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Redskins Excited About Alexander
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Alexander, left tackle Chris Samuels and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin were team captains at the University of Alabama during the 1999 season. Samuels understands how things work in the NFL, so he was not surprised Alexander was unemployed until the Redskins contacted him. "A lot of people labeled his career as washed up, but he's definitely not washed up," Samuels said. "I've talked to him, he's been working out hard, and he's excited and he's hungry.
"With Clinton back there, and then with the change-up Shaun brings, that's going to be great for us. I'm expecting big things."
Portis has been outstanding. He leads the league in rushing with 643 yards, attempts per game at 22.7 and averages 4.7 yards per carry, but Portis said he could learn a few things from Alexander.
"I always wondered, I want to know, 'How you get 28 touchdowns?' " Portis said. "Who better to ask than Shaun? He did it."
Since he joined the Redskins, Zorn has praised Portis and Betts for the "violent" way in which they run and block in pass protection. Even when there are no openings, Zorn said, Portis and Betts fight for yards. Even when Alexander was at his best in Seattle, "if it wasn't there he wasn't going to push it," Zorn said, so Zorn hopes the Redskins' way of doing things "will grow on" Alexander.
Betts has a 4.1-yard rush average, "and Ladell was getting anywhere between 15 to 25 plays" a game, Mitchell said. "Shaun won't get near that amount of plays because Rock's going to get some snaps as well, so he'll be ready to do whatever we call upon him to do."
Alexander does not envision any problems, he said.
"People that have talent, and have done some good things for their teams, always respect other guys that have done it," Alexander said. "I've had nothing but respect for Clinton, I think that he's an amazing player, and he's given me the same love. I think any time you get two guys who just play hard, and like to win, it always works out."
Staff writer Jason La Canfora contributed to this report.
