Browns Fan Corrections

Glad to see Harrison move up the depth chart and hope he gets 10-12 carries in a game. I like Wright, also, just think Harrison has more game breaking ability. On Quinn vs DA, Quinn looked this preseason exactly like what he is, a rookie getting his first start with the ones. Overall, he did fine. My concern with DA is that he is consistently inconsistent along with having no "touch" what so ever on his short/intermediate passes.

'Throughout training camp, DA demonstrated dramatic improvement in these areas. The one-handed TD catch by Edwards was only possible because it was a prefectly-thrown marshmellow. You have heard a bunch of MM's mindlessly repeating that mantra, and are a sheep.

Maybe he will greatly improve this season and surprise me. My instinct tells me he's probably at the top of his game now, unforunately.

We are all dumber for having read that. Your instincts are a danger to yourself and those around you. Please stay in the basement.

The Browns will go about 8-8 this season, Quinn will be traded (at his request) for a 2 or 3 and will be successfully leading another team in 2-3 years to the playoffs.

His name is Phil. Anderson will be better--not worse, as any second-year starter should be...DUH. There's a whole new defensive line, Harrison is promoted, Cribbs will contribute on offense, if not Peek, then Hall, the safety tandem together for only it's second season, improving youth out the yinyang, simplified defensive scheme, second year in the Chud offense, o-line together for the second year, and you see 8-8.

Phil will trade Quinn for a 2 or 3 so he can watch him kick butt elsewhere. Rather then trade Anderson for a 1, 2, and then some, he will keep him and get chump-change for a well-prepared young first round pick.

Stick a fork in yourself. You're done.

And I know that there is little hard evidence to believe that. But when you look back at most of the very successful OB's in the NFL (Montana, Young, etc) it was not their overwhelming skill that made the difference. It was their mental ability for the game, work ethic and desire that made the difference. Quinn has those traits. Go ahead and throw the rocks now.

Actually it's good to hear that you have at least a couple brain cells to rub together.

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Posted by nhdawgpound on 08/31/08 at 11:32AM

hey BrowndawgBob, Can you tell me again why Quinn should be the starter? I never seen the word "quinn" used so many times in one post.

***I do agree, he looks super cool in that subway commercial. You got me there.

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Posted by nhdawgpound on 08/31/08 at 11:35AM

Lower90, I mostly agree with you actually, however how can DA possibly be at the "top" of his game as a 2nd year starter? It usually takes at least 3 seasons for QB's to hit their stride.

This is refreshing so far.

for one thing, not to look ahead or anything, but I am concerned about losing Quinn at the end of the season...

Dude, this is not Marty, or Butch. Phil runs this show, and He'll make the deal that will crystallize the core of this team for years to come. One trade, ala Drew Bledsoe. Do you think he'd trade Tom Brady instead?

good post

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Posted by browndawgbob on 08/31/08 at 11:38AM

DA was in the pro bowl as a replacement.

Oooh! What an indictment! Most first-time starters get ALL the votes!

And he embarrassed Cleveland in that game.

And nothing else matters.

Last Thursday - 2 sets of downs - 2 marches - 2 scores - Quinn to win!

Pass to Winslow.

DA has not touch, as the guy above said, and everyone should know it.

Watch current games. This is 2008. And accept what you see.

As to the wind in the Cinci game, if you can't THROW it, then DON'T throw it! The QB has to take a stand - he's the leader - that's part of the problem!

Like Tom Brady as a rookie, and Peyton Manning, and Eli. THEY sure gave the Coaches an earful!

DA is good? Maybe.
GREAT? No way.

You can tell by how terrible was in his first year as a starter. And the records he set. Clearly, there can be no improvement. Quinn is much better-looking, therefore...

Quinn might be, but we'll never know until we play him. We'll also forfeit a chance to win as we keep him on the sidelines.

Stop pretending to be objective.

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Posted by realitychuck on 08/31/08 at 11:47AM

Browns' strength: 1. Offensive line & Power running game; 2. Tight ends & Playmakers; 3. special teams & kicking game; 4. Defensive line, linebackers? 5. safties.... 6. cornerbacks????

One question mark will do, thank you. What's the question mark by linebackers? Is that because...umm...is it the passrusher opposite Wimbley thing? Wow you must hate guns. And love hand grenades.

Leadership has to come from the guys up front on both sides of the ball, but esp. from O'line vets, stud L.T., Tight Ends, & Blocking personnel.

It's up to Derek to conduct this orchestra (Chuds Offense)into an efficient running Team with the Big (as in Braylon) strike ability. The tight ends being a tremendous complement to the Ball control potential of this TEAM. Show us you get it Derek!

Bottom line, Team has to establish its own identity, not what we necessarily see from the Head coach. Don't disappoint us.

OK you're released on your own recognizance.

GO BROWN, ORANGE, & WHITE !

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Posted by allsides on 08/31/08 at 11:57AM

someone posted that DA struggled against an EASY schedule...but Big Ben had virtually the same schedule and went 10 - 6 on a team with a much much better schedule.

Most steeler fans really love this guy, and that is why he received a HUGE contract. They beat us twice, and so didn't fare as well against that easier schedule as we did.

This guy is young, WE DON'T KNOW HIS FULL POTENTIAL YET!

We are sitting well at QB right now and I am very happy with both of them. This thing will work itself out on its own.

THERE IS INTELLIGENT LIFE IN CLEVELAND (since I left)!

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Posted by BrownsLifer on 08/31/08 at 12:28PM

dawgbob-you must've not watched the game Thursday. Yes they scored twice, yes, one on a running TD that was a result of an 8 ypc average with the RB's. The FG was a result of a very poorly thrown quinn pass that was at least 2 yards behind k2. Had DA thrown a ball that badly he's be crucified on these blogs...

That's correct. All the good passes before and since would cease to exist. "Constantly", and "all the time" would be attached to the play. Before you know it, it would symbolize his whole game.

I like quinn if DA doesn't perform, but not until then. DA has earned it by winning 10 games in 07. He EARNED it. THAT's a FACT.

You know it and I know it. But for many people, facts are what you want to believe.

GOOD FOR YOU, PHIL AND CHUD! You forced Romeo blockhead to give Harrison a chance. Did you threaten to fire him, or what? Was there a lot of yelling and screaming?

Ok, I might be assuming too much, but I do know that RAC said that Harrison would have to "do it on specials", implying that he could be released if he doesn't contribute there. This implied that he saw no other value in this player.

He was allowed five carries vs. Detroit, while Wright was used extensively. Which of the two needed the most reps?

My first reaction to the third down comment was negative, but then I analyzed a little more: In this offense, there's often a TE in motion and/or a fullback--at other times it's a spread offense (with the two TE's). Harrison's blocking isn't such a big deal here, and he can catch passes too.

On third downs, Wright can be part of a max-protect package, as well as do the other stuff.

Wright reminds me a lot of Earnest Byner. It's just that Harrison reminds me of Gregg Pruitt...if Pruitt had been about 20 lbs. heavier and didn't NEED a tearaway jersey.

Yeah--thass cool. Big change-of-pace from Jamal. Ought to really screw them up. Get the ball to Harrison ten times, and you probably have seven to twenty one points.

Anyhow, I'm glad people are more rational about Harrison than about cornerbacks and quarterbacks.

More Ranting and Corrections

First off, why am I the only one on the planet outside the team who has noticed fourth-year ILB Chris Griffin making a lot of plays?

Fourth-year. Had to repeat that. Griffin was an undrafted free agent from a Little League school (like Alex Hall's) signed by the Redskins. He wasn't ready to do much then, but quickly became a special teams ace.

For most of you MM's, that's the end of it. But let me tell you something: It is extremely common for players to emerge in their third or fourth seasons. Their first season is a blur. Their second, they're still competing for a roster spot.

Coaches and systems change. But they learn. Now, Griffin appears to be more than a special teamer. He gets to the ball on defense, and makes plays.

I wouldn't rate him with the other four guys just yet, but that's some great depth at ILB. Makes me feel even better about maybe trading AndrA Davis.

