working special teamer that the fans love and gives his all. GET RID OF HIM!!! Pay someone much more to do much less because if they get paid more they are better! And always go after names everyone knows no matter what the price!! Big Name signings will get you to a Super Bowl before you can say Deion-Bruce-Archuleta-Spurrier-EL!!! And soon will be faster then you can say Johnson-Briggs !!
Coaching Personnel
This process is super-easy. If you by some chance happen to lose a legendary coach after the season, worry-not! I have all the answers. Now, some teams like to hire within the organization. This is soooo not the way to go, Im really rich I know. A football team is kind of like a bunch of robots who dont have any opnions so you can bring in anyone and get rid of anyone and they wont care at all. You know how you keep them that way....you pay them lots of money!!! If a large majority of teammates come out and endorse a candidate IGNORE THIS COMPLETELY!!! It does not matter what they think it matters what you and Vinny think....I mean you and whatever pupper you have as your "Vice president of football operations of personnal management of stadium correctional facilities of public relations". This is a quick note, never name someone you General Manager this makes them sound way more important than you and they might think they have more power. Quickly we go back to the coaching, now you might see people wait to hire their Head Coach before hiring any other coaches. SOO WEAK. Look you want some friend you just met to bring over all his friends to take over your business would you!! You have to hire everyone who you want, cuz then the Coach knows who holds the power...dont worry about if they get along that wont effect the team or players what-so-ever. The last thing about finding a coach is to interview everyone ever in the history of assitants and unemployed coaches, dont leak anything, then have a test leak to see what the fans will say to your favorite and if they dont like them just go completely random and make everyone go into a state of being dazed. Not sure if this is a good hire or a bad one...they just wont know until the season starts. IF all these fail and the fans turn against you, you should probably fire your "Vice president of football operations of personnal management of stadium correctional facilities of public relations" and blame it all on him. I would never do that though I love Vinny his laugh is funny.[/i] |
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Mississippi Hog
Hog
Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 473
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:35 am Post subject: |
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| Beautifully done. I love it. |
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CanesSkins26
Canes Skin
Joined: 13 Aug 2007
Posts: 6870
Location: Alexandria, VA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:54 am Post subject: |
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hahahahahaha. That's awesome.  |
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absinthe1023
Hog
Joined: 28 Jul 2003
Posts: 1168
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:14 am Post subject: |
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DET, CHI, SEA, NO, ATL, CAR, DEN, OAK, TEN, HOU, CLE, and NYJ | Quote: |
I cannot completely agree with this list of teams needing good backs. Lewis had a great year in Cleveland. Atlanta has Dunn and Norwood ready to take over. That kid is really good. NO has Bush/McCallister, and other backups to get the job done. TEN has some good depth at RB with Lendale and the others. Carolina has a good situation with Foster and Williams in the wings. I say keep him. He will be more valuable to us if Portis goes down. |
[/quote]
I can see where you're coming from, but here's more depth:
CLE - how much more does Lewis have in the tank after last year?
ATL - Dunn is ancient and Norwood is a good change-of-pace guy but not an every-down back
NO - McAllister is old and has had multiple major injuries, Bush is a third down/scatback and not an every-down ball carrier, despite his hype coming out of SC
TEN - I agree with you there, I just threw them in because White is really their only proven guy who can stay healthy
CAR - Williams has not shown consistency, and Foster is injury-prone |
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