Larry Johnson Officially Joins Portis in Redskins Backfield
It's official. LJ is a Redskin...3-year deal worth a max of $12 million ($3.5 million guaranteed). Most fans will balk at this given his past, but let's take a step back. Like DeAngelo Hall, LJ is from the DC area and has love for the Redskins. From the Bog:
Johnson was born in D.C. and raised in Pomfret Waldorf, and he told Houlon that he was more of an Orioles fan than a Bullets fan as a kid. But yeah, you can probably guess what football team he supported.
"It's funny, the first baby outfit I ever was put in was a Redskins outfit," [Johnson] said. "And that's all we watched, was Redskins and Cowboys in our house, so I grew up a Redskins fan."
Larry did OK in Cincy last year averaging 4.4 yards a carry and with age comes maturity. I personally think LJ will be a good addition when if Portis gets injured and to complement whatever young RB Shanny drafts. It's all part of the plan. If Jim Zorn was the disciplinary then we would all have problems...in short, it's pretty much impossible for me to criticize Shanahan at this point.
| Larry Johnson | |||||||||||||||
| Career Stats | |||||||||||||||
| Season | Team | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| G | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FUM | Lost | ||
| 2009 | Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 0 | 46 | 204 | 4.4 | 27 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1.3 | 6 | 0 | -- | -- |
| 2009 | Kansas City Chiefs | 7 | 7 | 132 | 377 | 2.9 | 19 | 0 | 12 | 76 | 6.3 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2008 | Kansas City Chiefs | 12 | 12 | 193 | 874 | 4.5 | 65 | 5 | 12 | 74 | 6.2 | 20 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| 2007 | Kansas City Chiefs | 8 | 8 | 158 | 559 | 3.5 | 54 | 3 | 30 | 186 | 6.2 | 30T | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2006 | Kansas City Chiefs | 16 | 16 | 416 | 1,789 | 4.3 | 47 | 17 | 41 | 410 | 10.0 | 78 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2005 | Kansas City Chiefs | 16 | 9 | 336 | 1,750 | 5.2 | 49T | 20 | 33 | 343 | 10.4 | 36 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| 2004 | Kansas City Chiefs | 10 | 3 | 120 | 581 | 4.8 | 46T | 9 | 22 | 278 | 12.6 | 40 | 2 | -- | -- |
| 2003 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6 | 0 | 20 | 85 | 4.3 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 | -- | -- |
| TOTAL | 1,421 | 6,219 | 4.4 | 65 | 55 | 154 | 1,373 | 8.9 | 78 | 6 | 15 | 9 | |||
| Clinton Portis Career Stats | |||||||||||||||
| Season | Team | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| G | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FUM | Lost | ||
| 2009 | Washington Redskins | 8 | 8 | 124 | 494 | 4.0 | 78 | 1 | 9 | 57 | 6.3 | 10T | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2008 | Washington Redskins | 16 | 16 | 342 | 1,487 | 4.3 | 31 | 9 | 28 | 218 | 7.8 | 29 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 2007 | Washington Redskins | 16 | 16 | 325 | 1,262 | 3.9 | 32 | 11 | 47 | 389 | 8.3 | 54 | 0 | 6 | 5 |
| 2006 | Washington Redskins | 8 | 7 | 127 | 523 | 4.1 | 38T | 7 | 17 | 170 | 10.0 | 74 | 0 | -- | -- |
| 2005 | Washington Redskins | 16 | 16 | 352 | 1,516 | 4.3 | 47T | 11 | 30 | 216 | 7.2 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| 2004 | Washington Redskins | 15 | 15 | 343 | 1,315 | 3.8 | 64T | 5 | 40 | 235 | 5.9 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| 2003 | Denver Broncos | 13 | 13 | 290 | 1,591 | 5.5 | 65T | 14 | 38 | 314 | 8.3 | 72 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| 2002 | Denver Broncos | 16 | 12 | 273 | 1,508 | 5.5 | 59 | 15 | 33 | 364 | 11.0 | 66T | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 2,176 | 9,696 | 4.5 | 78 | 73 | 242 | 1,963 | 8.1 | 74 | 5 | 26 | 19 | |||
0 recs |
135 comments
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Comments
Gotta have faith in the Shanaplan
We need a RB to backup Portis when he goes down…not much out there. Neither of these 2 are the featured back imho.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
We released Ladell Betts to get the washed up version of Larry Johnson
Maybe Johnson can be successful but I would much rather see Shanahan draft a running back. He’s great at that.
