bubba9497 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Redskins still cling to Rock By Mark Zuckerman THE WASHINGTON TIMES http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20040819-120936-9371r.htm For all the overwhelming sense of joy that Joe Gibbs generated with his return to Washington, there was one player on the Redskins' roster who wasn't so ecstatic to learn the name of his new coach. Not that Rock Cartwright had anything personal against Gibbs. He just didn't know if the Hall of Fame coach would have any use for a 5-foot-7, 232-pound fullback. Indeed, Gibbs has no use for a pure fullback in an offense that replaces the position with the tight-end-like H-back. So Cartwright did the only thing he could to ensure a place on Gibbs' roster: He lost 20 pounds in seven days, transformed himself into a tailback and set out to prove to the new coaching staff he can make it in the NFL. "I knew with Coach Gibbs that my only shot at playing was as a running back," Cartwright said. "They don't need a fullback. So I kind of took it upon myself to lose the weight, come in to camp and show them I belong here." Yeah, but 20 pounds in seven days? Not even Dr. Atkins proclaimed such staggering results. "Well, I cheated on my diet a little," Cartwright said with a laugh. "It probably took about 10 days." Cartwright's offseason metamorphosis has amazed everyone who's seen the now svelte 212-pounder in action. The Redskins' coaching staff certainly has taken notice: With Ladell Betts out the first two weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury, Cartwright served as the No. 2 tailback behind Clinton Portis and on Saturday led the team with eight carries for 47 yards. Cartwright's ultimate status with the club remains uncertain — he could conceivably fall anywhere from second-string tailback to unemployed. He's one of five backup rushers, along with Betts, Chad Morton, Sultan McCullough and John Simon, competing for three or four spots on the opening day roster. But the way Gibbs speaks about him, it seems safe to say Cartwright will play a significant role this season in one capacity or another, despite early suggestions he would have no place on this team. "I told him, 'Don't pay attention to what's written. Pay attention to what you're doing out here,' " Gibbs said yesterday. "Because Rock Cartwright has been there on every down. He plays special teams, and he's been carrying the ball for us. He's been real impressive to me. ... That's one of those guys it looks like you're going to be able to count on." Gibbs and his fellow coaches didn't know what to make of Cartwright when they first arrived in town. It didn't take long, though, for running backs coach Earnest Byner to fall in love with this mighty mite. "The first guy that came to see me in the offseason was Rock," Byner said. "He came in and said, 'Coach, I just want an opportunity to compete. That's all I'm looking for. I want to be with this team.' That's the first thing that really stood out to me about Rock: He has the desire." Cartwright has had to rely on desire every step in his football-playing life. Regularly dismissed because of his short, stocky physique, the third-year pro continually has had to prove himself. And he's succeeded every time. A highly touted rusher in high school, Cartwright was made a fullback at Kansas State because coaches felt he didn't have the size or speed to carry the ball. The Redskins drafted him in the seventh round in 2002, made him their backup fullback, then were forced to start him at tailback three times at the end of last season when injuries decimated the position. Cartwright responded in his usual no-nonsense manner: He ran for a career-high 81 yards against Seattle, then bested that mark with 94 yards against Dallas. His four rushing touchdowns led the team, and his 11-for-14 conversion rate on third-and-1 was among the best in the league. "I knew that [short-yardage situations] would probably be the only way I'd get to touch the ball, before all those other guys got hurt," he said. "So I took a lot of pride in trying to get the first down on the first time, not the second time. And to try to get into the end zone the first time, not the second time." Cartwright also takes pride in his ability to overcome adversity. He has done so often, most recently on Memorial Day, when his mother unexpectedly died. Cartwright, who missed the Redskins' final spring minicamp to attend the funeral, is reluctant to speak about the incident. Thoughts of his mother, though, clearly are with him as he puts on his uniform each day. "I have a lot of motivation for different reasons right now," he said. Byner has seen first-hand how Cartwright has been able to face adversities in his life and transform them into renewed vigor on the football field. "He has the temperament of a guy who's always trying to prove something," Byner said. "I think that's the thing that's really brought him to this level and will continue to drive him the rest of his life, to push him past a lot of things that other people look at as shortcomings." Which is how a 5-foot-7 fullback who two years ago was the 257th player drafted can earn himself a place on an NFL roster, plus in the hearts of coaches, teammates and fans. "It's not where you start, it's where you finish," Cartwright said of his unusual football path. "My fire's still burning to play football, and it's going to continue to burn as long as I get the opportunity." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimster Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I hope he makes the team. I think he will because of his special teams skills. John Simon has looked good on special teams, but I don't know how good of a RB he is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinker Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Losing 20 pounds in 7-10 days can't be healthy. It would seem to greatly diminish your strength even if it were possible (which seems unlikely to me). