Rookies

First, there's something I never told you, because I'm so humble: I was, at one time, a contender for the Olympics. My events were the conclusion-leap and gun-jump. That being said....

Alex Hall is way way way ahead of schedule. He's obviously a very fast learner, and my also have been underestimated by most scouts--including Phil Savage.

Understandable. He was a defensive end, and he played at the lowest level of competition in football. Savage himself projected him as "an '09 player". But Hall has come into camp and NOT been dominated by NFL blockers, or been utterly lost at his new position.

I've heard nothing pro or con about how he has looked in coverage, or many other details. But Romeo Crennel, who throws compliments around like manhole covers, has used this word: "impressed", about Hall. Translating from Romeo-eze, that means: "WOW! This kid's GREAT!"

This could well mean that Hall is ahead of schedule. He has the physical tools (and instincts) to fill roles on possibly every special teams unit this season, and be on the active roster. While we can't expect him to displace the versatile, surprisingly quick Shantee Orr, McGinest, or Peek--it begins to look as if he will stick around.

Developing an outside linebacker out of a small-school defensive end usually takes some time, so of course his primary purpose would be special teams this season, but he can help situationally as well. One thing he can do--and is probably being focussed on right now--is rush the passer. He's faster in games than most of the rest, and has the height and reach to keep blockers off him. Right now, he's working extra-hard on hand techniques (dirty tricks).

Lance Leggett appears to be a keeper-though on the practice squad. I'm weary of hearing about how skinny his legs are. He gets open and catches the ball. He's 6'3" and in time will be bigger than Edwards. Travis Wilson, unless he reverses course or is injured, will not only make the roster, but could well become the third wide reciever. Jasper, Sanders, and more guys are in the mix to fill out the WR roster--but Leggett has a good chance of making it to the nursery.

Ditto Chase Ortiz? I frankly have no idea of he can play linebacker. He has the right tools on-paper, and could fit inside as well as outside down the road. They'll try to keep him of he can mirror, read, and cover.

AJ Davis and M'ilvon James are both doing surprisingly well at cornerback, with niether really pulling ahead. The point is, BOTH, EACH of these TWO kids is so far looking like quality players who will be READY TO PLAY by the regular season.

The vedderrunn cornerback hysteria is just assenine. The year they had to sign Perry and Holly, these guys were signed in an emergency after the season had started. By the end of that season, Holly had become a viable starting cornerback. (Perry appears more limitted). These guys were here the first day of camp, and are PROVING themselves to the Coaches, if not to Chicken Little.

Brian Schaefering has been dinged, and hasn't stood out. However, I feel he has a chance to make the final roster. His weight on the roster is 295 lbs. If that's accurate, he's bigger than he was coming out of college. He played nose tackle at Illinois, which might well have hidden him from the scouts, and which means he's a handful one-on-one, accustomed to run-stuffing, and has shown surprising speed, hand-technique, and passrush ability.

I also think that Louis Leonard has the edge over Rubin. It's been written that Leonard is strictly a nose tackle. That's wrong. He can also play defensive end.

Kolo...I'll stop there.,,is a huge Polynesian TE/FB. He's a very strong in-line blocker and a good reciever. He lacks speed, but is reliable. He has been worked at fullback in this camp, leading some to leap to their own conclusions. They have decided that since he is a tight end and we have so many that he doesn't have a chance.

Look: Darnell Dinkens is a great special teamer and good blocker--but what makes you think the Browns don't want to upgrade depth at his expense?

As I've pointed out before, this is a two-TE base offense, Heiden played a lot at fullback last season--I mean, are you blind, or just stupid? Chud enters only his second season implementing his system. Vickers is the fullback. The backup fullbacks will be tight ends. They roster will include four "tight ends" and one fullback DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

Rucker is more a Winslow type than a Heiden type. Heiden is the in-line blocker/short reciever/lead-blocker. Kolo has a chance to make the roster--or at least the practice squad, because he is a similar player...though a little slower and bigger. Dinkens is probably gone.