12 million dollars though, We could have signed Pashos for less than that and he would have upgraded our line.
But I trust the Shanahan plan, I just don’t trust L.J. (ughhh 2.9 yards last year w/ the Chiefs, at 6 feet tall you can fall for 2 yards if you reach the line of scrimmage)
by JeanBaptiste on Mar 12, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
We will have to see how the contract is structured
We might be able to cut him in training camp and not pay him much at all. I would have rather kept Ganther but I guess he doesn’t fit.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 12, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
look
the dude is a douche, doesn’t mean he can’t still play. I would like to believe there are smarter people than me running the team so if they approve I approve.
the dude is a douche, doesn’t mean he can’t still play
No, but the fact that he can’t still play proves that he can’t still play.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Mar 12, 2010 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
he showed
he still had something with Cincy last year. Not #1 caliber but a nice backup.
Yea and Cedric Benson was a beast for Cincy as well. Just sayin.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Mar 12, 2010 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
LJ seems to be more washed up than Portis
Portis had bone spurs in his ankles (allegedly) for most of the season. At least he’s got an excuse for his poor performance last year. LJ doesn’t have that luxury. CP is one year removed from 1,400+ yards. LJ notsomuch. 3.5ypc or less for 2 of the last 3 years. I’d rather have just drafted a RB in the 2nd rd to compete.
We still might.
I think it’s a better than good possibility we draft one just not in the 2nd.
I think Johnson was signed just in case Portis tries to get out of practice.
I still think Shannahan will draft a rb in the later rounds.
Orakpo!!! Russel Okung next year!
I'm OK with
whatever takes carries away from Portis. Hopefully Shanny will work his magic in the draft and land a 4th to 6th round gem who can take over the lead back role.
This is a pretty good plan in my opinion
What everyone forgets is what a leader truly does for an organization. People had no respect for Zorn because he did not demand respect, just like Johnson had no respect for Haley because he did not demand respect. But there is one thing that every player respects, and that is a super bowl ring.
This is a good move in my opinion. Signing a guy to give us a more balanced attack. One way to keep older guys going is to take pressure off of them, and that’s what we’ve done here. While this is no game changing move, I think Johnson is going to be good addition to the running back corps, and I expect him to get a lot more carries then people expect.
Chiefs fan here... just reading what the 'Skins fans think of this.
I have to disagree with Haley not demanding respect. He took over a 2-14 team that was lazy and out of shape, and by the end of the year he was getting positive results from them. It’s a big misconception that players don’t respect Haley.
Hate to rain on the parade, but LJ has never had any respect for any of his coaches. He didn’t get along with Vermeil, he stabbed Herm Edwards in the back, and he stabbed Haley in the back after he went out on a limb and gave him a second chance to resurrect his career. Haley fed the ball to LJ way more than his production warranted, and LJ turned around and disrespected Haley and the Chiefs organization.
The funny thing is that after LJ was cut Jamaal Charles took over and put up over 1,000 yards in 9 games, and shattered the franchise single game rushing record (that LJ previously held). It made it clear that while the O line was far from good, a RB with some passion could get things done. The Chiefs are far from a good team, but LJ was a big part of the problem. He was a cancer and his overall attitude is bad.
Not saying he can’t change his ways, but he’s shown to be a repeat offender with a bad attitude. Honestly I hope he gets it together and finishes his career strong. All I have to say for you guys is it’s good you gave him a salary with much of the cash loaded towards incentives.
Good luck in 2010.
Official member of the "Draft Eric Berry" fan club... But I'm not changing my picture, dammit!
by Red N Gold Beast on Mar 12, 2010 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
LJ has had trouble with every head coach
Dating back to high school….that’s not a Haley thing.
There’s no reason to think that won’t be the case with Shanahan.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 12, 2010 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
I got this ;-)
Go get us more Chiefs info. : )
Official member of the "Draft Eric Berry" fan club... But I'm not changing my picture, dammit!
by Red N Gold Beast on Mar 12, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks, good luck to you guys to.
A few more of these acquisitions and …..whew, I’m gonna lose the rest of my hair.
I hope Shanny knows what he’s getting into. Certainly not an easy guy to root for, but everyone deserves a 2nd?….3rd?….4th?……………….???? Yeh! When is the draft?
With him being a former rival coach to the Chiefs,
I can say that you guys got a hell of a coach. He’s really good at developing QBs and RBs. The guy builds really good offensive lines and offenses in general.
Again, I’m not sure how wise it was to take a risk with LJ, but you definitely have a proven guy to take the reigns of that team.
