If Hicks is available, then...............

[skinswin]

why are we holding on to Betts and Mccoulough? Hicks is no doubt better then Betts and he's atleast the equal to the rock of Mccoulough so why don't we upgrade at a critical position behind Portis?

[PyroGenic]

Hicks? isn't he the guy that could only catch the really amazing one-handed catches and do nothing else? I dunno.... i think sultan would be better than ol' skip

[Portis=MVP]

What is everyone's problem with Betts. He looks like he could be a good NFL back if he got an opportunity and stayed healthy. Breaking his arm last year was not good timing. As for McCulloch, he is a dime a dozen and Rock is a nice power runner, Skip has not been in the NFL for a year or so and I suppose there is a good reason for that. Why would the Bengals cut him if he had anything left? They wouldn't but then again they are the Bengals.

[Emmanouel8]

I don't know about Hicks, but Betts blows. The guy gets hurt every season and has yet to beat anybody out for the starting position. I'm tired of waiting for this guy to show the rest of you he's a 3rd string back at best.

[War Hogg]

If anything you would wanna cut Betts simply because he cant stay healthy.. As far as Sultan.....If you had a chance to see him @ USC, you would know that he is as fast as Portis (maybe faster, minus the field vision). Sultan will surprise some of us if he can get an opportunity to carry the ball.......

[akhhorus]

Betts when healthy didnt seem to be worth anything. Too slow to be a speed back, too small to be a big back. I still cant believe we passed on Antwaan Randle El, Brian Westbrook and Antonio Bryant for him and Cliff Russell.

[bantu]

What is everyone's problem with Betts. He looks like he could be a good NFL back if he got an opportunity and stayed healthy. Breaking his arm last year was not good timing. As for McCulloch, he is a dime a dozen and Rock is a nice power runner, Skip has not been in the NFL for a year or so and I suppose there is a good reason for that. Why would the Bengals cut him if he had anything left? They wouldn't but then again they are the Bengals.

I think Sultan McCullough may surprise people. Saying backs like him are a dime a dozen is just stupid. He is extremly quick and has a penchant to hit the hole with great quickness. He's got the inside track on that #2 spot. As for Betts, well you might be right in that he maybe pretty good. But there's a problem: he's always hurt. If he doesn't play than how effective can he be? We all know what happened to Brandon Winey, so don't be surpised if Betts gets the same treatment.

[Dexter72]

McCullough is a freak of nature. He was a track star at USC (ran a 10.1 100 meters) and clocked a 4.32 in the 40 at his pro day...sick speed. Also, he did 27 reps (225 lbs.) - which is considered solid for a lineman - Jordan Gross (Carolina) was the top OT in 03 and he did 28. When he's had opportunities during the preseason, both this year and last, he certainly has performed well...I think it's time to give him a bigger role. Betts is always injured, Rock has been making too many mental mistakes and isn't quick enough to be a TB anyway, except on the goal line, Morton is a 3rd down back. Skip Hicks never wanted to follow his blockers...it is feast or famine when he's in the backfield.

[sdredskinsfan]

McCullough is a freak of nature. He was a track star at USC (ran a 10.1 100 meters) and clocked a 4.32 in the 40 at his pro day...sick speed. Also, he did 27 reps (225 lbs.) - which is considered solid for a lineman - Jordan Gross (Carolina) was the top OT in 03 and he did 28. When he's had opportunities during the preseason, both this year and last, he certainly has performed well...I think it's time to give him a bigger role. Betts is always injured, Rock has been making too many mental mistakes and isn't quick enough to be a TB anyway, except on the goal line, Morton is a 3rd down back. Skip Hicks never wanted to follow his blockers...it is feast or famine when he's in the backfield.

Simon has seemed quicker than McCullough during the pre-season games.

[CarMike]

Hicks sucks. Anyone notice that every year Betts is hurt during TC. But then when the season is approaching he'll all of the sudden get better and ready to play?

I'd feel confident heading into the season with SM and JS as backups...

I'm getting fed up with Rock also.

