This will be Trung's last week as a starter...

[Redskinfan29]

mainly because he can't block. He will get Ramsey killed if left one on one with blitzing linebacker.

[dayumnuttinleft]

No Red, because he is truly over rated....

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Overrated? I don't think he was rated all that high to begin with.

[truant]

if his 4.6 per carry leads you to believe that he's overrated, then yeah, he is.

I'd give a guy more than 10 carries before you can call him anything really.

He does need to get the blocking straight, but i don't have any other complaints so far.

['E']

Originally posted by JoeDaSchmoe
Overrated? I don't think he was rated all that high to begin with.

Not shifty, fumbles, smallish....yeah, I tend to agree with the above opinion.

The problem we have is that we do not have a legitimate RB threat on this roster. None of these backs are starting quality RBs. I am sure Danny boy will address this in the off-season. At least I hope he does, or we draft someone.

I wouldn't mind either Auburn RB (Williams or Brown), Greg Jones(FSU), Jackson(Oregon St.). Those are all big, physical RBs who could get the job done.

[IowaSkinsFan]

No one thought Stephen Davis was starter material in 1999, but he turned out to be okay I think.

I do think we have starter material at RB on this team, and his name is Ladell Betts.

I would defer to BigCountry, but I am sure he would agree that the Redskins, barring catastrophic injuries, will not be in the market for a RB next April.

[Patrick]

The SS system does not require a feature back. If we continue to be sucessful this season - running back will not be high on the list when it comes draft day. You better start thinking DB!

[CarMike]

I was pleasently surprised by both of our RBs against the Jets. And I thought that Trung did a very good job of protecting the ball.

[Brokenstriker]

Originally posted by 'E'
Not shifty, fumbles, smallish....yeah, I tend to agree with the above opinion.

The problem we have is that we do not have a legitimate RB threat on this roster. None of these backs are starting quality RBs. I am sure Danny boy will address this in the off-season. At least I hope he does, or we draft someone.

I wouldn't mind either Auburn RB (Williams or Brown), Greg Jones(FSU), Jackson(Oregon St.). Those are all big, physical RBs who could get the job done.

I think you beamed into the wrong universe E ...

Trung - 10 carries for 46 yards isn't bad and he didn't miss any "shoulda run thataway" opportunities that I noticed

Betts - unestablished over the long-haul perhaps, but illegitimate no way ... every RB needs to start somewhere and Betts has an above average yards per carry as well as a 100 yard game in his short tenure in the Skins backfield. Only 6 backs with 18 or more carries had a higher yards per carry than Betts in week one
Barber, Davis, Holmes, and Alexander/McAllister barely. He's in good company. And (strictly from memory so hey I might be wrong on this one) ... he got tackled for yards (like the great ones, big and physical) and all of his carries were for positive yards. And seriously Betts is considerably more legitimate than any current college RB.

Personally I think the draft will be Talent, DE, TE, OT and grab any promising QB/RB/DB project

[MDSkins]

The Skins should draft defensive linemen in every round and see who pans out by the end of training camp. I believe that the "Sultan" could end up being our starting back by the start of next season, WR's are fine and I like the young CB's on the club.

Ohhh, and a punter would be nice!!!

[Spence]

The biggest problem with Canidate is he is such a terrible blocker that he is going to get Ramsey killed. It's a big issue.

Betts might turn out to be as good as Stephen Davis. Until 1999 Davis looked like a total bust, albeit one that was drafted in the 4th round. It took Davis 3-4 years to round into shape. He was tentative and couldn't pick a hole to run through. The team used him at fullback for most of 1998. Then, the next season, unexpectedly, he exploded. Go figure. Anyone who claims to have figured out running backs must be a lot smarter than I am.

[AustinSkins]

Originally posted by MDSkins
The Skins should draft defensive linemen in every round and see who pans out by the end of training camp. I believe that the "Sultan" could end up being our starting back by the start of next season, WR's are fine and I like the young CB's on the club.

