The Funky Take takes on the matter of..

[rskinsfan10]

..what else but the LaVar story.

Check it out..... (http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=157)

[C-7]

Link doesn't work, rskinsfan10.

[rskinsfan10]

Try it now.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

wow, great article

[redskin_rich]

Great write up Kenny, I can tell you have given a lot of thought to this subject. I am there with you, in that I'm baffled and I can't buy into all the different speculation. Maybe it's all true, maybe none of it is true. I simply can't form an opinion, other than it has litlle or nothing to do with LA's health.
For now, I'm just hoping LaVar get's back in the lineup somehow and makes plays, so that this will all die down.

[Skins4life]

I am with you r10 on this one. We have a great D, but lack the "big plays" week in and week out. Aside from Rogers INT in preseason, I havent seen anything. Not to mention that Sean Alexander ran all over our D in the fourth quarter. I alone saw Holdman miss at the line twice. Not saying Lavar wouldnt, but we need a playmaker in there.

Someone said on another thread, If GW loves Sean Taylor and his talent, why not Lavar? To me, Lavar and Taylor would be an awesome Duo out there, with a game turning "big play" just waiting to happen.

I am still amazed that this guy isnt in there.

[BIGSEF3]

If we're going at conspiracy theories, how bout these:

1. Greg Williams is doing some extra "advertising" for himself. He wants to be a head coach and is not playing the only true "star" player on the team, so that when his defense succeeds, he can take all the credit. No one will have any doubts that Williams is a mastermind, or say he was only good b/c he had a stud like lavar on the team.

2. There is a clause in the new contract that Lavar signed that lets the skins get rid of Lavar with less cap ramifications if he doesnt play.

3. Snyder and Gibbs know Lavar's reworked contract gives him the bonuses that were supposedly left out of his original contract IF he plays and makes the probowl. They don't want Lavar to be able to get his way out of the contract, so they are sitting him so there is no way in hell he meets his incentives and can become a free agent in 2 years.

4. Contrary to what he's saying publically, Lavar is a lockerroom cancer. He has done something that we dont know about that has hurt the morale of the team and they are deliberately not playing Lavar to send a message that you have to be a team player to play. Remember, we didnt hear a WORD about Coles being a cancer until the season was over with and we were in the process of trading him.

[nicefellow31]

Good post. You and I am thinking along the same lines. What I'm hearing from the coaches is basically that Lavar is not good enough to get in the game. :rolleyes:

[Biggie]

Me too.

Every great defense needs one guy to just go in, do his thing, and make a play. Baltimore has Ray Lewis, Indy has Freeney, Iggles have Dawkins/Kearse, and so on. We have plenty of guys who play strictly within their assignments. I think we can afford to have one guy who makes the occasional mistake and causes six-seven more turnovers and ten more sacks on the year.

I love the Funky Take.

[Santheb]

I don't see why they don't put LaVar in, even if he does freelance or whatever they say. Warrick Holdman has 5 freaking tackles through 3 games. FIVE.

[SkinsASchamps]

If it aint broke... dont fix it. Love the article tho. Agree with what you are saying but we are winning and mostly with D so... I gotta say im ok with whatever the coaches want.

[silverspring]

rskinsfan10, my sentiments exactly.

And I don't understand why people are labeling the possibility that he is benched because of a personal issue with coach to be a conspiracy theory. There are no terrorist, kidnaps, money laundering or political escapades involved in the idea that the coach has a personal beef with him. It is that and just that.

[Axegrinder]

All good points.
The example of Taylor is a good one.
I also wonder if he is 100% healthy/speedwise.
Maybe there are thoughts of a trade somewhere down the line.

[hogs86]

Conspiracy Theory #1 Mabe LaVar got into a fight :sfight: during practice with another player 3 weeks ago and G.Williams told Lavar to leave the feild and he did not.So Williams and LaVar gets into each other's face .And they had to seperated.Fights go on every day and we do not know 1/2 what is going on at redskins park.Lets just say LaVar is in Greg Williams dog house for now.And lets hope he gets out soon.This is not a Conspiracy it is a fact that LA is in Williams dog house.

