Below are fan comments on a Grossi article in which he thorized as to the reasons for Quinn's replacement of DA as the starter.
WOW. Thought I wouldn't see this all season. What a welcomed change. I just hope he's all that he has been expected to be.
GO BROWNS!!!!
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Posted by kerplunk38 on 11/03/08 at 6:51PM
Glad to see Brady in there - but my only complaint is that its durring a short week. Is this setting Brady up to fail?
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Did the CIA kill JFK? Are the Rothchild's running the world? Was 911 an inside job?
Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 6:52PM
Dear, SWEET baby Jesus, it's true...but as I predicted last week, they waited exactly one game too long to get him in and save the season. On the bright side, next year is looking a whole lot better.
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You don't replace a QB after a good game.
Posted by tdprog12 on 11/03/08 at 6:53PM
Hate to say it but I think BE's 14 or so drops this year is just as bad if not worse than DA's play.
Tony brings up a good point about the no huddle. I think the Browns are the only team in the NFL that does not run the no huddle as a change of pace.
With our O-Line Brady should shred the Broncos horrible D. If you have Winslow on your fantasy team congratulations he will have a huge day.
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Intelligent life in Cleveland!!! AMEN on Edwards' drops! He has probably lost us more games than he's won! The Browns should probably be 5-3 instead of the reverse--and it's maddening, because all of last season he caught everything--how can the butthead go backwards like this? At least Quinn won't get blamed for them like DA was...
The offense won't look the same. Chud will tailor it to what Quinn does best. It'll work.
Posted by BigDawgy54 on 11/03/08 at 6:53PM
IT'S ABOUT FRIGGIN TIME!!!!!!!!!NEXT.....WE NEED CHUDZINSKI (PLEASE EXCUSE SPELLING) IN FOR CRENNEL!!!!!!!It's a shame the Browns took half a season to see/realize what fans already knew.Browns fans know football!!!!That's why Browns fans critisize when they do. Browns fans are truly the 12th man in the game.Maybe the Browns would do well to listen to their very knowledgable and faithful fan base!GO BROWNS! GO BQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This may be one small step for the Browns but, it's a giant leap for Browns fans!!!!!!
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Most of the people who post here are clueless, and repeat stuff they heard that sounds schmardt.
Posted by kerplunk38 on 11/03/08 at 6:53PM
Glad to see Brady in there - but like any Cleveland fan I still have to complain - its durring a short week. Is this setting Brady up to fail on his frist start?
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That's insane. Even if he has a rocky game, he'll remain the starter next week. Savage drafted him. RAC? Even if he would--like he does the Ghost--Savage wouldn't.
Posted by jungledawg32 on 11/03/08 at 6:58PM
Apparently RAC said earlier in the day Anderson would remain the starter. Was he overruled by Savage? While the change was definitely needed I think RAC was going to stick with DA all season. While the players may love RAC it's obvious he's in over his head. Now, let's see what Brady can do the rest of this year and in the future with Bill Cowher. Go Browns!!
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More intelligent life in Cleveland!!!
Posted by geo590 on 11/03/08 at 6:59PM
he's in for the long haul now - there's no way they'll take him out after one game... we're desperate so, you never know, he may be the second coming of joe montana and win us 7 straight... now is the right time to make the switch
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Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 7:00PM
He will be fine my brotha...Brady has been preparing for this from day one. And do you honestly think he can look any worse than DA?
Does this mean that Romeo must now actually say the previously unmentionable name of "the other guy"? It's okay Romeo...if you manage not to get fired, you can thank "the other guy" for saving your a$$.
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DAMMIT! BQ might indeed keep Romeo here!
Posted by maurerma on 11/03/08 at 7:00PM
Praise the Lord!!! Now just get rid of Crennel and Edwards and we're on our way to the playoffs. Jurevicius being out has killed this team. What I would ask for Christmas is meaningful games in December. Brady might be Santa Claus this year.
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Posted by grozatoe on 11/03/08 at 7:03PM
One of the things that distinguishes great NFL QB's from clip board holders is a sense of presence...a command of the huddle and the game situation. A great QB inspires confidence. Did DA EVER show any of that in almost 2 years???!
DA is a cannon arm attached the a fragile psyche. A guy who crumbles. A guy who folds up and tucks his tail when he is stressed out. You can't have that in a franchise QB.
So Quinn is shorter, doesn't have the arm, and has no experience. We still need to see if he has the intangibles to be a leader of men. DA does not.
Yes, Edwards is worthless and K2 is another me first player from the U (who gives 110%) but maybe id Quinn can get an accurate pass to these guys ON time we can have a decent passing attack again. NO quinn can't catch or block...but maybe he can step up and be the kind of player that his teammates respect and play for. 'Bout time. Good luck BQ.
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Not bad.
Posted by loyalbrnsfan on 11/03/08 at 7:04PM
here we go again... wahwahwah what a bunch of cry babies...
Quinn will be just fine stop complaining.
You got what you wanted..
Denvers defense sucks...
Go Browns!!!!!
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Uh...what?
Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 7:06PM
BQ may be shorter, but he will not nearly have the number of passes knocked down that DA did.
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Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 7:08PM
loyal! Back on the meds...NOW!!!
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Yeah!
Posted by ricomon on 11/03/08 at 7:09PM
If in his 1st game BQ looks confused, clumsy, and throws a couple picks he will still look as good as DA.
However, I don't expect that. Those of you making excuses for DA will be surprised to see how much better everyone else plays when they have a field general that is a true leader!!!
It feels like a ton of bricks has just been lifted off the city of Cleveland!
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He's probably right. We've already seen him run the no-huddle admirably, albeit in preseason. He was knocked for throwing short a lot, but the point is, those balls were on the money. The arm thing is overstated: Quinn has a strong arm--just not a howitzer like DA's. He can and will go deep--just not so often. Don't worry, Braylon. You will get to drop some more passes.
Posted by bellycheck on 11/03/08 at 7:10PM
Savage drafted Quinn so the Ravens could not.Then when Flacco beat the Browns for the second time, that strategy went down the toilet and the writing was on the wall. A fuse had to be lit.Will this save Romeo's job? For his sake, its his last hope.
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Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 7:16PM
Romeo is slooooowwwwwwwwww...if only this move could've been made ONE friggin game earlier...ahhhhhhhhhh!!!
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Posted by elfinbrowns on 11/03/08 at 7:21PM
gee Tony could you stuff DA.under the bus more?and maybe burn rubber on his carcass.also our so called coaching staff can be the speed bumps...
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Posted by ckNikka on 11/03/08 at 7:22PM
As someone else said... Brady can't block and catch... but with the season gone down the tubes time to look at something new... I think I would have waited until after Denver... but go for it... also... get some of the play calling back that we had just a week ago... Let Heiden play more and let lewis run something besides between the tackles... the QB change could make the game at least fun to watch... don't forget we have a average defence at best... I have been a fan from 1960 and there is no fast fix for this team...all of us are just so starved so weary of it all ... we do need a new coach and I am sorry that Mike S got to SF... but we will see...anyway Go Browns!
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The defense is damn good, nimrod! And the offense is loaded. Quinn will succeed BECAUSE of the blocking and cachin...oh yeah...Edwards...nevermind.
Posted by fsuseminoles on 11/03/08 at 7:25PM
Let's hope he's the real deal, or else we'll begin to see Cleveland's window of opportunity close real quickly. And it's barely open as it is.
Shaun Rogers is getting up there in age. Edwards will be a free agent. Winslow wants out and is gone. Lewis is getting old. Corey Williams is looking to be overpaid. Stallworth needs to be cut.
Looking ahead to the future, the offensive line is about the only bright spot on offense.
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Not bad, but a bit over the top. Williams has improved in his new postion, and he and Rogers have a good three seasons left. Stallworth was best available--he's always nicked up somehow. Lewis has a lot of carries, but is still young. Two wide-outs in waiting on the practice squad with great potential. You forgot Rucker, and what we could trade some of these guys for.
Posted by jdawg8 on 11/03/08 at 7:34PM
Savage is clearly the man in charge and making the moves. If Quinn comes out and lights it up and we still miss the playoff then Romeo is gone. He waited way to long to make a move with Carthon and Savage had to step in and make the switch for him and now the same thing has happened with DA and Quinn.
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I think that's exactly correct.
Posted by cbusdawg77 on 11/03/08 at 7:34PM
"NEXT.....WE NEED CHUDZINSKI (PLEASE EXCUSE SPELLING) IN FOR CRENNEL!!!!!!!"
If you think Chud and his weak playcalling in his 2nd year is a better answer - youre kidding yourself. Crennel gets plenty of blame but players need to play up to the level of their pay. Chud needs to game plan a heck of a lot better.
Think the O will see a boost in confidence and consistency though. Quinn may actually jog out to the huddle and not do the duck walk like Anderson was great at doing.
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You are a goofball. Chud doesn't tell Edwards to drop 60-yard passes, or recievers to charge into coverage. He blew the Cinci game last season as a rookie. The runs late in this one were disturbing, except when you consider that the Ravens has their ears pinned back and they didn't trust DA. And that has RAC's fingerprints on it anyway.
Posted by joevegas on 11/03/08 at 7:34PM
TURN ON THE LIGHTS THE PARTY IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!!!!!!
THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by numb2losses on 11/03/08 at 7:36PM
Well, this is a step in the right direction. I don't know how much difference it will make. Giving Quinn a short week is a poor choice in my belief. It doesn't give him the preparation he deserves, but I think he'll do well. Anderson is a great backup QB, but he only had a 80 QB rating last year as a starter with an easy schedule. The team could have easily have gone 6-10 last year. It was just a matter of time.
