More Correcshuns

Below is a chat transcript from www.browns.scout.com . Adam Caplan runs sportsinjuries.com, and I've found him to be a really excellent source. He has excellent connections around the NFL, and somehow manages to track each of the 32 teams as if he's a native fan. Perhaps most important, he doesn't often interpose his personal biasses in what he reports. He is insightful, knowlegable, objective, and...not...perfect.

Still, this is mostly so I can pick on the dumbass fans asking the dumbass questions:

Adam Caplan: Hi all
jevanoff: Hey Adam, is there really a reason for optimism about Lecharles Bentley, or just postponing the inevitable?
Adam Caplan: JEV: It's unlikely he plays this season. Lets put it that way.
Brownsfan91171: Adam, any truth about the rumors that Quinn will be a hold out? On the other hand, Thomas seems like he is pushing his agent to get in on time.
Adam Caplan: BR: I talked about that a few weeks ago in the chat, Condon has a history of holdouts.
Wile E: Standard procedure, like a lawyer who files trivial motions. Like a kidnapper's M.O. What a prick.
amore: How likely is it that LCB will ever play again?
Adam Caplan: AM: Only his doctor can answer that.
ramllov: Adam, How do you rate the Browns defensive line. Last year it was poor. With a healthy Roye, Robarie Smith and Shawn Smith, do you now rate it fair?
Adam Caplan: RAM: Talent and depth has been upgraded.Adam Caplan: So it should be better.Adam Caplan: Depth is really esential with Washington and Roye there.
Wile E: And RAC won't cut Washington until he's in a wheelchair.
jevanoff: adam, all things being equal, what QB has looked the best THIS year in OTA's with the new offense?
Adam Caplan: JEV: Too early to say, all are in a learning curve. Good thing with Quinn is he's grasping the scheme well so far, that's really big. His throws are off but that's typical when you're new.
Wile E: The sky is not falling DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Brownsfan91171: Adam, how long before Thomas is first string LT?
Adam Caplan: BR: We'll see what transpires during training camp but unless he kicks ass then, expect to see Shaffer starting.
Wile E: CORRECTION: Thomas is already pretty refined/advanced, and is probably already better than Shaffer in every phase. There's no rational reason to prevent him from getting reps with the first team, and the players he must integrate with. Adam really, really, reallyreallyreally values experience, and tends to undervalue rookies.
cmayer2222: Were would you say our 3 biggest weakness' our adam!
Adam Caplan: CM: CB, QB based on for this season, OL depth
Wile E: CORRECTION: This "CB" fixation is almost beyond comprehension, and makes me think Adam should get checked for Alzheimer's. Bodden, Wright, Rodney Hollyfield, Rodney Minterfield are the top four. One of the safeties is a CB/FS hybrid. Where Perry is competing for the fifth slot, this is a very STRONG, and deep unit. Here again, Adam has downgraded Wright and all but dismissed Minter due to lack of game-tapes/experience, and failed to isolate Holly's last four games from the bulk of his time, or factor in the off-season he's had to digest it.
ramllov: Adam, defensive line again, Is Orien Harris DE going to be on the team or practice squad, does he have an upside?
Adam Caplan: RAM: A little based on college projections
Wile E: Harris will be somewhere on the active depth-chart unless they can find somebody better. He has a LOT of upside based on projections, but he has to be committed and disciplined--which is tougher to predict.
BleedingOrangeandBrown: Adam, Based on the latest article it looks like THomas may be the first in the top 5 to be sighned. DO you see that as a reality?
Adam Caplan: BL: His agents have a good history of getting guys signed on time.
jevanoff: is there anyone who has been a major dissapointment so far in OTAs other than perkins?
Adam Caplan: JEV: Not that I've heard.
amore: Is there more to the story in the Browns scouting staff shake up or was it simply a family matter?
Adam Caplan: AM: The guy replacing him is very good.
