Shawn Springs on ESPN980
 

Doc and Mike asked Springs if he thought he would be back here next year. Springs said it would probably depend on what happend with Rogers and Hall. When they asked what he meant by that, he offered some generic comments and then said he would not be surprised if BOTH Hall AND Rogers are gone next year. He then went on to comment on a wide array of Skins' topics: Here are some the highlights(paraphrasing):

[quote]-Carlos is very disgruntled with how the season ended. Doc commented that if he were Carlos' agent, he would want out of here too.

-Hall will want to play somewhere that has more of a pass rush. his exact words were: "if you're a corner, you want to play somewhere that can put pressure"

-Springs said he didnt want to put it the wrong way, since he loves being here, but its better for a corner to be somewhere that would apply pressure.

-When it comes down to it, you have to have strong lines. he said you need to be able to be able to run and stop the run. He said if it were up to him, thats how he would build this team. (Gee, i wish he was our GM) He said thats what this team needs to work on.

-Zorn needs to communicate better with players (Portis)

-Portis is not a distraction to the team. When he gets between the lines, he's a FOOTBALL PLAYER.

-The biggest difference between this year and last year in November and December is that last year, the team came together. They didnt this year. It had nothing to do with the competition toughening up near the end of the year. "Winning isnt a matter of having the best players, its a matter of coming together as a football team."

-Fred Davis will be the best TE in the league in 2 years. "I love Cooley, he's my favorite football player on the team... but Fred Davis is ridiculous. He's a great football player."

-Malcom Kelly has the potential to be a really good player, but his injuries need to be managed.

-Devin Thomas is gradually grasping the offense, but its going to take time. He's going to be good.

-Santana makes everyone else look like they are in High School. he should be returning punts. he is also a real "student of the game." he asks Springs in practice why Springs is able to beat him (when springs makes a play). He learns and never shows the same look twice.

-Jason has one of the best deep balls in the game, but doesnt get to show it alot in the WCO. When pressured by Doc and Mike, Springs said they PRACTICE alot of deep balls, but Jason doesnt make them in games. Not sure if its the reads or what
[/quote]

Reguarding our DB situation, I'm starting to get a bad feeling in my stomach . Hopefully Springs is just offering his opinions and his comments arent based on actual discussions with 'Los and Hall.

*BeemnSeven has some comments on Jason Taylor in post #7. He also provides a link to the location of the podcast when its posted in post #11. I recommend that everyone who has the time check it out.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Nevermind how this will go over with Andre Carter and the rest of the defensive front. WTF is with the Redskins lately. Makes me miss Joe Gibbs.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

That doesn't sound good

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Springs is just stating the obvious. Just listening to Springs, he doesn't seem angry or emotional like Portis. Just listening to him, he certainly seems like a very smart guy and a good communicator. This is kindof unrelated, but I could easily see him working as a coach or TV/radio sports analyst.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;519190]Springs is just stating the obvious. Just listening to Springs, he doesn't seem angry or emotional like Portis. Just listening to him, he certainly seems like a very smart guy and a good communicator. This is kindof unrelated, but I could easily see him working as a coach or TV/radio sports analyst.[/quote]

Angry, emotional, calm, stoic, whatever. Going on radio and saying as a corner you're better off playing where they can pressure the QB is a public dig at your teammates, whether you're stating the truth or not.

Say that crap behind closed doors, not on the radio. I don't care how true it is.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

sounds like springs always does after the season . . "i dont know if im coming back here . . i said goodbye to everbody as if i wasnt coming back . . . its not my choice . . . yada yada yada"

go to AZ and train during the summer with TO and others, skip non-mandatory mettings, then show up for pre-season ready to roll.

on a side note: i really think our core group of players who have been here for awhile like moss, CP Springs have given up on this franchises ability to put together a winner (maybe rightfully so, players want to win). i just hope it doesnt get contagious but it appears los might be getting the bug too. if only we had 50 london fletchers . . .

go skins!!

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I'm listening now. I was just about to start this exact thread!

Another little nugget: Doc Walker asks, "Can Jason Taylor be the Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins?"

Springs after a [I]very[/I] long pause: "I have to plead the Fifth on that." In the same sentence, Springs also mentioned how their defense takes great pride in their ability to stop the run, and how the guys in the secondary demand an incredible standard of play among any new corners who come to this team.

He also said that Zorn needs to do a better job of bringing the team together, specifically, he has to establish a better relationship with Portis.