Ohhh, and a punter would be nice!!!

I saw your signature and knew who it was immediately! Welcome aboard MDSkins, from your brother in Austin.

[AustinSkins]

Personally, I like the idea of using Betts heavily in the 1st and 3rd Quarters, hopefully on long, sustained, balanced drives that wear down defenses.

Just when they are sucking wind, introduce Trung and Morton

I've got to believe that there is big play potential in introducing fresh, rested speed burners when the defense is worn down.

[RichardBradley]

I was inpressed with Betts in the first game but Trung was here practicing every day in Camp while Betts was watching with an injury for that simple fact Trung deserves to start until he does something to loose his job and he didn't do that in week one.

[skinswin'emALL]

Originally posted by AustinSkins
Personally, I like the idea of using Betts heavily in the 1st and 3rd Quarters, hopefully on long, sustained, balanced drives that wear down defenses.

Just when they are sucking wind, introduce Trung and Morton

I've got to believe that there is big play potential in introducing fresh, rested speed burners when the defense is worn down.

I like the idea of staring with Betts and bringing in Trung and Morton, FSU does that with the afore mentioned Greg Jones, then brings a speeder back off the bench. It really keeps the defence offf balance. Altough I do believe it can work both ways -- ala running to set up the pass or, as SS likes to, pass to set up the run.

I didn't think Trung got enough runs on the "edges" or screen passes (if any).

He better learn to read and pick up the blitz. He almost got Ramsey killed on that pass to Coles. Ram made a great play, but if Trung had picked up the blitz, he could have hit Coles in stride for a TD -- the drive stalled and we got a FG instead.

You don't have to be a GREAT blocker as a RB, but you need to read the blitz and pick it up.

[dj_stouty]

Spurrier admited on the "Steve Spurrier TV Show" that he left up the "starting duties" to Hue Jackson for the Atlanta game...and that Jackson was the one who annointed Trung the starter.

Although...Spurrier did bring up the fact that Ramsey almost got killed on the "duck and chuck" play...and if Trung had made that block, Coles would have been in the endzone.

Another thing Spurrier said was the fact that the team KNEW that Betts would get more carries ahead of time, since his runnign style was best suited for the Jet's D.

No need to start skimming the top college RBs for this team just yet. We have 3 capable running backs...of which, one has to emerge as the clear cut "man". However, don't be surprised to see "the man" continue to share carries with the other backs. Spurrier uses RBs differently for different situations. He will have NO problem giving Betts a 1st down carry, Canidate the 2nd down carry, Morton the 3rd down carry and Cartwright the 4th down carry. (for example)

[hail2skins]

I agree with Austins post above, wear them down and then kick them while they're down.

[NamVet4]

Originally posted by Spence
The biggest problem with Canidate is he is such a terrible blocker that he is going to get Ramsey killed. It's a big issue.

I think the coaching staff can solve this issue - and I don't think of Canidate as a primary blocking back!
I'm glad that to-date he has run as well as he has!

Betts might turn out to be as good as Stephen Davis. Until 1999 Davis looked like a total bust, albeit one that was drafted in the 4th round. It took Davis 3-4 years to round into shape. He was tentative and couldn't pick a hole to run through. The team used him at fullback for most of 1998. Then, the next season, unexpectedly, he exploded. Go figure. Anyone who claims to have figured out running backs must be a lot smarter than I am.

I heartily agree! All in all, I feel that the "Old Ball Coach" is going to keep running back by committee for the time being. And as much as I hate that concept, I'll keep my opinions to myself and see how it works out!
:smash:

[PennSkinsFan]

Trung needs to work on blocking, I think they know that and will work on it. BUT, also this bad vibes about Canidate. he rushed 10 times for 46 yards. 4.6 average. I think it was a sweet combo. Guys, get off hi sback. he did fine, except for the missed block. He is our speedy threat and if gets that one nice hole, you can forget it. I dunno where all this is coming from. Many fans woudl be happy with our ground game we had last week.