On the Browns, there is a fundamental weakness in leadership on the team. It all goes back to Romeo. He can't even make a decent decision on the field, let alone actually lead his players! 3rd and 11 and you decline a 10 yd penalty so Baltimore can kick a FG? Wow, pure genius Romeo! I'm sure we would have heard more about that if Anderson didn't throw the INT for a touchdown and the final score was decided by 3 points. How about we bench Romeo?
Romeo couldn't get a fire started under their butts if he had a can of gasoline and a stack of matches! Those drops by Edwards? If he was under Parcells, Cowher, or any of the halfway decent coaches in the NFL, I can guarantee you it would never happen again.
Amen! Say it!
Mark my words: Romeo will never be a great coach. He doesn't have the instinct, intelligence, or knowledge needed for the job. He probably didn't even decide to pick Quinn for Thursday. The only decision he has made is for a 3-4 defense, and we've all seen how those defenses have turned out the last few years.
As far as Savage, he needs to stay out of politics and just manage what's left of the team. Winslow a distraction from the team??? How is that even possible? The only distraction was the chaos and confusion created by Savage, and the PR staff at the Cleveland Browns. After that poor decision by Savage, I wouldn't have him manage the ticket office, let alone the brownies.
Aw, crap! Savage has earned one freaking mistake (I mean besides extending RAC).
As far as Chud goes, I do like him. He's doing well as Offensive Coordinator. There's just no follow-through from the team. He does need to add some old school flea flickers, reverses, and some other exciting plays (play Harrison and Heiden more, have Cribbs as a WR, etc.). But alas, we need to concentrate on one problem at a time.
I apologize for my venting.
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Posted by snyderro on 11/03/08 at 7:38PM
One could argue that having two "Pro Bowl" receivers is actually a disadvantage to Anderson, since Edwards couldn't catch a cold and Winslow runs routes wherever he feels like it.
Huh? K2 blows routes? How many, Sherlock?
DA has not played as well hoped this year admittedly, but anyone that thinks they lost Sunday because of DA is a moron.
Shut up. He's right.
But of course Brady is the savior and we'll probably go 8-0 now the rest of the way with the second coming of Otto Graham and Joe Montana all rolled into on behind center. Cleveland fans can be such idiots.
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He's right about the idiot part. But actually, Quinn probably WILL do well here, except when he has to throw passes to Edwards. He's not a gunslinger. He's more like a bigger, stronger Brian sipe, with a stronger arm.
Posted by baycabbie on 11/03/08 at 7:39PM
I feel there are more problems within the organization than just the quater back position. Going from DA to Quinn is not going to solve the deep down problems. Changing one player on this team is not going to solve everything. I feel there are problems with coaches, management, players, and in the locker room. With our playoff hopes down the drain again this year, it is probably time to put Brady Quinn in and evaluate his play for the future. Many bashed DA, please don't do that to BQ as he is going to have his problems also. He is going to be sacked and he going to throw interceptions. Turning against our players is not constructive. We are all humiliated and embarrased with our teams performance. Fan's are angry and want everyone's head. There is to much hate in the hearts of many Brown's Fan's against our players, coaches, and management. We are the best fan's in the NFL. Everyone knows that. We must stay united as fan's and support the team until our last game of the season. There is no doubt there will be changes with the players, coaches, and maybe management over the off season. I hope all fan's are roaring and barking Thursday night to show the nation the kind of fan's we are.
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Kumbayah, my lord...Kumbaya....
Posted by NJskyDAWG on 11/03/08 at 7:40PM
FINALLLLLLY!!!!!!!They better give BQ the same eight games they gave to DA. Just seeing how Brady handled himself through this whole ordeal makes me expect that the huddle is going to be his place to shine. DA never gave me the sense that he had everything under control.What will be interesting is to see if he favors those he has been throwing to at practice up until now. I hope Heiden has a great game and the O-line comes to play.IN BRADY I TRUST!
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Posted by ottox on 11/03/08 at 7:43PM
I sure hope Tony had Sarc On when he mentioned "Pro Bowl weapons." If Brayin' E had caught a pass yesterday, the Browns would have won, and we wouldn't need this conversation. Of course, Wins Low must have the best collection of red hankies in Ohio.
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OK I've been bashing Edwards too, but the reason he went to the party last season was the fact that he DIDN"T drop passes. This guy has proven that he can be reliable as hell. What's wrong with him now, I can't figure out. K2 remains awesome. Lewis is a top back. The O-line is solid, despite the painful, painful loss of Tucker. Quinn should have time plus a running game plus a defense that can keep it close for him. All the ingredients, including Heiden as a security blanket, are here for a young QB to win.
Posted by DoughBoyRAC on 11/03/08 at 7:43PM
Go Brady, go!!
I wish you well!
Sadly they left you with a short week (at best) to try and sabotage you, but rely on your instincts and you will do fine!
This sounds like RAC got his feet cut out from under him. Can't wait to hear the details.
We have been blessed with a reason to watch! Stay tuned, DA Bots, and learn how the game should be played!
Go Browns!!
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Yeah right, short week on purpose so we lose. Quinn played their first team D in preseason and it's weak. Savage agrees with you about his smarts and instincts. Why do you think he drafted him? And yeah, I do believe Savage stepped in, at long last. Hope he told him to play Harrison more, too, but I doubt it.
Posted by bnhbutts on 11/03/08 at 7:44PM
Okay - here we go! It is about time! And the Browns definitely DID wait too long for this move! it is time to see what Brady can do!
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Posted by bukester on 11/03/08 at 7:46PM
how ironic the hometown hero goes up against one of our most hated teams the broncos. go get em kid.
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Posted by NCDawgFan on 11/03/08 at 7:46PM
Just make sure all of you Brady lovers are hear when he stinks up the joint. The excuses already have begun because of a "short week". Let's see how the savior works out. I'll hope for the best, but it will be just as bad if not worse.
At least you Notre Dame lovers will have a player instead of a team to root for. You all need to figure out if it's Go Browns or Go Brady.
One positive note. You have all proven to have the biggest man crush in Cleveland sports history. Not even LeBron get's the kind of worship you have given to this unproven pretty boy.
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That's overboard, although you're right about the man-crush. He's got the closet gays and women all locked up. They'd vote for him for President, too. but stink up the joint? Why would you say that? He was the most NFL-ready Qb in his draft two seasons ago. Jeez...he'll be unproven until he proves himself. You're saying he can't at least match "Bad Derrick"? I guess you must be one of those DA-bots I read about.
Posted by jdawg8 on 11/03/08 at 7:49PM
snyderro,Edwards TD drop was huge, but his TD catch should have been a INT except for the fact that he made a great play and ripped it out of the defenders hands. DA IS THE REASON WE LOST. Was Edwards drop huge? Yes, but that happened early in the 4th and DA has several chances to lead us to victory. To be a good QB in this league you have to make more the ONE good throw and expect to win, to have the ball on the 40 yrd line two times in a row and get zero yards out of that is unexceptable. He had a ton of time left in his "two minute drill" and he look rushed and uncomfortable and clueless. He threw a two yard pass right in the chess of a defender, Suggs didn't have to make a play on that ball it was thrown right to him. He had 3 minutes to get 30 yards or in the end zone and he couldn't do either.
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Edwards is EXPECTED to do what he did on that TD, and DA is expected to make that throw even with a guy all over him. He's too big and strong for DB's. He throws when he's told to throw, and hands off to Lewis when he's told to do that. He played well enough to win, and you're clueless.
Posted by Wooscot31 on 11/03/08 at 7:49PM
Interesting, at a little after 5:00 Romeo was interviewed on WMMS and was asked when Brady might get a chance and had no answer, certainly did not tip that it would be thursday, this move must have game from higher up.
It had to happen soon, how much confidence can Anderson have left after he threw that pick and everybody in the stadium got up and left chanting "Brady"
As for Chud, are you kidding me? That was some of the worst play calling i've seen in a long time. Run, Run, sets up 3rd and long if the D knows its comming, followed by an incomplete pass (or drop) set Baltimore up with excellent field position all day and our D got no rest, mix it up Chud, mix in a pass on first and second down, how about get Lewis in open space?
I actually look forward to watching the game this Thursday.
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Can't argue with that.
Posted by mls3007 on 11/03/08 at 7:49PM
Damn right.Give them hell BQ.
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Posted by EXBG on 11/03/08 at 7:53PM
I was for Derek to start the season but it became obvious by the 3rd game (all losses) that he had peaked in mid-2007 and was back at being a mediocre QB.
Why is it that Mr. Duh (RAC) is always the last guy to figure things out?
I don't see Brady being an immediate outstanding QB because I expect some 2-year rookie mistakes. However, I sure hope he steadily improves and turns into our franchise QB. He definitely has had a first class attitude while holding the clipboard for 15 months.
Let's win one for Bill Cower or Marty. I hear Schottenheimer wants to get back in coaching to win a Super Bowl. Unless Mr. Duh can win at least 8 - 9 games this year he likely needs to go back being a defensive coach with Big Bill up in New England.
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I have just invented the prevent-the-Marty defense.
Posted by fatpak419 on 11/03/08 at 7:55PM
Thank you, Mr. Grossi, for providing the most rational argument I have heard thusfar for the switch. The comparison between Anderson and Flacco's performances based on their respective experiences and characteristics are vital in understanding why, on paper, a less talented offense took us out of the playoff race this year.
I have been very conservative in my view for replacing DA with BQ, but I felt, after this Sunday, the time had come. The time is now to get BQ a decent number of starts and foster a future with a candidate capable of enjoying a flourishing career with this organization.
