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Updated Redskins '05-'06 IDP Thread


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The Redskins Defensive Depth Chart According to redman (players in bold are the "relevant" ones for fantasy purposes, due either to outright talent or injury risk to guys in front of them):

 

RDE - Daniels, Evans

RDT - Griffin, Boschetti,

LDT - Salave'a, Killings, Jones

LDE - Wynn, N. Clemons

 

RLB/WLB - Arrington, Holdman,

MLB - Marshall

LLB/SLB - Washington, Chris Clemons, Campbell

 

RCB - Harris, Rogers

FS - Taylor, Prioleau, Stoutmire

SS - Bowen, Clark, Prioleau

LCB - Springs, Jimoh

 

Nickel CB - Rogers, Jimoh

 

Nickel LB's - Washington, Arrington

 

Dime CB - Jimoh, Prioleau

 

Nickel DE's - Evans, Clemons (Chris),

 

Nickel DT - Griffin

 

Current Notes:

 

- 11/11 update: According to Gibbs in a directly attributed statement, it's "highly unlikely" that either DT Cornelius Griffin or FS Sean Taylor will play on Sunday.

 

- Injury update as of 11/8:

 

Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, who missed Sunday's game with a strained hip flexor, will begin limited running tomorrow. Griffin originally was hurt Oct. 23 against San Francisco and aggravated the injury on the first play of the subsequent loss to the Giants. Defensive tackle Joe Salave'a (foot) didn't make his injuries worse by playing. Gibbs said defensive tackle Cedric Killings (ankle) and linebacker Khary Campbell (shoulder), all of whom practiced Friday, didn't play because it was feared they couldn't "explode" during the game.

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Great report, red. I have no small interest in this, as I have Barrow in the DWII league here. I also drafted Carlos Rogers in the same league (16 teams, pick #4.1) How do you think he'll fare as Smoot's replacement? Will they throw at him, as opposed to Springs this year?

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Thanks for the very informative and in-depth post, redman. I have Arrington (and Marshall as a backup) in our IDP "Mock" league, and agree that the situation is very hairy right now! Hope it starts getting unclouded soon...

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Great report, red. I have no small interest in this, as I have Barrow in the DWII league here. I also drafted Carlos Rogers in the same league (16 teams, pick #4.1) How do you think he'll fare as Smoot's replacement? Will they throw at him, as opposed to Springs this year?

 

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Three of the top 8 fantasy CB's in 2004 played in Greg Williams' 46 defense scheme in either Buffalo or Washington: Springs, McGee, and Clements. Those three guys combined for 2 fumble recoveries, 14 INT's and 9 sacks (I didn't check the number of forced fumbles). It's sort of the best of both worlds for starting CB's, because you'll get some sacks, but the overall pressure of the defense will lead to poor throws by some QB's resulting in INT's for your guys too.

 

Because of the emphasis on man coverage and the fact that Rogers is a rookie on top of that, I'd suspect he's going to have a great IDP year. That could change a bit if Springs gets bit by the injury bug this year, and long term Rogers probably won't stay a target for long from what I gather about his skills.

 

The only reason I didn't draft him this year on my IDP squad is because I already have LB's Washington and Arrington and CB Springs from that team, and I don't want too many eggs in one basket. I went with Marlin Jackson at that pick instead.

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Here are excerpts from a team website news story on Holdman. What's interesting is that they're talking about his potential to play MLB:

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=7111

 

Holdman Embraces New Beginning

By Casey Husband

Redskins.com

May 17, 2005

 

 

 

Back in 2001, the Chicago Bears rode their rugged defense to a 13-3 mark and the NFC Central title. . . Cornerback Walt Harris and defensive end Phillip Daniels were starters on that Bears club of four years ago. The third, Warrick Holdman, the 6-1, 235-pound linebacker and seven-year NFL vet, was with his new team as part of the club's off-season workout activities at Redskin Park.

 

Holdman is one of 14 linebackers on the Redskins' off-season roster. The dominant question is this: Who can replace Antonio Pierce, now with the New York Giants, in the middle for Gregg Williams in 2005?

 

* * *

 

Of course, the mastermind of those Chicago defenses, Greg Blache, is now with the Redskins as defensive coordinator and overseer of the team's defensive line. Dale Lindsey, the linebackers coach who helped in the development of Holdman, Urlacher and Rosevelt Colvin for the Bears, is now with the Redskins.