Springs is being very forthright in this interview.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I'm suprised he mentioned Hall and Rogers. But it got him off the hook for a yes or no answer. Not sure exactly what he means about Hall. I mean the Roger didn't play because of Halls impact.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Schneed10;519193]Angry, emotional, calm, stoic, whatever. Going on radio and saying as a corner you're better off playing where they can pressure the QB is a public dig at your teammates, whether you're stating the truth or not.

Say that crap behind closed doors, not on the radio. I don't care how true it is.[/quote]

I don't necessarily disagree, but Springs sure does sound like a player that doesn't give a sh*t.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Thats it. From now on we only sign mimes to our team. At least that would take care of the radio problem. Seriously I thought part of the reason Snyder bought the damn radio station was so he could control the negative press directed a the organization, not create it.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

A podcast of the interview should be here later:

[url=http://www.espn980.com/audiovault/]ESPN 980 - Home of the Redskins[/url]

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;519203]Thats it. From now on we only sign mimes to our team. At least that would take care of the radio problem.[/quote]

LOL, i get where a lot of you are coming from in not liking the fact that Springs is talking, but he is being asked direct questions and giving very very "PC" answers, while still being truthful. I'm honestly impressed.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Beemnseven;519201]I don't necessarily disagree, but Springs sure does sound like a player that doesn't give a sh*t.[/quote]

theres alot of that going around ashburn lately, the storm has been brewing for a few years now IMO. id say its a product of the players thinking they as a collective group have the talent to win the coaches just cant seem to get it right from spurrier to gibbs to zorn. if 3 different coaches couldnt get it right im startin to think the problem may lie with the players, they're not as good as they think they are.

i really dont know but this mentality is not condusive to winning.

go skins!!

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

** I updated my original post with Springs' thoughts on Santana Moss, Jason Campbell, and the the rookies.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=over the mountain;519209]theres alot of that going around ashburn lately, the storm has been brewing for a few years now IMO. id say its a product of the players thinking they as a collective group have the talent to win the coaches just cant seem to get it right from spurrier to gibbs to zorn. if 3 different coaches couldnt get it right im startin to think the problem may lie with the players, they're not as good as they think they are.

i really dont know but this mentality is not condusive to winning.

go skins!![/quote]

No good coaches want to come here because they know they won't get to deal their own fate.

Spagnulo came here and didn't want any part when he realized the structure of the front office. He tried to respectfully decline but the Skins FO bashed him so it didn't seem like they were inept...kinda like breaking up with your girlfriend before she breaks up with you...very childish.

The front office structure has to change before players start to believe this organization can win. Otherwise you'll get players playing for a payday and nothing more.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=over the mountain;519209]theres alot of that going around ashburn lately, the storm has been brewing for a few years now IMO. id say its a product of the players thinking they as a collective group have the talent to win the coaches just cant seem to get it right from spurrier to gibbs to zorn. if 3 different coaches couldnt get it right im startin to think the problem may lie with the players, they're not as good as they think they are.

i really dont know but this mentality is not condusive to winning.

go skins!![/quote]

We only have 2-3 players on the roster now who were on the roster when Spurrier was here. Its not the players themselves - its the decisions made and environment fostered by the front office.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I didn't bother to listen. More blah, blah, blah sportstalk garbage. The NFL is a business, I don't care who's "unhappy", money talks. Isn't Lance Briggs still with the Bears and Chad Johnson still with the Bengals?

Want to find out who will be back or not look at the drop-down under "Team Info" and go to Salary Cap info, then at the bottom tabs "Release Fees":

Springs - unless he massively restructures, which he's been hesitant to do on the past, Gone. Cap savings $ 6M. Can't stay healthy, has medical issues with family, smart guy with potential after football.

Jason Taylor - Gone. Cap savings $ 8.5M. Who needs a washed up DE for that kind of money?

Carlos Rogers - going nowhere unless a monster trade is offered for him. Cap HIT $ 1.4M to release or trade. Solid CB, who if he didn't play with boxing gloves on would be a borderline Pro Bowl CB.

D. Hall - Currently unsigned, just depends on where the market goes for him. He's a regional guy (VT) so we may have a slight advantage, but don't overpay or load him with a huge signing bonus. He has shown in the past he can be a very negative influence in the locker room. If he isn't motivated his level of play drops dramatically.

Marcus Washington - Probably gone. Cap savings $ 4.5M. Injury issues, getting "long in the tooth".