I do not think this change occured as result of fan pressure, as a clearly bitter Trent Dilfer inferred during his "editorial" on ESPN as an "analyst". This change occured because of eight starts that have exposed his inconsistency. Derek Anderson does not gel with this offense and, that being said, he might have a productive career somewhere else.
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You are a smart dude and I concur with you about Grossi's article. I hadn't noticed the Flacco-DA contrast until I'd read it, and it really was stark. And you are smart because you said "inconsistancy". DA is either a match for any QB or a pretty bad one. And some team WILL cough up some pretty good draft picks for him.
Posted by ClevelandFvr on 11/03/08 at 7:56PM
Good Luck Brady we are with you. step one complete. now bench braylon "drop pass" edwards for at least the half, to unswell his big head then maybe put him in the 3rd quarter, if he drops a pass then bench him, 3 tight ends Dinkins, Winslow, and Heiden. he cant drop any passes on the bench, also the season is not over, we are a little behind the eight ball but a loss tonight for the stoolers and 2 straight Browns wins and were back in it. GO BROWNS
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I AGREE. BENCH EDWARDS TIL HE GETS HIS HEAD OUT OF HIS ASS. And 3 TE's would work, too. Brady could find them open quick. Yeah...run over some people...cool...
Posted by screekdawg on 11/03/08 at 7:57PM
NCDawgFan,I thought we were all Browns fans here... DA just wasn't getting it done. Yes he looked better versus the Giants and Jags (We now see what kind of team they are) , but the #'s speak for themselves , DA is the lowest rated QB in the League with 200 more attempts , we need more than that. I share your dislike for the Irish, but I don't think we are on the same page as Browns fans..this was a good move, Go Browns!
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Posted by imneverwrong on 11/03/08 at 7:58PM
tony,
your allowed to disagree and not go with the flow on this one.
moves like this is why we can't build a good team. keep adding to the # of starting QBs we can have in Cleveland since we came back. Ever think that MAYBE it is not the QBs problem?
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It's also a RAC and Edwards problem, but this aint Butch Davis or Chris Palmer, and the offensive line was completely rebuilt and Lewis acquired prior to last season. That's where you start--don't talk about QB's without protection or past regimes.
Posted by genghisken on 11/03/08 at 7:58PM
It has very little to do with RAC recognizing DA's deficiencies and everything to do with an owner and his GM telling RAC that if he wanted a chance at remaining head coach he better stop being a shill for DA. For cryin' out loud, RAC was defending DA. Does that give you a clue as to what he really wanted to do? I just can't believe that their doing this on the short week.
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Are you one of the guys lobbying for Marty? He's a blockhead too. (Great coach...but a blockhead.) Now, Cowher: Edwards benched, Quinn in awhile ago.
Posted by Buckeyebobby on 11/03/08 at 7:59PM
Just watching Monday Night Countdown on ESPN and Boomer asked Trent Dilfer his opinion of benching Anderson.
Dilfer of course still has it out for Browns fans and Lerner. He stated Lerner makes knee jerk reactions, code word for gutless and Browns fans are a bunch of whiners and deserve what they get.
I agree that the Browns are a overrated team and it's not totally Anderson's fault. In reality the should bench Edwards for his terrible play too.
Playing Brady for one game isn't the answer and if he screws up, then what?
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Overrated? Let's see, this o-line, Lewis, Edwards, K2, a good defense (shut up that's the reality of it), and they gave away three or four games. They're underachieving, not overrated.
But Browns fans are indeed whiners.
And nobody expects Quinn to rock the world in his first start. Even some of the idolators on this site stipulate that he'll screw up some til he gets his feet wet. Quit posting. Stick to painting everything black.
Posted by NDQUINN10 on 11/03/08 at 8:01PM
soreback70, I could'nt believe it when i heard it.I am so f@#$ing pumped i wont sleep till Thursday night. Now you will see a leader.
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Posted by EXBG on 11/03/08 at 8:04PM
Wooscot31 that is a very interesting comment. It sounds like RAC (Mr. Duh) was over-ruled on this one. Remember when he was the last guy in Cleveland to figure out that Maurice Carthon was a terrible offensive coordinator.
Chud was outstanding last year, maybe Mr. Duh is helping him call the plays this year.
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Posted by eriedawg14 on 11/03/08 at 8:09PM
If Quinn has a terrible game, it may destroy some of his confidence. There is going to be a lot of hype seeing that we are the only team playing Thursday.
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Posted by soreback70 on 11/03/08 at 8:10PM
NDQ,
Man, I hear ya bro!
Like I've said before, I don't hate DA! only feel he's mentally unstable be their leader! don't get me wrong, DA has a very strong arm, but for some odd reason him and his recievers aren't on the same page.........It's a shame! he's such a big guy, and seems to try his a$$ off, what else can you do other than to start Quinn!?
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HUMAN life in Cleveland! This is great!
Posted by NDQUINN10 on 11/03/08 at 8:11PM
Hey NoClueDawgFan,You have no clue. And the short week wont be a problem. So Pumped!!!
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Posted by RickZ77SC on 11/03/08 at 8:13PM
DA wasn't the only issue Sunday, as many have mentioned. Edwards is way to inconsistent and I thought I was back in the late 70's watching Mike Pruitt up the middle twice and then an incomplete pass or a sack. I see nothing in the play calling that shows any promise, same old Browns.
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Posted by terje on 11/03/08 at 8:16PM
at least i have a reason to watch. instead of seeing the same old up and down crap with anderson we get to see what the flaming irish qb has in store.
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Posted by philflip31 on 11/03/08 at 8:19PM
I want MY REAL Browns back.....LOL, even though I hate the Rabirds! Just give us back what you stole from us and I would be happy! Oh well, at least we can see what Brady can do now....DA and the rest of the lousy Browns gave the season away...and it all starts with the coach!
I wish we would hire an experienced NFL coach. Since Bernie's last days, we have hired ASSistant coaches, who had never been an NFL head coach, starting with Bill Belichicklet....(who admits that he learned HOW to be a head coach by all the mistakes he made at Cleveland).
Then Money Hungry Modellllllhead can't manage his money, squanders it all, and has to "sell" OUR team to Baltimore, who couldn't even keep the Colts.
At least we have pride in OUR team and fought to keep our TEAM NAME and records, of which there are many! We didn't just give it all away like Baltimore did to the Indy Colts.....
So, at expansion, we hire another ASSistant coach, Chris Palmer. He lasted, what 2 years? Actually, he didn't last ONE game....40 something to Zip blowout to Pukesburg in our first game, he panics and sacrifices Tim Couch and his career.
So we go with Butchie "ME ME ME" Davis, head man from the U of ME...I mean, Miami, and he blows up our team and then QUITS on us with 5 to go....So we go with another Assistant as interim coach, Terry Robo. At least he had a little passion and common sense, but the Browns let him go at the end of the season and brought in RAC....the "genius" of Bill Chicklet's D-fence. Wow....what a brilliant move that has proven to be....
Long time ASSistant coaches are probably LONG TIME ASSistants for a reasons....here's hoping the Browns can figure that out and bring in a HEAD NFL coach!!!
Props to Flacco....not bad for a rook from Deleware. Hey Ratbirds, you can have DA back if you'll give us Flacco...or even Smith.
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Posted by NDQUINN10 on 11/03/08 at 8:23PM
What i see where he lacks leadership,when hes calling plays in the huddle we dont look in to there eyes as those hes ashamed. But hes not all at fault for the way this season is going,and can you imagine the presure he must be under from fans for Quinn.
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Posted by ghrmali on 11/03/08 at 8:25PM
be carefull in what you pray for!
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Posted by ghrmali on 11/03/08 at 8:25PM
be carefull in what you pray for!
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Posted by dcatl on 11/03/08 at 8:27PM
People, it doesn't matter if Brady lights it up or not right away on Thursday night...or if he's from Notre Dame, or a pretty boy, or any of that other crap.
The bottom line is we just got better at QB. Is anybody really worried that BQ is gonna do worse than one of the worst rated QBs in league...really? We just eliminated a BIG roadblock to this team being able to consistently win games. And no, I'm not talking about Romeo or Braylon.
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He's got a point. Quinn will catch guys in-stride (YAC) and move the chains. He was knocked for short passes all the time, but he moved the chains.
Posted by bob48burg on 11/03/08 at 8:32PM
Now he's done.
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Posted by johnnybrasc0 on 11/03/08 at 8:34PM
Stupid move.
Don't blame DA. Blame the horrible Offensive play calling. Blame Braylon Edwards for dropping so many crucial catches.
In this case.. the fans have too much power.
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Posted by dfwbacker on 11/03/08 at 8:35PM
Good luck Brady! What a wonderful chapter this has the makings to be.
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Posted by Bleedclev on 11/03/08 at 8:37PM
We have to see what we have in Quinn or at least what his potential can be. The move should have been made during the Bengal game or at least after Redskin loss. The next one to go is RAC who is not suitable for head coaching period. His inability to coach and discipline players shows itself most every week. I'm tired of seeing the Browns out coached and out played,outside of the Giants game. He was also asked not only about Quinn but about benching Edwards and he said he had no one else to put in place of Edwards. Edwards should be benched or for dropping 14 passes in 8 games! His work ethic and professionalism is horrible right now. Why not send him a message and get on his case, no guts no glory. RAC is like one of those parents that wants to be friends with their kids instead of holding them accountable and teaching them responsibility. He maybe a nice guy but he sure is no winner as a head coach.
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Yep.
Posted by airstang93 on 11/03/08 at 8:41PM
as much as i want to see Brady in there, i hope ur not all getting your hopes up for a great game.. Coming in on a shirt week, never started a game in his career and he has all this pressure on him.. I dont see the Browns pulling this one off as much as i hate to say it.. Good luck brady
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Quinn is surrounded by great talent and many felt he was ready to go coming out of college. Quit the Yoda act, he'll hack Denver a new one.