[LakeAnneCrew]

Like I've said before... keep the rotation and go with the hot back for meaningful carries down the stretch of a game. Last game it was Betts. This week it could be Trung. I can't believe all the negative talk about Trung. I'll take 10 carries for 46 yards any day even with one missed blocking assignment. We rushed for 160 yards and controlled the play clock. That's good to win any game. Hearing that Trung sucks or he's overrated after one game makes me wonder what will make some skins fans happy. Does he have to be a superstar? Why can't he be a role player, a platoon player who does his part toward victory. Trung has speed and will soon break a long run that will help win a game. That's a weapon I'd welcome in my backfield any time. And cut him some slack. He hasn't fumbled yet (even when Matt Bowen leveled him in practice).

[skinswin'emALL]

Leave the Fumbling to Tiki Barber -- he always has penty to share. No need for our backs to.

['E']

I guess I just don't see the magic with Betts. He sort of reminds me of Adrian Murrell a little. He doesn't seem to make many miss and tends to go down on the 1st hit.

As far as Trung...yeah, he might have protected the ball fine in the 1st game (which was a plus), but really just lacks the agility I would like to see in this offense. He doesn't break many tackles either and just doesn't have the body-type to be an everydown back. If you go back into Spurrier's system at UF, he always had a everydown-type back going back to Rhett, Fred Taylor, etc. I think we need someone who can be depended on every down and I just do not see that with any of the RBs on this roster.

I could be wrong, but I have a feeling we will be looking for a RB in the offseason or the draft.

[camasterton]

Adrian Murrell is back coaching my nephews Pee Wee football for 8 year olds here in our Town. He started coaching, then was called in by the Cowboys in Pre-season. Now he's back. He looked decent during the game he was in.

[Green-Is-Good]

Can't the two backs just share time? Clearly, neither is capable of being an every-down back.

[Spence]

We don't know if either is capable of being an every down back. Give one of them a chance and he might just surprise you. Jackson and Spurrier believe right now, though, that the offense is more potent and unpredictable with both of them in there. As long as they are both producing I'd expect to see a continuation of the current arrangement.

[Skin-E-Dip]

Originally posted by 'E'
I guess I just don't see the magic with Betts. He sort of reminds me of Adrian Murrell a little. He doesn't seem to make many miss and tends to go down on the 1st hit.

As far as Trung...yeah, he might have protected the ball fine in the 1st game (which was a plus), but really just lacks the agility I would like to see in this offense. He doesn't break many tackles either and just doesn't have the body-type to be an everydown back. If you go back into Spurrier's system at UF, he always had a everydown-type back going back to Rhett, Fred Taylor, etc. I think we need someone who can be depended on every down and I just do not see that with any of the RBs on this roster.

I could be wrong, but I have a feeling we will be looking for a RB in the offseason or the draft.


This is my problem with Trung. He seems to go down with the lightest of contact. RB's with no power just dont sit well with me. Plus he has a very predictable speed that makes him easy to tackle. No shiftiness

['E']

Originally posted by Skin-E-Dip
This is my problem with Trung. He seems to go down with the lightest of contact. RB's with no power just dont sit well with me. Plus he has a very predictable speed that makes him easy to tackle. No shiftiness

I couldn't agree with you more. I have never been a big proponent of the "RB-by-committee" approach and never will.

I think we need ONE guy back there to handle the duties of RB (IE., blocking, catching passes, gaining the hard yards, breaking the big run) I would like to see someone who can achieve all of those things.

[Spence]

Originally posted by 'E'
I think we need ONE guy back there to handle the duties of RB (IE., blocking, catching passes, gaining the hard yards, breaking the big run) I would like to see someone who can achieve all of those things.
Those guys don't grow on trees and some of us are hoping the Skins will use their first round pick next year on the defensive line, which requires urgent and drastic renovation.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Let's not forget that last year's Super Bowl winner used an RBBC approach. It's not a terrible system.