I read some more about Alex Hall. They said he actually looked comfortable in coverage. I hadn't known that--reporting being what it is. I'm officially moving up his timetable: He should be in the rotation in the first quarter of the season, and will play more and more throughout the season, until he is the starter at SOLB in fact, if not in name. (Willie will get his props for sentimental reasons.)

NICE JOB AGAIN, PHIL! I'm writing you in for President.

Joe Horn? Oh, so now we're desperate for a third wide reciever too. Jeez, are we spoiled, or what? In my last blog, I patiently explained how Wilson's non-appearance from Edwards' spot didn't mean that much, but I obviously have to go further.

The third reciever lines up in the slot, much closer to the quarterback inside. The guy trying to cover him can't use the sidelines as an extra defender, and can't really force him one way or another, since he has gobs of room. The nickel back trying to cover him gets no help. He is never double-covered.

We might not want Wilson replacing an injured Braylon Edwards at this point, but when he has played in the slot, he has done well, and it is ignorant and stupid to disregard what he did from the slot.

Steve Sanders also did what he did from the slot, and was not asked to play from the X-spot. I like the guy, but like Wilson better.

Steptoe is my new favorite, however. Lance Legget has a bright future in the NFL, and Paul Hubbard could be a huge, huge player as early as next season. And Kasper was looking great when he went down, then there's JJ. They're pretty old, by the way--so if you think old guys are critical, there you go!

So the Browns feel they need/want a 36 year old player, so they get to get rid of one MORE of these guys? THINK WITH YOUR BRAIN.

I think a deal or deals are imminant after this game. It won't be Phil makeing the calls. It will be Phil answering the phone. A lot of teams are now faced with the final roster cuts, and will be trying to get whatever they can for players they have to get rid of anyway. Like Ashton Youbote.

Contrary to popular hallucinations, the Browns are overloaded at wide reciever, inside linebacker, fullback, and tight end. Teams are poised to scoop up those the Browns released.

The problem with both sides of that is that it's a feeding-frenzy, and the odds are pretty good that a given team won't get the player they want. Greedy agents queer a lot of deals, too.

Chicken Little hallucinations aside, Phil would like to upgrade depth at safety and cornerback. Yes, it's true, but it's not the urgent emergency that Chicken Little is announcing, and AJ Davis is going to have something to say about the pecking order even with the new guy.

Phil is not dealing from a position of weakness, except in that Twilight Zone episode too many of you are living in.

For an AndrA Davis, Steve Heiden, or Charles Ali, Phil could get good draft picks or a good backup safety and/or cornerback.

By this time next week, just watch and see how this roster changes.

Da Bearss will come after Quinn big-time. If he can handle it, he's ready.

YOU STAND CORRECTED.

Stop the Inanity

This backup cornerback "emergency" si getting just rediculous. Everybody is clamoring louder than ever for Phil to overpay Gramps Law to come rescue us from all the terrible, worthless bumbs we have backing up McDonald and Wright.

You're just oblivious to press/man vs. extra-mushy zone coverages, how schemes must change when key safeties are out, the quality/experience of the other team's WR depth, or (especially) the rate of improvement of a young player.

For the umpteenth time, the season had already started when, in an emergency, Phil had to dig up one Davin Holly, who was out of football. Holly came in and got toasted repeatedly, but (this will stun and amaze you)--he improved throughout his abbreviated rrokie season, and by the end of it had a bunch of interceptions, and became a key part of the defense and the primary backup.

A. J. Davis had more experience than Holly had when Phil dug him up. Davis was here from day one. Davis has real talent, and has been demonstrating it daily, and is improving rapidly. Sorenson and other DB's have not performed well in preseason, but AJ Davis has!

I'm not even so sure that Jereme Perry has sucked all that bad.

Ty Law would be an asset here, but not for any serious money. Law expects to be a starting cornerback, to be paid as such, and probably to get a multi-year deal. He probably also wants nothing to do with the safety position, and I guarantee you that Phil would expect him to back up there as well. (Adams is a good player, but there's nobody else--including Sorenson).

Experience-exchemerience! If it's man coverage that's almost irrelevant, and although zone is pretty complex, it's not a freaking graduate-course requiring YEARS to learn! Law can still play (and quit saying he can't). But he aint what he used to be and will not be paid like he was.

I hope they get him! For ONE YEAR, and CHEAP, to back up corner and safety, and as a situational third and fourth. But it probably won't happen. Somebody who really is desperate will probably massively overpay him first.

Anyway, no biggee. The cornerbacks will start falling out of the trees shortly, and I'll bet Phil has a few Davin Holly's spotted. Guys that nobody else wants, who can play.

Journeymen galore; let's see who Buffalo, Detroit, Dallas, and several other teams with cortnerback overloads release. Believe it: Phil is working to trade one of our expendable players at TE, WR, ILB, or even interior OL to keep one off the waiver wires or land one they'd otherwise keep.

Could be Anthony Henry. Ashton Youbote. (Henry wouldn't be bad--he could back up two positions as well. He's a little like Law, but younger.)

One guy, for insurance in case Rodney Davisfield can't be ready for prime-time this early.

...you guys are killing me with all this depth stuff in general. You think that every player on the team has to be just as good as the starters! That would be great, and even POSSIBLE sans the salary cap and if you're lucky enough to have George Steinbrenner paying the bills. In the real world, you can afford that kind of depth at one or two positions.

Like defensive line--we have the top four, and Leonard's emergence makes it five. I mean, they're now (finally) working him at defensive end as well, and expecting him to be part of the rotation...and you're running around wringing your hands over d-line depth? Look--there's five guys who can play. The sixth guy is NOT going to be as good as they are...I mean, grow up!

Quit whining about that and cornerback. You can whine about depth beyond Adams at safety if you want, but even then, keep that in cointest. Adams is a small guy who plays extra-big. He's no match for Jones or Poole. Whoever comes in will be that way. Maybe a bigger guy who can't cover as well but stops the run better.

Actually, a properly-compensated Law or an Henry sounds ideal. Or Baxter. Don't rule him out. Youbote would be better for the future, and is a true cornerback with speed and man abilities, and he could be ready to fill in--he does have some game experience and has been trained and cultivated by very good coaches.

Anyway, calm down--you're giving me a headache. Next time somebody catches something in front of Davis, ask yourself if Davis was where he was ordered to be, and if he made the tackle like he was supposed to. If he's running with a guy and loses a fight for the ball, don't be calling that a "burn". Dixon and Minnifield lost those battles too--the point is they were in position, and won more than they lost.

If there's a pass-rush, press/man coverage works, and Davis can do that. If there's no pressure on the quarterback, coverage has to be softer, with insurance over the top. it makes everybody look bad. Whoever steps in for Wright or McDonald will presumably inherit the first string passrush and a man scheme--and Davis can do that, right NOW.

Cornerback is hard enough to play without every reception being called a "burn", and being the baby in the bathwater.

You'll see more short and intermediate receptions, too, if they stick with that soft zone stuff, and don't blame them for that' either. Give the kids a chance, and trust Phil to find a solid vet for insurance.

YOU STAND CORRECTED.

Dear Quinnbots:

No, it was not the offensive line, or the missing recievers. The sun was not in his eyes, and (to the best of my knowlege) it wasn't a gypsy curse, either. Aside from a few flashes, he looked terrible. Yes, he did. Admit it.

What did I say? I predicted he'd do great. But he didn't. Know what that means? I was fulla beans. There it is. If you really care about reality, you have to take your lumps sometimes.

Andersonphiles? I sure hope I'm not hearing you celebrating. He's still just a raw kid. He still has great potential. And he's not that far away. Anyway, you're idiots too, if you think this preseason game proves that Quinn sucks. How was Anderson's preseason last year? You know, after having started four or so games the year before? In that epic dogfight with Charlie Frye? Huh?

It's probably for the best. No QB controversey (yet). Err...okay, well I know that the Quinnbots will be saying he had no time, the recievers ran incorrect routes, he had the flu, a gypsy cursed him, etc., but I mean no controversey within the TEAM.

Fortunately, the TEAM is much, much more objective than you. Quinn is still probably going to take this team over in 2009, and Anderson is still probably going to be the one traded. But for now, this is Anderson's team.