Posted by DoughBoyRAC on 11/03/08 at 8:43PM
I was right in February when Disaster Anderson got signed (DA bots be damned) and here is part two of my "I told you so" campaign.
Quinn will make this team a contender for the AFC North despite what DA and Crennel have done to sabotage it so far!
See you after week 17 to say, once again, "I told you dweebs so!"
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He might be right, but at the time DA was one of the hottest QB's in the NFL with astronomical upside. Young players have a strong tendancy to improve and become more consistant with experience. He might be right...but not because he has any brains.
Posted by TheCavalier on 11/03/08 at 8:44PM
HEY johnnybrascO!
How is this a stupid move??It's been stupid to wait week after week as the Browns watch the season spin around the toilet bowl.
Brady Quinn will get the job done
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Who said it was stupid?
Posted by browndawgbob on 11/03/08 at 8:48PM
johnny brasco - power to the people, little fella.
power to the people, right on!
we don't watch this stuff for our health, little man - we want it so deep down you could never begin to "get it".
So get on board or get on out!
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Posted by kosarsmyidol on 11/03/08 at 8:49PM
I don't have anything against Quinn so much as I can't stand his supporters. These tools have been chanting stuff like 'Quinn to Win' like some kind of mantra or political slogan for the last 1.5 seasons on the basis of scant evidence. He's thrown 8 regular season passes and 3 completions, and we still didn't win with him under center in the preseason.
When Quinn makes mistakes, it will be attributed to him being a young, inexperienced quarterback. Yet when Anderson makes mistakes, people say it's because he's unstable, an idiot or just doesn't have any leadership skills.
That being said, however much I feel like Anderson is being thrown under the bus due to the wide-ranging set of problems that we have, we have nothing to lose. The season is over as far as the playoffs are concerned, so might as well get the QB competition underway early...
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Jeez, even more intelligent life! He's right about most of these ass-clowns, too, including the guy a couple entries ago, and especially about how they see what they want to see. Everything was DA's fault. Nothing will be Quinn's. Good thing these guys aren't diagnosing patients or looking at battlefield intelligence, ya know?
Posted by wongum on 11/03/08 at 8:57PM
This football team is in complete chaos. How can you throw this kid to the wolves on a short week. How about if braylon catches half his drops. then DA doesn't look so bad, still bad but not so bad and you get a W yesterday if he catches that ball. Keep living the fans this team will be a loser for ever.
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I feel his pain, but Quinn was always here to take over. DA was resigned partly so that he could be traded after the season. And he's also right about how everything was blamed on DA, whether it was his fault or not.
Posted by ckinnison on 11/03/08 at 9:01PM
Hey that is great that Quinn is finally in, but answer this: Why aren't they wearing the magic helmets with the numbers drawn in magic marker on them? Those helmets worked on the NY football Giants.
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LET'S DO IT! WHY NOT?
Posted by hoosierz on 11/03/08 at 9:02PM
Derek Frye was never going to be a long term solution for the Browns.
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Posted by krivka on 11/03/08 at 9:09PM
Bigdawgy54, asking to replace Romeo with "The Chud" is not something a football fan would like to see. Have you been watching the games? The offensive play calling is lame. Maybe it is because DA, Edwards and K2 aren't as good as your think they are. Heiden is a better player than Winslow, but his number gets called, he makes great play and thats all, folks! How many times have the Browns allowed a fullback to run the ball? Chud is as bad as Romeo. Keep Tucker and fire the rest. Sit Edwards and K2 and let them get healthy for there next team. They are not going to be a art of the new team, and neither will Romeo and hopefully not the oh,so offensive coordinator. The Ravens have one of the most impressive coaching staffs, and THAT is what Cleveland Football club will have to face for the next ten years. What do the Browns have to counter that? Romeo? Chud? Yagottabekiddinme!!
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Except for rare occasions, Chud has made the most of these weapons. When a pass is under or overthrown, or a reciever drops it, that's not Chud's call. When you have a really good zone-blocking offensive line, a good fullback, and two tight ends, you run the ball half the time. You are blaming Chud for poor execution. Edwards alone--he catches half the balls he dropped and you think Chud is great. You see what you want to see. Try seeing what is there.
Posted by countryjoe63 on 11/03/08 at 9:11PM
Hopefully, Brady Quinn will be another Flacco, Matt Ryan, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, etc. I think it is a good move. DA has had his chance. He's got a strong off. line and still can't run an offense. As far as RAC, any predictions on where he will go after he's fired? Just like all former Clevelanders, Crennel will find his brilliance again after losing it when he signed on with Cleveland (ala Bellichek, B. Davis, C. Palmer, Carmon Policy, etc. - all got stupid once they put on the Orange and Brown.)
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Monday, November 3, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Phil Savage's Defense
Childish temper-tantrums aside, numerous numbskull nimrods and memorex morons want Phil Savage thrown out along with RAC (and Randy Lerner. And everybody else).
Well, let's preface this: Amidst other tantrums, until now I was also hearing about the defense not really being any good due to the yardage on the ground surrendered. This is stupid. This is why: The only defensive stats that have real, concrete meaning are scoring and turnovers. The rest are fluff. The details of how a defense accomplishes this are irrelevant DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D?
This defense has become more aggressive partly because of the offenses it has faced. Pittsburgh, Dallas with Romo, and the Giants offenses are three of the most prolific in the NFL. They were clearly not prepared for Dallas; or at least Eric Wright wasn't, and that slaughter started them out in the basement. SINCE THAT GAME, this defense has performed well, and improved consistantly.
Aggressiveness , as in tighter coverages, more blitzes, and more one-gap attack schemes, is a double-edges sword. Anytime a running back can avoid getting nailed in the backfield, he has a lot of space to run through. Anytime the blitzers are picked up and the QB has time, he has a good shot of going deep. But the reason they take these risks is because, even when an offensive line, RB, and QB are superior, sometimes the pressure works, and a AB throws off his back foot, or gets stripped, or throws prematurely, or throws it out of bounds, and you get, at the very least, second and ten. As often as not AS OFTEN AS NOT the Running back gets stuffed, and you get similar bottom line results.
Second or third and long situations now favor the defense by forcing a probably pass which they can be ready for.
Statisticly, this type of defense will cough up some big runs. A guy can rip off twelve yards, then five, then six, then get blown up for a two yard loss. Now it's second and twelve. Now the defense sends an extra blitzer and adjusts coverage. A draw is often stuffed, and the QB usually doesn't have time for anything but a quick stab underneath, and you get third and six, or third and twelve.
Statisticly, it looks like the running back is steamrolling them, and that's even technicly true. But the offense is often stalled, and sometimes turns it over.
This aggressive approach was determined not only by the calibre of their opponents, but by the inexperience of Wright and McDonald, and even the newness to the scheme of Williams and Rogers, and the loss of Peek (which required a talented but raw Alex Hall to play a lot). These offenses could otherwise isolate and target these players, and exploit every mistake.
Hall wasn't ready for coverage, and could be fooled against the run, so he usually just blitzes. Wright and McDonald have man ability, but a zone scheme is complex, and their inexperience makes them vulnerable in it, so as often as possible they were told to just cover a guy, period. (This is another reason for the long runs. In man coverage, the defender's back is often to the offense, so his reciever can drag him downfield and away from the run).
Against the Jags, we saw a more mature and integrated defense. Rogers said he was turned loose more than usual--meaning that he was allowed not to worry so much about gaps, and allowed to attack. This pissed me off, frankly. He should have been allowed to do that all along.
There was more zone coverages, and they didn't make mistakes. But then, there was that nine-yard pad crap (RAC's trade-mark) that coughed up several can't-miss-he's wide-open underneath completions. Other than this, however, this was a very good performance. The individual players are used to eachother and to the system. The young and new guys aren't making mistakes. This is a very good defense, and will, by the end of the season, be one of the best in the NFL.
Now, why is that?
It starts with talent, doesn't it? And who found all the talent? Phil Savage--the guy you want to see fired because RAC has mishandled that talent. Because you're stoopid.
Let's go through this player-by-player:
Robaire Smith (who by the way Phil Savage is not responsible for injuring) was a solid veteran free agent who came at a very reasonable price. He had spectacular tackle numbers as both a 3-4 DE and a 4-3 tackle, and his abilty to rush the QB was actually a pleasant surprise.
Shaun Smith was a part-time 4-3 situational run-stopping DT in Cincinnati who was signed dirt-cheap, which hurt a division rival. Playing him at DE is a coaching decision, since he's a much better NT, and Rogers would dominate at left DE--but whatever.
Rogers and Williams did cost a second and third round pick, plus an excellent but injury-prone cornerback, plus some pretty hefty salary and bonuses. You can tell me that Bodden would have helped the secondary a lot, but of you check out the stats, including turnovers, you might be overstating a bit. Bodden is currently a third cornerback in Detroit, and I suspect that that's at least partly because he'd last maybe three games as a starter before he got hurt again.
And you can tell me that they could have done as well with the draft picks, but that would expose you as an idiot, so you won't. You just have to admit that this was a very, very smart move by Savage to massively upgrade the defense's weakest unit all at once, and for at least two more seasons after this one...instantaneously.
Yes, Williams has taken some time to get in the swing of the 3-4, but compared to what preceded him, started out as an upgrade--Rogers alone, by himself, is worth both of those draft picks and Bodden. So give it up, Phil-bashers. Admit it. Turn off the fog machine and say "good job, Phil".