[DoGood]

Thanks rskinsfan10 for so clearly putting all of my thoughts and concerns to keyboard. I'm a huge Lavar fan and I feel our defense is sorely lacking a dimension with him on the sidelines.

[skins74]

I think it is a grudge and they need to patch things up because LaVar is the biggest playmaker we have and we need some of those BIG plays to keep winning.

[OCSKINSFAN]

There is a reason for it, but it's not that Holdman or Clemons is better than Arrington, whatever the system or package, or even if Arrington was not 100%. I think highly of our Defensive coaches, but this has to be a personal issue or a long term contract decision (this type of thinking was evidenced by the Management's draft pick of Campbell). This is especially dissappointing with the Skins 3-0, but with the lack of a pass rush and big plays/turnovers by our defense (with Holdman and Clemons), as acknowledged by the coaches.

[Skinz4lyfe]

Man that was a great article! That pretty much sums up how I feel as well. Something just doesn't add up because someone as talented as Lavar needs to be on the field. He is potentially another playmaker who might be able to help our defense in 2 areas that are sorely needed: Pressure on the QB and forcing turnovers. Whatever "packages" he's in please call them and get him in there. We need him in the game not just to rush the passer but as a LB stuffing the run and being disruptive. I'd hate to get rid of Lavar because he's been great w/the team and in the community so I hope something can be worked out.

[RoanokeSkin]

We need more turnovers to CONTINUE winning games. Lavar gives us a better chance of that than Holdman. I would like to see him out there.

[Sweepea436]

As long as we're winning I don't care who's in there. But if we lose and it comes out later that our best players weren't on the field for any reason other than injury..... well......... then I'll complain alot to you guys. :devil2:

[Chief Seeway]

I don't think there is any conspiracy.

Lavar complains that he was brought back too early after his injury last year; he has off-season knee surgery and of course the popular contract dispute. During all of this the coaches kept moving forward, building a defense. I'm glad we didn't wait around for Lavar. In fact I cheer the coaching decision. A fat contract doesn't guarantee playing time or success. I would love to see Lavar play more but the team is more important so I side with the coaching staff and their decisions.



EDIT: Sweet blog entry Kenny.

[Redskinfan28]

All valid points and questions - well written. I think Gregg speaks to medis tomorrow so maybe he will respond to some of these questions.

[Redskinfan28]

I don't think there is any conspiracy.

Lavar complains that he was brought back too early after his injury last year; he has off-season knee surgery and of course the popular contract dispute. During all of this the coaches kept moving forward, building a defense. I'm glad we didn't wait around for Lavar. In fact I cheer the coaching decision. A fat contract doesn't guarantee playing time or success. I would love to see Lavar play more but the team is more important so I side with the coaching staff and their decisions.



EDIT: Sweet blog entry Kenny.

I agree with everything you said, but if Lavar could make a good D better, why not play him? He has certainly been humbled this year.

[Chief Seeway]

I agree with everything you said, but if Lavar could make a good D better, why not play him? He has certainly been humbled this year.

I'm not sure Lavar would make the defense better; more importantly I don't think the coaches think he would make the defense better. When our defense has been beat on a big play this year it's been a lack of discipline and assignment not a lack of athleticism.

[PennSkinsFan]

as I preached all day and faithfully and whole heartedly believe, there is mroe to the story than meets the eye, and I do not believe for one single minute the fluff comking otu of Redskins Park. Some of you may, but I knwo from what I hear, no way. There is more to the story and YES I do believe some of it is personal.

[Chief Seeway]

as I preached all day and faithfully and wholeheartedly believe, there is more to the story than meets the eye, and I do not believe for one single minute the fluff coming out of Redskins Park. Some of you may, but I know from what I hear, no way. There is more to the story and YES I do believe some of it is personal.

I'm sure there is. The media and fan base are creating the drama.

[PennSkinsFan]

I'm sure there is. The media and fan base are creating the drama.