 

* * *

 

"He gives us added flexibility at linebacker," Gibbs said. "The thing about Warrick is that he has played all across the board. He is a veteran guy that has started at almostall of those positions. All of the defensive coaches here know him, have worked around him and with him or coached him.

 

"We can move people around depending on what we want to do with Lemar (Marshall). We have Brian Allen there and Mike's (Barrow) situation. We are just trying to get all of those guys healthy and work with them and see what Dale (Lindsey) thinks is the best way to go."

 

Holdman has played all three linebacker positions in his career and will bring strong depth to the team's linebacker corps.

 

"I weigh about 240 now, but I'm not in training camp shape," he said. "That's why I wanted to get with my new team, to be able to work on my conditioning and to learn my new teammates. I'll probably play at about 235. But it's not as if you have to weight 250 or 260 to play middle linebacker in this defense. In this defense, what you have to be able to do is run."

 

* * *

 

Brian Allen, the fifth-year NFL player and former Carolina Panther, got the bulk of the work in the middle on Tuesday, Gibbs said.

 

Other candidates to replace Pierce in the middle of the Redskins' defense include Mike Barrow, who is rehabbing his knee in Arizona, and Lemar Marshall, who stepped in for LaVar Arrington a year ago and had a solid year at outside linebacker.

 

"What Pierce was able to accomplish in this defense last year is encouraging," said Holdman. "This is a defense that allows linebackers to make plays. Right now, I'm just trying to learn my new team. But as far as the NFL overall, you just never know. In Chicago in 2001, people picked us to finish last. We went 13-3."

 

* * *

BTW, Brian Allen is a journeyman LB who's been with the Rams, Panthers, Texans and now the 'Skins during his four years in the league. I'd suspect that he was signed primarily as either camp fodder or as a special teamer. For now I'd ignore him but if his name keeps popping up, I'll revise my expectations accordingly.
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Three of the top 8 fantasy CB's in 2004 played in Greg Williams' 46 defense scheme in either Buffalo or Washington: Springs, McGee, and Clements.  Those three guys combined for 2 fumble recoveries, 14 INT's and 9 sacks (I didn't check the number of forced fumbles).  It's sort of the best of both worlds for starting CB's, because you'll get some sacks, but the overall pressure of the defense will lead to poor throws by some QB's resulting in INT's for your guys too. 

 

Because of the emphasis on man coverage and the fact that Rogers is a rookie on top of that, I'd suspect he's going to have a great IDP year.  That could change a bit if Springs gets bit by the injury bug this year, and long term Rogers probably won't stay a target for long from what I gather about his skills. 

 

The only reason I didn't draft him this year on my IDP squad is because I already have LB's Washington and Arrington and CB Springs from that team, and I don't want too many eggs in one basket.  I went with Marlin Jackson at that pick instead.

 

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More great stuff, red! I am hoping to let a league mate of mine, who said 180 point DB's are a dime a dozen, about my Rogers pick, eat some crow! (yea, YOU, Fraz!) . Man, if Barrow can start.... how toot freakin sweet that would be for me!

:D I think I picked him up for 2 or 3 bucks as an UFA this off season. (that is pretty much dirt cheap in that league) I only need Rogers to give me this one good year. If those things happen, my D looks very good.

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Here's another article, this one from the Washington Times with a deceptively definitive title indicating that Holdman will be the MLB. The article itself indicates that he's going to be tried out there.

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/spor...15548-1548r.htm

Redskins moving Holdman inside

 

 

By David Elfin

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

 

 

Life was sweet for Warrick Holdman four years ago. He had helped spur the Chicago Bears to a stunning NFC Central title while approaching Pro Bowl status in just his third season. But in the fourth game of 2002, Holdman ripped up his right knee. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same force since.

 

After a down year in Chicago in 2003, Holdman was a salary cap casualty. He signed with Cleveland, for whom he had a solid, if unspectacular, season before being caught up in new coach Romeo Crennel's roster overhaul. After being a free agent for nearly three months, Holdman has been reunited in Washington with Dale Lindsey, his Bears' position coach, and Greg Blache, his former coordinator.