Louis Leonard was an undrafted free agent, dirt-cheap, with tons of physical talent, but very raw. Even as many of you just ignored this YOUNG, IMPROVING player while decrying a lack of depth on the defensive line, this guy has entered the rotation, mainly at DE, and become a very solid player, who is still improving.
Santonio Thomas is similar to Leonard, and was a dirt-cheap free agent with upside.
The Browns lost Robaire for the season almost immediately, and have had to go without Shaun for the last two weeks, but the depth delivered. This has become a truly very good 3-4 defensive line, with good depth, and one which is improving by the game...and has been held back by coaching, more than by opponents.
It cost a second and third round pick plus Bodden, and...and...? DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Wimbley was a first-round pick. I'm not sure what's gone wrong with him since his stellar rookie season. During that season, he made Phil look like a genius, but sonce then, he's given you 20/20 hindsighters an excuse to bash Phil as if you knew it all along. Except you didn't. He got twelve sacks as a rookie--he PROVED his talent, and you admitted that it was a good pick. Then he stopped getting sacks. So that's Phil's fault? Phil was supposed to foresee him getting twlve sacks as a rookie and then not getting any? Just how far are you guys ready to raise the bar, anyway? You want him to suffocate in the stratosphere or something?
One idiot even said that it was time for the Browns to just admit that he was no more than a defensive end. In reality, he has become a good all-around linebacker who could play in any scheme. As a DE, he would be overpowered, and wasted against the run.
D'Quell Jackson was a second-round pick, and is an excellent all-around inside linebacker. Those of you who felt that he should be flushed down the toilet along with everybody else due to the ugly run statistics don't know what you're talking about. Nor do those of you who think we need a big guy who can take on 320-lb. guards. Check out Pittsburgh and New England's rosters, and then shut up before you embarrass yourselves further.
The 3-4 depends on the defensive line to eat up extra blockers, and the inside linebackers need speed, range, and coverage ability. Jackson is an ideal 3-4 ILB and is proving it.
Phil inheritted AndrA Davis, who is unfairly maligned. He's a good player, who I mightily suspect that Phil would like to trade for something good. NFL Outsiders, which keeps more in-depth stats than anyone else, points out that, as of the end of last season, his average gain-per-tackle was tops on the team, along with thackles-for-losses. He is NOT one of those guys who gets good stats by running guys down from behind.
Leon Williams as a FOURTH-round pick with loads of speed and talent. Everybody else avoided drafting him due to the fact that in Miami he was not even a starter (anymore). The reasons for this remain a mystery. But Phil saw gaudy per-play statistics, interviewed him and the Coaches personally, and drafted a guy with first-round physical talent in the fourth round.
Williams can play any linebacker position in any scheme. He can blitze, cover, and stop the run. And he was a FOURTH ROUND draft pick.
Kris Griffin is a four-year player who Phil grabbed off waivers from the Chiefs prior to last season. Griffin was, I believe, and underafted free agent who made it into the NFL as a special-teams demon. But as of this training camp, he began making a lot of fine plays in the regular defense, and is now part of the rotation. He is a late-blooming, emerging inside linebacker who can now be trusted to fill in and be part of a rotation.
Whether Phil forewaw this or not is almost irrelevant, since he paid nickles and dimes for him.
Beau Belle was a FOURTH-ROUND pick. I don't know if you know this, but see--that's not the same as a first-round pick. Please believe me when I tell you that fourth-round picks are not expected to contribute much for up to three seasons (if ever). These are usually players who need development and polishing. Guys who need to get bigger and stronger, or learn different positions, or who slid for off-the-field reasons.
Belle was injured early, but even prior to that was making too many mistakes on defense. Many expected him to compete for a starting job immediately, despite the fact that he was a fourth-round pick. But (did I mention he was a fourth-round pick?) since he didn't, I'm pretty certain that some of you will already be shoveling dirt into his grave and bashing Phil for wasting his valuable FOURTH ROUND PICK on a guy who didn't start as a rookie.
Don't worry about it. Belle has great instincts and likes smashing people. As a bonus, he can sometimes defeat offensive linemen's blocks. But he was injured, and does have a solid crew of veterans in front of him. There's no urgency whatsoever in rushing him into the defense. It might well even be that he is ready to contribute already, but there's simply no room for him.
That's why I suspect that Davis is trade-bait. He is the oldest player, is a better 4-3 MLB than 3-4 ILB, and has real value to those who know how to evaluate talent.
Griffin and Williams, due to their youth, salaries, and Williams' versatility, are definite keepers for depth and situational uses (Williams is the best coverage linebacker). Belle and Jackson are the future.
Willie McGinest was past his prime even when first acquired, but was integral to the growth of the corps. He is a teacher and mentor to all the young players. It could be said that he was overpaid, but not when we consider his value as a teacher and leader.
While in his prime his claim-to-fame was as a passrusher, he has now evolved into the best run-defender in the corps, and can sometimes still get to the QB. Those who think he doesn't earn his keep on the field don't know what they're looking at. An offensive lineman can be on top of him, and he can keep the guy off him and make the tackle anyway.
Shantee Orr was dirt-cheap too, and is a utility guy who can play any position. It's telling that, prior to Peek's injury, he was actually released. He is the last linebacker, and is pretty good.
Alex Hall was a SEVENTH-ROUND PICK from a micro-college, where he was a defensive end. Even Phil said that he was a developmental player who might be a special teamer this season, but probably wouldn't do much on defense until '09. But he was a prodigy, and became an instant passrusher. He's still learning coverage and run defense, but against the Jaguars did well in every phase.
This guy is bigger than Wimbley, and not as big as he will become. His upside is nearly off the charts, and the fact that he knocked Orr off the roster and off the field, splits time with Willie, and has played both outside spots already is astonishing.
Two theories about Wimbley's decline in production: 1: Lack of inside pressure enabled quarterbacks to evade him by stepping foreward into a cozy pocket. 2: The lack of edge-pressure from the other side enabled offensive lines to slide protection towards him without fear of a front-side penalty.
Phil addressed the pocket issue with two new defensive linemen. And make no mistake: Hll was here to become his bookend next season, while Peek was here to do that now. Phil did his job--admirably. For Wimbley, it doesn't appear to have helped. But Wimbley got twelve sacks as a rookie. How can you bash Phil for this? Is he supposed to coach Wimbley too? Or control him like a puppet?
Peek is another guy: I've heard so much crap about this guy, like he was no more than a situational passrusher. As a rookie, he was a starting 3-4 outside linebacker who got seven sacks. He was then injured, and new coaches created a 4-3. When he came back in THAT defense, he was a situational passrusher. His best position was always 3-4 outside linebacker, and Phil got him cheap to play that position.
Injuries? Well, it was a dice-roll, well worth his inexpensive salary. While Peek had been injured, there was not a strong pattern of injuries yet; no strong indication that he was prone to it. It was a smart move--it just didn't work out.
The fact is, Phil made sure that pockets would collapse, and provided a future bookend for Wimbley in one offseason (who is way ahead of schedule). Now, that's all he could do. If the results (with Wimbley) aren't showing up, it's not his fault. And this is a very good linebacking corps, with depth and upside. It's a lot more effective when Rogers is turned loose.
Why? Because the guard on his side, or the center, can't simply let him blow by and go get him a linebacker. A fullback or tight end is just a speed-bump for this guy. One of the guards simply has to help--having Rogers two-gap only helps the double-team set up the way they want it to, instead of forcing them to chase him.
McDonald was another FOURTH ROUND PICK, who is now as a sophomore one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL; maybe even better than Wright (and Bodden). His play speaks for itself, right from his first game as a rookie. He came here already accustomed to zone-schemes, and his scouting reports labelled him as a "nickel cornerback". Phil was right. They were wrong.
Again.
At the time Phil traded Leigh Bodden, Davin Holly was also here. Davin Holly, and undrafted free agent who Phil signed during the season when somebody rolled a hand grenade into the cornerback tent, and who, by the end of that season, had him a whole passel of interceptions and was expected to compete to start.
The fact that he was injured has nothing to do with Phil. The fact that nobody else wanted this guy has everything to do with Phil. Once again, he was right and the rest of the NFL was wrong.
Wright was a second-round pick with (undisputed) first-round talent. Some services and scouts tagged him as the best cornerback in his draft. The lowest he was rated by any that I know of was third. He was unmistakeably the fastest. He only slid due to what was apparantly a FALSE accusation of rape early in his college carreer. Phil got glowing reports from his coaches and professors, and siezed the opportunity.
He did okay as a rookie starter, started this season on the rocks, but for the last several games has been consistantly improving--to catch up to the less-gifted but better-disciplined Brandon McDonald as one of the better corners in the NFL.
He is the one they love to send blitzong from the strong side. He has world-class speed, and unless his attack is diagnosed pre-snap, an offense has no chance to stop him, or even to hit the reciever he abandoned. (though naturally a safety picks him up).
Mike Adams' price-tag and availablility were inexplicable. Adams was a sometime-starting safety with bunch of interceptions and tackles. At 195 lbs., he's actually a cornerback-free safety 'tweener who can cover WR's pretty well and is tough against the run. Due to his size, on paper he doesn't fit a cover-two scheme as a safety, but is an ideal nickel back (which these days is just about as important as any starter).
As we have seen, he is an exceptional blitzer. He has filled in at both safety spots and done well, including against the run. Against the run, he reminds me a lot of Feliz Wright, who was also small, but would knife the legs out from under bigger guys, and body-rock smaller guys. This is one outstanding player!
I'm not sure, but I think that Tucker has modified the coverage scheme away from the cover-two, in which the safeties are interchangeable. A conventional scheme uses a big strong strong safety and a fast sneaky free safety. It may just be that Tucker is making the most of his rovolving-door personel, and that this remains primarily a cover-two which can switch-up at any time to throw offenses curve-balls, or adapt to enemy personnel.