Not sure about that Tom. I think the media and fanbase are suspectful about the 'unfiltered fluff' coming out of Redskins Park and I think they have a reason to be. Some of us choose to agree with and believe eveything that comes out of Redskins.com and Redskins.com TV, others take it for what it is, what Redskins Park wants you to hear, what they want to protray, in essence, a damn good PR job. Reality is not always the same.

[GibbsRules!]

Excellent perspective! I couldn't agree more. I think it is a Lavar vs. GW/Lindsey issue. I don't see how it could be a Lavar vs. Gibbs/Snyder issue due to the fact that Gibbs mediated the talks during the contract dispute. I believe Coach Gibbs wanted Lavar here.

I think Coach Gibbs finds himself between a rock and a hard place here because although he may support Lavar he must also be aware that GW might be his successor here and he has to respect GWs decision. Gibbs is pretty much handcuffed because of the success of our D and the team overall. How can he say something publicly that would cast Williams or Lavar as an antagonist? Williams can point to that success as proof that he doesn't need Lavar. Turnovers, sacks, INTs and forced fumbles aside prove GW is right up until now. Lavar just wants to play and enjoy the teams success and personally, I would love to see him in there. He is a difference maker, period.

[BurgundyNGold]

Not sure about that Tom. I think the media and fanbase are suspectful about the 'unfiltered fluff' coming out of Redskins Park and I think they have a reason to be. Some of us choose to agree with and believe eveything that comes out of Redskins.com and Redskins.com TV, others take it for what it is, what Redskins Park wants you to hear, what they want to protray, in essence, a damn good PR job. Reality is not always the same.
I think there is more to this story as well, but I'm not so quick to chalk it up to personal differences. I don't think either LaVar or our coaches are that petty.

Besides, if there was such a rift, wouldn't Nunyo or Jason have reported it over at the Post by now? How about Pastabelly and his "sources"?

BTW, great write up. I'm suspect too, but we can go with what we've got .

[Wild Bore]

4. Contrary to what he's saying publically, Lavar is a lockerroom cancer. He has done something that we dont know about that has hurt the morale of the team and they are deliberately not playing Lavar to send a message that you have to be a team player to play. Remember, we didnt hear a WORD about Coles being a cancer until the season was over with and we were in the process of trading him.

Bingo. Face it everyone. LaVar is in the doghouse. It could be for a thousand reasons which we do not know about. Does anybody really believe that Williams and Gibbs would not do what they feel is best for the team? I find it incredible that there are those who think this is so and are dreaming up conspiracy theories of how they are treating poor, poor Lavar.

There are more important things to building a winner, and building team unity than just talent (assuming Lavar's talent is still there). If not, why don't we go get Randy Moss, or TO. In fact, I think this has been one of the problems here for the last decade or so. The coaches were not in control, the players were, and they were used to doing whatever they wanted. We have had a lot of talented, self absorbed athletes who aren't necessarily team players.

To me, Lavar is (or at least, was) a talent. But he was also the leader of some failed teams. He personifies that entire era of failed teams, an era which is a very bad dream to me and many others. For some of the younger guys on this board, he was all they had to worship. They never saw anything better. There was nothing else to hope for.

He may not be adjusting very well to having a new sheriff in town, to having been cut down a notch. I don't know. I do know that none of his teammates is coming out and "wondering" what is going on. And I do know one other thing: there is some very valid reason why Lavar is on the bench, and it doesn't have anything to do with conspiracy theories.

[GibbsRules!]

There are more important things to building a winner, and building team unity than just talent (assuming Lavar's talent is still there). If not, why don't we go get Randy Moss, or TO. In fact, I think this has been one of the problems here for the last decade or so. The coaches were not in control, the players were, and they were used to doing whatever they wanted. We have had a lot of talented, self absorbed athletes who aren't necessarily team players.

I'd buy that argument except for the Schottenheimer effect. Marty was a disciplinarian. When he was hired by Snyder the first person to speak out against it and say he wouldn't play for him was Deion Sanders. I don't recall hearing that from Lavar and as a matter of fact everything I have read from Marty regarding Lavar states that Marty loved having him as a player.