[redwolf1218]

McCullough is a freak of nature. He was a track star at USC (ran a 10.1 100 meters) and clocked a 4.32 in the 40 at his pro day...sick speed. Also, he did 27 reps (225 lbs.) - which is considered solid for a lineman - Jordan Gross (Carolina) was the top OT in 03 and he did 28. When he's had opportunities during the preseason, both this year and last, he certainly has performed well...I think it's time to give him a bigger role. Betts is always injured, Rock has been making too many mental mistakes and isn't quick enough to be a TB anyway, except on the goal line, Morton is a 3rd down back. Skip Hicks never wanted to follow his blockers...it is feast or famine when he's in the backfield.
i didnt know all these stats about mccullough. thanks. i liked him already, now i'm liking him more. i think he got in the dog house last year with a fumble. i bet he wont do that again. i'd like to see him stay and get a chance. he seems to hit the hole incredibly fast and in the blink of an eye he's 10 yards down field. he ran thru 2 guys at the 5 and went into the end zone last week. i'm not sure canning Betts yet is the right thing to do, but can he play or not? if he's just too fragile then let him go. i hated losing Watson and i'd hate losing Sultan. i'm leaning towards keeping Sultan, Simon and Morton as the backups...let Rock go to a team who needs a fullback. Betts needs to get in a game and do something, or let him go too.

[Patrick]

Hicks sucks. Anyone notice that every year Betts is hurt during TC. But then when the season is approaching he'll all of the sudden get better and ready to play?

I'd feel confident heading into the season with SM and JS as backups...

I'm getting fed up with Rock also.

EXACTLY ........Thank You!!!!!

[IowaSkinsFan]

Skip Hicks?

[NamVet4]

Hicks sucks. Anyone notice that every year Betts is hurt during TC. But then when the season is approaching he'll all of the sudden get better and ready to play?

I'd feel confident heading into the season with SM and JS as backups...

I'm getting fed up with Rock also.

The Distinguished Gentleman from the Carolinas has nailed it !

[redwolf1218]

Skip Hicks?
you being from Iowa, i was wondering if you can you tell us anything about Betts from his college days. around here (VA) we have a lot of Va Tech Hokie fans who get to see a lot of their games televised, or go to the games. a lot of people i work with went to Va Tech and many of them know a thing or 2 about the hokies. do you follow Iowa at all? why did we use a 2nd round pick on him?

[Keino]

Skip Hicks Sucks. That is all I have to say......Carry on

[tomlcollins]

Not to be a doom and gloomer, since I really don't appreciate that type of attitude before the season even starts (I usually wait until the first loss to start freaking out :) )....anyways, I wouldn't waste my mind arguing over who should be backing up Portis too much if I were you all. The fact of the matter is that if Portis gets hurt, things are going to get very ugly in our backfield no matter who plays. I don't think that any of the other backs we have on the roster have the capability to play at an above average level. I do believe, however, that Gibbs would figure out a rotation and scheme to keep things running as smoothly as possible working with what he have. I'm just saying that individually, none of them are impressive.

[IowaSkinsFan]

you being from Iowa, i was wondering if you can you tell us anything about Betts from his college days. around here (VA) we have a lot of Va Tech Hokie fans who get to see a lot of their games televised, or go to the games. a lot of people i work with went to Va Tech and many of them know a thing or 2 about the hokies. do you follow Iowa at all? why did we use a 2nd round pick on him?

Betts ran hard while he was at Iowa. His first 3 years with the program, the team was pretty bad. They didn't start improving until his senior season. By that time, Kirk Ferentz really had improved the O line, and Betts ran the ball well his senior season. He never had the injury bug at the collegiate level like he has now, but you can say that about a lot of players.

The one thing I think that Betts brings to the table that none of the other backs do, including Portis, is that Betts can run between the tackles. He runs with violence. IF he can stay healthy, he will make an excellent complement to the speed and dynamics of Portis.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

I had a lot of faith in Betts, but it has diminished so much that I would have liked for us to trade him last year, when he had some trade value. I honestly preffer Sultan over Simon, Betts, and of course, Hicks. Rock is just lost now... he lost everything.

[ihatedallas]

I know he got cut by thebengals but i could hav sworn the panthers ran some back with the name hicks at some point last year...

