Shaun Alexander cut by Seahawks

[Bamaro]

Re: S. Alexander to be cut today

The NFL told the Pittsburgh Steelers that very thing when the AFL/NFL merger happened. The Steelers were a stalwart NFL franchise that was proposed to go into the new AFC. They went kicking and screaming until they found out they'd be in a division with Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Houston - thus producing some pretty good rivalries.

I believe Pittsburgh, Cleveland & Baltimore were paid big bucks to make the switch.

 

[BamaLaw]

Re: S. Alexander to be cut today

[/B]

Thank you Bama Law for admitting that, cause until I read that I thought I was the only Bama fan who was never enamored with S Alexander as a collegian or professional and now that I have said that I can admit, I feel exactly the same way about B. Croyle. I am not an NFL fan and living near Nashville makes me dislike the NFL and the Titans even more.

Thank you, as well. I fully expected to catch a flamefest for my comments. Imagine my surprise to find your comment as the only one addressing mine.

 

[bamatrav]

He's going to the Pat's. Mark it down.

 

[BigCountry]

I hate that he was released, but I KNOW he will be picked up by another team in no time. And i dont have to pull for Seattle anymore! It just felt so wrong!:BigA:

 

[rollntider]

I hope he goes to Dallas, I like the Cowboys and would love to see Jerry get a man of character for a change.

 

[BamaNation]

Re: S. Alexander to be cut today

Other than the playoffs a couple of years back, I don't think I've ever seen 37 play an NFL game. I'm glad he played for Bama. He was exceptionally gifted and contributed to making an exceptionally dark period for Bama football, just a bit brighter. However, I do not share the warm fuzzies that most Bama fans have for him.

Can you expound on that a bit. As a friend of Shaun's I'm kinda biased toward him. Until the last couple years - since high school, all he has ever done is score TDs, win, and rack up yards.

He didn't like to practice anymore than anyone else likes to practice, that's true. However, his workout after his rookie year was pretty regimented and his personal trainer traveled with him. I would argue it's tough to run when you have broken bones in your feet and tough to carry the ball when you have broken bones in your hand.

The one knock against Shaun that I agree with is that it seemed like he got tackled easily at or behind the line - as if his legs were collapsing. Other than that, he is a GREAT representative of what I want in a college and pro athlete. He lives the right life instead of the wrong life like so many others. The things he does w/o ever getting any publicity would amaze you. I know. I've been with him on numerous of those things over the years.

Anyway, just wanted to stick up for #37

 

[trenda]

I hope he goes to Dallas, I like the Cowboys and would love to see Jerry get a man of character for a change.

I'm not a Dallas fan - AT ALL - but I think he would be a great addition to the Cowboys. If he's willing to accept his new/future role as a RB, he would be great in their offense.

 

[bamanut_aj]

Since the Titans GM, Mark Reinfeldt, came over from the Seahawks, you may see the Titans at least bring him in and talk to him. Of course, after Su was upset about having the dreaded "franchise tag" put on him when Reinfeldt was with the 'hawks, Su may have no interest. I honestly don't know a thing about their relationship; whether it was a good one or a strained one.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Seahawks say goodbye to Shaun Alexander

Anticipation of Shaun Alexander's release began in the first week of March, when the Seahawks signed two new running backs.

Still, the conclusion to Alexander's run with the Seahawks arrived abruptly Tuesday.

A doctor's appointment to check on his wrist, a couple of phone calls to make sure he was cleared, and by the end of the afternoon, the Seahawks announced the leading rusher in franchise history was gone, given his unconditional release.

"One of the toughest decisions I'll ever have to make," Seahawks president Tim Ruskell said.

 

[drjamesm]

He will get on somewhere,but it won;'t be dallas.

 

[BamaJeff]

One benefit to Shaun playing in Tennessee is the fact that when he scores a touchdown they play Sweet Home Alabama. Salt meet wound!

They won't play that song if he goes to the Titans

 

[bamanut_aj]

They won't play that song if he goes to the Titans

and they called it "Sweet Shaun Alexander"

 

[derek4tide]

Shaun may be in Indianapolis by next week. Manning and Alexander, talk about irony.

 

[BigEasyTider]

Shaun may be in Indianapolis by next week. Manning and Alexander, talk about irony.

Shaun claims he has gotten interest from both the Patriots and the Colts, but there has been no independent confirmation of that to date. And actually, most NFL sites don't believe that either one of those two teams have shown any valid interest.

The Colts have Joseph Addai who has already proven himself to be one of the best backs in the game. Behind him, their back-up is Kenton Keith, who has proven to be very good in limited opportunities. According to the advanced metrics of Football Outsiders, he had both the highest DVOA and DPAR of any tailback in the league with fewer than 175 carries, including San Diego's Michael Turner.

The Patriots have Laurence Maroney as one of the best backs in the league. He's still one of the youngest backs in the NFL -- just turned 23 -- and he has a very long, productive future ahead. Beyond that, the Pats are already set with a great third down back with former LSU standout Kevin Faulk.