Adam Caplan: That's all I really need to say.
Adam Caplan: Very well respected and could be a future GM.
Wile E: Some changes are upgrades. HONEST!
redright: Adam, what is your thoughts on Sowells for this year?
Adam Caplan: RED: Hopefully he will develop as the #3 G
Wile E: Adam is from Missouri. Not enough game film-not a first-day pick. Didn't start ergo can't. Another guard, Fred Matua, was drafted by Detroit in the seventh, ergo does not exist for Adam. Adam also never considered the probability of a lot of trap and zone-blocking.
ramllov: Adam, Have you heard anything about McKinney and his recovery, I hear he is practicing, but there is no contact?
Adam Caplan: RAM: So far, so good with McKinney.
jevanoff: i still don't understand why they won't move Leon Williams to OLB to start over Willie McGinest. Is there some magic reason other than he is 'considered an ILB.
Adam Caplan: JEV: I asked RAC that at the combine, he said for this season, he's at ILB.Adam Caplan: But I would agree with his skills and size he projects more to OLB down the line
Wile E: CORRECTION: Williams is equally qualified for any of the linebacker slots, in a 3-4 or a 4-3. As an inside backer, he has extraordinary range and can get to the QB quicker than anyone else. Antwan Peek is better qualified at OLB in this particular scheme, and situationally Chaun Thompson is similar to Williams in that role. Niether of these players would do as well inside. With these personnel and in this scheme, Williams gets on the field the most, and is most effective, inside. Shame on you, Adam!
ramllov: Adam, If McKinney is healthy without any effects from his injury, is he the starting RG September 9th?
Adam Caplan: RAM: Don't see why he wouldn't be at this point.
Wile E: DUH!
Adam Caplan: They have no one else
Wile E: There we go again. Sowells or Matua might or might not be good enough, but it's assenine to assume they aren't simply because they haven't played much, or because your other GM's and personnel guys are unimpressed with Sowells in his limitted time as a rookie converted tackle. And then, there's Tucker. Tucker CAN play guard...but Adam aint seen it yet, ergo it can't happen.
redright: What can you say about our coaching staff this year? Can you say that they seem to be working in unison?
Adam Caplan: RED: So far, so good
BleedingOrangeandBrown: Any more updates on Baxter?Think he will make it in time for season kick off?
Adam Caplan: BLE: He's running so that's goodAdam Caplan: Best case is he practices once a day in training camp but he has a long way to go.
Wile E: Please think of better questions, ok? Baxter is expendable, and it hardly matters.
Adam Caplan: BTW, Harrison looks good so far... increased size could help him in his projected passing down, change of pace role.Adam Caplan: But again, no contact
Wile E: And what he did last season means nothing? Can't we extrapolate just a little teeny-tiny bit, here? Good thing you aint a cop, Adam. You'd need to confirm that the thing pointed at your head was actually a loaded gun before you'd shoot back.
jdailey23: Hows tucker looking?
Adam Caplan: JD: OL you really can't tell much because they can't hit
Wile E: His problem wasn't physical and he's not washed up, so obviously he'll be fine--JEEZ!
ramllov: Adam, Have you heard if Simon Fraser, DE, has become stronger since last season? I read that he had problems holding the corner last year. What is your take?
Adam Caplan: RAM: Hard to say with them in shorts
Wile E: Adam stop it you're killing me. IS he bigger? If he is, then you can make an educated freaking guess, can't you? Are you some sort of computer program or something? Ram, that's better. Stick to the relevant! It's also great that it even OCCURRED to somebody besides me that the dude would be bigger and stronger! You da man!
Adam Caplan: RBs you can tell a little moreamore: Lewis, Wright, Harrison - is this enough at RB?
Adam Caplan: AM: Rotation should be good
Wile E: THANK YOU!!!
smagyar: Adam, what about Baba Oshinowo? I keep hearing he's too small for NT...