Philip Daniels - Gone. Cap savings $ 2.2M

Casey Rabach - Probably gone unless he restructures, if we can find a better solution at C. Cap Savings $ 2.35M

Returning: Samuels, Jansen, Moss, Carter ARE, Portis, Cooley, R. Thomas, Fletcher, Betts

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;519218][B]I didn't bother to listen. More blah, blah, blah sportstalk garbage. The NFL is a business, I don't care who's "unhappy", money talks. Isn't Lance Briggs still with the Bears and Chad Johnson still with the Bengals?[/B][/quote]

I totally agree.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I've got no problem with anything Springs said.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;519218]I didn't bother to listen. More blah, blah, blah sportstalk garbage. The NFL is a business, I don't care who's "unhappy", money talks. Isn't Lance Briggs still with the Bears and Chad Johnson still with the Bengals?

Want to find out who will be back or not look at the drop-down under "Team Info" and go to Salary Cap info, then at the bottom tabs "Release Fees":

Springs - unless he massively restructures, which he's been hesitant to do on the past, Gone. Cap savings $ 6M. Can't stay healthy, has medical issues with family, smart guy with potential after football.

Jason Taylor - Gone. Cap savings $ 8.5M. Who needs a washed up DE for that kind of money?

Carlos Rogers - going nowhere unless a monster trade is offered for him. Cap HIT $ 1.4M to release or trade. Solid CB, who if he didn't play with boxing gloves on would be a borderline Pro Bowl CB.

D. Hall - Currently unsigned, just depends on where the market goes for him. He's a regional guy (VT) so we may have a slight advantage, but don't overpay or load him with a huge signing bonus. He has shown in the past he can be a very negative influence in the locker room. If he isn't motivated his level of play drops dramatically.

Marcus Washington - Probably gone. Cap savings $ 4.5M. Injury issues, getting "long in the tooth".

Philip Daniels - Gone. Cap savings $ 2.2M

Casey Rabach - Probably gone unless he restructures, if we can find a better solution at C. Cap Savings $ 2.35M

Returning: Samuels, Jansen, Moss, Carter ARE, Portis, Cooley, R. Thomas, Fletcher, Betts[/quote]

I tend to agree with you here. It often seems to me that players are fairly bad sources to look to if you want to know about pending roster moves. They might know better how players are feeling, but they don't seem particularly tuned into front office talk and don't seem to follow the ins and outs of a team roster even as closely as an informed fan.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I don't think what Springs said today is in any way comparible to the spouting that Portis has been doing. That said all these radio interviews are starting to give off the impression that Zorn has lost control of this team. Who knows if that is true or not but I really think he needs to take control and put a stop to this.

I think the most critical thing Springs said was actually directed at Zorn...he said the team failed to come together down the stretch as it had under Gibbs. That is pretty much a direct shot at Zorn as a leader. It seems like Zorn has some work to do to get this team on the same page again.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=SC Skins Fan;519222]I tend to agree with you here. It often seems to me that players are fairly bad sources to look to if you want to know about pending roster moves. They might know better how players are feeling, but they don't seem particularly tuned into front office talk and don't seem to follow the ins and outs of a team roster even as closely as an informed fan.[/quote]

I agree players dont know what a front office [I]will [/I]do (especially ours), but i think they are a good indicator of [I]what the teams strengths and weaknesses are.[/I] They see their fellow players on the field every day in practice. They know whats up and a guy like springs who is near the end of his career is going to call it like he sees it.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=celts32;519225]

I[B] think the most critical thing Springs said was actually directed at Zorn...he said the team failed to come together down the stretch as it had under Gibbs. That is pretty much a direct shot at Zorn as a leader. It seems like Zorn has some work to do to get this team on the same page again[/B].[/quote]

Excellent point and well-said. I don't think Springs meant for it to be a "shot" in a hostile way. he was being very PC in how he said it, but what he said clearly makes it seems like its Zorns fault. Its the job of a head coach to lead a team. If the team doesnt come together, the coach has failed at his job.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;519218]I didn't bother to listen. More blah, blah, blah sportstalk garbage. The NFL is a business, I don't care who's "unhappy", money talks. Isn't Lance Briggs still with the Bears and Chad Johnson still with the Bengals?