Bell is stiff, and still stumbling around. To be expected. No sweat.

NEW GUYS:

Brad Cieslak was stashed on the practice squad last season, but came from New England, and enters his 4th season. He is like a Heiden clone. He probably prevents Kolo from making the active roster.

This renders the Browns 3-deep at fullback (PS they've been lining Winslow up back there as well--which means so will Rucker, eventually--so maybe it's 5-deep) and 4-deep at tight end. 2 Winslow types and two Heiden types. 3-TE sets, jumbo formations, reliable short and intermediate recievers.

Well, there we go. Laugh at me now but believe me later.

Hey Tony and Wile E.

Hey, Tony: With the selection of Martin Rucker, who do you see as being the odd-man out at the tight end position? Is there any chance the team keeps four TEs? -- David Gehlke, Pittsburgh

Hey, David: I think there is a slim chance they keep four tight ends. They may be trying to market Darnell Dinkins in a possible trade for a cornerback.

Hey, Tony: Slim chance? With JJ hurt and a 2-TE base offense? With Heiden playing more fullback last season than Vicker's back-up? With Cieslak, who played some fullback with NE? With Rucker, who could easily also play fullback, and two more UFA TE's who could play fullback? OK what are your odds? Wanna bet? You're right about Dinkens though.

Hey, Tony: You have been asked ad nauseum about the inability of Phil Savage to get an experienced back behind J. Lewis. From what I have read on and in-between the lines, it seems the Browns think Lawrence Vickers could step in as the starter and then they would add a veteran to fill the vacated roster spot. Your thoughts? -- John J. Berezo, Culloden, West Virginia

Hey, John: Savage often mentions Vickers as a possibility to play in one-back sets. That could be an emergency solution during a game, but I don't see it as a viable one beyond that. There's just no speed there.

STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT! JEROME HARRISON IS BIGGER THAN TIKI BARBER, EMMITT SMITH, PRIEST HOLMES, JOE MORRIS, THAT GUY IN PITTSBURGH, AND OVER A DOZEN OTHER STARTING BACKS WHO WENT TO PRO BOWLS OR WON CHAMPIONSHIPS. HE WAS NEVER INJURED IN COLLEGE, WHERE HE SET A BUNCH OF RECORDS. HE BECAME A DECENT BLOCKER IN HIS SECOND SEASON, AND IS NOW POLISHING HIS RECIEVING SKILLS. JEROME HARRISON AND WRIGHT ARE SUFFICIENT. NOW SHUT UP.

Hey, Tony: I know you really want Anthony Henry back just as much as I do? What do you think it would take to get him back? -- Scott Bennett, Wickliffe, Ohio

Hey, Scott: Considering the Cowboys paid out a $1 million roster bonus to Henry just a month ago, I would think the price tag would be a second-round pick, at least. Plus, the Cowboys would have to be assured Pacman Jones is on the straight and narrow and that No. 1 pick Melvin Jenkins is ready to play significant time.

Hey, Tony: Wow, it's good to have football back. With the tight roster restrictions has there been any thought of using Cribbs as a fourth QB just so the other three don't tire out their arms before the season? -- Greg Winger, Orange Village, Ohio

Hey, Greg: Cribbs has enough on his plate. This week, Romeo Crennel conceded Cribbs would be a consideration to fill in at cornerback in an emergency situation.

Most interesting.

Adam Caplan Corrections

Eric Parker, what's up with our interest?

Adam Caplan: CM: As we've detailed for a while, there's a big need there because of the Jurevicius injury. There are a decent amount of teams that can use Parker though.

BS. Kevin Kasper still holds Iowa recieving records for most receptions and most receptions in a season. He's a larger version of Brian Brennan. His NFL history lists a bunch of teams, and his NFL stats are unimpressive. This is all Adam needs to start shoveling dirt into a premature grave. He may be coming into his own. Stand by.

Travis Wilson has made great strides, and approximates JJ. Adam is incapable of believing a rookie can fill a role unless he's a first round pick or is already doing it.