One piece of advice though: Coaching changes are hard. Especially when the coach coming in has to clean up the mess from a previous regime. Don’t be surprised if things don’t go too smoothly, especially early in the year. You guys have a really good coach. Let him do his thing and it’ll work out for you in the long run.
Official member of the "Draft Eric Berry" fan club... But I'm not changing my picture, dammit!
by Red N Gold Beast on Mar 12, 2010 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
yea, unfortunately we know this all too well.
Gibbs had to clean up Spurrier’s mess, which was worse than this one. He went 8-8 first year, then into the playoffs the next. Skins have a really tough schedule this year…so 8-8 would be a win.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 13, 2010 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Did I miss something?
Our first year after Spurrier, we went 6-10, not 8-8.
shite...that's what i meant.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 15, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Better be a moral stipulation clause
As long as we can dump him if he steps out of line then great. He seems enthusiastic. Deangelo is a good example. Welcome LJ.
Larry avg'd 8.8 yards a carry @ San Diego
We can play this game all day!
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
No...no, we can't
2007: 3.5ypc for the course of the entire season (8 games)
2008: 4.5ypc for the course of the entire season (12 games)
2009: 3.1ypc for the course of the entire season (13 games)
Which one sticks out like a sore thumb?
Wesley Snipes once said, “the sun even shines on a dog’s ass on some days.” Guess it was sunny in San Diego that day.
OK...I was only counting the CIN games
The Chiefs are horrible…put any back on that team last year and he’d have problems. I’m turning into Ken…defend the Skins beyond all reason.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
well, I love to defend the Skins at all costs too, but
Jamaal Charles running for 650 yds in 4 games for the Chiefs after LJ got dropped tells me more about LJ than it does the Chiefs.
your right about the Cincy thing
my mental math was off he averaged 4 ypc minus the browns game. The KC thing was way off. They had a great rushing game as long as LJ wasn’t carrying the ball. 2009 numbers:
Jamal Charles = 190 carries – 1120 yards – 5.9 YPC – 7 TD
Larry Johnson = 132 carries – 377 Yards – 2.9 YPC – 0 TD
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 12, 2010 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, I can't really rebut that stat.
In Shanny we trust? haha
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah sorry to nitpick
I obviously hate this signing but will try to say no more on the subject. Seriously the greatest thing I learned today was that Dumervil’s middle name is “Kool”. That totally made my Friday.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 12, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
Thats news to me too...how is that not general knowledge?
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
Well it was according to Wikipedia so maybe a grain of salt is in order
But really thats just great.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 12, 2010 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
This is true
But he had 22 carries that game so it didn’t jack his YPG which was the point that Kevin made.
by ReggieBullits on Mar 12, 2010 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Ah No
Yards per game = YPG
Yards per carry = YPC
Total YPC in a game = YPG
Yeah, I made a mistake and corrected it
Meant to say YPC, not YPG
by ReggieBullits on Mar 12, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Better than Betts
but we need some SPEED! Aldridge maybe…?
via Rick Maese (WaPost)
Shanahan: “We are excited to bring in a running back that has had so much
success in this league.”
Shanahan: “Larry is a physical runner who will be a great addition to our backfield.”
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
I see this strictly as a insurance policy to Portis and vice versa
To me it now looks like LT and QB in the 1st/2nd rounds and whatever is the best leftover, a LB or RB in the 4th/5th rounds. Strictly opinion.
Yea...Skins need to trade back
That would solve all problems if they had three 2nd rounders again. (OL,RB and either QB/LB)
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
I just updated the salary
Reported contract $3.5 million…with incentives $13 million
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
that's $10 million reasons to behave as Rich Tandler pointed out
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Ha...
LJ had $19 million reasons to behave in KC and didn’t. Chiefs filed a grievance and got back portions of his guaranteed salary.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 12, 2010 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Bad character aside...
I still don’t see the rationale behind this move. You’ve got an aging running back who has never been very good for locker room chemistry. So we shouldn’t expect him to rack up many yards, and we shouldn’t expect him to be a team leader. He seems like a cheaper, older version of Clinton Portis. His best days are behind him and the number of carries he’s had in his career indicate neither a likelihood of durability nor effectiveness. Sure he might behave himself here (although being lined up next to a guy like Clinton Portis probably doesn’t encourage you to keep your mouth shut), but behavior isn’t going to make his performance any better.
The rationale is...imagine Portis is gone
Skins need a reliable back…someone that won’t fumble and knows how to convert a 3rd and short. Portis cannot be counted on to make it past the BYE week…so they needed someone. Willie Parker..maybe… obviously didnt work out.