Want to find out who will be back or not look at the drop-down under "Team Info" and go to Salary Cap info, then at the bottom tabs "Release Fees":

Springs - unless he massively restructures, which he's been hesitant to do on the past, Gone. Cap savings $ 6M. Can't stay healthy, has medical issues with family, smart guy with potential after football.

Jason Taylor - Gone. Cap savings $ 8.5M. Who needs a washed up DE for that kind of money?

Carlos Rogers - going nowhere unless a monster trade is offered for him. Cap HIT $ 1.4M to release or trade. Solid CB, who if he didn't play with boxing gloves on would be a borderline Pro Bowl CB.

D. Hall - Currently unsigned, just depends on where the market goes for him. He's a regional guy (VT) so we may have a slight advantage, but don't overpay or load him with a huge signing bonus. He has shown in the past he can be a very negative influence in the locker room. If he isn't motivated his level of play drops dramatically.

Marcus Washington - Probably gone. Cap savings $ 4.5M. Injury issues, getting "long in the tooth".

Philip Daniels - Gone. Cap savings $ 2.2M

Casey Rabach - Probably gone unless he restructures, if we can find a better solution at C. Cap Savings $ 2.35M

Returning: Samuels, Jansen, Moss, Carter ARE, Portis, Cooley, R. Thomas, Fletcher, Betts[/quote]

I would not cut Rabach just yet...we will have to have some holdovers from last years OL. I would bring Jason Taylor back at a reduced salary if he's willing as well. He may be washed up but pass rushers are hard to find and if he can regain any of his form he could be worth a few mil.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=celts32;519232]I would not cut Rabach just yet...we will have to have some holdovers from last years OL. I would bring Jason Taylor back at a reduced salary if he's willing as well. He may be washed up but pass rushers are hard to find and if he can regain any of his form he could be worth a few mil.[/quote]

Yeah, Jansen would be gone before Rabach is. And since Taylor [U]admitted[/U] he wasn't worth the money he was paid, maybe we could use that as leverage for a pay cut?

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Slingin Sammy 33;519218]I didn't bother to listen. More blah, blah, blah sportstalk garbage. The NFL is a business, I don't care who's "unhappy", money talks. Isn't Lance Briggs still with the Bears and Chad Johnson still with the Bengals?

Want to find out who will be back or not look at the drop-down under "Team Info" and go to Salary Cap info, then at the bottom tabs "Release Fees":

Springs - unless he massively restructures, which he's been hesitant to do on the past, Gone. Cap savings $ 6M. Can't stay healthy, has medical issues with family, smart guy with potential after football.

Jason Taylor - Gone. Cap savings $ 8.5M. Who needs a washed up DE for that kind of money?

Carlos Rogers - going nowhere unless a monster trade is offered for him. Cap HIT $ 1.4M to release or trade. Solid CB, who if he didn't play with boxing gloves on would be a borderline Pro Bowl CB.

D. Hall - Currently unsigned, just depends on where the market goes for him. He's a regional guy (VT) so we may have a slight advantage, but don't overpay or load him with a huge signing bonus. He has shown in the past he can be a very negative influence in the locker room. If he isn't motivated his level of play drops dramatically.

Marcus Washington - Probably gone. Cap savings $ 4.5M. Injury issues, getting "long in the tooth".

Philip Daniels - Gone. Cap savings $ 2.2M

Casey Rabach - Probably gone unless he restructures, if we can find a better solution at C. Cap Savings $ 2.35M

Returning: Samuels, Jansen, Moss, Carter ARE, Portis, Cooley, R. Thomas, Fletcher, Betts[/quote]

I agree with all of it except I would cut Jansen, and [B]not[/B] re-sign Kendall who is 36 with bum knees. I would restructure R. Thomas, Samuels and Randel El. Be active in free agency with 1-2 quality players (T. Suggs, Haynesworth), and draft actually for [B]need[/B] this year (O- line, LB, CB).