The harsh truth of the matter is that neither the Patriots or the Colts need Alexander, and in all honesty he would probably be no higher than the third tailback on the roster at either place. Both teams throw the ball a lot, and that's bad news for Alexander, who rarely saw the field on third down even during his prime in Seattle. Moreover, neither team uses the third back any legitimate amount, so Shaun wouldn't see the ball. Last year the Colts' third team back got only 30 carries, and in fact the Patriots didn't even have a third tailback, they just rotated a fullback into a single back set when the need arose.

I don't think either the Patriots or Colts would be legitimately interested in Alexander, and even if so I don't think Alexander would be interested in the way they would likely use him. I figure that Alexander is basically just trying to drive up interest in his own services by trying to convince everyone else that the top teams are wanting him. It's not a bad idea, but I'm afraid no one is buying it.

 

[CapstoneTider]

My sources (internet ) are saying the Packers could use a back like Shaun next season.

 

[bamabryan]

My sources (internet ) are saying the Packers could use a back like Shaun next season.

I can see this happening.

 

[GrandBayTider]

Re: S. Alexander to be cut today

Can you expound on that a bit. As a friend of Shaun's I'm kinda biased toward him. Until the last couple years - since high school, all he has ever done is score TDs, win, and rack up yards.

He didn't like to practice anymore than anyone else likes to practice, that's true. However, his workout after his rookie year was pretty regimented and his personal trainer traveled with him. I would argue it's tough to run when you have broken bones in your feet and tough to carry the ball when you have broken bones in your hand.

I want to say that I agree about Shaun setting a good example of returning his good fortune to those less fortunate. His charitable work should be commended and emulated by more players. However, as you touched on Shaun didn't have the best reputation for leading his teammates by example in the weight room and other workouts. Personally, while I admired his ability on the field I can understand some peoples ambivalence about him. One thing that stands out in my memory is how he exhorted his teammates in Spring Training about sacrificing, and when he showed up for the start of fall training he failed his timed run because he wasn't in shape. I believe things like this is why some people may not be enamored of him. People tend to root for the less talented guy who works hard but not for the talented player who can make the game look easy sometimes (like say 290+ yds rushing in a game ).

 

[CrimsonBleedRed]

My sources (internet ) are saying the Packers could use a back like Shaun next season.

Of course they do, seeing as Rogers won't be completing too many passes next yr (on the belief, he isn't very good, they will need 3 RBs to carry the load. (Grant/Jackson/Alexander......what is this....the Civil War revisited in Green Bay?)

 

[derek4tide]

Shaun claims he has gotten interest from both the Patriots and the Colts, but there has been no independent confirmation of that to date. And actually, most NFL sites don't believe that either one of those two teams have shown any valid interest.

The Colts have Joseph Addai who has already proven himself to be one of the best backs in the game. Behind him, their back-up is Kenton Keith, who has proven to be very good in limited opportunities. According to the advanced metrics of Football Outsiders, he had both the highest DVOA and DPAR of any tailback in the league with fewer than 175 carries, including San Diego's Michael Turner.

The Patriots have Laurence Maroney as one of the best backs in the league. He's still one of the youngest backs in the NFL -- just turned 23 -- and he has a very long, productive future ahead. Beyond that, the Pats are already set with a great third down back with former LSU standout Kevin Faulk.

The harsh truth of the matter is that neither the Patriots or the Colts need Alexander, and in all honesty he would probably be no higher than the third tailback on the roster at either place. Both teams throw the ball a lot, and that's bad news for Alexander, who rarely saw the field on third down even during his prime in Seattle. Moreover, neither team uses the third back any legitimate amount, so Shaun wouldn't see the ball. Last year the Colts' third team back got only 30 carries, and in fact the Patriots didn't even have a third tailback, they just rotated a fullback into a single back set when the need arose.

I don't think either the Patriots or Colts would be legitimately interested in Alexander, and even if so I don't think Alexander would be interested in the way they would likely use him. I figure that Alexander is basically just trying to drive up interest in his own services by trying to convince everyone else that the top teams are wanting him. It's not a bad idea, but I'm afraid no one is buying it.

With the arrest of the Colts backup to Addai, I think SA to the Colts is a very good possibility. We shall see:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/sports/story.html?id=72ba10b9-7c8a-4adf-a88a-b4b33e50272c

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3363234

Indianapolis Colts running back Kenton Keith pleaded not guilty to criminal trespassing for allegedly refusing to leave a nightclub parking lot that was being cleared by police.

 

[BamaLaw]

Re: S. Alexander to be cut today

I want to say that I agree about Shaun setting a good example of returning his good fortune to those less fortunate. His charitable work should be commended and emulated by more players. However, as you touched on Shaun didn't have the best reputation for leading his teammates by example in the weight room and other workouts. Personally, while I admired his ability on the field I can understand some peoples ambivalence about him. One thing that stands out in my memory is how he exhorted his teammates in Spring Training about sacrificing, and when he showed up for the start of fall training he failed his timed run because he wasn't in shape. I believe things like this is why some people may not be enamored of him. People tend to root for the less talented guy who works hard but not for the talented player who can make the game look easy sometimes (like say 290+ yds rushing in a game ).

I responded via private message to BamaNation's request; however, for public purposes, we'll go with exactly what you said. You've pretty much summed up my thoughts.