I wouldn’t put too much into this…he’s not gonna have a ton of carries imho, which is why we’re offering such low contracts for this sport (Kevin Faulk, Willie, etc)
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 12, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
So this is a Portis injury contingency
or is it a Shannahan cuts Portis at the first sign of trouble contingency?
It makes sense and its not a terrible move. I’m not worried about the character stuff and you are right about the incentives in the contract working to keep him in line.
I hope we do draft a RB because this is not a signing for the future and we need the next stud.
So... imagine Portis is gone
And he’s being replaced with a third down back? Honestly, I’d take Quinton Ganther over this guy, if it’s only a contingency situation. Or Justin Fargas. Or, if we’re going to go with the over-the-hill-former-AFC-West-RB route, at least LT has no character issues. I mean, honestly, if you need a contingency plan for CP going down, I’m with you. But there’s no reason to bring in a guy who will also need a contingency plan in place. Don’t you usually want to back up a possibly injury-prone RB with one who isn’t going to concern you about injuries? We’ve got a concussion-prone RB backed up by a RB with a problematic knee. Huh?
it bothers me
That the Redskins never inquired about his past …ie – 4 arrests.
It’s looking like LJ will be just like the Shaun Alexander addition (except we didnt have to give up a high draft pick this time)
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 13, 2010 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
What draft pick did we give up when we got Shaun Alexander?
Are you sure you’re not confusing bad Vinny moves of 2008 (Jason Taylor, Shaun Alexander)?
I'd much
rather have a 30 year old running back who makes $12mil over 3 years than one making it in one year. I’m still holding out hope that Portis skips offseason workouts and is given the boot.
All that said, I would’ve rather had Westbrook. But I remain adamant about believing in Shanny’s plan.
Not that I would miss him terribly
but CP isn’t going anywhere; we all know that. He’s guaranteed most of his money, so if you’re going to be paying him, you may as well get something from your money. And anyway, if he can keep from being an asshole this year, he deserves to get one more chance to show he’s got something left, one more chance to cement his franchise and league legacy. I haven’t been fond of him over the past 6 months or so, but he is a guy who piled up a lot of yards and took a lot of hits wearing burgundy and gold. If he can get his act together (and hopefully the reunion with Shanny will help) then I’ll give him the pass to try to get back near his old form.
the problem is
that you’re gonna be paying him more than just this year. So why not absorb the hit when there’s no cap, rather than have an old, broken down, backup runningback taking up a ton cap space when it matters.
Teams pay players all the time to walk. Didn’t KC do that with Larry Johnson? But teams NEVER get the chance to purge their cap like they will this year.
That's valid
But from the way Shanny is talking, he doesn’t think of CP as old and broken down. He wants Portis to be a leader and be a good runner. We might disagree with him on either or both of those views, but he and Bruce Allen do get paid a bit more than us to have opinions on football players haha.
Sure
but that doesn’t mean they’re smarter than the rest of you. (Obviously, I KNOW they’re not smarter than me)
Anyway, we may both be right. Maybe Shanny is hoping CP will revert to the CP of old, rather than an old CP. But, in case he doesn’t, they bring in LJ. That way, if Portis does show he’s lost a step (or 12), then they can cut him, absorb the hit this year, and still have a former starting caliber Pro Bowl running back on the roster.
Holy COW am I a genius.
I am going to call this move subtraction by addition.
The only explanation that makes sense to me is that Shanahan has tightened the noose around Clinton’s neck. I can in no way see both of these guys on the roster when the season starts. They are both 2-down backs winding down their careers who will not be able to co-exist. This appears to me that Portis’s days just got a whole lot shorter.
Portis has value even if just as a blocking back
Not sure how LJ is in Pass Pro
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 12, 2010 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Mighty big cost to have CP simply as a pass blocker
and I’m not just talking about money. Do you really want to piss him off? Zorn did that a lot, and see how dysfunctional CP became by the end of the Zorn mini-era? Remember, this is the guy who, coming into 08, had been going to all offseason workouts and had just become a team leader in the wake of ST’s death. It was a brief moment of Portis maturity, but it was nice while it lasted. Anyway, my point is, let’s try to move back in that direction, rather than the pouting, finger-pointing CP we’ve been seeing for too long.
Flashback...