 

"Warrick had his best years under Dale," Blache said. "Dale is very demanding. ... Warrick responds to Dale. Warrick's talent level hasn't waned at all. He has quick feet. He's got toughness. He's got football instincts. He's got a lot of moxie to his game."

 

But since Marcus Washington (a Pro Bowl choice, 2004) and LaVar Arrington (Pro Bowl from 2001 to 2003) are the Redskins' outside linebackers, if the 29-year-old Holdman is going to continue as a starter, he's going to have make a major adjustment to playing in the middle after spending his entire college and pro career on the outside.

 

"The way a lot of teams are going now the [middle] linebacker has a lot of freedom where you just kind of run to the ball," Holdman said. "I think any guy can play any position, especially at linebacker. I really don't know what position [i'll play], but I'm trying to learn all of them."

 

A year ago, Antonio Pierce was in a similar situation, but the career outside linebacker handled the shift to the middle so well that after projected starter Mike Barrow was hurt in July, he stepped in and had a Pro Bowl-worthy year while leading Washington in tackles.

 

And with Pierce having signed with the New York Giants, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Holdman is perhaps the most qualified of a crew of candidates in the middle that also includes: undersized outside backer Lemar Marshall; 35-year-old Barrow; career special-teamer Brian Allen; raw and oft-injured Clifton Smith, and low-round draft picks Robert McCune and Jared Newberry, the latter another middle neophyte.

 

"Who's going to end up being the [middle linebacker], nobody knows," Blache said. "At this time last year, nobody in the world would have expected Antonio to be the 'Mike' backer. He hadn't been a starter. We moved him inside and he got paid [millions]. Part of that success story might have been the environment created by Dale."

 

Pierce's example encouraged Holdman that he can make a similar transition in assistant head coach Gregg Williams' aggressive defense. Lindsey said Holdman is a gifted player who will work hard and has the smarts to make the switch if asked. The question is whether Holdman can exude the same leadership that Lindsey said had Pierce at times a couple of steps ahead of the coaches in running the defense in 2004.

 

"The middle linebacker is kind of the quarterback," Holdman said. "He helps the D-linemen get to where they need to be and the outside linebackers are going to listen to him to know what they've got to do. You get a lot of plays and a lot of glory, but it's a lot of work and a lot of studying. I've got to learn the basics of the defense before I start saying I'm going to be the quarterback."

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The 'Skins signed S Cory Hall:

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=7330

 

In Hall, Redskins Add Depth to Secondary

By Gary Fitzgerald

Redskins.com

May 24, 2005

 

 

 

The Washington Redskins have signed safety Cory Hall, the team announced on Tuesday. To make room for Hall on the roster, the Redskins released defensive back Roosevelt Williams.

 

 

Hall, 6-0 and 213 pounds, played in 87 games with 70 starts during his six-year NFL career (1999-2004). He has compiled 352 tackles (232 solo), four interceptions and one forced fumble.

 

Hall spent the previous two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after beginning his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 14 games (starting 13) in 2004 with Atlanta, compiling 60 tackles (40 solo). In addition, Hall started both playoff games, including the 2004 NFC Championship game in which he posted two tackles.

 

Hall began his NFL career as a third round (65th overall) draft choice by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1999 NFL Draft. He played in every game as a rookie, making 12 starts. He recorded 49 tackles and one interception, earning NFL All-Rookie selections from Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest.

 

During his four-year career at Fresno State, Hall played both safety positions and cornerback. He finished his Bulldogs career with 264 tackles (135 solo), 6.5 sacks and four interceptions.

This is not all that noteworthy. He appears to be a backup/special teamer. Watch out for a Sean Taylor holdout as that might increase his value. Keep in mind, though, that the other backup safeties on the team - Lott and Clark - played well last year.
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The 'Skins are talking to RW McQuarters:

It doesn't look like it will take cornerback R.W. McQuarters long to find work, either. McQuarters, also released by the Bears this week, is expected to visit the Washington Redskins, who already have Shawn Springs, first-round pick Carlos Rogers and ex-Bear Walt Harris at cornerback. He also could fill punt-returning duties as the Redskins are going to cut ties with Chad Morton and might not want to use wide receiver Santana Moss in that role.

 

The Miami Dolphins also are believed to have interest in McQuarters.