Adam, any idea of contract dollar amounts for rookies?

Adam Caplan: BR: Yes, I already gave Barry the Hall deal, the rest will be posted tomorrow.

Adam, are you concerned about JJ not returning at all?

Adam Caplan: BR: I would be at this point because of all the work done on that knee.

Huge loss if that is the case

Huge overstatement.

Adam Caplan: BR: No question but Parker, if they sign him, is an excellent slot WR.

Adam, not sure if you know but what's the reason behind an active list and an inactive list during the season? What was the reasoning behind not allowing teams to use the entire roster?

Adam Caplan: GREG: The NFL explained that to me a few years ago, kind of too detailed for this room. But it could be brought up in the new CBA talks.Adam Caplan: And don't forget they used to name the inactives on Friday's

ok, thanks... never made sense.. I always assumed it had to do with contracts

Adam Caplan: GREG: I still think it's wrong though as is the 80-man limitAdam Caplan: should be over 90

how much has Chud opened up the playbook this year?

Adam Caplan: LU: I think you'll see Harrison in more, Wilson, if he makes it, get some plays on third downs

Has Harrison improved any? He showed flashes , and we do need that kind of speed

Adam Caplan: CK: Yes, they're are happy with his progress.

Harrison needed to work on pass-catching. He never needed improvement as a ballcarrier. He didn't show flashes. He performed. Are you blind?

Any word on Law or Youboty?

Adam Caplan: PAZ: Nothing new on the CB frontAdam Caplan: My expectation is, as it has been for a while, that they get one in by middle of next month

IF one is cheap, and IF they really need one.

Adam, any word on how Tucker is progressing?

Adam Caplan: LU: The expectation is he won't be practicing until late next month

Where will Favre end up?

BROWNS questions, please. Go tune in Farve radio. It's on 24/7 and you can quit clogging up this forum!

Adam Caplan: PAZ: The guess would be KC or TBAdam Caplan: if he does come backAdam Caplan: if he decides he wants to play, GB has to deal him

Hi Adam: your thoughts on the Bengals defense - no help at DT in the draft, and a revolving door at defensivecoordinator. I'm smelling disaster there.

Adam Caplan: DONO: I like the additions of Odom and RiversAdam Caplan: but it's still not a good defenseAdam Caplan: on paperAdam Caplan: Keep in mind they wanted Dorsey or Ellis and got neither

Yay!

Adam, would they have to redo contracts to get Parker or a CB?

Adam Caplan: BR: They can get him in

Adam, are the rams still interested in Bentley? any other callers?

Adam Caplan: LU: There's not really that much interest in Bentley other than for just over veteran minimum and some

<64superfan> Adam: If the Browns have to trade for a veteran CB, who could they move? (other than future draft picks)

Adam Caplan: 64: I don't see the depth where they could give up any player to be honest

Don't equate honesty with intelligence. Bell, Williams, Davis, Jackson, and Orr makes five. Davis can be traded. Also Darnell Dinkens, who will otherwise be released. What's up with you that you can't see depth here? Can you see depth in the Atlantic ocean?

Adam, will Henry get picked up by any team, seems like Bengals are done with him?

Who cares?

Adam Caplan: BR: Dallas or OaklandAdam Caplan: would be the guessesAdam Caplan: Anyone going to camp soon?:Adam Caplan: I'll be there on 8/12Adam Caplan: TuesdayAdam Caplan: last week of campAdam Caplan: which is the best time to be there

Adam so basically the Browns made the right call on Bentley?

Adam Caplan: HO: Yes.

<64superfan> Adam: Any teams long on veteran CBs who might take a flyer on a couple of developmental guys (TEs?) inexchange for excess CB?

Adam Caplan: 64: I could see some teams getting rid of excess CBs at the end of AugustAdam Caplan: but not really before then, that position is usualy the toughest to let go

Adam, what's the early word on the CBA? Any hope or are there too many Jerry Jones issues to make it happen?