To when Tiller56 ran into LJ last year…
http://www.hogshaven.com/2010/1/30/1284353/larry-johnson-as-a-redskin
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
My opinion is LJ was brought in to.....
ensure Portis revitalizes his career. The main problem in Washington has always been depth. Without depth….there is no threat to these big name guys like Portis. Was Zorn really going to sit Portis for Betts???? Hell no…..now you have a guy who has been there and done that behind Portis. CP obviously had no fear of any of our running backs challenging him for his spot since he’s been here. Portis has no way out now. He better be working his ass off….show up and participate in all the voluntary workouts….and re-establish himself as the man….instead of just saying it. Now we just need to find someone to challenge JC and get him over the hump!
by shvd98z24 on Mar 12, 2010 7:19 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
also a good point
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 13, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
Best Case Scenario
Gerald Riggs, 1991. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RiggGe00.htm?redir
Worst case scenario – Larry Johnson, 2007 – present.
I’m against bringing any known cancer into the locker room, let alone criminal, but if we’re looking purely at the statistical comparison to Clinton, LJ does have 700 less carries, which would have to make his “football age” a couple years younger than CP I would think.
MVP of the California Penal League
by Backhanded Complement on Mar 12, 2010 7:20 PM EST reply actions
Apologies
LJ has not been convicted of anything other than a misdemeanor, and is therefore not a criminal. Stil, the pattern of abuse/violence towards women is troubling to say the least.
MVP of the California Penal League
by Backhanded Complement on Mar 12, 2010 7:32 PM EST up reply actions
This sounds worse than I mean it.....
but who cares. This isn’t our President, congressman, school teacher, etc. This is a new piece of the Redskins. He is getting paid millions to go out there and get his ass in the endzone if when Portis goes down. I understand the importance of role models and all; and being a father of 3……I definitely don’t condone abuse of women or children in any way. These guys are all just football players. I go out of my way to help my kids pick their role models……and it’s never towards athletes. They are paid to entertain us…..nothing more. Does a football record really matter compared to the millions of amazing artists, scientists, swimsuit models, explorers, etc to look up to. It’s up to parents to teach their kids this. It’s fine to look up to them as athletes. In all reality….I am pretty sure you would find some dirty stuff on over half the guys in the NFL. It’s just entertainment!
by shvd98z24 on Mar 12, 2010 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Go Larry
LJ is not washed up.I grew up in KC and if a Player does not kiss behind the fans hate him.I will miss him on the chiefs but I will still wear is number.
Everyone knows his name
Thus, he is a big name. I didn’t say we made the big splash of free agency or that we got the top free agent or top RB, but he is a big name.
Get it? It was an ironic statement… Like, the Redskins pick up a guy whose name is known around the league even in a year when they’re not spending in free agency. Hahahahaha!! Get it?
Vinny`s Ghost
Boooooo
I hope it works out, kind of surprised and the draft will most likely entertaining.
Thomas Jones contract 2 years 5M
LJ Contract 3.5M Guaranteed. I’d rather have gotten TJ. He had a good season last year. Even if most of TJ’s contract was guaranteed I’d still rather bet on him being remotely close to last year rather than hope some other guy revitalizes his career.
Yea, once all the FA RBs fall into place
It’s probably worth comparing all their deals and seeing if LJ was the best fit…it’s looking like not.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Mar 15, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Well I thought LJ was in the "We'll bring him into camp and take a look" category
But 3.5M Guaranteed pretty much ensures him a spot on the team doesn’t it? The nice think about TJ is he is renowned for his work ethic and a total workout freak. If Portis had to take a practice off he’d have to watch TJ bust his ass with the first teamers. I’m not sure how hard LJ works.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 15, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
LJ has upside
Although LJ’s career seems to be on the downside he still has major upside even at his age.
by mr.snyderhireme on Mar 13, 2010 12:49 AM EST reply actions
I'm a supporter of the move
I posted on this over a month ago, and got the same remarks that fans on this post are saying, but I do still believe he has something left in the tank. His football talents can help this team. He should know enough by now to just keep his mouth shut and play football. If this is the case, he’ll do fine here.
by Tiller56 on Mar 13, 2010 6:49 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
You know whats funny
the yes votes more than double the no votes in Kevin’s poll asking do we or don’t we support the signing of LJ, but if you read the comments in this post, 80% of them are negative in their support of the newest Redskin. So are the people who like the move just not chiming in? If you glanced over the article without reading the poll results, you would think there is a mob waiting to lynch the guy when he arrives at Redskins park.
Tiller it is easier
to vote in a poll than to make a post. The “dog killer” did not get much positive reaction when he was allowed to come back into the NFL, but now he has some value for the Eagles. Polls can flip all over the place. I wouldn’t make much of it.