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Hmmmmm..... Maybe Carlos hasn't impressed them so much. Of course, there is the old you can never have too many CB's rule, but.... I didn't realise they were trying, or going to get rid of Morton. Serves em right, first coles, now Morton.... :D McQuarters might not be a bad fit for the Jets either, but i'm still scratching my head over this Donnie Abraham thing. He didn't play well at all last year, and now he "thinks" he might play this year? I can't wait for June 1!

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Hmmmmm..... Maybe Carlos hasn't impressed them so much. Of course, there is the old you can never have too many CB's rule, but.... I didn't realise they were trying, or going to get rid of Morton. Serves em right, first coles, now Morton....  :D  McQuarters might not be a bad fit for the Jets either, but i'm still scratching my head over this Donnie Abraham thing. He didn't play well at all last year, and now he "thinks" he might play this year? I can't wait for June 1!

 

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Everything I've heard about Rogers is that he's a legit stud at CB. I think it's more like you can never have too many CB's . . . and the fact that he's a good special teamer which Gibbs loves.

 

Right now they're just getting a sniff. We'll see what happens.

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Looks like they're trying to sign McQuarters. Here's the pertinent paragraph from the Post today about their reasoning:

McQuarters, 28, spent the past five seasons with Chicago and played in all 16 games last season, starting 14. The Redskins currently have only two proven NFL cornerbacks on the roster -- Shawn Springs and Walt Harris -- and while they selected corner Carlos Rogers ninth overall in the draft, he is likely to be integrated slowly. Greg g Williams , assistant head coach-defense, uses three cornerbacks in many of his formations, and McQuarters could provide depth and enhance the special teams units. McQuarters has returned both punts and kickoffs in his seven seasons and has seven punt returns of 20 yards or more in each of the last two seasons and also returned one punt for a touchdown in 2003 and 2004; the Redskins had only two punt returns of 20 yards or longer last season and have spent considerable effort adding personnel to all aspects of the special teams this offseason. His signing also would further speculation that return specialist Chad Morton could be let go after June 1.
It's a combo of Rogers being a rook, 3 CB sets, and McQuarters' kick/punt return skills.
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I'm going to rework this thread. This first post in the thread will consist of the most up-to-date summary of present events for the team, with the most recent quotes at the bottom discussing the latest developments or questions. For completeness sake, the original post in this thread is quoted below.

OK, let's get this started. 

 

The biggest issue right now is at the LB position, which ironically is arguably the most talented unit on that defense assuming health.  A healthy Arrington, Barrow and Washington would be a pretty frightening unit. 

 

But two of those three guys (Arrington & Barrow) aren't healthy, with Barrow's future in the most doubt because of a combination of his age and his slow recovery from knee problems.  The team has therefore drafted its MLB of the future in Robert McCune, and has added an OLB for depth in Warrick Holdman. 

 

The LB's on the roster who appear to be the most relevant to this discussion are, in no particular order, with their role in parenthesis:

 

Arrington (starting WLB, a 3-down player who makes up for moderate # of tackles with INT's and sacks)

Washington (starting SLB, a athletic and talented 3-down player who produced surprisingly solid numbers from the Sam position in 2004)

Barrow (MLB - hasn't played a down due to knee injury last year; future in doubt, but a 3-down player when healthy)

McCune (drafted to be a MLB of the future; seems sure to start by 2006, but we don't know how well his pass coverage skills are for purposes of playing on passing downs)

Holdman (experienced OLB added for depth at both WLB and SLB if needed)

Marshall (competent fill-in for Arrington last year at WLB)

Clemons (not on the field a lot but a pass rush specialist who platooned with Marshall at WLB last season and who got 3 sacks; sometimes was lined up at RDE due to Phillip Daniels' injury last year)

 

The analysis of this situation necessarily starts with Barrow and his health.  If he's healthy, he'll start there all year.  The team wants a return on its investment in him, and McCune - the only other true MLB on the roster - is a rookie and isn't ready to take over as "QB of the defense". 

 

If he's not healthy, then it's very confusing.  I doubt they'd start McCune right away, but if he gets Williams' confidence - and he's supposedly a mature, hard worker and quick study - then maybe we'd see him do that.  Otherwise, it's only guesswork as to who would take over.  Marshall, Holdman and even Washington have been rumored to be in the mix there.  But now you'd have to look at Arrington's knee.  If Arrington's not healthy, it seems doubtful that you'd move Washinton out of his natural SLB spot into the MLB, thereby having all three LB's either being non-starters or out of position. 