Comparing Lavar to ME 1st players like Moss, TO and Sanders just doesn't wash with me...

[PennSkinsFan]

It's easy to attack Lavar now, because he is down and out for the moment.

There wa smention of Lavar being a locker room cancer? Where did that come from? How did you determine it? From what I have read out of the locker room, is completely, 100% to the contrary. Lavar is very well liked and respected in the locker room, and despite all that is going on, Lavar has tried to keep the focus off of him, hard to do with national and DC media. Many players would not have handled this very well. Matter fo fact, with Lavar's stature in the natioanl spotlight, I have a ton of new respect for the way he is handling this. To call him a locker room cancer is an absolute falsehood and mis-statement. Is his situation a disteraction? Coudl be. Has he caused it? NO! The media made the story, Lavar did not run tot he media. Get off his damn back!

[Patrick]

as I preached all day and faithfully and whole heartedly believe, there is mroe to the story than meets the eye, and I do not believe for one single minute the fluff comking otu of Redskins Park. Some of you may, but I knwo from what I hear, no way. There is more to the story and YES I do believe some of it is personal.

Yep - no doubt about it.

1. Contract disput
2. Blaming coach about pushing him into action last year before he was ready
3. Lingering injury and the slow process to recovery and not being able to participate in off-season programs and some of preseason.
4. Current defensive scheme - still ranked high without his presents on the field
5. Winning - doing it without him.

IMO - these are all the factors that add up to why he's not on the field. Now is it going to be like this all year - NO WAY.
Lavar will play and be a factor somewhere in the course of this season BUT until we lose NO-one should be complaining or even questioning why.

[GibbsFan]

I hope GW will find a way to get Lavar back on the field soon. The article is spot on about osme kind of grudge. The way i wish we would use Lavar is move him around. Line him up at all 3 LB spots, both DE spots on passing downs and let him play with some his reckless style. We might actually create some turnovers then.

[BurgundyNGold]

Maybe GW is just trying to light a fire under LaVar. Perhaps LaVar is used to taking his case to the people directly via the media to get what he wants and GW isn't having any of it. Maybe GW is just trying to get him whipped up into a frenzy only to unleash him against the Iggles. Who knows. All I know is that LaVar is a special talent and should be out on the field. I think he will be before too long.

[SkinsASchamps]

The thing that I am worried about is if GW leaves at the end of the year and lavar leaves then what? Lavar doesnt fit well into his system or whatever but he is a hell of a player and who knows who the new D coach could be. maybe a new coach could use lavar. I see this as a situation that we might be screwing up. I want both to stay. Im not trying to be negative but I hope it works out.


On a side note- i know many of us want GW to be our next Head Coach. how many years do you think he will wait to be named HC?

[Redskin4Life]

What about the fact that maybe, just maybe, Lavar's not healthy yet??? Last year, whether he wants to admit it or not, he wanted to get on the field and may have pushed the coaching staff and trainers to get back faster than he should have. Maybe GW doesn't want a repeat of last year and is keeping him on the bench.

Then again, Lavar maybe a step slow in practice (worrying about his knees, body) and Holdman IS playing better than Arrington.

We don't know what's going on and to say that he's a cancer or the coaches have something personal against him is unfair. We don't have access to practices so we don't know the whole story... it could just be a matter of Lavar sucking in practice...

[Skinzaholic]

IF this is indeed a case of personal grudge then we have a lot more to be worried about then Lavar's ego. I personally find it difficult to hear of a coach sitting a player of the caliber Lavar has demonstrated in the past simply to flex a muscle. That isnt really my idea of putting the team first either.

Im not sure I buy into the whole grudge conspiracy - cant see Gibbs supporting something based on that... but when it comes to team-first chemistry (which they are bragging about Betts on) - there may be more validity. Sitting Lavar to purge him of incorrect thinking for a few games (especially ones we win) is smart coaching... sitting Lavar because he hurt Williams (or any coaches) pride is not in my opinion.

[silverspring]

It's easy to attack Lavar now, because he is down and out for the moment.