Adam Caplan: GREG: Nah, the talk is the sense of urgency won't start until 2009

Adam, didn't they give you the memo that the Browns camp was the only one worth while and that youshould be there every day?

Adam Caplan: BR: If I only covered 1 team and not 32 I'd be there more

Adam, how seriously do you take your job as Polls Forum moderator?

Adam Caplan: BOB: I don't pay attention really, I just had Barry add me so I can post what's needed

Any chance of Ty Law?

Adam Caplan: CK: As I noted last month, Andre Dyson, Law make most sense based on scheme fit

thanks... just waiting to see what the most popular league is going to do to screw things up... :)

Adam Caplan: GREG: It could get very ugly before it gets settled, even uglier this timeAdam Caplan: the NFL won't get hosed this time around

<64superfan> Adam: What's your take on the battle for backup D linemen between Rubin, Leonard, Purcell and Pittman?

Adam Caplan: 64: I have to think two of them make it

Wow that took GUTS! Ok Louis Leonard has an excellent chance due to versatility and size. Rubin may have a problem because of him, Smith, and Rogers--all of whome can play nose tackle. Pittman and Purcells are stricly DE's, and Schaefering is going to challenge them. Schaefering played for Illinois at nose tackle and wasn't invited to the combine...we know what this means to Adam.

Adam, when do you see them changing the way they do rookie contracts? I really wish they would address this issue!

Adam Caplan: JIML: Next CBA and the thing is the veteran players are pissed off about it as well

Seems like Eric Parker is considered a must get at this point

Buy a clue! Another molehill named Everest! Winslow was used at WR, and it's a two-TE base offense. A third reciever WILL emerge. "Must get" somebody instead of Winslow, Rucker, Wilson, etc....clown.

Adam Caplan: GREG: For insurance, yes

Kevin Shaffer as a rt?

Adam Caplan: R: Upper halfAdam Caplan: which is good when you consider he didn't want to play there in the first place.

<64superfan> Adam: Eric Parker a good gamble in the slot if JJ is out?

Adam Caplan: 64: Yes, he does have an injury history though

Lito Shepherd going to get moved out of Philly?

Adam Caplan: GREG: Eagles aren't looking to deal him now, too late. Some team would have to knock them over to do it andagain, Sheppard wants a new deal.

Adam Caplan: not an extension

it weird that the right side is considered the run blocking side and they averaged a yard and a half less running that way last season

Adam Caplan: BR: Pass protection wise they were solid all around

Adam, did the Redskins actually get better with the trade for Taylor?

BROWNS BROWNS BROWNS

Adam Caplan: BR: Yes, probably based on the upgrade but even so, they have no depth at DE

<64superfan> Adam: I have heard that, in a pinch, Chud might be able to do some creative schemes while JJ is out. Forexample, Heiden at TE and K2 in the slot. What's your take on that?

Adam Caplan: 64: They don't need to change much actually. If Winslow or Edwards were out, that would be hard on them.Adam Caplan: But they use a lot of two-TE as it isAdam Caplan: in that scheme

DUH!

what are the chances Rucker could excel enough to get any playing time?

Adam Caplan: DOG: He's the third TE at best so I don't think he's going to do muchAdam Caplan: they will have a package probably where Rucker and Winslow play at the same time, that we could see himdoing something

They want to preserve and protect Winslow, so if the kid comes along well, he'll get more time later in the season. Adam assumes that Winslow will play until his legs fall off, but smart Coaches take care of their players.

Are we gonna see Kasper still in a Browns uniform come week 1?

Adam Caplan: BR: He actually could make it based on the problems at WRAdam Caplan: but if Wilson makes the team and JJ is there, that ends Kasper

Adam is once again mathematicly challenged. Edwards, Stallworth, JJ, Wilson is FOUR. Kasper is an excellent kick returner and probably a good special teamer in other roles, too. They could easily carry five wide recievers.

I just read Don Banks report on Ravens camp. He says Troy Smith likely the QB starter. Do you agree? Good news for us?