If I'm right, good for Mel.
Anyway, when everybody is healthy, Mike Adams is hands-down the nickel back, can play cornerback, and is the main backup at free safety.
Hamza Abdullah is a prototype cover two safety physicly. Whereas Adams is more a free-type, Abdullah has the size and strenth to do better as a strong-type. Abdullah was a starter who fell out of favor after an injury, and who Phil scooped up after he was released.
Still a young and improving player, Abdullah is talented, and should show up in rotations more often now that he has presumably learned and practiced the scheme. I couldn't say if he's really a starting-calbre player here, but for sure he does represent quality depth.
Nick Sorenson is a special teamer who was forced to play on defense due to injuries. He's an excellent blitzer and effective against the run, but is weak in coverage. He's not consistantly bad, but rather for every good play he makes, he gets burned once. But Phil got him for special teams. Anything he does in the regular defense is gravy.
So far, ALL these guys cost a grand total of one second and one fourth-round draft pick.
Pool and Jones are second-rounders. The only reason Jones didn't make the Pro Bowl last season was because of those bastards in Pukesburgh and Baltimore. Even then, he got screwed. He's easily the almost on a par with those two guys (and is younger than both), and a cut above the rest in the AFC. He's great against the run and gets interceptions.
Pool caught flak from ignorant people as a first-year player and beyond. He made some early mistakes, but has quickly become a match for Jones.
I won't even mention anyone else. Beyond Adams, cornerback depth sucks. If Wright or McDonald go down, that's a problem. Cousins as a barely adequate nickel guy who you do NOT want starting.
However, despite injuries to Jones and Adams, sometimes at the same time, just look at the post-Dallas stats. This secondary has not surrendered much yardage, has a passel of picks, and even accounts for a bunch of sacks and tackles-for-loss.
There is still the depth issue at cornerback. Adams is a zone-type when he plays corner, but most of those who were bleating about how we should sign some washed-up old big name and overpay him massively completely ignored this guy and the fact that in the right scheme he can play cornerback. Phil didn't. Who was right?
Under your radar, the acquisition of Abdullah has solidified safety depth. It's now downright excellent.
Isolating cornerback, there remains the need for a true cover-corner who is ready to step in for an injured starter.
But Phil has to manage a budget, and keep long-term goals in mind. He deemed Tye Law and other guys way to expensive (and uncooperative) for this depth-role. He will naturally address this in the future, but nobody who fit the bill has shown up in free agency to-date. It's just that simple.
Look at the results. Case closed.
This is a very good and improving secondary, with FOUR potential Pro-Bowlers (next season, of not this season).
From top-to-bottom a very talented defense.
Total cost? One first, three second, two fourth, and one seventh-round draft pick in three seasons. Who did it? Phil Savage.
Those are the facts. Deal with it. I rest my case.
Well, let's preface this: Amidst other tantrums, until now I was also hearing about the defense not really being any good due to the yardage on the ground surrendered. This is stupid. This is why: The only defensive stats that have real, concrete meaning are scoring and turnovers. The rest are fluff. The details of how a defense accomplishes this are irrelevant DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D?
This defense has become more aggressive partly because of the offenses it has faced. Pittsburgh, Dallas with Romo, and the Giants offenses are three of the most prolific in the NFL. They were clearly not prepared for Dallas; or at least Eric Wright wasn't, and that slaughter started them out in the basement. SINCE THAT GAME, this defense has performed well, and improved consistantly.
Aggressiveness , as in tighter coverages, more blitzes, and more one-gap attack schemes, is a double-edges sword. Anytime a running back can avoid getting nailed in the backfield, he has a lot of space to run through. Anytime the blitzers are picked up and the QB has time, he has a good shot of going deep. But the reason they take these risks is because, even when an offensive line, RB, and QB are superior, sometimes the pressure works, and a AB throws off his back foot, or gets stripped, or throws prematurely, or throws it out of bounds, and you get, at the very least, second and ten. As often as not AS OFTEN AS NOT the Running back gets stuffed, and you get similar bottom line results.
Second or third and long situations now favor the defense by forcing a probably pass which they can be ready for.
Statisticly, this type of defense will cough up some big runs. A guy can rip off twelve yards, then five, then six, then get blown up for a two yard loss. Now it's second and twelve. Now the defense sends an extra blitzer and adjusts coverage. A draw is often stuffed, and the QB usually doesn't have time for anything but a quick stab underneath, and you get third and six, or third and twelve.
Statisticly, it looks like the running back is steamrolling them, and that's even technicly true. But the offense is often stalled, and sometimes turns it over.
This aggressive approach was determined not only by the calibre of their opponents, but by the inexperience of Wright and McDonald, and even the newness to the scheme of Williams and Rogers, and the loss of Peek (which required a talented but raw Alex Hall to play a lot). These offenses could otherwise isolate and target these players, and exploit every mistake.
Hall wasn't ready for coverage, and could be fooled against the run, so he usually just blitzes. Wright and McDonald have man ability, but a zone scheme is complex, and their inexperience makes them vulnerable in it, so as often as possible they were told to just cover a guy, period. (This is another reason for the long runs. In man coverage, the defender's back is often to the offense, so his reciever can drag him downfield and away from the run).
Against the Jags, we saw a more mature and integrated defense. Rogers said he was turned loose more than usual--meaning that he was allowed not to worry so much about gaps, and allowed to attack. This pissed me off, frankly. He should have been allowed to do that all along.
There was more zone coverages, and they didn't make mistakes. But then, there was that nine-yard pad crap (RAC's trade-mark) that coughed up several can't-miss-he's wide-open underneath completions. Other than this, however, this was a very good performance. The individual players are used to eachother and to the system. The young and new guys aren't making mistakes. This is a very good defense, and will, by the end of the season, be one of the best in the NFL.
Now, why is that?
It starts with talent, doesn't it? And who found all the talent? Phil Savage--the guy you want to see fired because RAC has mishandled that talent. Because you're stoopid.
Let's go through this player-by-player:
Robaire Smith (who by the way Phil Savage is not responsible for injuring) was a solid veteran free agent who came at a very reasonable price. He had spectacular tackle numbers as both a 3-4 DE and a 4-3 tackle, and his abilty to rush the QB was actually a pleasant surprise.
Shaun Smith was a part-time 4-3 situational run-stopping DT in Cincinnati who was signed dirt-cheap, which hurt a division rival. Playing him at DE is a coaching decision, since he's a much better NT, and Rogers would dominate at left DE--but whatever.
Rogers and Williams did cost a second and third round pick, plus an excellent but injury-prone cornerback, plus some pretty hefty salary and bonuses. You can tell me that Bodden would have helped the secondary a lot, but of you check out the stats, including turnovers, you might be overstating a bit. Bodden is currently a third cornerback in Detroit, and I suspect that that's at least partly because he'd last maybe three games as a starter before he got hurt again.
And you can tell me that they could have done as well with the draft picks, but that would expose you as an idiot, so you won't. You just have to admit that this was a very, very smart move by Savage to massively upgrade the defense's weakest unit all at once, and for at least two more seasons after this one...instantaneously.
Yes, Williams has taken some time to get in the swing of the 3-4, but compared to what preceded him, started out as an upgrade--Rogers alone, by himself, is worth both of those draft picks and Bodden. So give it up, Phil-bashers. Admit it. Turn off the fog machine and say "good job, Phil".
Louis Leonard was an undrafted free agent, dirt-cheap, with tons of physical talent, but very raw. Even as many of you just ignored this YOUNG, IMPROVING player while decrying a lack of depth on the defensive line, this guy has entered the rotation, mainly at DE, and become a very solid player, who is still improving.
Santonio Thomas is similar to Leonard, and was a dirt-cheap free agent with upside.
The Browns lost Robaire for the season almost immediately, and have had to go without Shaun for the last two weeks, but the depth delivered. This has become a truly very good 3-4 defensive line, with good depth, and one which is improving by the game...and has been held back by coaching, more than by opponents.
It cost a second and third round pick plus Bodden, and...and...? DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Wimbley was a first-round pick. I'm not sure what's gone wrong with him since his stellar rookie season. During that season, he made Phil look like a genius, but sonce then, he's given you 20/20 hindsighters an excuse to bash Phil as if you knew it all along. Except you didn't. He got twelve sacks as a rookie--he PROVED his talent, and you admitted that it was a good pick. Then he stopped getting sacks. So that's Phil's fault? Phil was supposed to foresee him getting twlve sacks as a rookie and then not getting any? Just how far are you guys ready to raise the bar, anyway? You want him to suffocate in the stratosphere or something?
One idiot even said that it was time for the Browns to just admit that he was no more than a defensive end. In reality, he has become a good all-around linebacker who could play in any scheme. As a DE, he would be overpowered, and wasted against the run.
D'Quell Jackson was a second-round pick, and is an excellent all-around inside linebacker. Those of you who felt that he should be flushed down the toilet along with everybody else due to the ugly run statistics don't know what you're talking about. Nor do those of you who think we need a big guy who can take on 320-lb. guards. Check out Pittsburgh and New England's rosters, and then shut up before you embarrass yourselves further.
The 3-4 depends on the defensive line to eat up extra blockers, and the inside linebackers need speed, range, and coverage ability. Jackson is an ideal 3-4 ILB and is proving it.
Phil inheritted AndrA Davis, who is unfairly maligned. He's a good player, who I mightily suspect that Phil would like to trade for something good. NFL Outsiders, which keeps more in-depth stats than anyone else, points out that, as of the end of last season, his average gain-per-tackle was tops on the team, along with thackles-for-losses. He is NOT one of those guys who gets good stats by running guys down from behind.