There wa smention of Lavar being a locker room cancer? Where did that come from? How did you determine it? From what I have read out of the locker room, is completely, 100% to the contrary. Lavar is very well liked and respected in the locker room, and despite all that is going on, Lavar has tried to keep the focus off of him, hard to do with national and DC media. Many players would not have handled this very well. Matter fo fact, with Lavar's stature in the natioanl spotlight, I have a ton of new respect for the way he is handling this. To call him a locker room cancer is an absolute falsehood and mis-statement. Is his situation a disteraction? Coudl be. Has he caused it? NO! The media made the story, Lavar did not run tot he media. Get off his damn back!

I agree. Lavar can't help that he isn't playing, he can't help that he got hurt in the first place and he surely can't help when he is making his regular media camios that he gets asked controversial questions. People love picking on him when he can't back it up on the field. I guarantee as soon as he is playing there won't be another negative word said.

[joethefan]

You make good points there r10. I haven't been the biggest supporter of Lavar in the past, but I have been scratching my head on this one. But I will continue to revert back to what doc walker said monday. "Lavar exercised is power in the offseason and now they are exercising thier power right on him" and winning and defensive position in the League continues to add to the fire of thier excuse of why he's not in there. Doesn't make it right.


No one knows the real inside stuff...I just wish he or Gregg can be men and sit down and figure this out.. This is overshadowing our 3-0 record.

Holdman isn't really doing anything exciting to make me believe that he really beat out Lavar....But Williams did coach him before coming here....

I just don't understand it.

[whitskins]

I agree. Lavar can't help that he isn't playing, he can't help that he got hurt in the first place and he surely can't help when he is making his regular media camios that he gets asked controversial questions. People love picking on him when he can't back it up on the field. I guarantee as soon as he is playing there won't be another negative word said.

I agree with PSF that picking on Lavar is foolish, there is no evidence that he is a locker room cancer, etc...

But, Lavar CAN help that he's not playing. He's clearly a superior talent to Warrick Holdman, I think it's pretty clear that he is not doing some things on the field that the coaches require him to do, unless you think this ordeal is 100% personal, but I don't.

If Lavar commits himself 100% to playing his role on the team I don't see how he can stay on the bench, he is an animal whereas as Holdman is totally average. So I disagree with the notion that Lavar "can't help" that he's not playing. Of course he doesn't make the decision, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have enough influence on the situation to go win his job back.

[Keino]

rskinsfan10, my sentiments exactly.

And I don't understand why people are labeling the possibility that he is benched because of a personal issue with coach to be a conspiracy theory. There are no terrorist, kidnaps, money laundering or political escapades involved in the idea that the coach has a personal beef with him. It is that and just that.

Conspiracy. One of the definitions is: A joining or acting together, as if by sinister design.

If we are going to make the argument that Gibbs/Williams are holding Lavar out because of comments he made, or with the idea that he fail to reach certain incentives, doing so at the expense of the team it falls under the definition of conspiracy.

The idea that coach Gibbs would bench a player for personal reason remains a preposterous notion to me.

[Wild Bore]

Maybe, just maybe, Lavar just isn't that good. I hear from everyone here what a talent he is, what a factor he is, and on and on and on. But we don't watch the film. We aren't in the locker room. We don't know what defenses were called. We don't know what Lavar's assignments should have been on a given play. All we know is that he made an exciting play here or there. How many did he blow? How many was he just lucky on because he was running around? This conspiracy nonsense is ridiculous. There are a lot of people around the league who also regard Lavar as overrated. And maybe, just maybe he has lost a step. Maybe he is not the same after the injury. Happens all the time.

Every time Gibbs, et al make a coaches decision, there are many here who just blister him: How could he go with Brunell? Can't he see what I see and see that Brunnel's no good? How can he get rid of Coles for Moss? Can't he see what I see that we got taken? How can he trade Chump? Portis is just a product of the system? Who is Cornelius Griffen and why did we pay him all that money? Shawn Springs, you got to be kidding me, he can't stay healthy. And on, and on, and on. When is everyone going to stop criticizing each and every move as dumb and stupid and we could do better, and we know more, and inventing conspiracy theories, and yada yada yada.