...of course, this did discourage me a little. I really thought Quinn waas farther along.

Well, he's done great until now. You don't just throw that out (unless you're an Andersonphile). He had a bad game. So be it.

Deal with it.

Romeo You In Troubullll!

No, I'm not talking about his not making them wear pads and get injured and stuff, nor the fact that he didn't game-plan for the 4-3 of the Giants. And all you wanna-be NFL head coaches need to stick to your day-jobs.

It's ok to pick on the man--I do all the time (and am about to). It's okay to have a contrary opinion IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT and IF YOU'RE NOT A MICROMANAGING EGOMANIACAL COMPULSIVE SECOND-GUESSER WITH 20/20 HINDSIGHT, which most of you are.

I mean, RAC can't string five lousy words together without the same people (always) jumping on the internet to contradict them. And it doesn't matter what he does or doesn't do--you're just "gonna GIT him". And I'll tell you why: Because he seems like a big ole teddy bear and doesn't stomp around grabbing facemasks and screaming at people. You think in stereotypes, and assume too much.

MOST teams do not game-plan in preseason. MOST coaches baby their veterans in training camp to make sure they enter the regular season healthy. Yeah, they got spanked but good, but it DIDN'T COUNT, and the sky isn't falling. What bunch of BRATS you are!

But I digress:

Ok Jamal Lewis and Willie McGinest will miss Detroit. Moreover, Alex Hall has been workinjg with the first team in McGinests" place. (That's a reporter: More likely he's sharing reps with Orr).

This means that this kid will get to play with the ones in Detroit. It could mean a whole lot more than that. I'm trying not to get my hopes up about him actually wreaking havoc and being ready to start this soon, but still...I can't wait.

I mean, when Sam Rutigliano describes a guy as a cross between Chip Banks and Clay Matthews, you gotta get excited. Of course, those guys were both high picks from big schools, plus they were true linebackers. Hall is from Little League, and played defensive end. And yet, he's already done enough in training camp to force an actual compliment out of Romeo. (No really! I think it was something extreme like "He's ahead of schedule", or "He might be able to contribute on defense"--maybe even both!!!)

Hall has the speed and quickness, and his strength has surprised them. He's 6'5", but has extra-long arms, and has reach on a lot of offensive linemen. It's a big advantage for him for both balance and winning the battle of the hands. An offensive lineman will always try to get "into" a lighter player so that he can overpower him, and get away with grabbing his jersey and stuff. Hall can/does reach out to keep them away (and legal).

I just can't wait to see him do something. I truly don't expect him to open the season as a starter. It's highly doubtful that he can match McGinest working against the run, and he needs to learn more dirty passrushing tricks, and has to learn to cover (always the most difficult thing to learn). But if he puts a hurt on Kitna and company, we'll see more of him sooner.

And I have to give Romeo (or, more likely, Tucker) credit for not being all Martonian, and actually giving the kid a chance.

I suspect that Chud doesn't have as much influence on Romeo in re Rodney Harrisonfield. It goes without saying that Jason Wright will start the game, but they'll simply HAVE to give ma man extensive first-team reps.

We all know what will happen, right? Harrison 5-plus YPC, Wright 4-minus YPC.

Jeez, what has the guy got to do? I mean, he comes in as a rookie at 190 lbs. soaking wet. All the same, even then, he went right up the gut and got yards. (I read some comments about his "tendancy" to bounce outside too much. You're hallucinating. He bounces outside about as often as Jamal Lewis does. Even Lewis won't run head-first into a pile-up unless there's no other way to go.)

He couldn't pass-protect for beans. But he comes in in his second season pumped-up to 217 lbs! He picks up blitzes and stuff! What does he get? Inactive. "Needs to do it on specials.", RAC says! This after he goes with Jamal Lewis in the offseason to get stronger and faster (Lewis's personal trainer is awesome.)

(There's more to it. I believe he was running sloppy pass-patterns, not concentrating, etc. Conversely the much less gifted Wright is a maniac.)

But in his limitted opportunities at running back, Harrison has done what he's always done,. plus broke some tackles and muscled his way for extra yards!

And dig it: Quinn has been practicing with him, and LIKES to throw to running backs who can take a dumpoff to the house!

You just watch this game: Wright will do okay...I mean I LIKE the guy! But Harrison will, as usual, do better. Will it matter?

Travis Daniels: What Do this Mean?

Not much. In fact, many scouts don't understand it. They say Daniels is a dime-a-dozen, and that they'd be surprised if he made the final roster. Reading that, I have to wonder myself. But man, if Phil is right and all these unanimous scouts are wrong....

Anyway, these scouts were all assuming that he's here to be a cornerback. The consensus is that he can play the nickel or dime if he's near the line and not expected to cover downfield. They universally call his speed marginal, but always in cornerback terms. I suspect that Mel Tucker, a former pro defensive back, had some input on this--don't you?

I suspect he's here as a utility man. A mediocre zone (ZONE) corner and an average safety who can probably help on special teams. Those guys talknig about a 7th-round pick...that's almost laughable. I mean I assume it's conditional, and anyway it'll be close to free agent territory.

At one time (as a rookie) he was a decent cornerback. He theninjured his ankle, and,according to a Miami sportswriter,"was never the same". But why, then , was he a starter at both safety and corner on and off since then? I mean sure, the top guys had beaten him out, and he only got back there due to injuries, but it means something, especially when you've got two different head coaches making those calls.

Make no mistake: Daniels is not here to start, and if he really can't help, he's gone. And while Chicken Little is caterwalling about lack of depth at corner, at safety the only solid backup we have is Adams--who is a hell of a player, by the way. Daniels is, almost obviously, all you Phil-bashing scouts, here to back up safety.

Sorenson did good and bad things, and might be okay (or not). At least this guy has been there/done that.

I still believe that Ashton Yaboute is the number one target.

Now, I read an actual article suggesting that Charles Ali could knock Rodney Harrisonfield off the roster.

Okay, I was impressed by Charles Ali--and nothing he did vs. the Giants surprised me. An undrafted rookie last season, he had serious upside (along with limitations). Even as a rookie, he did a great job of lead-blocking for Jamal, and bodyguarding Anderson. I knew that he could catch the ball, too.

He's a load, he blasts people, and he can catch, but he has typical fullback speed. I'd love to keep him, except that you only have so many roster spots.

But the author of that article should answer these questions:

1: What is the Chudzinski Browns base offense?

2: Who played fullback more last season: Charles Ali or Steve Heiden?

3: Can Ali play tight end?

4: Has Winslow lined up at fullback?

5: Has Rucker?

6: Has Cieslak?

7: Is there a difference between the two base tight ends? Are they actually different postitions, requiring different skill-sets?

8: If Vickers gets hurt and there's no Ali, how much of the playbook do you have to do away with?

9: If Heiden goes down and there's no Cieslak to replace him, how much of the playbook do you have to do away with?

10: If you could have Ashton Yaboute or Charles Ali, which would you prefer?

11: How much does Jerome Harrison weigh NOW?

12: Which can score from anywhere on the field, Harrison or Ali?

13: Who is REALLY the most productive back: Wright or Harrison? (Hint: see yards-per-carry).

TRADE BAIT:

1: Steve Heiden. Cieslak is a Heiden clone, makes less money, and is younger. Heiden has much value.

2: Darnell Dinkens. If you can't trade Heiden.

3: Charles Ali. (See above).

4: Andre Davis. Orr plays well inside, then there's Williams, Jackson, Bell, and hey! I like what Chris Griffin has been doing! He might be turning into more than a special teamer! Anyway Andre is the oldest and the slowest. They renegotiated his contract.

I respectfully disagree with my brother about Andre, and think he's a good player. And so do the other scouts and GMs. He's actually a better 4-3 Mike than 3-4 ILB, too.

5: One of the geezer guard/centers (pick one) not including Tucker. The pundits all seem to think that everybody has to be experienced as hell, and young guys with potential need not apply. Well, as it stands, the Browns would need to lose THREE interior linemen SIMULTANEOUSLY just to get all their geezers on the field (after Tucker returns--to play RG and BACK UP RIGHT TACKLE.)