Leon Williams as a FOURTH-round pick with loads of speed and talent. Everybody else avoided drafting him due to the fact that in Miami he was not even a starter (anymore). The reasons for this remain a mystery. But Phil saw gaudy per-play statistics, interviewed him and the Coaches personally, and drafted a guy with first-round physical talent in the fourth round.
Williams can play any linebacker position in any scheme. He can blitze, cover, and stop the run. And he was a FOURTH ROUND draft pick.
Kris Griffin is a four-year player who Phil grabbed off waivers from the Chiefs prior to last season. Griffin was, I believe, and underafted free agent who made it into the NFL as a special-teams demon. But as of this training camp, he began making a lot of fine plays in the regular defense, and is now part of the rotation. He is a late-blooming, emerging inside linebacker who can now be trusted to fill in and be part of a rotation.
Whether Phil forewaw this or not is almost irrelevant, since he paid nickles and dimes for him.
Beau Belle was a FOURTH-ROUND pick. I don't know if you know this, but see--that's not the same as a first-round pick. Please believe me when I tell you that fourth-round picks are not expected to contribute much for up to three seasons (if ever). These are usually players who need development and polishing. Guys who need to get bigger and stronger, or learn different positions, or who slid for off-the-field reasons.
Belle was injured early, but even prior to that was making too many mistakes on defense. Many expected him to compete for a starting job immediately, despite the fact that he was a fourth-round pick. But (did I mention he was a fourth-round pick?) since he didn't, I'm pretty certain that some of you will already be shoveling dirt into his grave and bashing Phil for wasting his valuable FOURTH ROUND PICK on a guy who didn't start as a rookie.
Don't worry about it. Belle has great instincts and likes smashing people. As a bonus, he can sometimes defeat offensive linemen's blocks. But he was injured, and does have a solid crew of veterans in front of him. There's no urgency whatsoever in rushing him into the defense. It might well even be that he is ready to contribute already, but there's simply no room for him.
That's why I suspect that Davis is trade-bait. He is the oldest player, is a better 4-3 MLB than 3-4 ILB, and has real value to those who know how to evaluate talent.
Griffin and Williams, due to their youth, salaries, and Williams' versatility, are definite keepers for depth and situational uses (Williams is the best coverage linebacker). Belle and Jackson are the future.
Willie McGinest was past his prime even when first acquired, but was integral to the growth of the corps. He is a teacher and mentor to all the young players. It could be said that he was overpaid, but not when we consider his value as a teacher and leader.
While in his prime his claim-to-fame was as a passrusher, he has now evolved into the best run-defender in the corps, and can sometimes still get to the QB. Those who think he doesn't earn his keep on the field don't know what they're looking at. An offensive lineman can be on top of him, and he can keep the guy off him and make the tackle anyway.
Shantee Orr was dirt-cheap too, and is a utility guy who can play any position. It's telling that, prior to Peek's injury, he was actually released. He is the last linebacker, and is pretty good.
Alex Hall was a SEVENTH-ROUND PICK from a micro-college, where he was a defensive end. Even Phil said that he was a developmental player who might be a special teamer this season, but probably wouldn't do much on defense until '09. But he was a prodigy, and became an instant passrusher. He's still learning coverage and run defense, but against the Jaguars did well in every phase.
This guy is bigger than Wimbley, and not as big as he will become. His upside is nearly off the charts, and the fact that he knocked Orr off the roster and off the field, splits time with Willie, and has played both outside spots already is astonishing.
Two theories about Wimbley's decline in production: 1: Lack of inside pressure enabled quarterbacks to evade him by stepping foreward into a cozy pocket. 2: The lack of edge-pressure from the other side enabled offensive lines to slide protection towards him without fear of a front-side penalty.
Phil addressed the pocket issue with two new defensive linemen. And make no mistake: Hll was here to become his bookend next season, while Peek was here to do that now. Phil did his job--admirably. For Wimbley, it doesn't appear to have helped. But Wimbley got twelve sacks as a rookie. How can you bash Phil for this? Is he supposed to coach Wimbley too? Or control him like a puppet?
Peek is another guy: I've heard so much crap about this guy, like he was no more than a situational passrusher. As a rookie, he was a starting 3-4 outside linebacker who got seven sacks. He was then injured, and new coaches created a 4-3. When he came back in THAT defense, he was a situational passrusher. His best position was always 3-4 outside linebacker, and Phil got him cheap to play that position.
Injuries? Well, it was a dice-roll, well worth his inexpensive salary. While Peek had been injured, there was not a strong pattern of injuries yet; no strong indication that he was prone to it. It was a smart move--it just didn't work out.
The fact is, Phil made sure that pockets would collapse, and provided a future bookend for Wimbley in one offseason (who is way ahead of schedule). Now, that's all he could do. If the results (with Wimbley) aren't showing up, it's not his fault. And this is a very good linebacking corps, with depth and upside. It's a lot more effective when Rogers is turned loose.
Why? Because the guard on his side, or the center, can't simply let him blow by and go get him a linebacker. A fullback or tight end is just a speed-bump for this guy. One of the guards simply has to help--having Rogers two-gap only helps the double-team set up the way they want it to, instead of forcing them to chase him.
McDonald was another FOURTH ROUND PICK, who is now as a sophomore one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL; maybe even better than Wright (and Bodden). His play speaks for itself, right from his first game as a rookie. He came here already accustomed to zone-schemes, and his scouting reports labelled him as a "nickel cornerback". Phil was right. They were wrong.
Again.
At the time Phil traded Leigh Bodden, Davin Holly was also here. Davin Holly, and undrafted free agent who Phil signed during the season when somebody rolled a hand grenade into the cornerback tent, and who, by the end of that season, had him a whole passel of interceptions and was expected to compete to start.
The fact that he was injured has nothing to do with Phil. The fact that nobody else wanted this guy has everything to do with Phil. Once again, he was right and the rest of the NFL was wrong.
Wright was a second-round pick with (undisputed) first-round talent. Some services and scouts tagged him as the best cornerback in his draft. The lowest he was rated by any that I know of was third. He was unmistakeably the fastest. He only slid due to what was apparantly a FALSE accusation of rape early in his college carreer. Phil got glowing reports from his coaches and professors, and siezed the opportunity.
He did okay as a rookie starter, started this season on the rocks, but for the last several games has been consistantly improving--to catch up to the less-gifted but better-disciplined Brandon McDonald as one of the better corners in the NFL.
He is the one they love to send blitzong from the strong side. He has world-class speed, and unless his attack is diagnosed pre-snap, an offense has no chance to stop him, or even to hit the reciever he abandoned. (though naturally a safety picks him up).
Mike Adams' price-tag and availablility were inexplicable. Adams was a sometime-starting safety with bunch of interceptions and tackles. At 195 lbs., he's actually a cornerback-free safety 'tweener who can cover WR's pretty well and is tough against the run. Due to his size, on paper he doesn't fit a cover-two scheme as a safety, but is an ideal nickel back (which these days is just about as important as any starter).
As we have seen, he is an exceptional blitzer. He has filled in at both safety spots and done well, including against the run. Against the run, he reminds me a lot of Feliz Wright, who was also small, but would knife the legs out from under bigger guys, and body-rock smaller guys. This is one outstanding player!
I'm not sure, but I think that Tucker has modified the coverage scheme away from the cover-two, in which the safeties are interchangeable. A conventional scheme uses a big strong strong safety and a fast sneaky free safety. It may just be that Tucker is making the most of his rovolving-door personel, and that this remains primarily a cover-two which can switch-up at any time to throw offenses curve-balls, or adapt to enemy personnel.
If I'm right, good for Mel.
Anyway, when everybody is healthy, Mike Adams is hands-down the nickel back, can play cornerback, and is the main backup at free safety.
Hamza Abdullah is a prototype cover two safety physicly. Whereas Adams is more a free-type, Abdullah has the size and strenth to do better as a strong-type. Abdullah was a starter who fell out of favor after an injury, and who Phil scooped up after he was released.
Still a young and improving player, Abdullah is talented, and should show up in rotations more often now that he has presumably learned and practiced the scheme. I couldn't say if he's really a starting-calbre player here, but for sure he does represent quality depth.
Nick Sorenson is a special teamer who was forced to play on defense due to injuries. He's an excellent blitzer and effective against the run, but is weak in coverage. He's not consistantly bad, but rather for every good play he makes, he gets burned once. But Phil got him for special teams. Anything he does in the regular defense is gravy.
So far, ALL these guys cost a grand total of one second and one fourth-round draft pick.
Pool and Jones are second-rounders. The only reason Jones didn't make the Pro Bowl last season was because of those bastards in Pukesburgh and Baltimore. Even then, he got screwed. He's easily the almost on a par with those two guys (and is younger than both), and a cut above the rest in the AFC. He's great against the run and gets interceptions.
Pool caught flak from ignorant people as a first-year player and beyond. He made some early mistakes, but has quickly become a match for Jones.
I won't even mention anyone else. Beyond Adams, cornerback depth sucks. If Wright or McDonald go down, that's a problem. Cousins as a barely adequate nickel guy who you do NOT want starting.
However, despite injuries to Jones and Adams, sometimes at the same time, just look at the post-Dallas stats. This secondary has not surrendered much yardage, has a passel of picks, and even accounts for a bunch of sacks and tackles-for-loss.
There is still the depth issue at cornerback. Adams is a zone-type when he plays corner, but most of those who were bleating about how we should sign some washed-up old big name and overpay him massively completely ignored this guy and the fact that in the right scheme he can play cornerback. Phil didn't. Who was right?