Adam Caplan: SM: He may have to play DE, we'll see how he looks in August.
Wile E: CORRECTION: Oshi is to short to play DE consistantly. The tackles, and perhaps even TE's, could control him at arm's length. He doesn't have the requisite speed, change-of-direction, or range, either. 305 at 6' can be okay for a nose tackle or rush DT, however. It's about leverage, and penetration can replace bulk.
BleedingOrangeandBrown: 1,0Think the added size to Harrison's frame will help him in his blocking assignments?Adam Caplan: BL: That but his technique must improveAdam Caplan: you don't have to be strong to block
Wile E: Here we go from understatement to overstatement, and more intellectual timidity. Weight is a big factor in blocking, and technique is LEARNED. We can safely assume that Harrison has learned and will be a better blocker. That's just ALMOST obvious, so it's far too risky for Adam to call a probable.
amore: Frye, Anderson, Quinn, Dorsey - who is the odd man out?Adam Caplan: AM: DorseyAdam Caplan: has to beAdam Caplan: unless they can trade FryeAdam Caplan: but at this point they can't give him a way
Brownsfan91171: Adam, is there any option to make dorsey a coach?
Adam Caplan: BR: Possibly when they tell him he's cut
jdailey23: Any chance Dorsey goes on the practice squad, or will someone grab him beforeAdam Caplan: JD: He's not practice squad eligible
Wile E: Dude, you don't stick 3-4 year vets on practice squads and kick your future talent to the curb. Get a clue.
amore: Is Frye the opening day starter or does Anderson have a real chance?
Adam Caplan: AM: Anderson has a pretty good chance to start over FryeAdam Caplan: He gives them a better chance to win
Wile E: You are correct, sir! RAC has an unfortunate Martonian tendancy to prioritize experience over talent or ability, but his ass is on the line and he's going to have to let the best man win, period. If he doesn't--or tries to keep Thomas on the bench--if I'm Phil Savage I'll FORCE him to change his mind.
But that probably aint neccessary. RAC will listen to Chud, and Chud don't play.
ramllov: Adam, Have you heard anything about Braylon Edwards, on how he is looking in camp? Running good routes etc?
Adam Caplan: RAM: He's picked up the paceAdam Caplan: He'll be fine
redright: Curious isn't it to think that Frye is our likely starter come Sept and the Browns can't give him away? What is the story?
Adam Caplan: RED: Not sure what you mean,Adam Caplan: Who said Frye is the likely starter?
Wile E: But...he's from Ohio! I don't...what is...like Bernie...I don't understand..........
amore: Is Trent Green ever going to get to Miami?jevanoff: he went today amoreAdam
Caplan: Green went for a conditional 5thAdam Caplan: could be a 4thAdam Caplan: if he meets playing time requirements
Wile E: Could you stick to Browns questions, butthead?
grinch: Do the Falcons regret trading Schaub given the whole Vick dogfighting investigation ?Adam Caplan: GR: I would bet they've thought about that
Wile E: There goes more questions about other teams. You guys suck.
ramllov: KC ' s GM did a good jobAdam Caplan:
RAM: Very good, he told Miami they had to do the trade this week or they were keepinghim
Wile E: How many paragraphs was that on KC and Miami? Dumbasses.
redright: Adam...the Browns cant trade Frye. There are no takers. Most post and article I read "predict" Frye to be our starter until Quinn in week 6 or so can start. Curious? How do you see it?
Adam Caplan: RED: Again, as I said previously, Anderson gives them the best chance to win.
amore: Only hope to trade Frye is if there are a lot of QB injuries in training camp
Adam Caplan: AM: Probably so
ramllov: I am surprised that Atlanta did not make a run at Green considering their dawg QB.Adam Caplan: RAM: They have HarringtonAdam Caplan: so they're locked in with him
Wile E: Oh for cryin' out loud!
ramllov: Maybe frye will go to Atlana
ramllov: so what good is Harrington, he is worthless
Adam Caplan: RAM: I don't see it, he's no better than HarringtonAdam Caplan: Frye has more athleticism
Brownsfan91171: Adam who has looked most impressive through all of the OTAs to date?
