I normally wait before writing about a game, but this time I was able to actually watch it live...
Ok thanks to Denver Browns Backers Pres. Schott and the Retreat Bar...and a bunch of REAL fans such as I haven't met in a Cleveland bar for a long time...I mean and they knew their stuff...
Anyway this time I'm listening to the post-game on the internet and can't help jumping on stupidity when I hear it.
Don't be saying that a quarterback with 13 NFL starts, with an obviously porous offensive line, in a new system, who is a walking bruise--can be judged one way or the other, period. You can say "so far" he doesn't seem to be the quarterback we need and be technicly correct, but you are still an asshole to say it.
The ex-quarterbacks on NFL Radio sort of explain some of it: No matter how much you're coached, or what orders you have, as a quarterback, you won't throw blind to a spot until you have learned to RELY ON a given reciever. McCoy right now doesn't trust his outside guys.
He knows that on paper they should be physical/tall enough to guarantee an incompletion at worst, but until he has seen it proven conclusively, he can't stake drives and games on faith.
At this point, he trusts only his eyes. He has to SEE his open target before he'll throw, and that's why he so often checks down to the last resort.
I need the reader to comprehend that these guys were NOT bashing McCoy. They are DEFENDING him. They've BEEN there.
All the same, I was encouraged to see that Evan Moore wasn't locked in the basement again. McCoy DOES trust HIM (and Watson). Watson must have been hurt today.
Massequoi was moved back to the X-reciever slot, but Little was the Z-man. It seemed to work out okay, although the wide-outs in general did little. But again, this was more about McCoy, and the time he generally lacked, than with them.
I was massively relieved to see Hardesty not bobble or drop even one pass. He is a very good all-around running back--possibly in the top 13-15 in the NFL when healthy and not doing his Braylon Edwards imitation.
One point: He is elusive and shifty only compared to Peyton Hillis, okay? He is a BIG, tackle-breaking running back. Those who describe him as a stark contrast to Hillis are dumbasses. Defensive coordinators will all plan to defend Hillis and Hardesty about the same way, and Shurmer will use them each the same way.
The Seahawks with Whitehurst for the first time is not a formidable offense. All the same, the Browns defense did a great job on them.
McCoy did come through in the clutch, as did Little and Massequoi. Little moreso: McCoy threw one deep to him when he was double-covered. It wasn't completed, but Little made sure it wasn't picked off either. After he's seen the tape, Colt will note and file it. It was inches away from being a game-changing completion, and McCoy will do it again.
Little will become a stud. You'll see.
After further analysis, I'll let my win/loss prediction stand at 13-3.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
As the Team Turns
In previous episodes:
Peyton Hillis, on the flimsy pretext of severe strep throat, causing a 14-pound weight loss, refused to play. We know, of course, that this was really about his contract negotiations. Otherwise, he would have played and no doubt done much better than Montario Hardesty.
One can only guess at the sense of profound betrayal felt by his teammates at this cowardly, selfish act. The fact that they're denying it says all there is to say.
The following week, Pat Shurmer was forced by Tom Heckert and J.R. Holmgren to play Hillis, despite his deep hatred of him. He did so for the first series, and then benched him in favor of Hardesty in an effort to reassert control of his team.
Behind closed doors, there can be no doubt that there were shouting matches and perhaps fistfights. According to one source, Benard was never even on a motorcycle and was injured in the melee. He has recently pled not guilty to his traffic charges, which supports this report.
In the last game, Hillis pretended to have an injured hamstring, exaserbating this acrimonious, divisive situation.
The brilliant Chris Mortenson's report that the Browns could be persuaded to trade the unwanted fullback is probably accurate. Shurmer's version of the West Coast requires a total-package running back who can block and catch the ball downfield.
Another article made a lot of sense. The Browns probably aren't going anywhere this season, and should jettison the excess baggage. Hillis is obviously on his last legs, and the team needs running backs who will be effective next season.