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=celts32;519232]I would not cut Rabach just yet...we will have to have some holdovers from last years OL. I would bring Jason Taylor back at a reduced salary if he's willing as well. He may be washed up but pass rushers are hard to find and if he can regain any of his form he could be worth a few mil.[/quote]

If we get our starting center from the draft, i think Rabach has a better chance of staying on as a backup. If we get one in free agency, he's most certainly gone. We've got to have atleast one young guy at the position, be it Geisinger or someone else.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Beemnseven;519234]Yeah, Jansen would be gone before Rabach is. And since Taylor [U]admitted[/U] he wasn't worth the money he was paid, maybe we could use that as leverage for a pay cut?[/quote]

jansens probably staying. His cap number for this year isnt unreasonable for a backup OT with starting experience.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=vallin21;519235]I agree with all of it except I would cut Jansen, and [B]not[/B] re-sign Kendall who is 36 with bum knees. I would restructure R. Thomas, Samuels and Randel El. Be active in free agency with 1-2 quality players (T. Suggs, Haynesworth), and draft actually for [B]need[/B] this year (O- line, LB, CB).[/quote]

would be nice to do what you said, but its my understanding we can't really restructure contracts this year because of the CBA ending. Anyone have more details on this?

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I don't think the fact (actually, common opinion, but we'll roll with it) that Zorn, in his first year on the job, failed to control the locker room in the way that Joe freakin Gibbs was able to is any way an indictment of Zorn's people skills. So Hall of Famer Gibbs in his 15th year of coaching has a better feel for the locker room than Zorn in his first. Is this surprising? Is it supposed to be?

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Aristocrat: check your messages when you get a moment.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;519239]would be nice to do what you said, but its my understanding we can't really restructure contracts this year because of the CBA ending. Anyone have more details on this?[/quote]We can restructure contract as long as we adhere to the stricter more specific rules regarding the last capped year.

It may seem like there would be no penalty for extending Jason Taylor, Shawn Springs, etc and pushing their deferred signing bonuses into non-capped years, which is totally legal, actually, but in the event that there would ever be a cap again, we would be so unbelievably screwed if we did that.

**[I]Now that I think about it, I think there is a stipulation that would prevent us from doing exactly this. If we guarenteed the entire 2009 salary, this would be legal. If we didn't, the entire prorated SB would hit us in 2009. Which wouldn't change much financially, except the cap number hits an obscenely high mark.[/I]

Basically, if we want room to wheel and deal this offseason, we'll have to release some potentially helpful vets to free up money.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

I think Springs is being honest, but the honesty of a guy who is on his way out of here. I like Springs, and I know that he has had his up and downs, but I do feel there's a bit of selfishness to him. Once again, I think he's being brutally honest, b/c he's out of here.

As I have mentioned before, I think our team is developing a leadership vacuum, and the FO is partly responsible for that, Zorn needs to get a hold of the locker room.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Wow... he predicts Freddy D will be the top NFL TE in two years! According to Davis' brother on this site, other players said Davis is freaking amazing in practice (I know, I know... so was Taylor Jacobs). But let's hope for the best.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Beemnseven;519234]Yeah, Jansen would be gone before Rabach is. And since Taylor [U]admitted[/U] he wasn't worth the money he was paid, maybe we could use that as leverage for a pay cut?[/quote]
No way Jansen is gone, cap hit's too big.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=itvnetop;519249]Wow... he predicts Freddy D will be the top NFL TE in two years! According to Davis' brother on this site, he mentioned other players saying Davis is freaking amazing in practice (I know, I know... so was Taylor Jacobs). But let's hope for the best.[/quote]

Yeah Springs really likes Davis and to be honest, I can see why he likes him. If the guy ever gets his head on right he'll be a stud. He's got more ability than Cooley and at 6'5 and 260lbs he is just what we need down in the red zone. I'm just not sure he's got the drive and the work ethic.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

Regarding the comments on Davis let's remember what Champ Bailey used to say about Taylor Jacobs. He said he was one of the best WRs he ever went up against... in practice. We never saw that potential when it mattered.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;519236]If we get our starting center from the draft, i think Rabach has a better chance of staying on as a backup. If we get one in free agency, he's most certainly gone. We've got to have atleast one young guy at the position, be it Geisinger or someone else.[/quote]

Well I guess if we choose to add a center high int he draf tor in free agency then Rabach could go but in looking it over now without that knowledge he would not be on my chopping block.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Schneed10;519186]Nevermind how this will go over with Andre Carter and the rest of the defensive front. WTF is with the Redskins lately. Makes me miss Joe Gibbs.[/quote]

It's not like the D-line was getting pressure, im sure they are aware of where they were compared to other teams.

Re: Shawn Springs on ESPN980 now
 

[quote=Mattyk72;519259]Regarding the comments on Davis let's remember what Champ Bailey used to say about Taylor Jacobs. He said he was one of the best WRs he ever went up against... in [B]practice[/B]. We never saw that potential when it mattered.[/quote]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI[/ame]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. LOL.