Redskins make first round of roster cuts

Cartwright is a leader on Special Teams, the leadership guys listed don't play special teams. It's different taking advice and trying to motivate somebody who's not in the same trenches that you are. Like Jason Campbell versus London Fletcher telling Brian Orakpo to get a sack. It resonates more if it's somebody that's next to you, that you spend more time with, and who understands what you're supposed to do and can explain it to you when you mess up.

I guess you could be right. I guess if the special teams blocking on kick offs and punts are as bad as they are now I guess it could be worse if Rock was not there to motivate them to do their jobs they are getting paid to do. I guess out of 60 minutes of actual playing Rocks leadership skills on special teams is pretty important due to the amount of time they are on the field.

How does anyone really know if Rock is a "leader" ?? Don't you sort of have to be on the team to know something like that?

Not saying Rock should be cut, but as fans we tend to throw this "leader" term around quite a bit, and I don't know how it can be substantiated.

How does anyone really know if Rock is a "leader" ?? Don't you sort of have to be on the team to know something like that?

Not saying Rock should be cut, but as fans we tend to throw this "leader" term around quite a bit, and I don't know how it can be substantiated.



Well I don't think his coach's and teammates are in the business of throwing around words like "team leader" if they are not legit. Other than that and the obvious what you see on the field and the side lines, what more proof would you really need?

Well I don't think his coach's and teammates are in the business of throwing around words like "team leader" if they are not legit. Other than that and the obvious what you see on the field and the side lines, what more proof would you really need?

If it comes from what the coaches and teammates say, fine. I can't say that I've read that anywhere. I still think the term is a bit hokey. This team has been full of "leaders" for years, with as often as I hear it. Doesn't seem to help us escape from mediocrity though.

I'm not sure what's so obvious about him, really. Again, I'm not saying cut him or anything. He's just been one of those guys who's solid, but nothing really special.

Well, Cartwright was voted special teams captain wasn't he? So that must count for something.

Plus...this is what team leaders do

'You'll see him talking to young guys over the course of practice because he knows how we do it,' Smith said. 'It's one thing for me to teach it and coach it, but when you have guys like Rock that help you help the young guys understand, then you become a better team'

Redskins' Cartwright Carries On (http://www.topix.net/content/wapo/2009/08/redskins-cartwright-carries-on)

And there's this

"We're real happy we were able to get this done," said Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins' executive vice president of football operations. "It made total sense because Rock is an outstanding special teams player, and he's also one of our leaders in the locker room. Rock does a lot of things for our team on and off the field, so he was definitely someone we wanted back."

Redskins, Cartwright Agree To a Three-Year Contract - washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/07/AR2008030702952.html)

It seems like some people who are pushing for Mason (and I am pushing for Mason), are doing it as much because they just want to get rid of Rock. Not sure why we have to hate on Rock. He's made quite a nice career for himself being a 7th round pick. Maybe he's not the next Barry Sanders, but he's contributed quite well to the team in his role. His days are probably numbered, but he still has some left in the tank and has offered a lot.

As far as "leadership" goes, I'll just repeat what I said earlier... This team has been full of "leaders" for years, with as often as I hear it. Doesn't seem to help us escape from mediocrity though.

Again, don't take this as 'hate' for Cartwright. He belongs on this team. I just don't think he gives us much of a chance to take us to the next level. He's a fine, solid player. That's all.

I'm with you on Marcus Mason. He made more of a case to be on the final roster last year. This year I'm not getting all the hype.

Plus...this is what team leaders do

'You'll see him talking to young guys over the course of practice because he knows how we do it,' Smith said. 'It's one thing for me to teach it and coach it, but when you have guys like Rock that help you help the young guys understand, then you become a better team'


Um, what exactly do the coach's get paid to do? I'll be the first to say we need the vets to help coach up the rookies or young guys. Especially when it comes to offense/defense, but were talking special teams. On KR's it's block someone. On Kick offs its stay in your lane. All Rock has to do is decide if he's going to catch it or let it head toward the endzone. If he decides to catch it run like hell. I guess there is a lot to learn there.

Again, don't take this as 'hate' for Cartwright. He belongs on this team. I just don't think he gives us much of a chance to take us to the next level. He's a fine, solid player. That's all.


I too feel he is at the top of his game right now. That's not saying much. Yes he's a good KR and constantly will get the team to the 30 yrd line but don't look for the home run. He has done it in the past but it has only been like 3 times in his 7 yrs with the team. He's not a threat as a KR. Now we could talk about the blocking for KR's. If the scheme was better he might get farther then the 30 yrd line, but who knows. As far as RB goes, Rock should be listening to Betts and Portis for advise not giving it to Rookies.

I'm with you on Marcus Mason. He made more of a case to be on the final roster last year. This year I'm not getting all the hype.

I'm confused. Everyone said last yr that he was a good runner but not elite. He would not make the team. He could not KR or pass block. He got all his yrds against second stringers. This yr he has shown he has worked on some of the issues. The coach even said he getting better at pass blocking but has more to learn. Last yr they tried him out as a KR. I don't think they have even given him a chance at KR this yr. With Alridge, Dorsey, Cartwright, and them seeing what Thomas has to offer no one knows if Mason has improved in his KR skills or not. Maybe the last game we'll see him doing this but they have not given him the chance this yr.

Funny everyone said Mason would not make the team. Again he has had a good showing, almost better then Betts, people finally see what he has to offer running with the first team offense and get all excited. He's been the talk of the boards a long with Mitchell and Daniels and 3-4 days later people are ready to cut him again. Betts and Rock have reached their peak as RB's. Their almost 30yrs old. I like them, I thank them for what they have done, but I feel it's time to move on and get younger for the future. Like someone else said...we have 3 RB's all the same age almost 30y/o. No one is being groomed for 5yrs from now or 7yrs from now. Are we going to wait until all three deteriorate and draft a RB in hopes he will be the man? Pick up someone elses cast off cause he's worn down? or are we going to find someone like Mason who we can groom for the future? I like Mason cause he's here now. No one else is. Find someone else who is young with talent and I'll be on their bandwagon too.

My picks for the future:
Portis
Mason
Alridge
Dorsey on practice squad.

Are we down to 75 players on the roster now?

Are we down to 75 players on the roster now?

Yup.

As far as "leadership" goes, I'll just repeat what I said earlier... This team has been full of "leaders" for years, with as often as I hear it. Doesn't seem to help us escape from mediocrity though.

Again, don't take this as 'hate' for Cartwright. He belongs on this team. I just don't think he gives us much of a chance to take us to the next level. He's a fine, solid player. That's all.

I'm with you on Marcus Mason. He made more of a case to be on the final roster last year. This year I'm not getting all the hype.

Have yall noticed that the warpath is full of leaders (no " necessary) for years? Guys that are willing to jump out there and start a new thread, regardless of how many times the topic has been discussed, or if there's a near identical one right below the one they just posted. :)