 

So here are my best guesses (and that's all they are right now) to play at LB for the 'Skins to start the season assuming both Barrow and Arrington aren't healthy

 

WLB-Holdman, Clemons on passing downs

MLB-Marshall (may start platooning with McCune, who would play some running downs)

SLB-Washington

 

If Barrow can't play but Arrington can, then I'd suspect the following lineup to start the season :

 

WLB-Arrington

MLB-Holdman or Marshall, with McCune getting some reps

SLB-Washington

 

Again, this is a situation to watch during training camp.  However, it should be worth the effort as all three spots have proven to be lucrative producers in Greg Williams' 46 defense - all three will have blitz opportunities, and the pressure defense will generate offensive turnovers. 

 

In particular, I'd strongly encourage you to pick up Robert McCune if you have any kind of space at all for a year to store a guy who promises to be a stud MLB for many years to come.  I've said elsewhere that he's the most valuable long-term LB on the 'Skins roster at this point, and I stand by that.

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Sean Taylor arrested for assualt and gun charges. Here's a compilation of the relevant articles:

Redskins' Sean Taylor charged with assault

Story Tools: Print Email

Associated Press

Posted: 2 hours ago

 

 

 

MIAMI (AP) - Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm Saturday night after turning himself in to Miami-Dade County police.

 

According to a police statement, Taylor pointed a gun at an unidentified person Wednesday during a dispute over two all-terrain vehicles he claimed were stolen. Taylor left the scene but returned about 10 minutes later and punched one person.

Police had been looking for Taylor since Friday.

 

Taylor, 22, was accompanied by his attorney, Fred Moldovan, when he turned himself in. He was also charged with simple battery.

 

Police said the Redskins organization cooperated with them during the investigation.

 

"We have just been made aware of a potential situation in Miami regarding Sean Taylor," Redskins spokesman Karl Swanson said in a statement. "The representatives for Taylor are keeping us informed as to the developments. There is nothing we can add to the process at this time."

 

Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return a phone message left by The Associated Press late Saturday.

 

Another man, Charles Elwood Caughman, threatened and chased another victim with a baseball bat, police said. Caughman, 19, was arrested later that day and charged with aggravated assault.

 

Taylor, who wants a new contract, has been working out in Miami despite pleas from Redskins coach Joe Gibbs to join the team in voluntary workouts at their home base in suburban Washington. He signed a seven-year, $18 million deal as the No. 5 overall draft pick in the 2004 draft.

 

The former Miami Hurricanes standout has had a tempestuous start to his NFL career.

 

He has fired two agents, was fined for skipping one day of the NFL's mandatory rookie symposium and was accused of spitting on a player during a game at Cincinnati, although he was not punished because the league said there was no video evidence.

 

He was also charged with drunken driving in October, when he was pulled over at 2:45 a.m. after attending a birthday party for receiver Rod Gardner. Those charges were dismissed in January.

By Jason La Canfora

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, June 6, 2005; E01

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dy...0500742_pf.html

 

 

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor posted bond and was released from police custody at 11:32 Saturday night after surrendering to authorities and being charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, a felony, and one count of simple battery, a misdemeanor, according to police and detention center reports.

 

Accompanied by his lawyer, Fred Moldovan, Taylor paid a bond of $16,500 at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, a source said, and he has an arraignment hearing scheduled for the morning of June 24 in Miami at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building.

 

Taylor, 22, the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft, was arrested in connection with an incident that occurred Wednesday night in Miami, where he resides. According to a police report, Taylor and a co-defendant, Charles Elwood Caughman, 19, of Baltimore, drove up to a residence in a blue 2005 GMC Yukon Denali truck and Taylor pointed a gun at two individuals he believed had stolen two all-terrain vehicles from him and demanded they be returned. No shots were fired and Taylor and Caughman left the scene before returning 10 minutes later.

 

At this point, police say Taylor, whom the team lists as 6 feet 2, 231 pounds, exited the vehicle and began assaulting one victim, swinging and missing with a closed fist before a fight ensued. Caughman, who was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on the night of the incident, chased the other victim with a baseball bat before he and Taylor fled the scene, according to the police report. The incident took place less than two miles from Taylor's residence in Miami. Police have not been able to determine if the victims were involved in the theft of Taylor's vehicles.