[silverspring]

Alright then call it a conspiracy. But I think the coaches must have a beef with him or they would make it work. Do you honestly believe that if GW said "Lavar you need to change some things you are doing; do x, y and z and then you will play", that lavar would not actually do x, y and z. If lavar is blowing it on the field then it is the coaches responsibility to correct it, sure he has to respond to the changes requested, but they need to participate as well. I don't think lavar has any bad techniques that can't be fixed with good coaching.

Essentially what I am saying is that Lavar is clearly the superior athlete and we have the highest paid and best coaching staff in the league so why can't they coach him up?

Believe what you like but the only logical approach is that the coaches have personal beef with him, otherwise they would fix his on field problems and get him out there. It sounds like a immature squabble to me, probably on both ends and I am sure Lavar has a big part in it with his ME rumblings in the offseason, but the coaches need to take the high road.

[joethefan]

Maybe good ole "Puff Danny" is behind it. Paying him 3m+ for an accused contract mistake...who knows...Remember he was gonna send LC a TV.

[LuvSkins17]

In this game Attitude and Mental Toughness also attribute to Athleticism. I know Lavar would freelance alot and that was one of his strengths, but now he has to think alot more too. It does bother me to not see him out on the field, but we are doing good as a team and from what it seems is .... He misses the Team, more than the Team misses him.........

I guess we will all know soon enough.

[Wild Bore]

I'd buy that argument except for the Schottenheimer effect. Marty was a disciplinarian. When he was hired by Snyder the first person to speak out against it and say he wouldn't play for him was Deion Sanders. I don't recall hearing that from Lavar and as a matter of fact everything I have read from Marty regarding Lavar states that Marty loved having him as a player.

Comparing Lavar to ME 1st players like Moss, TO and Sanders just doesn't wash with me...

I agree with some of your thoughts. I think it really started after Schottenheimer. Marty cleared out (or players cleared themselves out) some of those type players. It really deteriorated under Spurrier.

Yes. Lavar isn't on the surface a total ME 1st player, but I am not really sure of myself on that one yet until the final chapter is written. One thing that's sure though, is that he was a leader on those teams that allowed that to happen.

[Keino]

I honestly believe G. Williams is not happy about Lavar's performances in Practice within the context of the scheme. I honestly believe Gregg Williams see the defense performing and fears disrupting the winning formula. I honestly believe that Lavar will see more action this week, because of G Williams unhappiness with the LB corp at the end of the game last week.

As you can see, Personal Beef is not the only logical conclusion to be drawn, it is the conclusion you are choosing to draw. I for one, respect Coach Gibbs and his integrity too much to think that he would hurt the team by benching a player for some sort of personal vendetta. That's not the Coach Gibbs I've come to love and admire and Im a little taken aback that so many people believe that is remotely possible.

[joethefan]

I'd buy that argument except for the Schottenheimer effect. Marty was a disciplinarian. When he was hired by Snyder the first person to speak out against it and say he wouldn't play for him was Deion Sanders. I don't recall hearing that from Lavar and as a matter of fact everything I have read from Marty regarding Lavar states that Marty loved having him as a player.

Comparing Lavar to ME 1st players like Moss, TO and Sanders just doesn't wash with me...

Deion didn't wanna play for Marty because he knew Marty was gonna fire Ray Rhodes and hire his brother...Deion came here because of Ray Rhodes....I know it's off topic but I had to mention that.

But remember what I said doc walker mentioned earlier "Lavar exercised his power in the offseason (by opening his mouth and the contract issue) and now the Skins are exercising thiers". Not saying it's right but is seems that's what is happening.

[silverspring]

I honestly believe G. Williams is not happy about Lavar's performances in Practice within the context of the scheme. I honestly believe Gregg Williams see the defense performing and fears disrupting the winning formula. I honestly believe that Lavar will see more action this week, because of G Williams unhappiness with the LB corp at the end of the game last week.