Adam Caplan: DON: I wrote almost two months ago that Smith had the edge based on what the coaches thought.Adam Caplan: But it could be a close race in the end with Flacco

<64superfan> Adam: If Rucker steps up in camp and preseason games, I would think Chud could set up some interestingscenarios with him and K2 in the game at the same time, no?

Adam Caplan: 64: That's what I just mentioned, you could see a few packages with both in the game for defenses to have ahard time adjusting to

Adam, did it surprise you that Ravens would not consider bringing in Farve?Adam Caplan: BR: They want to develop Flacco as soon as possible

adam what is your opinion on who will be starting at ILB?

Adam Caplan: BL: Jackson and Bell would be the early guess but we're a long way away of having an idea

What would happen with Andra Davis then Adam?

Adam Caplan: BLE: Bench or goneAdam Caplan: But then again, depth isn't great

Dumbass.

Adam, what teams are the front office people you talk to buzzing about this year?Adam Caplan: GREG: CLE, DAL, PHI, ARI of all teams, scary

Bell...really!! you think has a chance to make the starting lineup?

Adam Caplan: JIM: Sure, they want a physical downhill LB, he's that

Better believe it! He whacks people in the hole or their backfield. Williams and Jackson are a little faster, but Bell reacts as well as any linebacker. He'll make a big difference behind the new defensive line.

Whisenhunt's making progress... wasn't he on the Browns' staff under Belichick?

WHO CARES?

Adam Caplan: GREG: you might be right, don't recall.

Adam Caplan: They were 8-8 last year and that division is badAdam Caplan: BTW, I'll be at Vikings next Weds so the chat will be moved up to Monday at 9pm ET

Adam what do you think about Ryan Tucker going to pup as for now?

Adam Caplan: BL: He can come off at any time when you're on there

How does Pool rank as a safety?

Adam Caplan: PAZ: Middle with upside

In the second half of last season (his first as a starter) he was easily in the top 33%.

Whisenhunt was on the Browns' staff in 1999, special teams coach according to wikipedia

How exciting!

Adam Caplan: GREG: Cool, former NFL TE with ATL and NYJAdam Caplan: backup though, special teamer

Adam, is this really the first year where we will make suprise cuts due to talent on the team?

Adam Caplan: BR: Competition is really good this year, that I can tell you.

What is amazing to me is the difference between this year and last year!! Things seem a whole lot more stable and calm

Adam Caplan: JIM: And don't forget John Collins/Savage stuff 3 years ago

Adam... is this the year Pool lives up to his expectations?

Adam Caplan: CT: Time will tell, but the more he plays the better off he is. It doesn't hurt that the DC was his secondary coach,

> Adam have you heard anything about future trades?

Adam Caplan: BL: Sure, that could happen with a CB later as camp progresses, they will get a CB one way or the other

Savage is not running for office, and is not lying or hedging when he says he wants to check out the young talent on the team first. Adam and a lot of you think that a veteran is critical. Savage and Mel Tucker do not.

adam can the browns win the super bowl this year

Adam Caplan: BR: I can't see them getting there based on problems at CB and inconsistency of the Ss

Here we go again. Two of the safeties (inc. Baxter, who will stick) can play a zone corner, and at least two of the rookies can man-cover. There will be more man coverage based on the skill-sets of the prominent DB's. Pool was a first-time starter last season, Jones his second, and it was their first season together. Pool came on strong in the second half. The scheme has been streamlined to allow the players to stop thinking and play. Adam is unable to extrapolate. He only knows history, and is perennially surprised when young players mature.

Adam, are you pleasantly surprised with Rodgers weight right now?

Adam Caplan: BR: The thing is the effort has to be there consistentlyAdam Caplan: and they do have enough players that he doesn't have to be on the field for much more than half the plays

We heard a lot about missing Russell last year as the general in the secondary, is S. Jones gonna step up into that role this year?

Adam Caplan: BR: The key for a veteran safety is to make sure the guys near him are lined up correctly and the communication is good. Jonescan do that.

