Word from Redskins Park, ten players from the roster have been released. Some are surprising, some not. It's the first big step of Coach Shanahan's regime and it clearly shows he's making strident changes heading into free agency and the April Draft. The players include Rock Cartwright, Antwaan Randle El, Todd Collins (No more Toddball!), Cornelius Griffin, Fred Smoot and most surprising, Ladell Betts. And with the predicted retirement (rightfully so after neck injury) of Chris Samuels, the 2010 Skins roster will look significantly different, in more ways than one. It's premature to think what role the players not cut are to the team, but we can let the speculation fly. With both Rock and Ladell gone, perhaps this is validation of the retaining a Mr. Clinton Portis???? I for one, have voiced my displeasure with him for quite a while now, particularly the last two seasons. (On a side note, I have met Portis at a Circuit City grand opening way back in 2006 and he signed the back of my business card, haha....) Nevertheless, his downward path of dragging the team down in performance and off-the-field remarks have left a very nasty taste in my mouth and I for one has hoped and will welcome his departure from the team. Not soon enough now I suppose.
With Todd Collins out, there is a vacancy in the QB roster. The Skins have already gave a tender to Jason Campbell, which leaves Colt Brennan. Now, I can't imagine Brennan significantly challenging for the starting spot, SO methinks the Skins either drop some money on a veteran QB for backup, OR draft another QB in this coming draft. I'd vote for the former rather than the latter, knowing how "sensitive" Campbell has been regarding job security. Make no mistake about it, Shanahan has not affirmed that Campbell is the QB for his team, but maybe he gives him a year to develop under his system. I haven't looked into free agency extensively to see who would replace Collins. With this year's QB class, we got a few gems in Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy and dare I say him, Tim Tebow??
Randle El was a bust from the moment he left the Super Bowl XL Champion Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2006 to don the burgundy and gold. He was not quite the explosive Number 2 receiver everyone had hoped he'd be, and definitely was deficient in his punt return ability. Happy Feet is what I called him since all he did was dance around and very rarely ran back punts for more than 15 yards. From a WR standpoint, I trust the progress made by both Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will be sufficient for Shanahan's offense to complement Santana Moss. The passing game should be better with Chris Cooley back although the question is what to do with Fred Davis. Couple a decent passing threat with the possible resurgence in the running game, our offense should be much better than last year, fingers crossed. Oh wait, what do we do for the offensive line?!.........
Skepticism around the role of the running game and RBs is building in me. It bugs me to lose both Ladell and Rock, for they were decent players who always gave 110% on the field and in practice. Granted Rock was a tad more efficient but not sufficient kick returner, his role in the running game was purely a result of lack of depth and injuries. Likewise, Ladell is coming off a torn ACL and MCL suffered this past season so I can imagine the coaching staff is a bit iffy and unsure on him. The Skins also let go another RB in Marcus Mason, so the RB roster is comprised of CP and Quinton Gainther at the moment. I have no problems with Gainther and I'll spare you my diatribe of CP a little bit longer; he's still a douche in my book. A RB may be picked up in the draft or like the QB position, picked up via free agency.
Under Snyder, the Skins have always made the biggest news in the offseason. Big names, big deals are quite the norm over at Redskins Park. You can't deny that Shanahan is cooking up something big. These first steps are more significant than they appear and prove that a "shake-up" from a personnel and financial standpoint need to be made. Who knows what that will translate onto the field. I'm eager to see what happens this month leading up to the draft; we have the #4 pick this year and can easily fill any of our dire needs. I'll keep you all posted closer to April. Enjoy playing fantasy offseason, haha....
Friday, March 5, 2010
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