[redwolf1218]

i thought skip hicks was in europe last year.

[PA Skins Girl]

Saying we should get rid of one of our current Redskins RB's for Skip Hicks reflects the continuous misconception we have that someone new is gonna be better than someone we already have. Why in the world would we try to pick up an almost 30 year old guy who has never made it in the NFL and give up guys who have been here for a couple years, gone through the entire off season program with us, and are in their early 20's? It makes no sense.

[openallnight]

McCullough is a freak of nature. He was a track star at USC (ran a 10.1 100 meters) and clocked a 4.32 in the 40 at his pro day...sick speed. Also, he did 27 reps (225 lbs.) - which is considered solid for a lineman - Jordan Gross (Carolina) was the top OT in 03 and he did 28.

That doesn't mean he's a good football player. There's too much emphasis put on speed/strength stats. The bottom line is can he play football. Unfortunately, Sultan got beat out of the starting job at USC which doesn't bode well for him in the nfl. Maybe he'll be a late bloomer, but to this point I haven't seen anything from him that would put him ahead of either Rock or Betts on the depth chart. He doesn't appear to display the vision, shiftiness or power demonstrated by a good back.
Another very important aspect to evaluating a RB in Gibbs system is willingness and ability to block. If you can't protect the qb you might as well pack your bags. I haven't really noticed who's improved in this area. Last year they were all very weak :(

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

hicks is garbage. id rather take my chances on betts' health and mccullough's inexperience.

[redwolf1218]

hicks is garbage. id rather take my chances on betts' health and mccullough's inexperience.
of the 2, i like mccullough's inexperience better than betts' health
(or lack thereof). but it sure does sound like byner loves Betts and Rock. in any event, skip hicks? no way?!!?
openallnight, good point about backs blocking. it was lacking last year.

[dj_stouty]

I'm tired of waiting for this guy to show the rest of you he's a 3rd string back at best.

Forget showing "us"...he obviously hasn't done anything wrong to "show" Byner and Gibbs that he is worthy of being demoted or cut just yet. Sure...the injury bug he seems to have is frustrating...but if the coaches thought he was cuttable, he would have been cut by now.

Don't be angry because your boy Trung is lifeguarding back in Arizona! :D

[Dexter72]

That doesn't mean he's a good football player. There's too much emphasis put on speed/strength stats. The bottom line is can he play football. Unfortunately, Sultan got beat out of the starting job at USC which doesn't bode well for him in the nfl. Maybe he'll be a late bloomer, but to this point I haven't seen anything from him that would put him ahead of either Rock or Betts on the depth chart. He doesn't appear to display the vision, shiftiness or power demonstrated by a good back.
Another very important aspect to evaluating a RB in Gibbs system is willingness and ability to block. If you can't protect the qb you might as well pack your bags. I haven't really noticed who's improved in this area. Last year they were all very weak :(

Sultan is a sick athlete, but he's also been damn productive as a football player. Sultan had almost 1200 yards and a 5.1 yd per carry avg his sophomore year at USC; he was injured for most of his junior year. His senior year, he started off getting beat out by a pretty good back, who has a decent shot at being an NFL starter this season (Justin Fargas - OAK), but still gained more yards than Fargas in what ended up being a split backfield...he had 800 yards and 4.5 per carry. Last preseason he had over 100 yds on 24 carries in the preseason, and this year he has 63 yds on 16 carries. His main problem has been that he was labeled a problem child at USC, which definitely was a contributing factor to him not being named the starter his senior year at USC and why he was passed over in the draft.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

Don't be angry because your boy Trung is lifeguarding back in Arizona! :D
oohhh, dj. E8 is gonna get you......lol....

[whistleandthumb]

He already has surprised me, making some great plays in both preseason games. I think Sultan would make a great backup for Portis, not just because he's good, but because he is a similar back to Portis. There wouldn't have to be any major offensive changes. I haven't watched the guy block much yet, but if he can, then he's the total package.

Skip Hicks didn't even look that great to me in the one NFL Europe game I watched.

[REDMAN]

Hicks is old news. we do not need him.