OK I'm sorry I can't do this any more. I can't even PRETEND to be that stupid.
Hillis is young, perfect for this offense, has played with cracked ribs (Ever had cracked ribs? It's crippling. It's like being stabbed over and over again just to breathe.) Strep throat is a CONTAGEOUS VIRUS, and Hillis would have been worthless without his strength and wind. This "play hurt" crap gets insane after awhile. How well do you think Peyton Manning would have done this season had he stupidly insisted on playing?
You people and your magic wands and mind-over-matter stuff. At the time nobody knew that Hardesty was the second coming of Braylon Edwards. At the time he was deemed the best running back, and he was--he played well that game.
Sure, Hillis wants to get paid. And the Browns want to KEEP him! I doubt that anybody will give up a first round pick for him, and that's the only thing that would make them consider a trade unless his demands are rediculous--which I doubt.
There's no controversey in that locker room over Peyton Hillis. Remember that most of these guys are college graduates who can spell their names right and everything, plus you can't play football without a 3-digit I.Q. So much for that rumor.
This is a rebuilding team with a lot of youth, and new systems on both sides of the ball. Sam Bradford in L.A. is having a hell of a time, just as McCoy is, thanks to a new offensive system, and has about six games more experience.
The Raiders are a vastly improved team this season. They're loaded with talent, and their systems are in their second seasons. Despite McCoy's horrific performance and the fact that Rubin and Taylor got "handled", they still needed a special teams TD to win at home.
NEXT season, if you don't blow this up, this Browns team can be where Detroit, Buffalo (yes, Buffalo!), and the Raiders are this season: Playoff contenders.
That's how it works. Reps. Experience. Growth.
Grow up and accept the growing pains. And quit trying to turn it into a damn soap opera.
Peyton Hillis, on the flimsy pretext of severe strep throat, causing a 14-pound weight loss, refused to play. We know, of course, that this was really about his contract negotiations. Otherwise, he would have played and no doubt done much better than Montario Hardesty.
One can only guess at the sense of profound betrayal felt by his teammates at this cowardly, selfish act. The fact that they're denying it says all there is to say.
The following week, Pat Shurmer was forced by Tom Heckert and J.R. Holmgren to play Hillis, despite his deep hatred of him. He did so for the first series, and then benched him in favor of Hardesty in an effort to reassert control of his team.
Behind closed doors, there can be no doubt that there were shouting matches and perhaps fistfights. According to one source, Benard was never even on a motorcycle and was injured in the melee. He has recently pled not guilty to his traffic charges, which supports this report.
In the last game, Hillis pretended to have an injured hamstring, exaserbating this acrimonious, divisive situation.
The brilliant Chris Mortenson's report that the Browns could be persuaded to trade the unwanted fullback is probably accurate. Shurmer's version of the West Coast requires a total-package running back who can block and catch the ball downfield.
Another article made a lot of sense. The Browns probably aren't going anywhere this season, and should jettison the excess baggage. Hillis is obviously on his last legs, and the team needs running backs who will be effective next season.
OK I'm sorry I can't do this any more. I can't even PRETEND to be that stupid.
Hillis is young, perfect for this offense, has played with cracked ribs (Ever had cracked ribs? It's crippling. It's like being stabbed over and over again just to breathe.) Strep throat is a CONTAGEOUS VIRUS, and Hillis would have been worthless without his strength and wind. This "play hurt" crap gets insane after awhile. How well do you think Peyton Manning would have done this season had he stupidly insisted on playing?
You people and your magic wands and mind-over-matter stuff. At the time nobody knew that Hardesty was the second coming of Braylon Edwards. At the time he was deemed the best running back, and he was--he played well that game.
Sure, Hillis wants to get paid. And the Browns want to KEEP him! I doubt that anybody will give up a first round pick for him, and that's the only thing that would make them consider a trade unless his demands are rediculous--which I doubt.