Meanwhile, Phil has dug up several promising young offensice linemen, including especially James Lee, who--though understandably inconsistant--shows real ability to play left tackle. The pundits would have us cut the only depth beyond Shaffer at left tackle in order to retain an older guy who has about a ten percent chance of ever seeing the field this season, and might well be gone or retired next season, and who costs a lot more.

You guys can apply to be junior GMs all you want. I don't think they'll hire you.

Corrections:

1:The second and third team cornerbacks did NOT get humiliated vs. the Giants. WRIGHT did, for sure, but you guys just kept repeating the mantra from last week, oblivious to what actually happened. I guess unless a guy intercepts at least one pass, you just assume he sucks.

If the coverage is soft and they complete short passes under it, you call that a burn, right? I mean, nobody is supposed to catch any passes whatsoever, right?

No, the second and third teamers not only did allright, but showed real progress, just between the Jets game and this one. And they'll be a tad better vs. the Lions. That's how it happens, you see? Inexperienced players get experience. Seriously. And you know what else they do? They learn, and improve. (Ok you'd better knock off. I know that's a lot to digest).

2: The defense (all units) did a pretty good job against this top-notch running offense throughout. It was the PASS that killed them; notably three big plays (inc. the penalty). They did it with Williams in for only two plays, and sans Rogers.

3: The offensive line stunk. Period. Anderson didn't. Lewis shouldn't have fumbled. But everybody did okay except those five guys. I know that when you're clueless you just get all emotional and start throwing excrement in a general direction, but let's quit getting it all over the skill players, ok?

4: Quinn played a little bit against the Giants first team and with his own first team, though I'm not sure how long. Although he does seem to have more "escapability" than Anderson, and to improvise better, the fact is that he had someplace to go, whereas Anderson did not.

He did underthrow the pass to Steptoe, and it should have been intercepted. I'm not bashing Quinn, who I believe will ultimately emerge as the better all-around quarterback--and he DOES have a good arm, when you're not comparing him to Anderson--for crying out loud...but he did have more time, he did get lucky on that one (with the little big man's help), and shame on you for comparing their performances.

YOU STAND CORRECTED.

Now, thanks again to that (aptly-named) offensive line, Anderson is out for Detroit, and Quinn will get his shot. I know he'll do well. But if you ask any veteran quarterback, they will all tell you that it's better to remain on the sidelines for as long as you can before you're thrown into the fire. (All of them would have disagreed during this period, naturally).

Anderson did do what he did last season. He did return to camp this season much improved in his short game and throwing to his left. He checks down quicker, and has just improved in all areas. If you don't see that, it's because you don't want to.

He should not lose his job to an injury and even a stellar preseason performance by Quinn. He is now a veteran with a year under his belt, wheras Quinn is inexperienced. How is it that you people are all in a panic about inexperience at cornerback, yet are so eager to throw Quinn in over a guy that did what Anderson did last season as a first-time starter?

Besides, there's Phil, and the longer-term strategy. An Anderson who starts this season and does great stuff will yield just gobs and gobs of high draft picks and maybe players in a trade. All in one draft, he could solidify the core of this team a good four or five years.

An Anderson who gets benched because a bunch of ignorant people like the matinee idol better won't get nearly as much. A guy who's done it for one year--you can't be sure. A guy who has is solid blue-chip gold, and worth your first and second and then some.

And yeah--they'll trade Anderson, and not Quinn. Regardless of all the talk, they know he can do it. Even if Anderson turns out to be better, it won't be by much. What could they get for him, anyway?

Remember when Belichick traded Bledsoe? Brady had done well in relief, but was by no means vetted. People called it insane--Bledsoe was a top three oir four quarterback! He fetched a first and second rounder, I believe, and that started the Patriots dynasty.

I wonder how many knuckleheads wanted him to trade Brady instead?

And by the way, Brady did NOT have anything like Bledsoe's arm. He was actually a pretty short, skinny guy too. Nothing like the big muscular Quinn. He couldn't scramble like Quinn, either.

Trade Quinn? Do us all a favor and stay ten miles away from the front office, okay?

There' I've been objective. Now all the Quinnbots and all the Andersonphiles hate my guts equally, because they were too busy seething and steaming and cursing to read half of what I wrote.

Oh, I forgot. The boycott. Well somebody will read it someday and know I was right.

Alex Hall is NOT going to take all the reps in place of McGinest. McMillan will get one last chance, and Orr will get some reps there. But I do love that Hall has earned his shot this early. I have to repeat this for the third time: Sam Rutigliano called him a cross between Clay Matthews and Chip Banks. 'nuff said?

Of course, keep the context. Sam didn't mean he IS all that NOW. I mean, those guys were high picks from big schools, and were true linebackers. Hall played in Little League and was a defensive end. There's simply no way he can go into the season as a starter--linebacker is so radicly different from defensive end, and requires a lot more thinking and reading. too.

However, I know that he has already made this team, and that he will be used situationally on defense. He was never in awe of the NFL, and seemed to belong as soon as he got here. An amazing young player--I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't starting by late in the season.

Lewis is also out. Naturally, good old Wright will start ahead of Harrison, despite the fact that Harrison is better. Romeo is in trouble on this one, however, because he'll be forced to give Harrison some real reps, and Harrison will once again make Wright (who I really like and compare to Earnest Byner, by the way--just to get that straight) look bad, and Romeo might get a call from Phil asking him about his depth chart and recommending a good shrink.

I mean, I've heard Romeo say that Jerome would have to "do it on specials". Reading between the lines, I think it's about blocking, which Wright does very well and Harrison is just okay at (I said he's okay. He's improved a lot--and he's a lot bigger now). Also, Harrison ran sloppy patterns, and probably dropped passes. Romeo might not like his attitude in general.

Until this training camp, as I blogged, I was accepting that, partly because I do like Jason Wright a lot for his hard work, guts, and determination (a LOT like Byner).

But this offseason Jerome went with Jamal Lewis to his super-trainer, and returned much stronger than he was even after pumping up between his rookie and sophomore years. By all accounts, he's worked very hard in camp, and has made his way onto special teams (as if that was a reasonable demand in the first place!)

I also heard Romeo say "some things you can't change", referring to Harrison's height. His HEIGHT, for crying out loud, as if it's not a good thing to be short if you're a running back! Short guys can change directions quicker, have a center of gravity about at mid-thigh level to most linebackers...nevermind:

Barry Sanders Tiki Barber Emmitt Smith Priest Holmes Joe Morris...the starters for Indi and New England. Plenty more! SHORT is bad? Are you kidding me? Chud please talk to him! He used to have to try and stop these guys, didn't he?

It's just obvious that Harrison is better than Wright! You think his yards-per-carry will drop if he runs more? (That's the rub. How can Romeo pretend to give him a chance, but keep the ball away from him?)

I hope Hall, Quinn. Steptoe, and Rodney Harrisonfield kick butt and force changes.

Ray O. Sunschein, Joe Twelvpak, and Wile E Coyote Post-Massacre Forum

Ray: No big deal. It was just preseason.

Joe: But they got mugged! Slaughtered! This is without a doubt the worst team in the NFL!

ME: Aren't you overreacting, just a tad?

Joe: You saw it! They totally dominated us right out of the gate!

ME: You mean after the first down to K2 and--

Joe: Techicalities!

ME: Accuracy.

Ray: The offense did start out well.

Joe: They all sucked! We're going 5-11!

Ray: But the Browns almost won! They rallied throughout the last three quarters!

ME: Second and third teamers.

Joe: Yeah, it doesn't mean a damn thing! The first team got butchered! Stomped!

ME: Actually, depth isn't irrelevant. It reflects developing talent, and continuity in case of injury. It by no means offsets the massacre of the first team--

Ray: But Rogers didn't even dress, and niether did Edwards!

ME: Nor did the Giants top three recievers, or Kiwanuka.

Joe: You're both in denial! This whole team is crap!

ME: No. The offensive and defensive lines got dominated. Absent a lead blocker, Lewis had nowhere to go. Anderson had no time and couldn't set. Manning had all day, and there was zero penetration.