[split3clemente]

Not to be a doom and gloomer, since I really don't appreciate that type of attitude before the season even starts (I usually wait until the first loss to start freaking out :) )....anyways, I wouldn't waste my mind arguing over who should be backing up Portis too much if I were you all. The fact of the matter is that if Portis gets hurt, things are going to get very ugly in our backfield no matter who plays.

the point of it is to take the load off portis so he doesnt get hurt, we cant feed this guy the ball 35 times and not expect him to break down, 20-25 hand offs to portis and then thorw him passes out of the back field and we're good. We need a guy who can take 5-10 handoffs a game and be productive with them.

[TexSkin]

Hicks could not catch on with the Bengals. It seems people want to replace a bust with a bust. At least the bust we have now knows the system hehe.

[tomlcollins]

the point of it is to take the load off portis so he doesnt get hurt, we cant feed this guy the ball 35 times and not expect him to break down, 20-25 hand offs to portis and then thorw him passes out of the back field and we're good. We need a guy who can take 5-10 handoffs a game and be productive with them.


completely understandable..i guess i'm just thinking that without him, we're kind of screwed (which i'm sure alot of other people think as well). I can't ever remember a Skins team that did well with "running back by committee", albeit I am only 23 years old.
If every down we rested him was third down, I think Morton could step up and help out alot. However, it seems apparent to me that Morton's already miniscule role in the offense just got a lot smaller, as I see Portis staying in there and getting most of those third down snaps.
So...to join your argument about who is the best man to take 5-10 a game, I would say Betts (If he can stay healthy). Cartwright is my favorite out of them all, but he just won't get the job done as a halfback. I feel bad for him having to try to play a completely different kind of game with the second coming of the H-Back to DC.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Hicks could not catch on with the Bengals. It seems people want to replace a bust with a bust. At least the bust we have now knows the system hehe.
I completely agree with you... why Hicks??? I'm better with Sultan and Morton.

[SkinsForLife]

I like what I've seen and heard of Sultan. I want to see how Betts does if he ever gets and stays healthy. Akhhorus, when were we given the chance to get Randle El, Westbrook, and Bryant? I can't believe we passed that up!

[HanburgerBum]

Saying we should get rid of one of our current Redskins RB's for Skip Hicks reflects the continuous misconception we have that someone new is gonna be better than someone we already have. Why in the world would we try to pick up an almost 30 year old guy who has never made it in the NFL and give up guys who have been here for a couple years, gone through the entire off season program with us, and are in their early 20's? It makes no sense.

You are absolutely right. We need to get away from this "the grass is always greener in somebody else's backyard" mentality. As iffy as the backups for Portis are, signing Hicks won't cure the problem. My hunch is that if Portis misses significant time, we are probably done. We will just have to hold our breath and hope he stays healthy, and then address the RB depth problem next off-season.

I think it is still a little early to be giving up on Betts. Other than Portis himself, Betts is probably the best 3d down back on the roster. Morton and McCullough are quick, but neither can block a lick (a fatal fault for a 3rd down back). Rock is not much better as a blocker and is also not a good receiver. Simon is just mediocre in every aspect. It is also not evident that any of the backup RB's are good on special teams. My take is that not many of the backup RB's deserve to be on the 53-men roster, and Gibbs will only keep 3 there (presumably Portis, Betts and Morton). And, if Morton turns out not to be the returner, he may not be one of the 3.

[ArRiNgToN_56]

i didnt know all these stats about mccullough. thanks. i liked him already, now i'm liking him more. i think he got in the dog house last year with a fumble. i bet he wont do that again. i'd like to see him stay and get a chance. he seems to hit the hole incredibly fast and in the blink of an eye he's 10 yards down field. he ran thru 2 guys at the 5 and went into the end zone last week. i'm not sure canning Betts yet is the right thing to do, but can he play or not? if he's just too fragile then let him go. i hated losing Watson and i'd hate losing Sultan. i'm leaning towards keeping Sultan, Simon and Morton as the backups...let Rock go to a team who needs a fullback. Betts needs to get in a game and do something, or let him go too.

