For all you D Hall lovers

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by BigHairedAristocrat

TO was a 30+ year old locker room cancer everywhere he ever played. What on earth has Hall done in the past two years that even comes close to comparing to anything TO has done. The comparision is so absurd, i cant beleive even you take it seriously.

It's absurd only because Owens was at one point a great player.

No one can seriously argue that Hall has done crap in the NFL. His teams have won what, like, 7 games in the last two years? 15 in the last three? 21 in the last four? That's Raider-esque.

He's struggled in his development while showing flashes of his potential (such has his rookie season, a month or so in 2007, and while he's been here), but that's it.

I don't care how many interceptions he has because that tells me absolutely nothing about how good he is.

[SmootSmack]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I think last year was a strong year to draft a starting caliber CB. For example, maybe they could have passed on Thomas and taken Brandon Flowers but they didn't. Lucky for them, D. Hall has fallen in their laps. I think they'd be foolish to pass on the opportunity to lock him up and line him up with Rogers for the next 5-10 years.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Getting rid of Rogers, who was universally regarded as an 'arrogant punk' by the people covering the team every day could impact chemistry in a very bad way?

It's so funny how people let their entire perception of someone be formed by what they hear in the national media. The hilarious thing about D. Hall is before he played for Bobby Petrino and had his on field blowup with him, there were no concerns about his attitude in Atlanta. He was widely considered one of the top CB in the game and expected to be an all pro for years to come. He plays for a coach that even Warrick Dunn (WARRICK DUNN!) had nothing but negative words about, then went to an even worse, more dysfunctional organization than the Falcons were and now he's a terrible, overrated CB who's a major character risk. Really?

You didn't by any chance here any of this through the national media, did you?

Because THAT would be hilarious.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I think last year was a strong year to draft a starting caliber CB. For example, maybe they could have passed on Thomas and taken Brandon Flowers but they didn't. Lucky for them, D. Hall has fallen in their laps. I think they'd be foolish to pass on the opportunity to lock him up and line him up with Rogers for the next 5-10 years.

I don't think there's any doubt they will.

I also think there's no hurry to get anything done. It's not like Hall has serious interest from the rest of the teams in the NFL, all of whom could have had him basically free of charge at mid-season. Waiting seems like it would save us some money.

Why would anyone who has ever ripped Vinny Cerrato be in such a rush to pump 8 figures into Hall's bank account in this economic climate? That's like the most irresponsible thing he could possibly do.

[53Fan]

How did we get from signing Hall to bashing Springs? Whether Hall is worthy or not of signing to a contract should have nothing to do with Springs. If a guy has great talent and has shown that he would improve your team then he should be signed. But to COMPLETELY ignore a guys behavior in the past and sign him to a big long term contract would be foolish. Hall is aware of his past and any reservations about him. If he's not, he must have his head up his ass. If he wants to play here, GREAT! Offer him a contract! But be reasonable, he's the one who created the doubts. He's the one who should deal with it. Be reasonable about a contract. Maybe a shorter deal, say 3 years, would be the best way to go. If he plays great we'll have to pony up in three years, but if he doesn't, we won't be dealing with this forever like it seems like we're doing with some other guys.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

How did we get from signing Hall to bashing Springs? Whether Hall is worthy or not of signing to a contract should have nothing to do with Springs. If a guy has great talent and has shown that he would improve your team then he should be signed. But to COMPLETELY ignore a guys behavior in the past and sign him to be a big long term contract would be foolish. Hall is aware of his past and any reservations about him. If he's not, he must have his head up his ass. If he wants to play here, GREAT! Offer him a contract! But be reasonable, he's the one who created the doubts. He's the one who should deal with it. Be reasonable about a contract. Maybe a shorter deal, say 3 years, would be the best way to go. If he plays great we'll have to pony up in three years, but if he doesn't, we won't be dealing with this forever like it seems like we're doing with some other guys.