Joe: Anderson sucks! Quinn should be starting!

ME: You're blaming Anderson for getting the crap kicked out of him two seconds after the snap?

Joe: He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn!

ME: All-arm off his back foot, falling down, in the grasp? What planet do you live on? He had some time vs. the Jets, and killed them. He did what he did in his first season as a starter, and in camp and vs. the Jets went short and to his left a ton better, and progressed--

Joe: Excuses, excuses!

Ray: Why are you both sounding like it's that bad? Probably, because they knew they were playing the Giants for real later, they were just sandbagging!

Joe: Yeah, yeah. No, what we saw was the real Browns, and they suck.

ME: Not possible. This was one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL last season. Thomas was a rookie, Anderson a first-year starter, and with Stallworth added. It's true that the Giants 4-3 humiliated the line--made them look like Girl Scouts. But they've been practicing against a 3-4, Hadnot was strafed in pass-protection, and the Giants blitzed a lot more than anybody expected...and they just might have the best front four in the NFL.

Joe: More excuses! You're such a homer!

ME: No, I'm objective. Four of the five line starters, this quarterback, running back, and tight end were 10-6 last season and among the scoring leaders.

Joe: But they only beat bad teams! They had a soft schedule!

ME: And several of the players are young and improving. The defensive line was upgraded wholesale. Chud's system was new, the safety tandem was new, and the offensive line was new.

Joe: A fat lot of good that did! The Giants ran all over them!

ME: No, they mostly passed. Wright got toasted once, and drew a stupid penalty--that was basicly two touchdowns. The Giants returned one all the way. That accounts for 21 points. And their defense scored another touchdown.

Joe: More rationalizing! You can make statistics say whatever you want them to say! And what about Wright? HE sucks!

ME: (Sigh) Second-year player, played well last season. If he's as good as he was the second half of his rookie season, he'll do fine. But he'll be better. Experience, see?

Ray: And he barely touched the guy on the interference call, plus he was supposed to have help on the touchdown!

ME: He was in man on a short field and he had inside position. There was no help, and he knew it. He looked into the backfield to make sure it wasn't a run, or a pass underneath him, or for the ball. He thought there wasn't room for Hixon to separate from him, and that he could afford to peek, and react to the ball in the air if neccessary. Only the ball was already in the air, and Hixon had accellerated to toward the corner. He miscalculated. It's that simple. And he interfered because he was guessing that the ball was there. The reciever probably fooled him by pretending he was getting ready to catch an imaginary ball--Wright got schooled. He'll learn from it, and be allright.

Joe: Oh, sure!

Ray: What about Steptoe?

Joe: He just got lucky. Besides, Quinn is a much better quarterback--

ME: That guy is one impressive little shrimp! I think he's made the team. He doesn't have Cribbs' top-end speed as a returner--I think they might have him return punts so that Cribbs can play on offense a little more. He's also a smurf reciever--way different than our skyscrapers. Guys who can cover them can't cover him--he's too quick and sudden. Great hands, too! Phil was smart to snag him.

Joe: But Travis Wilson was horrible!

ME: He never had a chance. Anderson was swamped. He got open--I saw that. Again, the offensive line was the culprit, for everything.

Joe: What about the fumbles and stuff?

ME: Inexcusable, but they won't continue. They were rattled. And Lewis did that--not Anderson, by the way. How often do you expect Jamal Lewis to fumble a handoff?

Joe: And was't that Adams hit and Wright catch and TD great?

Joe: Means nothing!

ME: Adams is the third safety, and will play in the nickel vs. some bigger slot guys. He came to the line as the QB was checking off, then backed up, then timed the blitze perfectly. He screwed up the blocking scheme--it was beautiful. Pool can do that too. That one mattered, they'll do it again. Even when a team game-plans for it, it can still work. They just don't know if he's in coverage or coming.

Joe: I've never heard such turtured logic in my life! This team sucks!

ME: You find it hard to think in detail, don't you?

Joe: That's right! Insult me when you can't come up with an intelligent argument!

Ray: Can't we all just...get---

Joe: Oh, shut up!

ME: Anyway, some individuals did well. Steptoe could mean more Cribbs in the offense, McDonald did great, Pool was good, Harrison...dammit they have to use that guy!

Joe: He can't block, and he's not an every-down back!

ME: He couldn't block as a rookie. He did better last season, and is better yet this season. He's improved as a reciever, he's 210 lbs. and can break tackles. You pegged him when they drafted him and had him buried under a headstone before the draft ended.

Ray: How about that backup fullback, Ali?

ME: Yeah, he did great. Should be able to get something good for him.

Ray: What?

ME: It's a two-tight end offense, and all of the tight ends can play fullback.

Ray: But he looked awesome!

ME: And all the scouts and GMs in the league agree, including several with spare cornerbacks and draft picks.

Anyway, I think they might keep Anderson out next week. You can't play with a cuncussion. I mean, they might give him a series, but I think Quinn might get his shot with the first team.

Joe: It's about time! And by the way, Ali is slow and sluggish. Nobody will want him.

Me: He's a 260-lb. blocking fullback. And Quinn won't do any better than Anderson did if he's swarmed under before he can even stop backpedalling. Thing is, he probably will do great, and then clowns like you will be saying "SEE! He's better!"

Joe: I am not a clown! But he IS better--except he can't throw deep.

Me: He did in college and he did last night. He takes what is there. If coverage is soft, he goes underneath it. If it's tight, he'll look to burn it. Anderson's arm is rare, and it's not fair to compare the two. Quinn on balance might indeed be the better quarterback, but Anderson fits the system a little better, and has already proven something.

At any rate, getting him reps with the first team is pretty important. All-in-all, this game was educational, and sets up some positive stuff. Like Steptoe making the roster, Quinn working with the first team, Wright learning not to gamble and guess so much, and both lines going back to the drawing board.

Joe: It won't do any good! They just suck!

Ray: Like I said, they were just sandbagging.

ME: They'll use the experience. Now they know how far they have to go to match up with the elites. And Pittsburgh isn't any closer to these guys than the Bowns are, except in their imaginations.

Joe: Pitt will murder us!

ME: How much money you got?

Lane Adkins, Comments on Comments

- The naming of WR Travis Wilson as the probable starter, replacing the injured Braylon Edwards, is an interesting development for both the player and the team. Wilson normally does not play the same WR role as Edwards in the Cleveland scheme. Wilson has thrived with the opportunity to work in various roles due to the Edwards injury and, in instances, in place of Donte Stallworth early in camp.

I, and only I, TOLD you not to count Wilson out. For all the wanna-be Yoda talk about the coaches caution and fear that he'll "regress", he has already returned to the player he was in college. While he did need to improve the precision of his routes, his hands were always there; his problem there a psychological (and temporary) one.

It IS interesting that he replaces Edwards for this game, but I get it. He'll get to run some deeper patterns. The Giants won't rotate coverage to him as they would Edwards simply because of his position; not with Stallworth now the most dangerous reciever, not to mention Winslow.

They're not merely looking for a roster, but want to see about depth at every postion, including the "X" reciever. Sanders has none of Wilson's speed, and if Wilson can be effective there vs. the Giants, he could well become the backup there, as well as a third reciever and Stallworth's backup.

Chud doesn't want to give up any more speed or RAC than he needs to in the event of rotation or injury. And Wilson has earned this look.

While he may not get the start, Steve Sanders has been the primary backup for Edwards and has done well. With this move, the coaching staff is clearly putting the WR's on notice to show what they have in game conditions, The practice sessions have been relatively close over the past week.

I like Steve Sanders. He's a slow-poke, but he can get open and catch. Busts his butt, too. But he's in a tough spot. Steptoe has proven something, and against some defenses is a better matchup as a third reciever than anybody else on this roster. He has good speed and can juke around to shake coverage, has a great feel for the soft spots, has been reliable, and most definitely should be the #2 returner behind Cribbs.

What many, including me, regard as his biggest disadvantages--his miniscule size--could be a big advantage as reciever going against defenses built to stop skyscrapers.

