Training Camp

I'm all a-twitter!

OK I'm really glad that at least Sobeleski comprehends that the two inside linebackers are different. Most fans don't. The weskside backer is a run-and-hitter and the strong inside guy is a big thumper. The weakside guy also covers a lot more (dropping into a zone..you see, he is also different from a man corner...nevermind one thing at a time).

Anyway this is why statements about jackson being replaced by Barton, Veikune, or anybody else (on this roster) are assenine. The current Browns have a truckload Macks, but only three Bucks.

Eric Barton is one other weak inside linebacker. Last year he was hung in effigy because he was playing Mack and getting pushed around. Maybe that's something you can bash Mangini about, but not Barton.

Sobo did make a mistake about Gocong, though: he played strong outside linebacker with the Eagles--not defensive end. Mangini also made a comment about both the outside and inside linebackers rushing the passer.

Well, it's true. The Patriot defense (and the way Ryan wants to run his) differs from the Stoolers 3-4. It's been a mantra around here that in order to work, the 3-4 defense has to have two edge-rushing outside linebackers, like the Stoolers do.

Well, that's always the ideal, but not completely accurate, and this is why Mangini/Ryan want versatile guys he can move around. They will send ANY linebacker (or safety) at ANY time--including neutral or probable run downs. All of these linebackers have this in common: They can rush the passer.

Inside blitzes are sometimes called "run"-blitzes because the penetration forces running backs wide when they don't stuff them. They also wipe out the pocket, taking away the quarterback's deep accuracy, wrecking his timing, denying him his pre-planned launch-point, etc.

Inside blitzes, when not picked up, also get there faster. It's not easy to rattle a Manning or a Brady. They read blitzes and react quickly. But an inside blitze is easier to disguise, and reaches them sometimes too fast for them to burn...I mean like right behind the snap.

Mangini and Ryan want opposing teams NOT to know where the fourth and sometimes fifth passrusher is coming from. If they end up with six guys with between four and seven sacks each, that's better than one with twelve.

At any rate, Barton may or may not make this team. If he does, it's only because he's needed to back up Jackson. None of the big thumpers is very good in coverage, and that's important for a Buck.

The guy who has a really good chance of sending Barton packing? Maiaiva! He's more of a strong safety than a linebacker, but with the supporting cast this team will have, that could work out quite well for him. Offenses simply can't afford to commit a blocker to him, and he's the fastest of the bunch, with great instincts.

Moreover, even as a rookie, and before he had to take over for Jackson, he played a great deal in situational defenses as a safety/linebacker hybrid (not even sure what they called him).

I agree with Sobo about Fujita being more likely to spend more time outside, but think that Gocong could go either way (as could Veikune--they're very similar).

Roth is said to be all pumped up. His personal trainer is exceptional. He is one probable outside starter. He relies more on leverage and power than speed, and that makes his performance almost predictable. We hope he's learned another fancy move or two, but power is never a fluke. This guy is drasticly different from Wimbley.

Who's suprised by Evan Moore embarrassing everybody? How can Sobo wonder if he'll make the team, when the Browns have Massequoi, Robiskie, Stuckey, Mitchell (needing work), and guys...well okay credit to Haggerty, who could be a big sleeper--but the rest are guys named Joe?

Labels. They always get you in trouble. Moore is labelled a tight end, therefore he might get cut no matter how effective he is as a reciever? Really? And quit saying a 247-lb. player needs to get bigger, okay? Why--because he skipped lunch and doesn't weigh 250? Because he's not massive enough on his 6'6" frame?

What kind of blockers were Newsome (229) and no-knees Winslow? What could Jurevicious do that Moore can't? Labels-labels-labels. And for that matter, who has decided he hasn't become a decent in-line blocker between his second and third seasons, after playing wide reciever in college? Label/assume/label/assume.

Every back can catch passes, and they will. They have the people for a two-back and they'll run one. They intend to run first. Moore, like Watson, can also play H-back.

Sobo, think "reciever" first, and forget what the label is. Can this guy save the quarterback from getting sacked? Can he be a dependable target? Can Jake let it go to him quickly, underneath, when he needs to--even if a guy is hanging on him? Is he depth at two positions?

You would call Massequoi/Robiskie/Watson/Moore a two-tight end set, and fail to notice that Moore is three yards outside, not even pretending to block. That's a three-wide! And if it works, they'll do it.

I hope Moore has become a proficient in-line blocker, but don't think it matters very much. When it comes down to it, you secretly call him your giant slot reciever and keep him.

Coolest thing I heard: Ward picks off a pass to Moore, but Moore takes it away from him before they hit the ground. THAT is why Moore sticks around.