Kevin mention Larry Johnson in his daily slop of April 7, 2009, but there were only 15 responses to all the slop.
http://www.hogshaven.com/2009/4/7/825294/daily-slop-larry-johnson-likely-to “Larry Johnson likely to be cut (Chiefs still working for a late pick) [ArrowHeadPride] (Let all the rumors fly if Snyderrato should trade a pick and get Larry Johnson).” The new regime has an ameliorating effect on people’s opinions. Plus Johnson did himself some good in the limited amount of play with the Bengals.
by Jefferson1935 on Mar 13, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Nice word Jefferson, you made me look it up.
Ameliorating=to make better, improving.
Now have to add that to my vocabulary.
Thank you.
I think part of the problem is we've been down this road before.
It feels like an older guy with not much left coming in for a final payday.
It also doesn’t help that said guy has had multiple and unfortunate indescetions.
If he is a positive influence on the team, and makes constructive comments, and plays with some passion, and is productive, then the support will turn in his favor.
All we can ask as fans is for ‘our’ players to be productive, positive, and respectable.
Awful signing, awful idea, I just don't understand. How can 70% of you agree with this?
I don;lt even think Vinny would have done something this dumb, A 30 year old malcontent running back? If you gave me a list of free agents and asked me to rank all of them in terms of which ones I wanted to weae brgundy and gold, I would have ranked him DEAD LAST. How did that Maurice Clarett move work out for you Shanny? Why pay a RB (the most replaceable positiion in football, the positiion with the least dropoff in production from 1st string to string IMO) especially one who complains about not carrying the ball is a wife beater and a homophobe who has no idea how to deal with the media to split carries in DC on a bad team???? SUPER DUMB. I don’t care if he runs for 1,000 yards this is still a bad signing, you could have definitely gotten someone cheaper to give similar production, and someone who isn’t a spoiled brat that disgraces this proud franchise.
I never root for injuries but LJ I hope you blow your knee out the first day of camp.
Yeah but
rooting for injuries once means you root for injuries
The power back on 3rd and 1, you remember other than the crappy play calling how CP could not get the 1 yard…Well LJ can….Portis and LJ do compliment each other very well.
Well
I guess I’m rooting for injuries then. We could have found someone to do everything LJ is doing (or going to do) for a lot less. It will be very hard for me to cheer for him. Being on the team disgraces the franchise
It's a game bro.....
you are taking things way to seriously. A lot of these players have dark things in the closet……..they are a means of entertainment……they get paid well to do it…..but they are not saints or role models. It’s another body that can move a football for the Skins……nothing more! Anyways….haven’t you ever heard of forgiveness?
the things with LJ
aren’t skeletons in the closet, we know he is a malcontent.
I have no problem with Athletes making a lot of $ (they are the ones that pack the stadium and get the ratings) nor do I think they have to be perfect role models.
However I do feel they need to be acocuntable for their actions and demonstrate some form of respect. I don;t think LJ helps the team on the field that much and he doesn’t seem to bring anything positive off the field. Why sign someone like that? ITs’ a dumb move by our new regime, plain and simple.
I am pretty confident....
that contractually they have protected themselves from his off-the-field tendencies. That’s why it is an incentive laden deal! He did good with the Bengals and everyone in Cincinnati says he was a great teammate. I think getting out of KC could have been a great thing for him. He was there a while…and obviously hanging with the wrong people…making the wrong choices. Everyone deserves another chance!
I do understand your stance though....
and respect what you are saying. I just think he deserves a chance here….this is the team he grew up rooting for…..maybe it will make him that more committed!
the burgundy and gold is indeed powerful
is it powerful enough to make LJ a good guy? We will see.
We will see.....
I can only look at the comparison from when I was 22 to my ripe age of 30 now….haha…..tremendous difference not only in decision making….but how I see the world. Let’s hope LJ has turned a corner as well!
I am also 30
and di some dumb things as a 22 year old, but that did not include hitting women or disrespecting my bosses. LJ did these things in his late 20s. Maybe Joe Gibbs can come in and counsel him…
sounds like a RB we have on the roster already...
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
LJ earned a new nickname in KC
we all called him 2.7 cuz that was his average.. and the funny part is that he is number 27 so lots of people put periods between the 2 and 7 and jerseys.. :)
2.7
Terrible and disgraceful post.