As you can see, Personal Beef is not the only logical conclusion to be drawn, it is the conclusion you are choosing to draw. I for one, respect Coach Gibbs and his integrity too much to think that he would hurt the team by benching a player for some sort of personal vendetta. That's not the Coach Gibbs I've come to love and admire and Im a little taken aback that so many people believe that is remotely possible.

I buy into the possibility that Lavar isn't performing as how they want. But I don't buy into the possibility that this is unfixable through coaching. It just doesn't add up. 2 snaps a game. Never one at his olb spot only when he is pass rushing, seems like punishment to me. But I will agree to disagree with you. Unfortunately we will probably never find out the real reason.

Maybe we should have a poll for fun with options like :
lavar isn't playing cause
1)Holdman is better
2)Coaches have a personal beef with him
3)Lavar won't stop freelancing and the coaches won't allow it
4)Lavar is still hurt
5)It is a set up for a trade

[Wild Bore]

I buy into the possibility that Lavar isn't performing as how they want. But I don't buy into the possibility that this is unfixable through coaching. It just doesn't add up. 2 snaps a game. Never one at his olb spot only when he is pass rushing, seems like punishment to me. But I will agree to disagree with you. Unfortunately we will probably never find out the real reason.

Maybe we should have a poll for fun with options like :
lavar isn't playing cause
1)Holdman is better
2)Coaches have a personal beef with him
3)Lavar won't stop freelancing and the coaches won't allow it
4)Lavar is still hurt
5)It is a set up for a trade

Add a sixth option: Lavar just isn't the player he once was, or isn't the player we thought he once was.

[SkinsASchamps]

Add a sixth option: Lavar just isn't the player he once was, or isn't the player we thought he once was.

and then add "all of the above." then it will be complete.

[openallnight]

Great article rskinsfan10!!! And I must say this is the best post I've seen to date regarding the Mystery of the Missing Lavar.
Here's my 2 cents.
1. I did see an early indication prior to the injury last year of a problem with Lavar. I noticed they were pulling Lavar out in their red zone defensive packages. I recall this because I was shocked the coaches were playing this Marshall guy in place of our "best" LB. To me this indicates that they were not comfortable with Lavar playing his assignments correctly in the red zone.
2. Although, #1 does NOT explain why Lavar is barely playing at all. So, in my view the 2nd best guess is the "strength" in Lavar's leg. Lavar had admitted as recently as 2 weeks back that he was 100% BUT, he did not have ALL the strength back in his legs yet. After the comments Lavar made about being rushed back, perhaps the coaching staff is being especially cautious before bringing in Lavar full time.
3. I'd like to believe #2 BUT, if this is the case why does Lavar play a few plays? And why did Lavar play significantly in the last pre-season game. Maybe there is some disiplinary action being taken for something Lavar has or hasn't done. Although, I see no reason the Skins would try to hide this from the public.
4. This can only lead me to believe that there is some sort of grudge. I refuse to believe our coaching staff is petty enough to allow the contract dispute to impact their on the field decisions. So, it must be something else between Lindsey and Lavar or Blache and Lavar or Williams and Lavar. As you mentioned in the article Williams has final say on who plays the d side of the ball. So, this would indicate it must be something Williams has against Lavar.
As, you've concluded it's just not all adding up.

[GibbsRules!]

Deion didn't wanna play for Marty because he knew Marty was gonna fire Ray Rhodes and hire his brother...Deion came here because of Ray Rhodes....I know it's off topic but I had to mention that.

But remember what I said doc walker mentioned earlier "Lavar exercised his power in the offseason (by opening his mouth and the contract issue) and now the Skins are exercising thiers". Not saying it's right but is seems that's what is happening.
Imagine that...a player stating publically what coach he's gonna play for. Yeah, thanks for reminding me why I never cared for Deion JTF.

Kind of ironic that that was the year that Lavar produced the play that pretty much turned our season around against Carolina and kept us from going 0-6. Come to think of it, didn't he have a concussion earlier in that game? I'm pretty sure he did. A perfect example of a player putting his team before himself. Deion came here and got paid.