There is no question the Sultan could be a good Number 2 back, he is incredible.

http://www.trojanfb.com/imagedb/albums/2002season/asu/normal_asu_sm.jpg

[Keino]

Saying we should get rid of one of our current Redskins RB's for Skip Hicks reflects the continuous misconception we have that someone new is gonna be better than someone we already have. Why in the world would we try to pick up an almost 30 year old guy who has never made it in the NFL and give up guys who have been here for a couple years, gone through the entire off season program with us, and are in their early 20's? It makes no sense.

So I sign in and think, "Gosh, this thread is still alive, people must be really bored to talk about Skip "Tiptoe through the line" Hicks."

Then I saw this post and immediately stood up and applauded. This should have been the end of the discussion. Great Post!

[Keino]

I like what I've seen and heard of Sultan. I want to see how Betts does if he ever gets and stays healthy. Akhhorus, when were we given the chance to get Randle El, Westbrook, and Bryant? I can't believe we passed that up!

He meant in their respective drafts. All the players mentioned were picked AFTER the players we picked.......

Betts was a horrible use of the 2nd round pick when we had need of a OG.....

[Spence]

Skip Hicks is a stiff. End of story.

[Skins57]

Betts when healthy didnt seem to be worth anything. Too slow to be a speed back, too small to be a big back. I still cant believe we passed on Antwaan Randle El, Brian Westbrook and Antonio Bryant for him and Cliff Russell.


Just remember Betts, Rock and even Trung played for Spurrier who didn't even know what a half back does on passing downs :banghead:

[Portis=MVP]

Are you guys serious when you want McCulloch and Simon as your backup RBs!!!!!!!!!!! That is so stupid, I don't know all these stats that mean nothing, McCulloch couldn't even start in college so I don't know what that says. John Simon, are you kidding me, what does he do that any other random guy out of college can't do? Absolutely nothing, if McCulloch is a dime a dozen, Simon is a nickel a dozen, Betts broke his arm last year, I don't know how you expect him to play through that injury. Betts looked okay when he is healthy and should be ok as a backup RB. Rock is better suited for FB and should be traded just like Bryan Johnson was traded. Skip Hicks is a joke, he got cut for a reason and thats because he is not very good.

[War Hogg]

Are you guys serious when you want McCulloch and Simon as your backup RBs!!!!!!!!!!! That is so stupid, I don't know all these stats that mean nothing, McCulloch couldn't even start in college so I don't know what that says. John Simon, are you kidding me, what does he do that any other random guy out of college can't do? Absolutely nothing, if McCulloch is a dime a dozen, Simon is a nickel a dozen, Betts broke his arm last year, I don't know how you expect him to play through that injury. Betts looked okay when he is healthy and should be ok as a backup RB. Rock is better suited for FB and should be traded just like Bryan Johnson was traded. Skip Hicks is a joke, he got cut for a reason and thats because he is not very good.


lol, in other words you would like to have two starter (quality) running backs backing up portis. All you can ask for out of a back up rb is consistence and ability or potential (which Sultan has, with a possible upside). He hasnt been an injury ridden player......???? I mean what more can you ask for. you most know something about this Sultan that no one else here knows, aside from him losing his starting position in college due to personal issues.......

[Dexter72]

Are you guys serious when you want McCulloch and Simon as your backup RBs!!!!!!!!!!! That is so stupid, I don't know all these stats that mean nothing, McCulloch couldn't even start in college so I don't know what that says. John Simon, are you kidding me, what does he do that any other random guy out of college can't do? Absolutely nothing, if McCulloch is a dime a dozen, Simon is a nickel a dozen, Betts broke his arm last year, I don't know how you expect him to play through that injury. Betts looked okay when he is healthy and should be ok as a backup RB. Rock is better suited for FB and should be traded just like Bryan Johnson was traded. Skip Hicks is a joke, he got cut for a reason and thats because he is not very good.

Betts did break his arm...and before that (in TC) he was out with an injured elbow, and now he's out with a pulled hamstring. Betts looked good in one game last year: the season opener. Don't like stats? Sure, Fargas beat out Sultan at USC (nevermind the fact Pete Carroll had personal issues w/Sultan), but Ladell couldn't beat out Trung last year!