Here is something else: Hubbard will never clear waivers on his way to the practice squad, and may well make the final roster. A lot of these "experts" have again decided that if any player can't play like a starter out of the gate, he can't make a roster.

This is a two-tight end offense which includes a fullback. The second tight end is usually the third reciever. When Ricker returns, this team will again be two-deep in that spot, too. The truth is that Wilson, assuming he earns the role, will be the FOURTH reciever--or the FIFTH in any formation deploying both Rucker and Winslow, or else putting Harrison in the slot.

For that matter, the second tight end is NOT just a blocker, but a reliable-as-hell short and intermediate reciever.

AND I keep hearing that Cribbs has turned the corner as a wide reciever, and is catching everything in sight. He is getting open, and he's not dropping them any more. He's running good routes, and represents a legitimate recieving option.

How many wide-outs will they keep? Probably five. I think Steptoe and Hubbard could make it. They could designate Cribbs a running back or something.

- We've been telling you rookie OT James Lee and OT Isaac Sowells could be battling for the final spot along the offensive line for quite awhile, so don't be surprised when these two names become the story. In recent camp sessions, Lee has not been as stable as Sowells and he will need to rein in his inconsistency if he intends to grab a spot on this roster.

Don't bet on it. Lee has done better at the critical left tackle spot than at right tackle. He's the younger of the two, and has better upside. Sowells is doing allright at right tackle, but all of a sudden everybody has forgotten that Ryan Tucker is an excellent right tackle, and could be the first option to replace Shaffer there--we're neck deep in guards!!

Furthermore, Lane and everybody else talks about experience as if it's the ONLY commodity worth having, and the hell with the future. Well, when THREE players have started at both guard and center, and Hadnot is only holding the fort at RG til Gramps Tucker returns, one of those guys is expendable. Just how many injuries do you expect, Lane?

One of the THREE interior vets (not including Tucker) could be traded. They do have some value.

But if not, I guess Lane could be right about Lee on the practice squad. But if they suspect he'll get swiped, they might outright release one of the numerous veteran inside blockers instead.

Look--Savage is not going to flush the future down the toilet just to prepare for the extremely unlikely prospect of three simultaneous injuries to the inside blockers. Tucker will be gone pretty soon, Shaffer will follow, and Savage will want younger players who can step up and last awhile.

- The more I view rookie OG Nathan Bennett, the more I see this young man having a place in this league at some point. Because of the quality and depth along the Cleveland offensive line, I don't see him making the final roster, but he is looking more like a player than could develop into a physical inside lineman. I have an inkling Bennett could find his way to the practice squad with a couple solid weeks of practice and game play.

- It is no secret the Browns are keeping their options open in the defensive backfield. At every turn, Buffalo Bills CB Ashton Youboty's name happens to pop into the discussion. As we noted during June's mini-camp, Youboty is a player the Browns have discussed internally, as well as maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the Bills. The question remains, though: just when will the Bills move on the CB and what will the asking price be? The Browns would like to trade player-for-player, with a TE or WR possibly in the mix, as we have noted previously.

There are a lot of options for trade on this roster, depending on what Buffalo wants the most. If you really do your homework and try to think like a General Manager who wants a dynasty rather than a shooting star, you look at trading one of the many geezer backup guard/centers, Andra Davis (for more than just Yaboute), any reciever below Wilson on the depth chart, our current second string fullback, or Darnell Dinkens. Or even Steve Heiden, since Cieslak is younger, cheaper and does everything Heiden does. (Hey, it's just business. I love the guy, too, but if you guys called the shots I couldn't afford to field a team--you want to ride these horses til they drop dead--and when they do you look around and see your Cieslaks and Williamses kicking butt for other teams--you with no depth or cap-room. Think with your brain, willya?)

And Yaboute is one cornerback I'd like them to get. He's still YOUNG. He started out missing his rookie camp due to a late graduation date and then the death of his mother. His second season he got injured. He needed a lot of work coming out of college; was a projected middle-to-low first rounder.

Remember Wilson? He didn't do anything until this season. That could be Yaboute--who now has experience, including five games as a starter. For that matter,. Steve Heiden never did anything until the Browns coughed up a sixth-round pick for him. Cieslak is following that pattern. Cribbs was ineffective at reciever until this season. Yaboute could very well be ready to back up the starters here.

When he did play in Buffalo, he didn't suck. He was just inconsistant. He made great plays, but also made mistakes. Lets assume he's learned from them...most young players do.

- Information was passed along to this column that the Browns have not shown any continued interest in LB Al Wilson or CB Andre Dyson, as some have speculated. Dyson is just one of a handful of experienced players that could come in and help a team with a need at the CB position. At this time, the Browns have yet to cross that bridge.

Dyson would be a good bandaid for up to two seasons, IF he's cheap and accepts the role.

- In the event you haven't been following along with the Orange and Brown Report training camp content, NT Louis Leonard is now getting meaningful reps at the LDE spot, behind Corey Williams and Shaun Smith. Leonard is prospering in the positional change, as his athleticism and quickness are equating to a spot on the roster. If you haven't been following along, he'll be in a fish-wrap story or some other type of report in the near future.

Welcome! I've been waiting for you! Congratulations on your second place finish! I said this before the season began. Not only that Louis had great potential and could well emerge this season, but that he was more of a defensive end than a nose tackle. YOU guys pegged him as a fourth-string nose tackle, period.

All this caterwalling about a lack of depth on a THREE-MAN defensive line, when the first four slots are covered by solid-to awesome veterans, with Leonard making it five! You're moaning and groaning about the very last roster-spot not being filled by somebody equally as good as those five! God, you simply have to get your standards back in line with reality!

I'm not done yet: Leonard will prove to be a better DE than S Smith. S Smith is probably the second-best nose tackle on a team with three nose tackles. Smith should take the majority of reps at that postion in order to let the other guys wreak havoc on overmatched guards and tackles.

The sixth and last DL spot on the roster is best filled by somebody like Schaefering, who can rush the passer and be a role-player; not part of the normal rotation. Someone who is a little undersized and needs work now, but can return next season at over 300 lbs. to become a more complete player.

- KR/WR Josh Cribbs needs to play. Yes, he has that kind of special talent to make a difference in areas other than on special teams.

I concur. He wasn't ready until this season, but has vastly improved at that position. The presence and emergence of Steptoe could influence this, since he's an excellent returner. Possibly they could mix him in as a returner to take some reps off Cribbs, to keep him fresh and healthy.

Cribbs is surprisingly strong, as well as fast and elusive in the open field. He could break any short pass into a touchdown from anywhere on the field. Same as Stallworth (except different). (That was a joke. Insert laughter here:___...ok I give up.)

But they're right: He might be the best returner in the NFL, and usually gives the offense a short field. That's just critical. They DO need to protect and preserve him. So I would keep Steptoe, and use him as a returner in any game that was pretty much nailed down.

Much of this protest is based on false assumptions. Cribbs himself is smiling from ear-to-ear about the formations which Chud created just for him-he'll get his chances, allright. He's not just working in a specialized role, but practicing at wide reciever in normal sets.

- As the Browns training camp is coming to an end, QB Derek Anderson is the starter and nothing outside of injury is going to change this.
- Yes, QB Brady Quinn can be a player and has displayed on numerous occasions he has a quality arm and vision. But, as the team stated, there would be no competition and there hasn't been, though the backup QB has practiced well after a bad first week.

Here's my own note: Hall makes the final roster--he'd never clear waivers and has astronomical potential. He has been practicing every facet of OLB, and may already be a scary situational rusher. Sam Rutigliano, who ought to know, called him a Clay Matthews/Chip Banks cross. WOW!

Initially projected as a special-teamer or practice squad player this season, he's much more advanced than was expected. While for this season he may or may not develop into a solid all-around OLB, it's very likely that we will see him attacking the passer on third-and-longs.

Good coaches will make the most of what they have, and allow raw young players to concentrate on one role at a time.

