TK Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 http://redskins.com/story.asp?ContentID=12180 Rock's Role Keeps On Expanding 10/30/2003 By Gary Fitzgerald Redskins.com Rock Cartwright…Tailback? As Sunday’s game against Dallas approaches, that option seems more and more likely. The 5-7, 230-pound fullback has seen increased reps at tailback the last two weeks in practice with starter Trung Canidate questionable with a high ankle sprain and backup Ladell Betts doubtful with a fractured forearm. "Trung didn't move around very much at all [on Thursday]," said head coach Steve Spurrier. "He’s still very doubtful. Chad Morton, Sultan McCullough and Rock Cartwright will most likely be our three tailbacks for the Dallas game." Cartwright has actually seen some game action at tailback this season in short yardage situations. So it’s not completely unfamiliar terrain for the second-year player. “I’ve been rotating a little bit in and out of tailback,” he said. “During the bye week, I did a little bit of practicing at tailback and I’ve been getting reps there this week, too. I know the position pretty well and I know the protection schemes and how to make the reads.” After sitting out the Buffalo game and having the advantage of the bye week, Canidate has returned to practice this week and is hopeful of playing at Dallas. But if he is unable to play, Chad Morton would likely get some carries at tailback. Since pass protection is a key to the success of the offense, Cartwright—as the superior blocker—could also see plenty of action. “Chad’s probably not big enough to play every down,” Spurrier said earlier this week. “Blocking those 250-pound linebackers is not his cup of tea. So we have to use him sparingly, here or there. We always put Rock back there. He’s more of a sturdier guy—about a 230-pound fullback who can play tailback. So that would be an option.” Added Cartwright: “Chad’s a tough guy and I think he can block, too. But if he needs a rest, I’m here for him. Pass protection is important, because we have to protect our quarterback in order for us to win games.” Cartwright has played mostly fullback in his career. At Kansas State, he played in a lot of one-back sets and periodically carried the ball. As a senior, he had 66 carries for 292 yards (4.4 average) and two touchdowns. When Betts was limited in training camp due to injury, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson tried Cartwright out as a tailback in short yardage situations. Cartwright has since solidified that role. This year, Cartwright has had 15 carries for 30 yards. The 2-yard per carry average is misleading, because he gets the bulk of his carries on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1, when the defense typically stacks the line of scrimmage. Cartwright says he is comfortable shifting to the fullback position on a part-time basis. “At fullback, you’re only four yards deep, but when you’re at tailback and you’re seven yards deep, you can read the holes a lot better,” he said. “That’s an advantage: Being able to see and read the defense from seven yards deep. “It’s exciting because I want to help the team any way I can. I know that when I get the ball, I’m going to have to make plays. I have to make things happen so we can get those five-, six-yard runs at a pop and keep the chains moving.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 TK421CLICKER SantaBlondie's going to be very happy about this find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK Posted October 30, 2003 Author Share Posted October 30, 2003 Originally posted by Park City Skins TK421CLICKER SantaBlondie's going to be very happy about this find. Jealous? :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy-the-Greek Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Can you imagine what will happen if the Rock rushes for 100+ vs. the boys this week? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Originally posted by TK421CLICKER Jealous? :laugh: Me? nah...Though like about 1200 other guys on the site I wouldn't mind being on that list myself. Just because. Gads Tommy. As if there wasn't enough controversy in Redskinsland as it is. A running back one to top it all off. You can see Dan and S.S. now. Sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy-the-Greek Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 PCS, I didn't really think of the rb controversy aspect. I was thinking more on the lines of you having to give Blondie CPR.:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Gee, think a hundred + yards by the man may get just a little response from down in Texas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAMB0 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 If he rushes for 100 I wouldn't be surprised if he played tb in week 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golgo-13 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 I think the Rock is proving to be one of the best, if not THE best late-round pick of the Cerrato tenure. Not that that is saying much, but still.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sisko Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 I've been hoping Rock would get a shot at TB as well. He reminds me a bit of Joe Morris. Let's hope he makes the most of any carries he gets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Sick Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Originally posted by Yusuf06 I've been hoping Rock would get a shot at TB as well. He reminds me a bit of Joe Morris. Let's hope he makes the most of any carries he gets. I second that. Still not sold on him as a true fullback. As long as he goes and GETS whoever he is supposed to block, not wait a step away from the QB for the Defensive play to come to him, he'll be okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Symbol Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 I wonder if he will deliver the People's Elbow on a Dallas Linebacker.... Wait, wrong Rock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted October 31, 2003 Share Posted October 31, 2003 i don't know about him being an everydown back but i would like to see morton get the ball too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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