He was about the third-best safety in the AFC last season. What's he supposed to "step up" to--the Hall of Fame? JEEZ!

Scary that Rodgers is the key to our D-Line being disruptive

Adam Caplan: BR: He's one of them.

1: A disruptinve 3-4 DL is exceptional. It's not their schematic function. 2: Corey Williams is also disruptive. The depth players who will stay on the roster will be chosen partly based on their ability to penetrate. Your shadow is scary too, no doubt.

Adam, does Cribbs repeat his numbers, or will more teams kick away from him?Adam Caplan: LU: I think he'll be solid again, but as good as last year will be hard to do.

Word is Rogers production follows the teams path, as they fade, so does he.

Adam Caplan: BIG: The thing is, it's not all about him, they have depth and talent around him.Adam Caplan: And if he's bad, he won't be back, as I reported a few weeks ago, he has a roster bonus for next year.

Rogers has played nearly every down, and here will get more time off. Rogers performance dropped at times due to fatigue, triple-teams, and lane discipline...although he did indeed get lazy too.

Adam Caplan: As does Stallworth-big one

Adam, are you surprised so many late 1st round picks are still unsigned?Adam Caplan: BR: No because a lot of camps don't open for a few more daysAdam Caplan: All: That's all the time I have, see you this Monday at 9pm.Adam Caplan: later

D+

Adam seems to lack imagination, and should try thinking ahead just a little. Basic assumptions can be made, such as 1: Young players more often improve than they stagnate and decline. 2: Schematic alterations tend to accomodate available personel and in turn 3: alter personel requirements. 4: Trends are valid, and tend to continue.

Adam was also caught with a squirt gun, and sleeps in class.

Training Camp and Roster Perdictions

Shantee Orr: He is being spoken of as a special teamer, but he's more. While he won't start, he can rotate in at both outside and inside linebacker. Inside, his short stature is an advantage, and has much to do with both his quickness and ability to get off blocks.

Andra Davis: Could be traded.

If he isn't, we have too many linebackers. Jackson and Williams are faster and better in coverage. As we will see, Beau Bell can also cover, and in other respects is like Davis at his best. With Shantee Orr also inside at times--that's too many, and Davis is the oldest.

It's just business.

Antwan Peek, of he remains healthy for the first time in his carreer, is a beast. Ififif, he is a proven passrusher who is bigger and stronger than Wimbley. Willie McGinest is not the passrusher he once was, but has actually become pretty darn good against the run. He's very difficult to block, and anticipates well.

The top four defensive linemen are etched in stone, and two of these are nose tackles. Louis Leonard is actually a very talented player who can play on the nose or the end, and has some little NFL experience. He is due to emerge in this, his third season. His experience and versatility give him an edge over other contenders for the last two spots. Listen to me: This guy is a playa.

The Browns could carry eight linebackers. At this point those look like Jackson, Bell, Orr, Peek, Wimbley, Williams, Davis, and McGinest. Using the inactive list, it's possible that both Hall and Ortiz could make it sorta), but it would be better to turn Davis into a...Anthony Henry, or something. (And yes Ortiz is listed as a DE but he has no chance there. He's a linebacker or nothing).

I don't count out David McMillan. It's make-or-break time for him, though. He's got the pass-rush thing down, but I guess he's trying to master the regular linebacker stuff. He might or might not.

Rubin is a nose tackle. Don't expect him to be much of a defensive end. He's really going to have to prove something...although they'd probably try to sneak him onto the practice squad if he's unable to crack the top six yet.

Pittman and Purcells are bigger now, and strictly defensive ends. I have no idea what they will do. A major monkey wrench for them is one Brian Schaefering, and undrafted free agent who played nose tackle at Illinois. He's 6'4", 286 right now--and is obviously a strong player who uses leverage well.

Without the pads on, he showed great hand-use and moves as a passrusher from the DE slot. He could push the aforementioned duo aside and actually make the roster! (Oh I hear you, Yoda: "It's far too early to know--" Yeah yeah oh wise sage).

