Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander (Merge) *updated*

It's hard to properly gauge him on just 9 carries. Plus let's consider he's working his way back into football shape, and it's a new running game for him.

That too.

I just hope Betts comes back soon. The whole reason this whole subject came up was because people were saying we didn't need 4 rbs. Mason or whomever. I stated before the season what if CP or Betts got hurt. Rock would not be a good back-up and he isn't. That's why we signed SA. We are waiting until Shaun Alexander gets back into game shape? Well Betts will be back by then. Vet Minimum. Soooo Mason would have been expensive? I am just saying their is two sides to the coin. There is nothing we as fans can do about it but discuss it.

So call it armchair gm or monday morning qb. This forum should be for you to express your opinions wrong or right. Myonly statement is that... If we didn't want to keep 4 rbs because of Rock. Why isn't he running the ball and why did we have to sign a player off the streets that isn't going to be in game shape and is old. When we could have signed someone who knew the plays more than Alexander did for a cheap cost and could potential have some upside and contribute in the future.

SA wont be able to contribute in the future and we don't have time for him to get in game shape. So what is he going to do when Betts gets back. Its better to have a young guy who is willing to wait and learn and be on the team next year to contribute than a washed up MVP who will probably be done after this season. Fin

I wanted to chime in on this.

As you all know I have been a big scrutinezer of the organization and what is has done in regards to free agents and draft picks. I have found myself actually taking up for Vinny lately. I look back at the last few drafts and am impressed with what we have on the team as far as youth, talent and the spot at which we obtained them.

A person earlier questioned the receivers being drafted. 1) i think you have to look at the talent these guys showed in college. 2) they were available and honestly, I dont know that Randel El can be kept next year making all that money and contributing 30 to 40 balls, so Thomas and fit in. Plus the injuries last couple of years to Moss. I think it was a good move, they were the best players at that time (debatable) as far as Fred Davis, he was the best player in college at his position. Put him on the field with cooley and other weapons and that makes us that much more dangerous. They may not contribute that much now, but these picks will be judged in the next couple of years. This is what we all wanted, picks..picks..picks and I think over the last few years we have done well.

Golston, Montgomery were both 5th round picks, both are contributing and playing very well on a top rated D. Doughty another one, 6th round. Horton was a 7th rounder. Reinhart a 3rd rounder who will be a starter. Heyer is a good example. I think this organization has really started to make quality decisions and decisions that will help us in the future.

It's hard to properly gauge him on just 9 carries. Plus let's consider he's working his way back into football shape, and it's a new running game for him.

Problem is we had someone already in football shape. We had someone who knew the plays. All we had to do was pull him back from someone elses practice squad. but.....he supposedly can't pass block. Funny ....SA hasn't been used in that capacity either. Maybe he's not good at that either?

I was hoping to see this thread pop up again...well, 2 games into it and Alexander's number scares me when he comes in...he has shown no threat at all.
That certainly is not better than Rock.
It is obvious to anyone watching that he should not be given the ball yet.
I know it is only a couple games, but do you honestly think Rock....or even Sellers would have less yards per carry?

Maybe we give him one more game to prove himself...but, I wouldn't give him all the backup carries, Give 8 to Alexander, 8 to Rock and see what happens.
Rock is tougher....and that is needed against Pittsburgh....Rock and Sellers are NASTY.
Alexander does not show the same level of aggression.

I still maintain Shaun Alexander is a BUM and a waste of a roster spot. His performance through two weeks confirms my position. Through two week, he has 9 carries for 19 yards, an average of 2.1 yards per carry (horrible) and 1 catch for 9 yards. I expect more out of the primary backup running back.

Compare these lousy stats to Ladell Betts for a 6 week period. Betts had 38 carries for 156 yards, an average of 4.1 yards per carry (respectable) and 6 catches for 44 yards, 7.3 yards per catch. Alexander better pick up the pace. With Portis dinged up this week, Alexander better do more than his two yards and fall down against Pittsburgh. They will need him this week.

I checked SA's stats this a.m. without coming to this thread first. You are right H2DS! SA is gone when LB returns.

I checked SA's stats this a.m. without coming to this thread first. You are right H2DS! SA is gone when LB returns.

Which is what the Redskins told SA when they signed him. I swear, people here like to find controversy and complaints where there is none. This whole thread will become irrelevant when Betts returns and when SA gets cut. I would have understood any complaints if SA got a 2 or 3 yr deal above the vet minimum. But he didn't get that, and no one was expecting him to have great numbers. His job is to carry the ball, keep it secure, and gain a few yards while Portis rests. That's it. He's not replacing Betts or Cartwright, he's just a cheap (unlike TJ Duckett) stop gap solution until Betts gets back. :soapbox: