Replacing Betts

Shaun Alexander talks to us media folk during the noon hour about joining the Redskins as Clinton Portis' back up. Here's what kind of role he should expect. Ladell Betts played 22 snaps against Philadelphia and 14 snaps against St. Louis (before getting hurt). He had 38 carries and six receptions in the first six games. Portis leads the NFL in carries but that's as much a reflection on how the Redskins have controlled the ball as it is him being a workhorse. Betts generally plays a full series early in the second quarter. At Philly, he played 12 snaps in the second quarter. In the second half of games, he has become a fill-in for Portis -- a snap here, two plays there, etc. Once Alexander gets up to speed, it will be interesting to see how Jim Zorn uses him. Alexander is used to a steady workload so it will be an adjustment for him to stay sharp despite not getting regular work.