I hope you truely don’t consider yourself a Redskins fan, because if so, I’m embarrased to have to endure the garbage you just wrote.
trust me...
i like this team as much as anyone, Maybe LJ turns his attitude around, maybe he’s a stand up guy after this and if so I’ll be proud of him for turning it around.
But seriously he doesn’t deserve that money and has much more downside to the team than upside and didn;t deserve another chance. Our problem at the goaline was our BLOCKING not CP. Why they brought LJ on the team is a mystery to me. Why a piece of crap like LJ gets so many chances is also a mystery to me. what kind of example does this set for young people? You can disrespect your coach, beat your wife, disrespect everyone but as long as you have some talent all is forgiven?
I’ll admit rooting for him to get injured is a bit extreme and wrong but in the end what would it matter if he did get hurt. I didn;t say I want him to be paralyzed, just crippled enough to never play football for us. He’d still be a milionaire with a much more comfortable life than any of us anyway. This guy has been handed everything and appreciated nothing. He is set for life regardless if he never plays another down. It’sm not liek I want him to die. I’ll root for him to get cut instead if that makes you happy.
This is seriously the most conflicted I have ever been as a sports fan, none of my favortite teams have ever signed a guy I disliked more, and for my personal fandom I hope he never carries the ball so I won’t have to cheer for him. You can go ahead and root for him if you want, but he is a representation of what is wrong woth pro sports.
Why don;t we go ahead and be like the cowboys and sign a-holes like pacman jones??? If you want to talk about garbage look at your main title post.
Is that because you didn't like the way the post was written,
or was it garbage because you didn’t agree with my opinion? Either way, your above post made much more sense to me know, and I can see where you are coming from, unlike the first tyrade you posted.
I was more just
responding to you calling my post garbage, I do disagree with you though and don’t think we need Bradford or are going to have a chance to draft him anyway. Any qb we get shoudl be in a later round, or next year. Considering the lack of running game, o-line and recievers we had I think JC did fine
I don't think many of you are understanding
this move. It’s only 3.5 guaranteed, it isn’t a “big name signing”, I mean when Chad f’n Clifton is making millions more, you are not a big name signing. This is just to push LJ and Portis to see what they have left, we’ll probably still draft a rb in the 4th or 6th. It’s just an insurance policy that we can cut without much headache if we need to. I agree, he isn’t remotely close to a likeable guy on paper, but I’m sure Shanny feels good about it; and I don’t think he was a problem in Cincy last year. Also, on a side note, Jamal Charles got those yards against some of the weakest run Ds in the league, while LJ was going against mostly playoff teams. I think Charles is definitly the best runner at this point in their careers, but you can’t really say they had equal opportunities either, you have to factor in the opposition.
by ronoD nagrO on Mar 13, 2010 8:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Perspective
ARE was signed by Pittsburgh for 3 years 7 million an incentive based 12 million for 3 years for a 30 year old RB isn’t too bad…
3.5M is alot of guaranteed money to take a flyer on a broken down RB
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 13, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
3 years 3.5M
ARE 3 years 7 million
the 3.5M can increase to 12M for the contract term of 3 years.
so yeah, I would say an excellent deal for a broke down QB
good move?
i think shanahan has something up his sleeve there is no way portis is going to stick around so all you cp fans this should be the nail in the coffin for portis as we now move into the johnson era i love this move ..
I don't think all the haters of this move understand
We have Mike Shanahan as our coach now. He has won more than any player on our team ever will. He won’t take shit from anyone, and if he does that person will be cut that day. So what if he’s a cancer? There is no cap this year and Shanahan will cut his ass if he decides to be an asshole like portis. Best case scenario he revives his career and becomes a powerful 1,000 yard RB again. Worst case scenario shanny cuts his ass in training camp cause he is a douche. I really hope this spells the end for portis. He has been a great redskins but now he is washed up and being an asshole to everyone while beinging ridiculously overpaid, even for a cerrato signing.
I'm not booing Stephon Heyer, he's trying hard. I'm booing the fact that Stephon Heyer plays for us.
by Area 51 Forever on Mar 13, 2010 12:14 PM EST reply actions
agreed
If Zorn hired LJ, then I’d be worried. But with Shanahan, with his history of coaching running backs, I’ll say this is a +1 for the Redskins.
by Mr. Rosewater on Mar 13, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
That's not the worst case scenario
Worst case is that he makes it on the team, running for a paltry, let’s say 1.2 yards per carry. He is given the ball too often in the vain hopes of keeping him from becoming a problem in the locker room. Ultimately though, he is asked some question on some local radio show and talks all kinds of trash about the team, diverting attention of coaches and leaders away from their football duties. Oh, and he either gets arrested or makes some derogatory comment about some subset of Americans. That would finally get him cut.
