Redskins Shuffle Roster
In a flurry of activity in the NFC East, the Washington Redskins made three moves in an attempt to bolster depth and improve special teams. After struggling through much of the regular season Brooks, who unseated the incumbent Frost, as punter was cut. His accolades in college (Ray Guy award recipient - the highest honor for a punter) didn't immediately translate into success at the professional level. Punts in critical times were shanked or booted as a line drive and for every good punt there were some poor punts creating an erratic kicking game and huge returns by the opposition.
Frost wasn't the answer in the kicking game either as he was ultimately cut in the pre-season in favor of Brooks for a better hang time. As told by watching a Packers game and hearing the announcer describe the play with another line drive punt by Frost. In the end the potential in Brooks was great, but not realized in his professional debut where kickers and punters come and go. The Skins hope that Ryan Plackemeier can adequately fill the void. Fans shouldn't expect this to be the last move at the position as a parade of kickers could be brought in throughout the season if he falters too.
Shaun Alexander, the 2005 MVP, signed a one year league minimum veteran contract to back up Portis while Betts heals. He already is familiar with the system implemented by Zorn. A move that may have been unnecessary had the team decided to keep Mason on the roster. The moves appear to be quite a reach. When the team signed Terry Allen in 1995, he was coming off of major knee surgery and there were concerns if he could take the pounding and if his speed would return. He proved everyone wrong as played through the 1998 season. The difference between Allen and Alexander other then coming off of surgery is Alexander's past two seasons were not at a starting level in the NFL and proved his ultimate demise as he was released. Alexander doesn't have the breakaway speed or the strength of a power back to move the pile. His signing is reminiscent of the Duckett trade a few years ago minus the cost of draft picks. Alexander's best years appear to be behind him.
The Skins also signed safety Mike Green, 31, to a veteran league minimum contract as they placed Reed Doughty on injured reserve. Horton already was outperforming Doughty and Green should also help on special teams. Only the punting move will help correct some of the issues that pertained to last week's loss.