['E']

Originally posted by JoeDaSchmoe
Let's not forget that last year's Super Bowl winner used an RBBC approach. It's not a terrible system.

To each his own I suppose....

[WRSK1NS]

Its hard to game plan against the two diffrent styles. I am not picking on Betts but there where one or two runs where he and the defender where getting ready to collide he sort of turned sideways and absorbed the hit instead of juking or powering through. Then latter he started running straight at them. did anyone else see Him kinda turn sideways and brace for the hit?

[roberro]

Salary cap questions aside, Steven Davis is the best running back in the NFL, PERIOD. For the Skins to let him get away is a crime. I disagreed with letting Kenny Watson go in favor of Ladell Betts, but after watching his performance on Thursday night, hey, how can anyone say this guy hasen't got a lot of talent? Of course, we will have to watch the rest of the season. Robbie out (for now)

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Originally posted by roberro
Salary cap questions aside, Steven Davis is the best running back in the NFL, PERIOD.

Wow, I haven't seen such blatant homerism since the last time I watched the Simpsons.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Originally posted by WRSK1NS
Its hard to game plan against the two diffrent styles. I am not picking on Betts but there where one or two runs where he and the defender where getting ready to collide he sort of turned sideways and absorbed the hit instead of juking or powering through. Then latter he started running straight at them. did anyone else see Him kinda turn sideways and brace for the hit?

At least it's not as bad as the players who just dive at the feet of the nearest defender in the open field because they're afraid of getting hit. Every time I see that I can't believe it.

['E']

Originally posted by roberro
Salary cap questions aside, Steven Davis is the best running back in the NFL, PERIOD. For the Skins to let him get away is a crime. I disagreed with letting Kenny Watson go in favor of Ladell Betts, but after watching his performance on Thursday night, hey, how can anyone say this guy hasen't got a lot of talent? Of course, we will have to watch the rest of the season. Robbie out (for now)

That is pretty silly. Davis is not even a top 10 RB in the NFL IMO.

He gets his numbers, but isn't the type of back you can win a championship with. Seems to make the big turnover at the most inoportune time.

I don't want to turn this into a Davis bashing post, but this is just my opinion on the matter.

['E']

Originally posted by WRSK1NS
Its hard to game plan against the two diffrent styles. I am not picking on Betts but there where one or two runs where he and the defender where getting ready to collide he sort of turned sideways and absorbed the hit instead of juking or powering through. Then latter he started running straight at them. did anyone else see Him kinda turn sideways and brace for the hit?

I saw that too. Betts almost looked afraid to take the hit. Part of being a RB is learning to take the hits and give them.

He sorta has the mannerisms of Jim Everrett as a RB....lol.

[roberro]

With all the great running backs we have had at Washington, who is the only one who gained 1,000 yards 3 consecutive seasons? Did you see what Davis did against the Jags? I repeat, how could we have let this guy get away?

[PennSkinsFan]

Yeah Roberrro I agree he may be the best that has been here since Riggins, but no way i put him over Priet Holmes, Ricky William, Shaun Alexander and Tomlinson. Not even close.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Or, for that matter, McAllister, Faulk, Dillon, Edge (if really healthy again), Portis, or Barber. And Jamal Lewis seems like a Stephen Davis who doesn't fumble as much.

[PennSkinsFan]

True Joe, very true. I love Stephen but would not put him above any you mentioned either.

[Skin-E-Dip]

I was never a big Stephen Davis fan. FOr all the yards he would get he seemed to never be able to get that 1 or two yards for a first down like you needed him too. ANd it seemed that the bigger the game, the more he would dissappear.

[Spence]

Davis scored a ton of touchdowns for the Redskins from 1991-2001. Most of them were from close to the goal line. He never had a problem getting tough yards once he became the starter.