Schaefering was a sleeper, playing out-of-position at Illinois. As a nose tackle, he was double-teamed and had to deal with the run first. 286 is smallish for a 3-4 NFL defensive end, but as a nose tackle he had to be pretty damn strong, and have a good mastery of leverage.

True, there were no pads on, but much can still be learned from his performance. The blockers were still trying to get their hands on him and stay in his path, and he beat them. He showed surprising explosion and game-speed.

While this guy doesn't project to make the top six in a normal rotation (at this point), he could surprise everybody but the Coaches and me by making the final roster. This is because he MIGHT be able to play as a situational down passrusher.

The reasons are several: This defense will deploy a 4-5 lineman front on passing downs. Schaefering could provide an opportunity to rest one of the other guys. As a former nose tackle, he has no problem handling traffic inside, and if his job is to penetrate, you don't worry about him holding a gap or a point.

And then there's the fact that he's actually more of a 4-3 DE than the 3-4 version. No other defensive linmeman on the roster could shift to or line up outside the tackle (at least as well as a 4-3 DE). (3-4 DE's are normally hybrid tackles because they actually line up on the guard's outside shoulders, and are subject to leverage blocks and double-teams).

Have I lost you yet? Try and stay with me: Sportwriters like everything in neat consistant boxes, so they want the outside linebackers to always just become defensive ends outside two defensive linemen. This is a good base-set and is true on the most basic cookie-cutter 3-4 level.

But (trust me) the Browns would prefer not to use Shantee Orr in this way, whether he was a college DE or not. He's too short to overcome the tackle's reach advantage and get outside him. Wimbley and Peek--no problem, but if one is injured, there is an issue here. Alex Hall, if he makes the roster based on special teams and this specific role, could do it...

But every offense is different. Some will deploy two tight ends on third and long (including this offense). Some have lighter, athletic offensive linemen, and others big hogs. Some have scat-backs who can catch flares, run delayed draws...there are a lot of variables.

And third-down packages are designed specificly to defeat a conventional 3-4 passing alignment. Schaefering breaks the mold, and is a monkey-wrench. Even if he doesn't fill in situationally for one of the OLB's, he could penetrate from a conventional tackle position, and give one of those guys a break instead.

Just a thought--he IS still a dark-horse, and Hall/Ortiz effect this formula. There's always the practice squad for the losers, of they make it, and Schaefering should. And they'd like that, because he's 6'4" and could return next season at over 300 lbs.

On the offensive side, they will probably carry four tight ends and Vickers. This is because the offense is a base two-TE one, and because probably two of the tight ends can line up at fullback. Rucker is a "wing" TE like Winslow, although they want him to learn the ropes as a Heiden-type in-line conventional TE as well. Heiden lined up at fullback fairly often last season, and this offers a clue to Chud's plans. Rucker and other new canditates are all capable of filling this role, sooner or later.

Look at New England, which at times fields THREE tight ends.

Here, Chud adapted to his personnel, but this system is becoming entrenched. Both TE's are the possession-recievers and primary outlets. Every TE must be a reliable reciever. If Vickers goes down, at least two of them could line up at fullback. The defense is never sure where Heiden will go when Vickers isn't there.

This alignment can go deep or play smashmouth, and (as you will see) will show no clear tendancy for a defense to key on.

Jamal Lewis will catch more passes.

Rodney Harrisonfield will play more.

Travis Wilson will become what he was, when healthy, in college, and answer concerns about the third or fourth reciever. Rucker needs work. Not sure what they'll do there.

We don't have a huge depth problem at tackle, Chicken Little. Schaeffer can move to the left side and Tucker go back to the right. It's also ignorant to dis the depth simply because you haven't seen them.

More later.

Chicken Little, Ty Law, and Defense

Yes, the Browns have talked to Ty Law. Yes, the Browns would like to have an experienced zone corner to take over for McDonald or Wright in case of injury. Yes, Ty Law is a good option.

