Monday, July 7, 2008

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.

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