A belated farewell to safety Adam Archuleta, who was let go by the Bears earlier this week.
A little over two years after the Redskins foolishly made Archuleta the highest-paid safety in NFL history, he was found wanting yet again, this time by his mentor. Lovie Smith had been the Rams' defensive coordinator when Archuleta was picked in the first round of the 2001 draft and became an instant starter. Smith traded for his protege last year. If he doesn't think that Archuleta can still play, who will? My guess is no one.
I knew the 2006 Redskins were in big trouble the night Archuleta was destroyed by Tom Brady during a preseason thrashing at New England. I wasn't the only one. And Archuleta didn't win any friends in the locker room as the likely snitch to ESPN about backstabbing at Redskin Park that fall. But don't feel sorry for Archuleta; he has millions to keep him happy.
Speaking of safeties, who would've guessed that Reed Doughty would be the only one who came to camp with Washington in 2006 who would still be on the roster 21 months later?
-- David Elfin
Comments (6)
Good blog article. I find it interesting - despite all the expertise - that professional coaches and scouts can miss big time on selecting veterans. And certain teams do so much more frequently and consistently than others. This latter group, which I include the Redskins, should be sending red flags up a pole quickly. Maybe, this year, they finally saw the flag.
Another point to this are the outrageous salaries and guarantees given to free agents and rookies. If I were to do any contract as an owner (maybe all owners should do this) to get your money you, as a player, must achieve the following: 1) make the roster, 2) if suppose to be a starter you make first string and remain first string (injuries not included), 3) you perform up to expectations, and 4) pay for performance - your pay is directly linked to how you grade out each game. The coaches grade the players, it is about as accurate a system currently in use now by which to determine how well a player executes his assignments.
To get a huge salary while you absolutely fail in your job is absurd. Oh well, many CEO's in this country do the same - so do the national politicians.
Posted by saratogan | May 9, 2008 8:41 AM
There you go..talking about the Danny and Vinnie player selection again.
Posted by Roger Smith | May 9, 2008 8:45 AM
It seems curious to me that, despite a seemingly sophisticated year-round, coast to coast scouting staff, the Redskins seem to sign up an awful ( no pun intended ) lot of Terps. When I think of Maryland I pretty much picture just lacrosse and basketball. I've got to believe certain conferences, such as the SEC, have loads of talent to try out. Where does Vinny do all his brain storming ------------- Happy Hour at the Green Turtle ?
Posted by Dubious fan | May 9, 2008 1:43 PM
If u pay for performance they will go to another league were money is guaranteed. The NFLPA will never allow it, performance can easily be minipulated, u can say what u want but this is the best system. If u don't believe me, have u ever said this? Our heard this? yeah right, what game were u watching? Performance is a matter of opinion too, it varies, stats don't tell the whole story. If a rb rushes for a lot yds. but it was mainly the blocking who should be getting most of the money, the line is going to argue its case, and the rb is going to argue no I just followed the right blocks, I broke the tackels, U can't pay for performance. What about the Rams Kurt Warner in his day through for a lot of yds. but some people said it was the reciever, some say Kurt didn't perform that well it was his recievers. THIS IS THE BEST SYSTEM. Paying for performance is stupid because that will turn into politics and who they like more, and not on its original purpose, who is the best.
Posted by Anonymous | May 9, 2008 3:12 PM
About Maryland its about money not talent. He brings in former Maryland players so fans will come and see games and that generates more money. Sports is a buisness remember it winning is just part of it their are other important things to take care of.
Posted by Anonymous | May 9, 2008 3:13 PM
As for the terps, it's probably more mercy than anything else. Most of the UFAs have no chance of making the team. Why make them pick up and move from Bama or Tenn just to get cut a few weeks later? Saves the Danny their airfare, too.
Posted by Anonymous | May 9, 2008 5:20 PM