With Peek, Orr, and McGinest there are three viable, if not exceptional, OLB's aside from Wimbley. McGinest is no longer the QB-killer he used to be, but has become awesome against the run, and can still threaten a QB. He is vulnerable to injury and fatigue. Peek is a passrusher, but has constantly been injured. All we can do is cross our fingers. Orr is a solid all-around OLB who, to my own surprise, has been able to get pressure coming off the edge.

From among these three, a platoon, matchup, situational approach ought to work out pretty well, and you use Hall when all you need is an attack-dog who is faster than the rest of them.

I also believe that by late in the season, he can be taking reps away from the other guys. I mean, you haven't heard enough about this guy: he probably should have been a linebacker all along in college. Like Wimbley, he took to it like a duck to water. GOOD JOB, PHIL!

Wilson. Steptoe. Hall. Cribbs. Anderson. Harrison (as you'll see). Vickers. Williams. Leonard. Holly. McDonald. Rucker. Wright (the running back). Gotta include Lewis, too--remember everybody thought he was washed up? All the offensive linemen except Steinbach, Tucker, and you-know-who (they were obvious). Mike Adams, too...how can anybody in his right mind question Phil's judgement?

Can't wait til monday night. I'll actually get to watch this one!

DBs

The two new guys brougt in are interesting. They've been sort of utility guys who played both safety and cornerback. They have experience in ZONE coverage, and are good candidates to be ZONE cornerbacks.

The PD seemed most interested in Travis Key. Key is the size of the young contenders, and shows some stuff to which everybody but Phil and I seem oblivious: His 40 times are just adequate, but he was a track star in longer sprints--meaning he can run with NFL recievers, at least on a straight line, and can fly to the ball.

Scouting reports saw him as a solid zone cornerback prospect; probably hidden in there is some lack of flexibility in his hips, cramping his change-of-direction, and a lack of explosion to catch up to a guy once he's shaken off. (These are "man" cover traits).

This is in-line with what I...and I believe ONLY I...have been saying about the cornerback situation all along: Last season, the Browns played mostly a zone scheme. This season, they are using Wright and (to my own surprise) McDonald in man-coverage more, partly so that the new cornerbacks wouldn't have so much to learn, should they be forced in by injury.

Key is a former safety--he is more familiar with zone coverage. He may well not make the final roster, but if he does, he will enable the Browns to sort of "platoon" with one of the young "man" guys should McDonald or Wright get hurt. One guy for zone, one guy for man.

By the way: the two 70-yard "burns" last thursday? That was zone coverage. The cornerbacks were looking for a lateral cut, and failed to turn in time--Clowney blew their doors off before they could get their hips around. This sort of "reading" and recognition takes time to learn. And then, they WERE expecting help--which wasn't there. This is why Cargile is gone.

Also, I should point out again: The Browns went to a soft zone with their second and third teams--it was press/man with McDonald, Wright, Pool, Jones, and THE STARTING FRONT SEVEN.

The guy who interests ME more is Brandon Mitchell, who was released by Houston. Houston is just LOADED with safeties, and his release from this team isn't as significant as it might seem. In college, he played every secondary position. He sounds sort of like our Mike Adams-except that this guy is 6'3", 215. (I've heard 205, too--but suspect that this was his entry-level weight; he's 6'3", and was groomed as a safety on an NFL practice squad).

His college carreer at Ohio State was undistinguished, and he wasn't drafted. But Gary Kubiak and co. did see enough in him to use one of their valuable practice squad slots to retain him, and he does now have that year in the NFL to go with his five years at Ohio State.

He's very intelligent, too. I can't find anything on his speed yet, but at 6'3", he is a potential role-player who could match up with tight ends, fullbacks, and Jurevicious-types in man. He also fits the physical mold of a cover-two safety. But please note: I don't know how fast he is.

Mitchell is more interesting to me because of his versatility.

Chicken Little, for the last several weeks, has hallucinated an urgent need for a vedderrrunnn cornerback to take over for one of the starters if they're hurt. Niether of these players is that guy, but one could be 20%, and another 30%--like that.

Here's where I tie it together: If McDonald or Wright go down, but the front seven and safeties remain intact, the predominant man/press scheme will not change, and a rookie cornerback can play that. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

Zone cornerbacks (or safeties) can come in on the outside on running downs, or against certain teams situationally. AJ Davis and M'ilvon James have demonstrated some ability, and the sky is not falling because they each got toasted once, in the first preseason game, in a more sophisticated coverage scheme than that which will be the base for the regular defense.

We are NOT all gonna die, and Phil is NOT gonna trade the future for a cornerback.

I do still think, however, that Andra Davis, Darnell Dinkens, or even Steve Heiden could be converted into a pretty good one (if he isn't released--as several will be).

This running back stuff never stops. When did anybody get the idea that Chud's system requires a big running back? How do you make that Olympic-calibre conclusion-leap? Because he inheritted Jamal Lewis?

Try to comprehend this: This is a two-tight end base offense which also features a fullback. Based on it's personnel, it will use zone-blocking, traps, etc. Any tight end can turn into a lead-blocker out of motion. This is a massive amount of highly mobile blocking, in a scheme designed to allow the back to find his own weak spots and shoot through them ASAP.

So where does the big back come in? How, then, is it possible for Jason Wright to do as well as he does in short yardage, and for Rodney Harrisonfield to have the highest yards-per-carry on the team?

Chud's system does NOT require a big running back. It requires a patient, instinctive running back with a quick burst...who can catch well, and pass-protect.

I really wish people would think for themselves more.

YOU STAND CORRECTED.

Corrections

Below are some copy/pastes from misc. sources, along with their corrections:


can't wait to see Williams, Rodgers and Robaire Smith on our line, with Shaun Smith alternating. We should have a damn fine line. My biggest concern, however, is our lack of depth on D. The second and third team has given up 2 big TD plays. Sorensen, while a great ST player, sucks as our back up safety. We need to have all of our starters on D stay healthy this year. I wonder if Phil makes a call to bring Orpheus Roye back.


1: S Smith is a good NT and an average DE. Rogers is a human train-wreck at either position. R Smith is a good DE. Williams will probably be an excellent DE. Do not presume that Rogers will be the primary nose tackle at S Smith's expense.


2: While the second-team DE's were weak, Louis Leonard's performance was more up than down--he made some nice plays. I'm also fuzzy on Schaefering's rookie new position debut, but I suspect that if I could borrow your memory, I'd see an inexperienced player with talent. Do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.


3: Phil Savage no longer needs to sign old, injured players who can't play anymore, and is allergic to releasing talented young players that he knows will upgrade someone else's roster instead of his own. That was then. This is now.


Below, responses to a Livingston article in which he accurately described both DA and BQ's performance:


Yawn!
Okay, DA has been annointed with continuing greatness.
We'll see his wonder after one series with the Cowboys when it counts.


I wonder who this guy wants to start. Listen, you don't throw out his overall performance last season, along with his performance last night, simply because you like BQ better. You can surgicly isolate a couple bad games and ignore several in which he came from behind to win with his arm if you want, but thank God you're not commanding troops in combat or diagnosing a medical condition.


Wait til next week. He might throw an interception, and you can pound the gavel and declare the case closed.


"The offense looked sharp, and Quinn looked like he could play for a lot of teams, although maybe not very soon here with Anderson around."
Brady Quinn........START PACKIN DADDY.
Seriously though, after the pick, BQ settled down and executed to perfection the dink dunk section of Chud's playbook. Performances like tonights will surely drive up his trade value. As far as things that matter, we don't look to have a whole lot of depth in the defensive backfield. Good Lord, they made Clowney look like Jerry Rice. No injuries.


Opposite side of the same coin. Anderson may well not be as good as he looked in his one series with the top recievers. Quinn may still be the better quarterback. Anderson's trade value will be astronomicly higher than Quinn's, and if they feel that Quinn can do as well as Anderson, it will be Anderson who is traded.


Oh,first team offense looked great. And,I gotta say second and third team not to shabby! Quinn looked good tonight after he settled in. Proof is getting there. Fact is Browns have a good starting QB and good back-up in Quinn. Agreed if Quinn and Wilson played with first team along with Rucker the Browns look great right now if injuries happen.Now first team defense looked like improvments are showing well. The DB's settled in and looked good,line was what we excepted to stuff the run and free up LB's. Now second and third defense. Well, I liked Sorensen-he looks like he could replace Pool if game play doesn't improve. Other than that,Browns need more DB depth.Well, a good game to watch,can't wait for the Giants game!!Until than: Make Mine Brown and Orange!!!!!