 

Caughman was released June 2 after posting $1,000 bond. He will be arraigned June 23.

 

Taylor's mother, Donna Junor, could not be reached yesterday afternoon, and his father, Pedro, the chief of police in Florida City, Fla., has not commented on the matter, referring media calls to Junor.

 

Police had been trying to question Taylor since the time of the incident, but he did not surrender to them until 10 p.m. Saturday night.

 

Taylor is the only Redskins player skipping the team's voluntary offseason program, and his absence had already been the cause of concern and disappointment within the organization prior to his arrest. Coach Joe Gibbs has often expressed his dissatisfaction with Taylor's decision to remain in Florida while his teammates trained and practiced at Redskins Park, and the second-year player had not returned numerous calls from Gibbs and his staff. Taylor's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has not returned repeated phone calls, and Moldovan did not return a message left at his office yesterday.

 

The Redskins have made no comment on Wednesday night's incident beyond a statement they issued late Saturday night, which said: "We have just been made aware of a potential situation in Miami regarding Sean Taylor. The representatives for Taylor are keeping us informed as to the developments of the situation. There is nothing we can add to the process at this time."

 

Police officials noted in a news release that the team cooperated fully in their investigation. The NFL is making no comment on Taylor at this time. The NFL waits until the legal process is complete before fining or suspending players in these instances.

 

Redskins H-back Chris Cooley, who was Washington's second pick in the 2004 draft, said he hopes this is the last of Taylor's legal problems.

 

"For me, it's tough to hear about, because you see the guy on the field and know him in locker room, and he is a good guy," Cooley said. "Lots of guys on the team like him, and I talk to him all the time and know him pretty well, and it's hard to see. You have a different life from when you come in the locker room and when you walk out of there, and you hope people care more about football and doing good things than going out and getting in trouble. I hope it works out for the best for him.

 

"He has to learn from it. If he doesn't learn from it, then obviously everything will end fast for him; there's no other way if you want to stay in the NFL. Especially now, it seems like to me, the league is really trying to keep everyone having a good name and they want the NFL to look like a good, clean organization and they really come down hard on people that make it look bad. He has no choice but to learn from it and not do it again."

 

After last year's draft, Gibbs spoke at length about the amount of time and resources spent checking into Taylor's makeup and background before selecting him, but the player has been plagued by off-field issues since then.

 

Initial contract negotiations were delayed as Taylor went through a prolonged spell without representation after twice firing his agents before rehiring Rosenhaus. Taylor quickly became displeased with the contract -- worth a minimum of $18 million and a maximum of $40 million based on incentives -- that he had negotiated under a prior agent, and team officials met with Rosenhaus this spring to hear those concerns, although no alterations were made to that deal. After that meeting, Gibbs said he no longer believed Taylor's absence was related to his contract, although Rosenhaus never provided the club with a full explanation for Taylor's reluctance to spend time at Redskins Park this offseason.

 

Running back Clinton Portis, Taylor's teammate in Washington and at the University of Miami, said repeatedly that his friend needed time away from football and would ultimately report for mandatory training in good shape. Junor, Taylor's mother, said last week that her son has spent a bulk of the offseason at her house, and his great grandmother said that Taylor ate dinner at their home before going out Wednesday night, when police say this incident took place.

REDSKINS STATEMENT ON SEAN TAYLOR

 

JUST POSTED AT Redskins.com

 

“Everyone here is aware of the situation involving Sean Taylor this past week in Miami.

 

 

 

The League has a Personal Conduct Policy that governs this type of situation and we will be discussing the matter with League officials. All questions regarding the League’s Personal Conduct Policy should be directed to the League Office.

 

 

 

With that in mind, we have informed Sean’s agent that, as of today, Sean is excused from participating in the remainder of the Club’s voluntary off-season workout program and the upcoming mandatory mini-camp beginning on June 17th.

 

 

 

As an organization, the Redskins believe that it is in Sean’s best interest to focus on his personal and legal issues at this time.”

Summary: Sean Taylor and a friend were arrested and charged with assualt, and Sean Taylor was charged with gun charges, arising out of their confrontation of two men they suspected of stealing some off-roading vehicles owned by Taylor. Taylor brandished but did not fire the weapon. He apparently put one man in the hospital. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted on all counts.

