Do the math; Curtis Martin isnt ready to retire yet, so he keeps a roster spot. Leon Washington is a rookie, and Mangini likes what hes seen from him. Suggs was just brought in to compete for the starting job. Houston gives a goalline presence that nobody else on the roster can really provide. Blaylock has the most experience of anybody here besides Martin. Most teams typically carry 3 halfbacks and 2 fullbacks into the regular season. Given the fact that theres no certainty in who our FB is right now, its safe to say that well probably be keeping 2(I like what Ive heard about Jamar Martin by the way). That leaves 5 halfbacks and 3 roster spots. So who gets the boot? Im thinking Blaylock is first to go, potentially in a trade. He seems to contribute the least. After that, you tend to think Houston, but I personally would hate to see him go, and like I said, he gives a goalline presence. Suggestions?
Blaylock seems to be the most logical at this point. Houston seems to have more upside than Blaylock, with experience. Washington is our 4th round draft pick, so he won't get the axe.
I think Askew lined up at RB with Jamar Martin could make a brutal goal line package... so Houston is not that necessary to keep. That being said, I would prefer we keep him over Blaylock. Blaylock goes down on first contact... I hate that.
It will be determined whether Curtis will be able to play this season and if he is not he will be put on IR. Then it will be down to the 4 guys we have. I think Stacey Tutt gets cut. And Blaylock or Houston will be on the block. There's probably a better chance of getting something for Blaylock. Even if its a big fat DT or something. Leon Washington will make the team I think.
FB: Tutt and Jamar Martin RB: Suggs, Blaylock, and Washington I would Trade Houston (not Blaylock) for a depth on the defense. Blaylock is essentially a third down RB, but he can block. He can even take additional carries (which he did in KC two years ago) when need be. Houston has shown nothing in the short time he has had.
I know tuds you have man love for Askew, but he is not a blocking FB. I guess that experiment of moving him to RB is not gonna happen either with Suggs in the mix. I would also worry if I were Askew as they have been bringing in other FB's to look at. Tutt has looked better thus far.....and Martin might put the final nail in Askew's coffin.
I agree, Askew clearly hasn't shown much since being picked in the 3rd round back in 03'. I would be shocked if he stuck. He's too slow to be a full time RB and not a good enough blocker to start at FB Jamar Martin sounds like a blocking FB, which, IMO, is what we need to replace a lead blocker like Sowell. Oh and either Stacy Tutt or that other "good blocker" we have in camp will stick. Leon Washington will probably stick along with Lee Suggs. I don't know what to think about Curtis Martin anymore. I'm not a Blaylock fan at all, but I think he'll stay. Unfortunatley, this may be the end for Cedric Houston... I like him a lot, but his blocking could cost him a roster spot in this crowded backfield. FB: Jamar Martin - Stacy Tutt/that FB in camp (Can't think of his name now) RB: Lee Suggs - Derrick Blaylock- Leon Washingon... Curtis Martin?.... EDIT: The FB is HARTIGAN! Damn that was starting to bother me..
Gonna be somewhat of an exciting 3 games up here with 5, maybe 6 runningbacks in the hunt for the starting job.
Backfield: FB Jamar Martin (Blocking) FB Stacey Tutt (Receiving) RB Lee Suggs RB Cedric Houston (3rd and short, goal line) RB Leon Washington (3rd and long) RB Curtis Martin (IR) Trade bait: RB Derrick Blaylock FB BJ Askew QB Brooks Bollinger WR Justin McCareins Released: RB Nick Hartigan
If curtis cant play he either retires or goes on ir. If anyone gets cut its blaylock and yes I know it cost more to cut him
I see Blaylock being traded for a 5th or 6th rounder. He's nothing more than a expensive 3rd down back, and w/ Leon Washington ready to assume role, what's the point of keeping around a Herm/Bradway player w/ a high salary?
I think it could be Blaylock because of his salary but I don't think Suggs is a lock to make the opening day roster. He'll compete for a roster spot too I don't think Mangini will give him a free pass.
Let's put the Strait issue to bed. Why did he start at safety against TB out of the blue? They wanted to shocase him, but didn't want to expose his inabilty to cover as a CB. Slick move. Strait was going to be cut. Washington is just like Blaylock, but better, faster and more wiggle. So, it's Houston or Blaylock as odd man out. Houston is better depth than the one dimensional Blaylock, so I think it's Blaylock that goes, UNLESS they keep Askew as a FB who can also fill in as an RB. Then, it's Houston odd man out. Mangini LOVES Hartigan. I don't see him getting cut. He hurts people when he blocks, and is VERY tough to bring down in short yardage. It's Tutt or Askew then. If they cut Houston, Askew stays. If they cut Blaylock, Tutt sticks.
We gotta keep Houston. Get rid of Blaylock. We just don't need him when we have every other differnt kind of runner.