[joethefan]

What is everyone's problem with Betts. He looks like he could be a good NFL back if he got an opportunity and stayed healthy. Breaking his arm last year was not good timing. As for McCulloch, he is a dime a dozen and Rock is a nice power runner, Skip has not been in the NFL for a year or so and I suppose there is a good reason for that. Why would the Bengals cut him if he had anything left? They wouldn't but then again they are the Bengals.

That's the problem he can't stay healthy...he hasn't produced anything. Every year the same ole song

[redwolf1218]

Are you guys serious when you want McCulloch and Simon as your backup RBs!!!!!!!!!!! That is so stupid, I don't know all these stats that mean nothing, McCulloch couldn't even start in college so I don't know what that says. John Simon, are you kidding me, what does he do that any other random guy out of college can't do? Absolutely nothing, if McCulloch is a dime a dozen, Simon is a nickel a dozen, Betts broke his arm last year, I don't know how you expect him to play through that injury. Betts looked okay when he is healthy and should be ok as a backup RB. Rock is better suited for FB and should be traded just like Bryan Johnson was traded. Skip Hicks is a joke, he got cut for a reason and thats because he is not very good.
a lot of guys might be good even if they dont start in college. some big schools get the best talent and they have a huge roster to choose from. anyone remember ricky ervins? he was like 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart at notre dame because they had recruited something like 4 all state backs, but he was pretty good for us. they might recruit 5 or 6 running backs, each one the best in their respective states coming out of highschool. if sultan ran a 10.1 in 100 meters and a 4.3 in the 40 and bench presses more than his own weight like 25 times, and he works hard and doesnt fumble, and has a good attitude, then yes i'd be serious about him being the backup.

[skinswin]

All I know is that Sutan Mccoulough was a stud at USC. And he is very Portis like and I think that if he's given the reps, he would be a fine back-up to Portis. And the Rock is a very hard worker and work ethic always catches Gibbs eye. And Betts..he's a bust! Slow, doesn't break tackles and doesn't follow blocks well either. Bust!!

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Sorry, but right now I'd put Betts and Rock at the same level.

[panther384]

washington has a solid group of backs and everyone in here knows that gibbs can make any back look good wit his schemes. portis is gonna be nice and i would put mcollough over betts and morton and cartwright but i still think he needs time to mature. and skip hicks? no...let him retire or somethin hes done. people dont realize that the skins can survive witout their startin tb; look at the blow that miami took losin williams or think about jacksonville or new england without their starters. im more concerned about other positions on the team (i.e. d lineman and linebacker)

did anyone see that report on nfl.com about lavar arrington being one of the most overrated players in the league. right next to urlacher...thats a load of bull...

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

washington has a solid group of backs and everyone in here knows that gibbs can make any back look good wit his schemes. portis is gonna be nice and i would put mcollough over betts and morton and cartwright but i still think he needs time to mature. and skip hicks? no...let him retire or somethin hes done. people dont realize that the skins can survive witout their startin tb; look at the blow that miami took losin williams or think about jacksonville or new england without their starters. im more concerned about other positions on the team (i.e. d lineman and linebacker)

did anyone see that report on nfl.com about lavar arrington being one of the most overrated players in the league. right next to urlacher...thats a load of bull...
I don't see OLB a weakness, and I dont agree on that thing about Arrington. We could have some issues at MLB if Barrow goes down, but other than that we're fine IMO.

[Emmanouel8]

Forget showing "us"...he obviously hasn't done anything wrong to "show" Byner and Gibbs that he is worthy of being demoted or cut just yet. Sure...the injury bug he seems to have is frustrating...but if the coaches thought he was cuttable, he would have been cut by now.

Don't be angry because your boy Trung is lifeguarding back in Arizona! :D

Whatever DJ lol, Trung is not a Gibbs type back anyway, but he was good enough for Spurrier and better than Betts.

Regardless Betts is a joke. I don't know why you think Betts is in such good favor of the staff considering he's only shown them his hairy calfs in shorts. When Betts covers them up w/ pads I'm sure things will begin to unfold rather quickly, otherwise Byner and Gibbs will cut him based on the example they made w/ Winey and Ohelate. It's just a matter of time.

Until then divest in Air-cast, once Betts gets cut their stock will plummett.