 

The downside is that Coach Gibbs' cardinal rule is do nothing to embarrass the team. That fact, plus the fact that Taylor by now is the ONLY player on the team not working out with the team in the offseason, and is already through his agent Rosenhaus whining about his rookie contract after only one year is a huge set of negatives against him. This will not be looked upon kindly.

 

OTOH, Gibbs' 80's Redskins teams were nothing if not hellraisers. Riggins, Manley and others were known for making mischief and then having that overlooked while they made plays on the field. The lesson learned from that is that Gibbs is willing to forgive talented players for their off-field gaffes if they still perform on the field. Even with a DUI charge pending last fall, Taylor still performed at a very high level as a rookie safety last year.

 

It's also noteworthy that Taylor was not accused of any activity that would directly affect his playing abilities, e.g. drug use. I KNOW that Gibbs won't tolerate that.

 

That said, the 80's 'Skins were not limited by a salary cap nor were there instances of assault, much less with a weapon involved, that I can recall.

 

What will likely happen is that Taylor - who has no priors - will get convicted of a lesser charge and either not get any jail time, or will get a very short sentence of a few weeks or months which he can serve during the offseason like Jamal Lewis, and not miss any playing time. I think his value as an IDP is unaffected.

 

Whether or not he remains with the Redskins, and for how long, remains to be seen. Absent any additional problems (insert joke here), I think he will.

Edited by redman
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  • 2 weeks later...

Here is an interesting tidbit.....

 

Mike Barrow, LB, Washington Redskins

News | Fantasy | Statistics | Utilization | Depth Chart | Add to Watchlist

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Redskins | Barrow about Two Weeks Away

Sun, 19 Jun 2005 15:21:26 -0700

 

Joseph White, of the Associated Press, reports Washington Redskins LB Mike Barrow (knee) is running full speed and should get a final clearance from a doctor in about two weeks, according to trainer Bubba Tyer.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Redskins | Barrow Still Working with the Trainers

Sun, 19 Jun 2005 06:58:41 -0700

 

Michael C. Wright, of the Daily Press, reports Washington Redskins LB Mike Barrow (knee) continued to work with team trainers at practice Saturday, June 18. Barrow hasn't played a down since signing with the Redskins last season and spent most of Saturday's practice on an adjacent field working on agility drills.

 

:D Man, I could really use Barrow this year. So could the Skins, as far as i can tell. Marshall isn't the answer at MLB. This would give McCune a chance to get up to speed. Fingers crossed!

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From the Wash Post, another MLB update....

 

Redskins look to fill the middle

By David Elfin

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

June 20, 2005

 

 

The Washington Redskins' defense is like a three-day-old doughnut, tough all around except for the big hole in the middle.

That void, caused by the loss of free agent Antonio Pierce to the New York Giants, is problematic because the middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense in Gregg Williams' scheme.

"It will definitely be tough to replace A.P.," linebacker Marcus Washington said of Pierce, who topped the Redskins' third-ranked defense with 160 tackles last year. "He was a heck of a leader. Everyone knows that Coach Williams' defense isn't the easiest in the NFL. As the middle linebacker, not only do you have to get yourself lined up, but you have to get the defensive linemen lined up. Sometimes they don't want to cooperate, so you have to go over and slap them on the bottom. And sometimes [safety] Sean Taylor doesn't really want to get in the huddle. A.P. would have to yell at him."

Of course, as Williams likes to note, at this time last year, Pierce was a backup outside linebacker with no experience in the middle. So the Redskins may yet find a standout among the staggering eight candidates attempting to replace Pierce.

One of those eight, ex-St. Louis and Carolina weak-side backup Brian Allen, summed up the situation the best when he said, "I'm an average player looking for an opportunity to be great."

• The old -- Mike Barrow has started 10 years in the middle and led his team in tackles in six seasons, including 2003. But Barrow injured a knee on the eve of training camp last year and missed the season. He didn't pass the team physical until Friday and was held out of minicamp as a precaution. Still, the 35-year-old Barrow, who a month ago seemed sure to be cut in order to save his $1.74?million salary against the cap, is perhaps the leader in the scrum in the middle.

"Mike's one of the smartest football players I've ever coached," said Williams, Barrow's position coach in Houston from 1994 to 1996. "He's very athletic. If Mike can play, we'll be fine."