Adam Caplan: BR: Hard to say because there's no contact but Harrison is getting off to a good start.
Wile E: Way to stick you neck out, Adam!
jevanoff: adam how is the browns starting OL not one of the best in the league? what more can they do or upgrade? the odd man out may be a starting NFL left tackle ..
Adam Caplan: JEV: I can't see Shaffer being traded unless Thomas does really well in training camp.Adam Caplan: They're somewhere in the middle of the pack
Wile E: MOST HIGH FIRST ROUND LEFT TACKLES START IMMEDIATELY AND ARE SUCCESSFUL.
amore: Could Shaffer be traded during training camp?
Adam Caplan: AM: Mid to late August if Thomas is doing well
Wile E: And Thomas WILL BE doing well. Adam, maybe it's a hormonal thing with you. Better check it out.
amore: Do Giants still have interest?
Adam Caplan: AM: CLE called NYG from what I understandAdam Caplan: Not other way around.
ramllov: Adam, how many good QBs do you see in the NFL today?
Adam Caplan: RAM: Too general a question for chat
Wile E: WHO CARES?
BleedingOrangeandBrown: Why would Browns be willing to take the cap hit by trading Shaffer this season Admam? They could use the depth
Adam Caplan: BL: Again, they plan on keeping him which I've said for weeks
Probably true, since they're stuck with his massive signing bonus anyway, and he'd be good depth at left and maybe a starter right in a zone scheme.
redright: If quinn is our future and Anderson is the best chance of winning, does it mean that Frye and Dorsey are gone it the Browns can get anything? does it mean that we may still see a veteran QB before the season starts?
Adam Caplan: RED: Dorsey is going to be let go, that's pretty certain
Wile E: And OBVIOUS.
ramllov: Adam, do you see Charlie Frye as an NFL quarerback three to five years out?
Adam Caplan: RAM: NopeAdam Caplan: As far as a starterAdam Caplan: backup maybe
jevanoff: does dorsey know that
Adam Caplan: JEV: My mom knows he doesn't have a chanceAdam Caplan: Smart guy but really doesn't offer much for on the field
amore: KW2 recovery from microfracture going well? What kind of year can we expect from him?
Adam Caplan: AM: Key will be how he looks when the pads go on, how well he movesAdam Caplan: In this scheme TEs will stretch the field so he has to move better
Wile E: It would be nice for him to regain his straight-line speed, but no TE in the NFL "moves better" than K2 did for the last two season. The TE here will challenge the deep safety--because he can screen-off and overpower him. Adam, what are you talking bout?
ramllov: What have you heard about Derek Anderson in camp? Adam
Adam Caplan: RAM: The QBs have been pretty much the same, learning the scheme, Anderson tooAdam Caplan: None of them have separated themselvesAdam Caplan: That's pretty much par for the course in OTAs
amore: Does Chud have what it takes to be a decent offensive coordinator?
Adam Caplan: AM: yesAdam Caplan: has worked under good coaches
Wile E: I guess Adam is more liberal with coaches than with players. I'd expected him to say no, because Chud had never been an OC before.
redright: What chance is there of the Browns getting a veteran QB before the season starts?Adam Caplan: RED: Depends on how the top three look during training campAdam Caplan: Holcomb is available
ramllov: Adam, Ethan Kelly, NT, does he have a future with the Cleveland Browns?Adam Caplan: RAM: Probably, Pats liked him
clebrowns80: Adam, do you see Travis Wilson starting this year?Adam Caplan: CLE: NopeAdam Caplan: Hopefully he will be the #3
Wile E: If he is more productive than Jurevicious, which he might be, he will start. Jurevicious is another year older, and Wilson is much faster, with many of the same traits otherwise. Adam just doesn't have any tape on Wilson.
redright: Tim Carter, considered a bust in NY...how does he look so far? Can he hold onto the ball? Run a route?