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 Redskins still cling to Rock By Mark Zuckerman THE WASHINGTON TIMES But the way Gibbs speaks about him, it seems safe to say Cartwright will play a significant role this season in one capacity or another, despite early suggestions he would have no place on this team. "I told him, 'Don't pay attention to what's written. Pay attention to what you're doing out here,' " Gibbs said yesterday. "Because Rock Cartwright has been there on every down. He plays special teams, and he's been carrying the ball for us. He's been real impressive to me. ... That's one of those guys it looks like you're going to be able to count on." After reading the above comments by Gibbs, I believe its safe to say that the Rock will make the team. Blondie can now relax. He would have to screw up real bad now, to be cut. Now that Portis, Morton and the Rock are locks, it now comes down to a duel between Betts and Sultan. Sultan is doing o.k., but nothing positive or negative has been written or said about him. On the other hand, Betts hasn't even gotten on the field, although Byner speaks highly of him. Simon is a long, long shot to make the team in that we already have a number of punt and kickoff returners. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by inmate running the asylum After reading the above comments by Gibbs, I believe its safe to say that the Rock will make the team. Blondie can now relax. He would have to screw up real bad now, to be cut. Now that Portis, Morton and the Rock are locks, it now comes down to a duel between Betts and Sultan. Sultan is doing o.k., but nothing positive has been written or said about him. On the other hand, Betts hasn't even gotten on the field. Simon is a long, long shot to make the team in that we already have a number of punt and kickoff returners. :laugh: Betts has been worth the wait. He's listed as the backup for Clinton Portis. "I love Ladell," said running backs coach Earnest Byner. "He's very gifted. He's got the right temperament and he learns very quickly. When I tell him something, I see it [get done] very quickly with Ladell. "We don't want to push him too fast, but I am anxious to see him in a game. He has the ability to be an impact player." http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69315 Don't bet on it wabbit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makaveli Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Him losing weight better not decrease his effectiveness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSUskinfan Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by thinker Losing 20 pounds in 7-10 days can't be healthy. It would seem to greatly diminish your strength even if it were possible (which seems unlikely to me). Yeah-- this actually worries me a bit. Unless that is a misprint, the only way to lose 20 pounds in a week is a starvation diet. One needs a ~3500 Kcal deficit to lose a pound of fat, so he probably lost a combination of muscle protein, fat and water. Maybe the resulting malaise is the cause for Rock's apparent lack of burst through the hole that he had last year... Of course I'm rooting for Rock, hence my sig. Rock is clocked at 4.56 for the 40. That's really not slow at all. (For reference S. Davis, the ex FB runs a 4.69) Rock didn't need to lose 20 pounds that drastically. :logo: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by KSUskinfan Yeah-- this actually worries me a bit. Unless that is a misprint, the only way to lose 20 pounds in a week is a starvation diet. One needs a ~3500 Kcal deficit to lose a pound of fat, so he probably lost a combination of muscle protein, fat and water. Maybe the resulting malaise is the cause for Rock's apparent lack of burst through the hole that he had last year... Of course I'm rooting for Rock, hence my sig. Rock is clocked at 4.56 for the 40. That's really not slow at all. (For reference S. Davis, the ex FB runs a 4.69) Rock didn't need to lose 20 pounds that drastically. :logo: Actually Rock was clocked at 4.42 at the combine, which is really fast for a guy that size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by bubba9497 Redskins still cling to Rock By Mark Zuckerman THE WASHINGTON TIMES his 11-for-14 conversion rate on third-and-1 was among the best in the league. This is what caught Gibbs eye about the Rock. At 5-7 he can hide behind those big defensive lineman and pop through for a first down. Rock is built like a couple of former Dallas fullbacks who used to drive us nuts, because they were built like firehydrants and it was like trying to tackle a coke machine. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panel Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by inmate running the asylum Actually Rock was clocked at 4.42 at the combine, which is really fast for a guy that size. Just about to say the same thing. One thought I had was to trade Chad Mortan, not that he isn't a great returner, but, he is awfully expencive for a pure Special Teamer, and he could have a real high Trade value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanishomelette Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Newhouse for one... I believe I read an article where Gibbs said he had special plays run for Sultan. I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soljaofjesus Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 I think we should keep 4 RB.. Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton In that order. It should be like this 3 QuarterBacks - Ramsey, Brunell, Hasselbeck 4 Running Back - Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton 4 Wide Receivers - Coles, Gardner, Mccants, thrash, Gari Scott (sorry jacbos you were one of my favorites but you have to show us not to get injuried so much. He gaine 10 pounds of muscle so that should be good) 4 TE Rasby, Cooley, Sellers, Robert Royal 2 Centers - Friedman , and Raymer 5 OT - Jansen, Samuels, Kenetyya Jones, Mark Wilson, Spriggs 4 OG -- Thomas, Dockkery, Spriggs, Ray Brown 4 DT -- Griffin, Noble, Salave'a, Killings 4 DE -- Wynn, Daniels, Upshaw, Warner, 2 MLB - Barrow , Mitchell 5 OLB - Arrington, Washington, Lemons, Khary, Pierce 2 FS - Taylor, Lott 2 SS - Franz, Bowen 5 CB - Smoot, Springs, Harris, Ralph Brown, Bauman 1 K - John Hall 1 Punter - Tupa 1 Long Snapper - Ethan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 My. My. My. Coach Gibbs must not read extreme. To think, Gibbs actually likes Rock. Goodness. I