Barrow, who traveled to Canada and Arizona to try to solve the mystery of his ailing knee, finally found the cure last month via a diagnostic ultrasound exam, which revealed scar tissue that hadn't shown up on MRIs. Once that was cleaned up, Barrow was on the way back.

"I'm running, planting and cutting freely," Barrow said with a smile. "I feel great. I'm in the best shape I've ever been in because I changed my diet and my workout program. Before I hurt my knee, I was one of the best middle linebackers in the league, and I'm fresher because I haven't been hit for so long. Thirty-five is just a number."

• The out of position -- Allen, Lemar Marshall, Warrick Holdman and Khary Campbell all have at least three years of NFL experience, but they have just one start in the middle among them. Linebackers coach Dale Lindsey considers Marshall a starter because he was one for most of 2004 in place of injured weak-side linebacker LaVar Arrington. With Arrington still sidelined, Marshall spent the entire offseason outside until moving into the middle this weekend.

"We put off moving Lemar because he was doing so well at the weak side," Lindsey said. "He did quite well [inside]. He showed good leadership. He knows the system. He fits the position pretty well."

The 232-pound Marshall worked on adding muscle and reducing his body fat this offseason in anticipation of switching inside.

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Yeah, Barrow's back to health. As I said above, I think the team keeps him this year to get some return on investment out of him and to smooth the transition from the departure of the surprisingly excellent Pierce to McCune or someone else long term. Barrow was signed to six years last year, so it also makes sense for the team to defer his cap hit an additional year if they can.

 

So the upshot IMHO is that this makes the starting linebackers pretty predictable. Barrow in the middle; Arrington as the Will; Washington as the Sam. It's the backups that will be the bigger mystery. Here are the guys who are my best bets to win backup jobs:

 

Lemar Marshall (WLB - filled in admirably for Arrington last year; downside is he's smallish)

Warrick Holdman (OLB/MLB - good, finally healthy, veteran who is familiar with the defense and can play any position)

Robert McCune (MLB - he was drafted as the MLB of the future who figures to be a special teams terror in the interim while he learns that complex position)

I think they'll keep a 4th backup LB, but who that is right now is anyone's guess. Guys to watch for the 4th backup position (for whatever it's worth, include Clifton Smith, Khary Campbell and Chris Clemons.

Edited by redman
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  • 1 month later...
This is a HUGH break for me! I was in trouble with my LB corp in DWII, but this will help a lot, provided he really is healthy and stays that way. Wow, what a stroke of luck!  :D

 

848241[/snapback]

 

 

 

Sorry, dude, I was wrong on Barrow apparently. According to the 7/21 Washington Post, Mike Barrow has been given permission to seek a trade. Obviously this means that the 'Skins are going in another direction at MLB. I'll update as I get more information.

 

I'd suggest Barrow's worth keeping as he should move early enough to be able to start for another team. I'd figure that at this point in his career, he'll go where he can start.

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  • 2 weeks later...

From today's (8/1) Washington Post:

Starting weak-side linebacker LaVar Arrington remains weak in the knee. Arrington started just two games and played in just four last season because of a knee injury and bone bruise. He had a second surgical procedure on the knee during offseason and still is not able to run full speed. Gibbs said Arrington could remain sidelined for a while.

 

They're also reporting that rookie CB Carlos Rogers, who is unsigned as of yet anyway, is at least a couple of weeks away from practicing.

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Is it true Barrow was released?

 

905269[/snapback]

 

 

 

Yes. I missed that update too when it came out. Looks like they figured they wouldn't get anything for him in trade and they didn't want to hurt his chances to make another squad.

 

Like I said above, I think he has value for one more year because he figures to contribute no matter where he goes. He appears to be healthy now.

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- Not earthshaking news, but LB Brian Allen was cut today. He didn't figure to be much more than a backup Will LB and a special teamer, though that's a position to watch somewhat given Arrington's continuing knee problems . . .

 

- Reports from some of my buddies at camp indicate that the MLB duties seem to have Lemar Marshall taking most of the snaps, with Clifton Smith and Robert McCune also seeing action. The problem is that these drills are usually passing drills, which may either mean that they're using a nickel package or that on running downs someone else could play the position . . . or both. Bottom line: it's still not clear who's going to play MLB. Watch the preseason games.

Edited by redman
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