[Wild Bore]

Kind of ironic that that was the year that Lavar produced the play that pretty much turned our season around against Carolina and kept us from going 0-6. Come to think of it, didn't he have a concussion earlier in that game? I'm pretty sure he did. A perfect example of a player putting his team before himself. Deion came here and got paid.

If you meant Lavar was putting the team before himself (whether or not he in fact, does this), a big play is NOT a perfect example of putting your team before yourself. It could be exactly opposite, or be at best neutral. It proves nothing about how you feel about the team vs yourself, only that you made a big play, that's all. It only proves that you were in the right place at the right time (or just maybe the wrong place at the right time)

[The Skinsinator]

Great article. We can all view this from so many angles that it gives you a headache disecting it. Williams and Gibbs run the show and we are 3-0. Yes, Lavar may be able to create turnovers but when he doesn't blitz he could possibly be out of assignment resulting in a big play for the offense. It's a double edged sword. I do tend to think a bit of this is personal. Over the summer, Williams was brutally honest about his comments about "certain players", namely Lavar, being ready to play. Take it for what it's worth, but I believe that may have been some foreshadowing to what's happening now.

[rskinsfan10]

To those that seem to be certain that LaVar has somehow become a locker room cancer, Jon Jansen pretty much shot that down on 980 yesterday.

[RedskinsDave]

To those that seem to be certain that LaVar has somehow become a locker room cancer, Jon Jansen pretty much shot that down on 980 yesterday.

I would never believe that he is anything but a leader. I do believe that he has a problem playing in position when this is a defense predicated on just that. His freelancing makes for one great play and four out of position. Before Williams even I would watch him through a whole play and he too often overpursued or was out of position because he was trying to make the play instead of letting the play come to him in a way.

[MWballer]

Lavar prolly be missing assignments in practice alot and Williams wont deal with that in games. I doubt well trade Lavar i dont seee us taking two big cap hits two years in a row. Lavars a rare playmaker also you dont get those kind of players all the time. But if we do trade Lavar to me that will further indicate Williams is here to stay. Since trading Lavar is a big decission towards the future of our team and Defense.

[OCSKINSFAN]

In reading the thread, there are some comments that we are winning and 3-0, so don't rock the boat. I love the fact we are 3-0, but, hello, have you watched the games? We could easily be 0-3. We need to continue to improve. Holding back Lavar is inconsistent with this. Who really believes that Holdman is better than Lavar?

[CNYSkinFan]

One thing on Lavar free lancing too much. I agree with that assessment buit that is the whole reason we moved him to the weak side linebacker spot. Marcus Washington tiook over the SAM position so Lavar could be more of a playmaker at the Will LB. If they did not want him to free lance they should never have moved him to a position designed to allow freelancing. LA may be guilty of freelancing too much, but some of that freelancing the coaching staff wanted.

[CowboyKilla]

Thanks for the article, excellent read.
Conspiracy or not something is wrong with the situation.
I think he should be on the field period.
Talent wins ballgames and LA has tons of it.
Lindsey and GW are sending a message. What it is who knows?
The theories proposed by many about the eventual parting ways b/n LA and the skins, I HOPE are totally wrong. That would be a big disappointment.

[colkurtz]

Kenny - excellent article. I can't agree to a conspiracy theory, because it supposes that Gibbs / Williams would hold grudges or make decisions based on personal feelings.

1. Sean Taylor was kept from starting for 6 games at the beginning of last year. Why? To watch the team, learn the system and mostly to EARN A PLAYING SPOT.

2. GW has built a defensive system with 11 critical parts. They work together and depend on each other. Holden may simply be a better TEAM PLAYER than LaVar.

3. Gregg Williams had a #2 defense at Buffalo, a #3 defense last year and a #3 defense now. Can't see how anyone can doubt his genius or ability to pick and use players!

3. LaVar may simply not be a good fit for this defense the way it is run. Or he may be getting a humble pie lesson before he is inserted more. I agree that there is more to this story than meets the eye. BL - I wonder if he will be a Redskin next season...........................