There is nothing wrong with Pool. Quit mindlessly repeating things you read a year ago. Sorenson was suckered by play-action on one of the 70-yard TD passes; AJ Davis was supposed to have his support over the top, and he wasn't there. Sorenson is a good player overall, but please try to think with your brain.


Inexperienced DB's get burned. Davin Holly did. Wright did. This was the first pro game several of these guys ever played in, the backup front seven was generating no pressure on the QB, and other than those two plays, the reserve secondary played well.


And I repeat: On both of those plays, the safety was out-of-position.


OH! OH! Here's a smart one:


We are looking good fellas, real good. Some questions I had from the game...anyone and everyone feel free...
1. Does Rucker's ability make 2 of our 4 other TE's expendable via trade (not K2)?


Affirmative. Since they will keep four TE's, including Cieslak, Darnell Dinkens might get as high as a 5th rounder, or maybe an old cornerback if they need one, which they probably don't.

2. Who earned the rights to 3rd receiver if it was up to you? 4th?


Like I said in the last Blog and several earlier ones, Wilson tore it up thrughout his college carreer, proving his hands and ability. His issues were strictly mental, and extremely correctable.

3. #2 RB: Harrison or Wright?


As usual, look at the stats. Who had the highest YPC of all the backs...as usual? Moreover, the Browns got a first down on three Harrison runs, and he made at least four of one seven-yard gain breaking tackles. He can carry the load.

A: 1-yes, 2-Wilson(3rd) Sanders(4th), 3-Harrison


A+


Just remember none of these guys would look anygood without our outstanding Offensive Line.Joe Thomas and crew are the key to any success and allow Winslow to be a pass cathcing threat since he does not always have to be restrained to help doubleteaming pass rushers up front.


Not bad. Actually, the DEPTH of the line looked pretty good, including James Lee at left tackle. I couldn't wait to see how he'd do in a real game. And Hadnot does not have RG locked up--both McKinney and Friedman are challenging him. Hadnot is a mauler on the run, but isn't as good in pass-protection. Moreover, this line will generally use a zone scheme better suited to more athletic guys.

Understand that K2 is not a true TE and is not used as such. In Chud's offense, he's a reciever and downfield blocker, lining up in roughly a slot position, or even outside, more often than near the tackle.

This is a two-TE offense. One is a wing TE (K2) and one a true TE(fullback) (Heiden). The true TE/Fullback is a reliable short reciever, lead blocker, and in-line blocker.

Onboard Vehicle Hydrogen Generators!

Thursday Night

I'm stuck in hotels here in Little Rock, but, since the first preseason game is thurday night, I hope I get to actually watch a game for a change. After this week, I'll be based in Ohio again, but unfortunately I'll be in Jamestown, which is Bungles territory.

Anyway, more often than not I'll be just about anywhere in the U.S. on any given sunday. Still, with my company's HQ there in Ohio, here and there I can probably find opportunities to get to a pre-designated Browns-Backers location around Columbus to catch a game. Of course, work comes first.

Anyway, for this game, you guys get to see how right I am about...oh yeah, you won't, because you're still boycotting this blog. Well, somebody who doesn't know me might stumble across it and see that I'm more accurate than Grossi or any of the other reporters, and notice. Maybe they'll tell you about it, and you will forget that it's just me, and start reading it. Or something.

Anyway I won't predect anything about David McMillan. I will just say that he could really make an impression. He is very talented, and has now had plenty of time to develop. Peek's injury gives him his last chance on this team. If he doesn't perform well, he will probably be gone.

That would be sad, since you can't teach speed, and he's one of those guys who could possibly play inside as well as outside. I haven't heard anything about his coverage, but understand that he is doing well against the run from the strongside OLB spot.

Alex Hall has probably already made the roster. He learned at lightspeed, and should definitely make it based on special teams, his ability to play specialized defensive roles immediately, and the probability that he'll develop into a good depth-player as the season progresses.

I like the way they're handling him. When Peek went down, he did get some reps on the strong side, but for the most part has kept working behind Wimbley. While the rate at which he's learned is startling, and he does appear to have great instincts, it's just plain smart to keep a raw kid like him focussed on one spot until he's pretty well mastered it--and working against other second-teamers until he's mastered them.

I think I may have erred in one element of my evaluation of Shantee Orr. I'd said that he was probably a better inside linebacker than outside, and that his lack of height on the outside was a big disadvantage as an edge-rusher. Well...that's true, however he seems to overcome it. He's embarrassed Kevin Schaeffer from the outside more than once. He's even quicker than I'd thought, and apparantly much faster too. I'm really glad Phil got him!

I believe Travis Wilson will do well here. I know that Jerome Harrison will--as usual. I bet he struggles for extra yards oafter contact, too--demonstrating some power. Not that anybody will notice. "Wadd iv Lewis goezz downnn?"

Shaun Rogers is a monster. The other day, he just steamrolled Thomas. Not that this will happen often, (or ever) again, but it brought me back to this: They're crazy to play Shawn Smith at DE rather than on the nose when Rogers is perfectly capable of playing DE. I mean, he might be a somewhat better nose tackle than Smith, but he's a MUCH better DE.

And what are left tackles, first and foremost? Pass-blockers! Rogers couldn't get AROUND Thomas, so he went through him. He matches up well against ANY left tackle. Conventionally, that guy is keyed to the defense's best passrusher. In a 3-4, that's normally a Wimbley. Wimbley will line up outside, and the most important area for the tackle to watch is outside.

I'm getting technical--the nutshell is this: Rogers at DE screws up any offensive line. No single left tackle can drive him off the ball, and few can do more than slow him down on his way to the backfield. He overmatches many left guards as well; they're more athletic and better passblockers than run-blockers. Rogers has a freakish first step to go with his huge bulk, and gets on top of these guys before they can anchor their feet.

Offenses would be forced to use two tight ends more than they want to, and deprive the QB of a recieving option. I mean, Wimbley and Rogers both coming from over there? Rogers shifting over the tackle, Wimbley veering inside to challenge the guard (who has to lunge at him)--I can think of all sorts of nighmarish monkey-wrenches here.

Leave Shawn Smith at nose tackle. He's also quick, and is short enough to get under the center's pads consistantly and drive him back. How can the left guard help against him when both Rogers and Wimbley are coming from the blindside? It's a chain reaction.

Sure, on running downs and stuff it's fine for Smith to be outside and Rogers inside, and it's also good to move people around to exploit matchup issues and keep the offensive line all discombobulated, but the base should be RDE Rogers, NT Smith, and LDE everybody.

You'll see, though, that Rogers and S Smith won't play more than around 2/3'ds of the snaps, and the other two guys more than 3/4ths. A 3-4 line takes a lot of abuse and duke it out with multiple goons. If they play too many downs, they WILL wear down and get hurt.

None of the (I'm guessing) 6 defensive linemen will just sit the bench. One of the last two guys will be more of a passrusher (like Schaefering), and the other a utility guy (like Louis Leonard).

In re Schaefering: I've read reliable camp reports about his being unable to get off blocks, playing too tall, and being too small. Of course, he's a rookie under 300 lbs. But he doesn't have to be a total-package 3-4 defensive end to contribute this season. Until he gets more refined and bigger, he's not a candidate to be in the normal rotation. But if he is an effective big passrusher, he can rotate in on passing downs.

Writers rarely think outside the box about any of these things. They've labelled Leonard as a nose tackle only, when he's worked at and has the tools to play DE as well. The top four remain a cut above him, at least for now, but he's doing okay and actually has more upside than Rubin as well.

Anyway, I also bet that Quinn does fine in an actual game. It's actually a good thing that Romeo is keeping several vets out with hangnails, because we'll get to see how the punks do. Especially the cornerbacks.

Not that this will matter..."vedderrrunnn". OKbye