I’m not a hater. I’m intelligent. There is a very low possibility that this move will actually create a positive effect on the team’s overall performance this year or in any future year. That’s what we’re going for, right? On-field success? If we want to be the team where every washed up asshole who used to be good at football gets to try out with the team this year because there’s no cap, then this is a great move. We’ve set the tone for the carnival that training camp will become.
I’ve liked the other moves so far this offseason, but this was not a smart move. And I don’t have to support it just to prove that I think the team is going in the right direction.
worst case scenario IMHO is CP and LJ both look kinda bad but LJ looks worse and we need a roster spot for other guys
Forcing us to cut CP or a promising young guy rather than pay 3.5M for nothing and cutting LJ.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 13, 2010 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
You have to presume...
that Shanahan knows what he is doing and what he is getting. He’s been the opposing team to LJ many times and had to defend against him. Also, I’m sure he knows about all the baggage. And some of it probably was BS anyway. Any of of the long-haired , liberal, lefty, lay-about ,media freaks would have villified the man and made a Mother Theresa out of any femme involved. Oh, BTW, I voted, No!, Dont wan’t him, but here I’m playing Devil’s Advocate.
Pause on LJ for a moment,
I’ve been away from this site for two days, and heard about his signing yesterday. Now, I check the roster, and find we’ve already gotten two RB’s and a QB………….aside from LJ.
What’s up with that? Did I just move into an alternate universe, or was there very little news being posted about these guys?
Before I get a bashing, if anyone out there can pull up some stats on these three, I’d love to see them—the last I heard, we were a two-QB, one-RB team (as of Thursday eve). Anyway, thanks.
New positions on the roster (to ME, anyhow, heh):
Anthony Alridge, RB
Richard Bartell, QB
P.J. Hill, RB
Okay, did it myself, Whew was surprised for a moment
Anthony Alridge, RB, signed from Houston as WR Sept 22 2009, released Oct 20, 2009—when did he sign again?
Richard Bartell, QB signed from the Jags Nov 25 2009—who heard about this, and how long has he been on the roster?
P.J. Hill, RB, signed from Eagles Dec 30, 2009—again, who heard about this.
Perchance I HAVE been in an alternate universe… think I’ll just go have a brew.
congrats
You got a good player. I was hoping my Bengals would actually give him a chance last year, but I knew better. I’m glad he got on with another team early, rather than being cut after the last preseason game in true Bengals tradition.
Shannahan gets the benefit of the doubt when it comes to selecting RBs
He’s not always right, but Davis, Portis, Anderson, and others were nice evaluations
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
exception, not the rule.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
true but I think we should point out
Shanny has gambled on a RB before where others doubted his football potential and character.
by BayAreaBullet on Mar 15, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
LJ past injuries?
They were only flesh wounds
by Nobetterthenbob on Mar 14, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems an odd move to me, also, but then
my mother was a hamster, and my father smelt of Elderberries….
Listen Folks
You can not predict a season. It is a gamble. The sport is a gamble. The draft. The right person in the right system will flourish. And no one here can. New coaching staff in town will have growing pains. Let the guys that get paid to make personnel decisions make them. Not disgruntled “internet GM’s” playing fantasy football making the same foolish arguement about the talent on the Skins roster. 4-12 can easily happen again with or with out LJ or whoever. And if I misspelled something or missed a comma…I dont give a Fcuk cause this aint English class or my Thesis for my Phd.
by Native Blindian on Mar 14, 2010 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
I'm not excited by this signing
I really don’t expect to see anything out of LJ that they couldn’t have gotten out of a 6th round draft pick. I hope the plan is too merely use LJ to push CP and to use up whatever little they have left. To me both of these guys are like the tube of toothpaste that you have to roll up and squeeze to get that last little bit – they’re both about done and we’ll be lucky to get another year or two out of either of them.
Nods on that,
but some very good points were made today on dr’s 980. If I heard it correctly, someone talked to Vermiel (sp?) about LJ and he said ‘he will work and work in practice Mon-Saturday, and then want you to put him in on Sunday’. The point that was trying to be made was that he takes time out from beating his spouse (ewwwww, that wasn’t totally called for) to really prepare himself for game time. If this is true, then he will push Portis in some respects.
Also, his contract was negotiated for bare minnimum salary, with Incentives if he performs, as opposed to CP’s guaranteed 6+ million this year.
Seems like a maneuver from the FO.

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