Adam Caplan: RED: Fast but has a long way to go
Wile E: What the hell does THAT mean? Anyway, Carter is probably the fourth reciever, used mainly in 3 or 4-wide, do-or-die sets, or against defenses which are vulnerable deep.
jevanoff: adam i really like what i've heard/seen about shaun smith so far, is it possible he takes over the starter at NT some point?
Adam Caplan: JEV: We'll see how he does when it counts when the pads go on
Wile E: Jeez, Adam! Probably yes, jevanoff. And Adam knows it.
amore: Does the new salary cap year start on June 1? What happens to all the cap room the Browns had left as of June 1?
Adam Caplan: AM: June 2 is when you can cut guys for reliefAdam Caplan: but changes in CBA gave teams 2 guys to cut earlyAdam Caplan: to do that
redright: After three years in the pros can anyone teach Carter to catch?
Adam Caplan: RED: IT's up to him
ramllov: February they were talking about it, now they are practicing it. I just wonder if they are doing what you expected.
Adam Caplan: RAM: They're all learning it and applying what they're taught in classroom setting.
Cheesedog: What do you think would prevent Wilson from taking the #2 position from Joe J? Experience or something else? Thanks.
Adam Caplan: CH: Experience and he didn't really play last yearAdam Caplan: no reason to think he'll start unless he has a great training campAdam Caplan: But as I've said before, he could start down the lineAdam Caplan: he has that kind of talent.
Wile E: For Adam, that took a whole lotta guts.
redright: I assume our roster is 99% set. Is there any player or position you see a change at?Adam Caplan: RED: You could see OL depth get improved by August
Adam Caplan: CB also
Adam Caplan: that's a problem, they have bodies but talent upgrade is needed
Wile E: Bullshit.
musicdyn: Adam, now that Harrison has bulked up can he be a long term solution at RB?
Adam Caplan: MU: Ask me at the end of AugustAdam Caplan: AugustAdam Caplan: I may actually be able to answer thatAdam Caplan: this yearAdam Caplan: Brian Westbrook really bulked up and it helpedAdam Caplan: and he didn't lose any speedAdam Caplan: that's really key for Harrison
Wile E: That's true, but they usually don't. A good percentage of the extra weight, especially given Harrison's frame, is added to the calves, thighs, and butt. He could even be faster in a straight line sprint. Tiki Barber did the same, developing phenominal lower-body strength. This also means more for shorter players, because the motion is far more consistant and compact...nevermind.
jevanoff: adam, CB's can be evaluated a fair amount without pads, has eric wright looked like a starter?
Adam Caplan: JEV: Footwork and knowledge of scheme is about all you can seeAdam Caplan: Nothing bad so farAdam Caplan: which is good
Wile E: given his lack of experience, and the complexity of the zone system, it's outstanding. One of the reasons he was so valued was that he's very, very smart. He'll need to be a HITTER and aggressive run-stopper, though.
Brownsfan91171: Adam, you think OL depth is that bad? The fans think it is a strength now.
Adam Caplan: Other than Butler, no one can start of their backups
Wile E: See that? The only reason he gives Rodney Butlerfield that much credit is the fact that he WAS a starter before the Browns got him. The young guys have potential--Sowells even at RT. They're simply unproven S O F A R.
Adam Caplan: Guys: That's all the time I have, we'll do it again in two weeks

Sorry about this, Adam, but this time you get a C-minus. You saved yourself from failing by acknowleging Harrison's and Wilson's potentials, giving Rodney Andersonfield a fair shot, and admitting that Butler doesn't suck.

If I was grading on a curve, you'd get a B, mainly because Mary Kay Cabot is pretty good, but here we have to go by my own stringent standards.