No, Ty Law won't take the league minimum, or accept a back-up role yet. And if he doesn't, the Browns won't sign him. And no, we're not all gonna die if we don't get an old, old cornerback to step in for McDonald or Holly.


Another thing: I keep hearing these guys on Favre Radio picking the Stoolers to win the Division. Another guy said he didn't think the Browns could do it. He said "Last year they surprised everybody, but this year, they'll be ready for them". He also pointed out that the Browns had one of the worst defenses in football.


And the Stooler FANS--"It's a given".


Let's look at this RATIONALLY, shall we?


Let's measure improvement:


QB: While Rossenmuncher is still young and improving, Anderson (and Quinn) have just got started. They will make a bigger leap.


RB: Pretty even, really. Except that the Browns will probably be giving Harrison more of a chance.


Oline: Need I say more? Oh I forgot--Stooler fan: Ok, well they lost Faneca. While they had young guys on the roster, and (let's be objective Browns fans) have a history of doing well there--aint no Fanecas there. Meanwhile, Joe Thomas was only a rookie last season. Last season was the first that this group was together. The Browns offensive line is moving foreward. The Steelers is stagnant at best.


Recievers (inc. TE). Well, the Stoolers drafted this big tall guy, Limas Sweed, who's going to be really good. But how much longer is that old guy going to be great? The Browns signed Stallworth. Wilson is emerging. All the same, I guess you could call it even, and I wouldn't even argue much when a Stooler fan asserts greater improvement by their heroes.


So on offense in general, the Browns will be much better. Especially when you factor in that Chud's system was brand new, and not even completely implemented, or adapted to these unique players.


D-line: Well, the Stoolers are basicly stagnant, and aging. The Browns went out and got two studs, drafted a promising nose tackle, and have two or three young guys who could well emerge into very solid players. Here the difference between the two teams is stark and irrefutable (by non-Pittsburgers). The Browns will improve dramaticly.


Linebackers: Stoolers about the same. The Browns drafted Belle and signed Shantee Orr. D'Qwell Jackson is still young and improving, Belle will most likely force his way into the starting line-up, Williams (another young and improving guy) will compete inside and outside, and Peek might...for once...remain healthy.

To be honest, I haven't checked the Stoolers draft--but it just doesn't matter. The Browns linebacking corps is improving, in a hurry. The Stoolers...not so much.

Secondary: Not sure on the Stoolers. The Browns starting safeties are young and improving--this will be Pool's second season starting, and the tandem's second season together. Depth at safety has taken a big step, as Baxter is added to the mix. Cornerback is more of a mixed bag. While McDonald enters his second season, and was good as a rookie, and Wright has the talent to become an elite corner, there is a legit issue at who steps in if either is injured.

TWO brand spanking new cornerbacks have showed surprising promise; both with press/man abilities, and when Savage says he wants to see more of them before signing an old guy, he means it. Did you hear me? Savage means what he says (in this case).

Can't be definitive here, not having really checked out the Stoolers, but let's just call it a wash.

Defense: Browns much better. Stoolers the same, and maybe weaker.

OK are we comprehending that the Browns have out-improved the Stoolers on both offense and defense, I hope. What was the score of the last game between them? What were their records?

OK so start using your brains at least a little. Hell, you even have a template! Look at what Savage did with the offensive line prior to last season! It went from one of the worst to one of the best, overnight! Now, with a three-man base defensive line, Savage signs those two high-profile vets, and...

...and what? Some goober is pointing out one of the worst defenses in football last season, as if these changes are irrelevant!

Won't sneak up on anybody? So for the second half of last season they were still sneaking up on people? Why the hell would they need to be underestimated when one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL returns mostly intact and even slightly upgraded, with a second-year starting QB?

Why be sneaking when you've just replaced 66% of your starting d-line with STUDS, added depth out the wazoo, improved the linebacking corps, and have at least a very good starting secondary quartet?

JEEZ these PEOPLE!!!

Oh...not you. Stoolers fans. You're OJ jurors and all this "DNA" stuff doesn't matter.

YOU STAND CORRECTED.