Good summary of all relevant points. Nice work.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GMScud

Remember the Bears game in 2007 when Springs' back was hurting so badly he could barely stand up straight, and he intercepted 2 passes one of which he returned like 50 yards to set up a score that sealed the game?? We had just buried ST, and Campbell was carted off the field with a dislocated knee. We had every reason to curl up and die, and Shawn was huge for us.

We can all agree that Todd Collins was our offensive MVP during that 4 game run to the playoffs. There's no question in my mind Springs was our defensive MVP during that stretch. He was awesome. No one was questioning his heart then.

Exactly the game I was thinking of. He was a game time decision and he was pretty doubtful to go, but he ended up having a HUGE game that helped spark that playoff run.

But yeah the dude has no heart... give me a break.

[SmootSmack]

I had brought up that 2007 game and the subsequent three games but was told that "2007 is irrelevant" so there you have it.

[Eknox]

He only played a short time, and showed he could be a game changer had he played a couple more games he might have led the team in INT's

[44ever]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I think last year was a strong year to draft a starting caliber CB. For example, maybe they could have passed on Thomas and taken Brandon Flowers but they didn't. Lucky for them, D. Hall has fallen in their laps. I think they'd be foolish to pass on the opportunity to lock him up and line him up with Rogers for the next 5-10 years.

Now this post makes sence to me. Id like to see Hall and Rogers here next season and beyond also.

[53Fan]

Dre Bly, another local DB, was just released by the Broncos.

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

You didn't by any chance here any of this through the national media, did you?

Because THAT would be hilarious.

Not at all actually. People (non media) who had daily interactions and contact with the Falcons organization throughout the time Hall was there. Yes, he can be a prima donna but he is far from the locker room cancer he's portrayed to be.

As for the Rogers stuff, not the same level of sources but his ego is well known to exceed his accomplishments.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Dre Bly, another local DB, was just released by the Broncos.

Now that's a guy who expected a payday from Danny!!! I'd take Hall any day of the week and twice on Sunday over Bly...

[SFREDSKIN]

I say sign Bodden and Bly for the price of Hall, keep Rogers and cut Smoot.

[BigHairedAristocrat]

Originally Posted by SFREDSKIN

I say sign Bodden and Bly for the price of Hall, keep Rogers and cut Smoot.

Bodden and Bly are on the downside of their careers and, even in their prime, werent as good as Hall is right now. Rogers wants out and appears to be a locker room cancer waiting to happen. The cap hit to cut smoot is currently too high.

And to reiterate my dislike of Springs (now) and love for Hall (now)... the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately," "what are you doing for me now," and "what will you do for me tomorrow" league. What a player did 2 years ago is infinitely less important than what a player did last year and what a player will likely do this year. Just as I dont care what Springs did in 2007, I dont care what personel issues Hall had in 2006. Are they factors that should be considered in retaining either of their services - yes... but they are minor factors when compared to what both of these guys did in 2008.

Prior to the 2008 season, Springs said he wanted to retire. During the 2008 season, Springs was constantly missed games with an array of mysterious, minor injuries. nearly every single week, he was a game-time decision. His comment to the media made it seem like he too none of it seriously and he was just enjoying the ride. After the 2008 season, in a radio interview, Springs aired the teams dirty laundry publically, and didnt seem to care if he came back here in 2009 or not.

Prior to the 2008 season, Hall was traded to Oakland and he signed a huge contract. He played poorly in Oakland (which is why few teams pursued him when he was released). The skins took a chance on him and he played extremely well. He was not a locker room problem. After the season, he publically said he wants to be here. He said he looks up to high character guys like London Fletcher and goes to them to them, not only to better his understanding of the game, but also for advice on off the field issues. He says he's learned money isnt everything if youre miserable. He wants to play here. he wants to be a redskin.

people need to let go of the past and look at what guys are doing right now. Hall is someone we NEED on this team in 2009. Right now, he is displaying more signs of character and heart than either of our 2 other top corners.