Under your radar, the acquisition of Abdullah has solidified safety depth. It's now downright excellent.
Isolating cornerback, there remains the need for a true cover-corner who is ready to step in for an injured starter.
But Phil has to manage a budget, and keep long-term goals in mind. He deemed Tye Law and other guys way to expensive (and uncooperative) for this depth-role. He will naturally address this in the future, but nobody who fit the bill has shown up in free agency to-date. It's just that simple.
Look at the results. Case closed.
This is a very good and improving secondary, with FOUR potential Pro-Bowlers (next season, of not this season).
From top-to-bottom a very talented defense.
Total cost? One first, three second, two fourth, and one seventh-round draft pick in three seasons. Who did it? Phil Savage.
Those are the facts. Deal with it. I rest my case.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sawed-off Shotgun Analysis
I find it alternately hilarious and depressing to read and hear the childish treatment of the Browns issues by many, including alleged professional anal ists. Their solutions throw everybody under the same bus.
This is, truly, childish--as in a temper-tantrum. It's got nothing to do with the cerbral cortex and everything to do with surplus adrenaline and mindless rage.
I've heard "and that includes Lewis and Winslow", and one idiot even said "and don't tell me the defense did a good job", citing the yardage surrendered on the ground. And once again, a bunch of people don't want to stop at RAC, but let's fire Savage too. Bashing Chud's game-plan, and predicting another rebuild starting this off-season.
Take a pill!
Winslow was back after missing time, and was hardly thrown to. What the hell is Jamal supposed to do that he hasn't been doing? The same people who are screaming for Quinn and Harrison are those who want the guy who drafted them fired.
The guy who signed Cribbs as an undrafted free agent small school quarterback, Holly when nobody else wanted him, Wright when he slid because of BS, Lewis when everybody else thought he was through, Anderson on his way to a rival practice squad, Fraley for peanuts, Vickers in the late rounds, Rucker (stand by), Steptoe and Hall in the seventh, Harrison late, McDonald late, and rebuilt the offensive and defensive lines in two off-seasons--yeah fire HIM!
All this is HIS fault? Well...he shouldn't have extended RAC, but the money he paid DA? Shut up about that--that was the market. That was what they had to bid to keep him. And keeping him made sense, because, warts and all, he did what he did in only his first full season as a starter, and (try for once to comprehend this) young players tend to improve with experience. (I'm sick of repeating that. You just don't grasp this very simple concept).
20-20 hindsight is the favorite tool of the moron. Yeah--you knew it all along, right? Some of you got lucky by predicting DA's failure, so you scored one. But nobody with a BRAIN made that prediction, and the only reason you did was because you're idiots. Quinn is the future. Anderson was supposed to progress and mature as a quarterback, and turn himself into a first and second-round pick. It was SMART. But Anderson made Phil (and all the guys on NFL Radio, and Bernie Kosar, and all the talent scouts) look bad.
Didn't surprise you, right? Elway, both Mannings, and everybody else except Marino sucked in their first seasons. Idiots like you would be calling any of them a bust, too. You always did and always will.
Okay though--DA's had his chances, and it's Quinn time. But Romeo won't make that move, no matter what. Strike one. Clock mismanagement, strike two. Not BENCHING Edwards strike three. I got a bunch more strikes on him, but those will do for now. I want him out of here, and that's the only strike I can put on Savage.
And you Winslow-bashers are idiots too. He's been quiet about renegotiating and for the last two seasons has been a model player and and exceptional one. You're sick of his whining? When has he EVER whined (until now...I mean that Phil not calling him stuff...wow)? The point is, you're idiots for being sick of something that never happened!
You're like my ex. She was always sick of my doing something when I'd never done it before. I suspect it's a form of mental illness. One of you idiots even said he hasn't done anything since he's been here. Yeah, and the free market and McCain caused the housing crisis. You need your meds back, Sherlock!
Chud's game-plan? Not a damn thing wrong with it! Chud didn't tell Edwards to drop all those passes! He didn't tell DA to throw bad passes. And who knows who screwed up between him and the recievers on blown routes?
Idiot: This game-plan was similar to the one against the Giants. The players just blew it. My God, you guys are just a lynch-mob. You don't care who you hang, as long as you get to hang somebody! Why don't you just roll a couple grenades into the locker-room, you warped morons?
BENCH Edwards for his very next drop, start Quinn, fire RAC (and let Chud interim until Cowher comes in...oh yeah and more idocy: "Why would Cowher come here?" Because the team is loaded with young talent and the biggest problem with it is the Head Coach--that's why. I mean, nobody else in the NFL has anything negative to say about Savage. By now, that includes several scouts who predicted dire consequences if he didn't pick up a vederrunn cornerback immediately...because they were wrong and know it.)
Fire RAC, KEEP Savage.
And I do want to see Quinn, now. People who think he'll stumble and bumble around haven't paid any attention. He reads quickly, gets rid of it, and can scramble. He has good touch and accuracy, and his arm-strength is only an issue compared to DA's cannon. He's smart and spent two seasons in a Pro system in college. He's had a year and a half on the bench learning what not to do. He's ready. Put him out there.
I wonder about Randy Lerner too, but quit assuming he can't pick up a telephone, and isn't about to do something.
PHIL! FIRE RAC NOW! THEY'RE COMING UP THE ROAD WITH ROPES AND TORCHES! HURRY UP!
This is, truly, childish--as in a temper-tantrum. It's got nothing to do with the cerbral cortex and everything to do with surplus adrenaline and mindless rage.
I've heard "and that includes Lewis and Winslow", and one idiot even said "and don't tell me the defense did a good job", citing the yardage surrendered on the ground. And once again, a bunch of people don't want to stop at RAC, but let's fire Savage too. Bashing Chud's game-plan, and predicting another rebuild starting this off-season.
Take a pill!
Winslow was back after missing time, and was hardly thrown to. What the hell is Jamal supposed to do that he hasn't been doing? The same people who are screaming for Quinn and Harrison are those who want the guy who drafted them fired.
The guy who signed Cribbs as an undrafted free agent small school quarterback, Holly when nobody else wanted him, Wright when he slid because of BS, Lewis when everybody else thought he was through, Anderson on his way to a rival practice squad, Fraley for peanuts, Vickers in the late rounds, Rucker (stand by), Steptoe and Hall in the seventh, Harrison late, McDonald late, and rebuilt the offensive and defensive lines in two off-seasons--yeah fire HIM!
All this is HIS fault? Well...he shouldn't have extended RAC, but the money he paid DA? Shut up about that--that was the market. That was what they had to bid to keep him. And keeping him made sense, because, warts and all, he did what he did in only his first full season as a starter, and (try for once to comprehend this) young players tend to improve with experience. (I'm sick of repeating that. You just don't grasp this very simple concept).
20-20 hindsight is the favorite tool of the moron. Yeah--you knew it all along, right? Some of you got lucky by predicting DA's failure, so you scored one. But nobody with a BRAIN made that prediction, and the only reason you did was because you're idiots. Quinn is the future. Anderson was supposed to progress and mature as a quarterback, and turn himself into a first and second-round pick. It was SMART. But Anderson made Phil (and all the guys on NFL Radio, and Bernie Kosar, and all the talent scouts) look bad.
Didn't surprise you, right? Elway, both Mannings, and everybody else except Marino sucked in their first seasons. Idiots like you would be calling any of them a bust, too. You always did and always will.
Okay though--DA's had his chances, and it's Quinn time. But Romeo won't make that move, no matter what. Strike one. Clock mismanagement, strike two. Not BENCHING Edwards strike three. I got a bunch more strikes on him, but those will do for now. I want him out of here, and that's the only strike I can put on Savage.
And you Winslow-bashers are idiots too. He's been quiet about renegotiating and for the last two seasons has been a model player and and exceptional one. You're sick of his whining? When has he EVER whined (until now...I mean that Phil not calling him stuff...wow)? The point is, you're idiots for being sick of something that never happened!
You're like my ex. She was always sick of my doing something when I'd never done it before. I suspect it's a form of mental illness. One of you idiots even said he hasn't done anything since he's been here. Yeah, and the free market and McCain caused the housing crisis. You need your meds back, Sherlock!
Chud's game-plan? Not a damn thing wrong with it! Chud didn't tell Edwards to drop all those passes! He didn't tell DA to throw bad passes. And who knows who screwed up between him and the recievers on blown routes?
Idiot: This game-plan was similar to the one against the Giants. The players just blew it. My God, you guys are just a lynch-mob. You don't care who you hang, as long as you get to hang somebody! Why don't you just roll a couple grenades into the locker-room, you warped morons?
BENCH Edwards for his very next drop, start Quinn, fire RAC (and let Chud interim until Cowher comes in...oh yeah and more idocy: "Why would Cowher come here?" Because the team is loaded with young talent and the biggest problem with it is the Head Coach--that's why. I mean, nobody else in the NFL has anything negative to say about Savage. By now, that includes several scouts who predicted dire consequences if he didn't pick up a vederrunn cornerback immediately...because they were wrong and know it.)
Fire RAC, KEEP Savage.
And I do want to see Quinn, now. People who think he'll stumble and bumble around haven't paid any attention. He reads quickly, gets rid of it, and can scramble. He has good touch and accuracy, and his arm-strength is only an issue compared to DA's cannon. He's smart and spent two seasons in a Pro system in college. He's had a year and a half on the bench learning what not to do. He's ready. Put him out there.
I wonder about Randy Lerner too, but quit assuming he can't pick up a telephone, and isn't about to do something.
PHIL! FIRE RAC NOW! THEY'RE COMING UP THE ROAD WITH ROPES AND TORCHES! HURRY UP!
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