would say it is good Gibbs is the coach, wouldn't you? I do believe he sees camp everyday and really knows what is being asked of his players. Gosh, ya think? I know what Rock can do. I know his desire. I think this article says Gibbs recognizes it. Even if some of the posters on here don't. Personally I am glad it is Gibbs who does. Rock lost the weight under the direction of a trainer in Atlanta. This guy has worked with Rock for the last 2 seasons. He lost 12 pounds between his first and second season...then this weight. When the final roster cuts are made.....I don't think Rock's name will be there. Blondie s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted August 19, 2004 Author Share Posted August 19, 2004 rock will make the team if he beats out Simon on ST. Gibbs keeps several RB's but a couple are mainly ST and a couple speciality type plays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Rock is showing so far he deserves a roster spot. He is taking advantage of the time he is being given on the field and thats how you make the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McMetal Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by inmate running the asylum Actually Rock was clocked at 4.42 at the combine, which is really fast for a guy that size. So why does he look so plodding on the field at times? I have nothing against the guy but he always looks a half-step slow to me getting to the gaps. Especially compared to Sultan, who is just nasty with the speed. I'd like to see him make the team too, he seems like a good character, Gibbs-type guy, but I don't see where he will get his PT. Morton and Simon have been dominating the special teams duties so far this preseason. (Along with Gari Scott) And I don't see him cracking the RB rotation unless we have a trade or injury. Gotta respect his desire to stay a Redskin though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fansince62 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 McMetal...exactly. I don't have anything against the guy...I just don't see him as a real asset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 This is what Gibbs was talking about. Don't pay attention to what's being written. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 The guy is loyal and wants to be a Skin. That counts for something. He has skills but needs to hang on to the ball better. Judging from Coach Gibbs statements he will probably make the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlitzFiftySix Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Blondie, Just curious. What is the infatucation with Rock? What is it that you like so much about him? Is it his toughness? His size? Do you think he is handsome? I'm not asking to be judgemental. I'm just curious what has put you so deep in his corner. Please dont take the defensive when answering this question. My wife who cares little about football took a huge rooting interest in Justin Skaggs making the team because she thought he was good looking. I'm just wondering where your rooting interests are. I like Rock and have been worried about whether or not he has a shot at making the team. And wondered if cut, if he would get picked up by someone else - and whom? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red zone Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Rock is a player. Plain and simple. Plus he wears #40. However, I thought he should have kept his weight up and auditioned for the the heavy jumbo, short yardage and goal line back..... a la Gerald Riggs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Diggler Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Rock is a Redskin. However, he needs to get better on those short yardage careers. He only converted about half of them last year if memory serves. solja 8 Dlinemen is way to light. Most teams go with 9 or 10. Dirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggitmon Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by soljaofjesus I think we should keep 4 RB.. Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton In that order. It should be like this 3 QuarterBacks - Ramsey, Brunell, Hasselbeck 4 Running Back - Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton 4 Wide Receivers - Coles, Gardner, Mccants, thrash, Gari Scott (sorry jacbos you were one of my favorites but you have to show us not to get injuried so much. He gaine 10 pounds of muscle so that should be good) 4 TE Rasby, Cooley, Sellers, Robert Royal 2 Centers - Friedman , and Raymer 5 OT - Jansen, Samuels, Kenetyya Jones, Mark Wilson, Spriggs 4 OG -- Thomas, Dockkery, Spriggs, Ray Brown 4 DT -- Griffin, Noble, Salave'a, Killings 4 DE -- Wynn, Daniels, Upshaw, Warner, 2 MLB - Barrow , Mitchell 5 OLB - Arrington, Washington, Lemons, Khary, Pierce 2 FS - Taylor, Lott 2 SS - Franz, Bowen 5 CB - Smoot, Springs, Harris, Ralph Brown, Bauman 1 K - John Hall 1 Punter - Tupa 1 Long Snapper - Ethan That is a tough call, do you keep an extra running back or an extra WR? Giving up your 2nd round pick from just 2 years ago does seem unlikely though, i'd suspect scott would go before jacobs even though jacobs has hardly seen any of the field cause of injuries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbooma Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Blondie I told you Gibbs likes Rock don't believe anything Inmate says :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nace14 Posted August 19, 2004 Share Posted August 19, 2004 Originally posted by soljaofjesus I think we should keep 4 RB.. Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton In that order. It should be like this 3 QuarterBacks - Ramsey, Brunell, Hasselbeck 4 Running Back - Clinton, Rock/Betts, Sulton 4 Wide Receivers - Coles, Gardner, Mccants, thrash, Gari Scott (sorry jacbos you were one of my favorites but you have to show us not to get injuried so much. He gaine 10 pounds of muscle so that should be good) 4 TE Rasby, Cooley, Sellers, Robert Royal you really think we are going to keep 4 rbs, 4 te's and only 4 wide outs? no way. either royal, betts or sulton are gone. jacobs will be on the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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