There's no controversey in that locker room over Peyton Hillis. Remember that most of these guys are college graduates who can spell their names right and everything, plus you can't play football without a 3-digit I.Q. So much for that rumor.
This is a rebuilding team with a lot of youth, and new systems on both sides of the ball. Sam Bradford in L.A. is having a hell of a time, just as McCoy is, thanks to a new offensive system, and has about six games more experience.
The Raiders are a vastly improved team this season. They're loaded with talent, and their systems are in their second seasons. Despite McCoy's horrific performance and the fact that Rubin and Taylor got "handled", they still needed a special teams TD to win at home.
NEXT season, if you don't blow this up, this Browns team can be where Detroit, Buffalo (yes, Buffalo!), and the Raiders are this season: Playoff contenders.
That's how it works. Reps. Experience. Growth.
Grow up and accept the growing pains. And quit trying to turn it into a damn soap opera.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Ah Say We HAING 'Em!
Ahhh, shaddap! I mean holy s--t Shurmer "punished" Hillis? They got BEHIND and had to pass to COME BACK. And some of the same people who agreed with me that it would be good to take some carries of Hillis now think it's a big freaking conspiracy when that happens!
Black helicopters, Mousad suicide pilots, CIA snipers, and now Hillisgate for crying out loud get a JOB!
McCoy is almost a rookie but "that's no excuse--" Stop right there. Why isn't it an excuse? Is inexperience and a new system ever an excuse? You never think before you whip out the cliches. Inexperience and a new system are excuses for a quarterback (and recievers) making mistakes. DEAL with it!
You still say "The New York FOOTBALL Giants" too, don't you? Ask your oldest grandparent if they remember the baseball Giants in New York. Why do you keep saying that? Quit saying that and quit saying "that's no excuse" no matter what. THINK.
Most defenses can shut down all the deep zones with two safeties deep. You're not picking on McCoy for having a weak arm. You're bashing him for not being STUPID and making their day.
Rookie left guard and almost rookie right guard. Right tackle with no reps and now I suppose they need to replace the whole line, too, right?
It's true: A good team (which will whup the overrated geezer Stoolers next week by the way) "exposed" the Browns weaknesses. It's true, they HAVE weaknesses. Their biggest weaknesses are that they're four games into a season with no offseason with a new (complex) system, an almost-rookie QB and right guard, a rookie left guard, and more rookies--but that's no excuse YES IT IS STFU.
Take your ropes and torches and go home. We're waiting for the circuit judge, and he won't be here til around game twelve. By that time, these youngsters might have had a little time to prepare a defense. Sober up and go home now...this shotgun aint for show.
Black helicopters, Mousad suicide pilots, CIA snipers, and now Hillisgate for crying out loud get a JOB!
McCoy is almost a rookie but "that's no excuse--" Stop right there. Why isn't it an excuse? Is inexperience and a new system ever an excuse? You never think before you whip out the cliches. Inexperience and a new system are excuses for a quarterback (and recievers) making mistakes. DEAL with it!
You still say "The New York FOOTBALL Giants" too, don't you? Ask your oldest grandparent if they remember the baseball Giants in New York. Why do you keep saying that? Quit saying that and quit saying "that's no excuse" no matter what. THINK.
Most defenses can shut down all the deep zones with two safeties deep. You're not picking on McCoy for having a weak arm. You're bashing him for not being STUPID and making their day.
Rookie left guard and almost rookie right guard. Right tackle with no reps and now I suppose they need to replace the whole line, too, right?
It's true: A good team (which will whup the overrated geezer Stoolers next week by the way) "exposed" the Browns weaknesses. It's true, they HAVE weaknesses. Their biggest weaknesses are that they're four games into a season with no offseason with a new (complex) system, an almost-rookie QB and right guard, a rookie left guard, and more rookies--but that's no excuse YES IT IS STFU.
Take your ropes and torches and go home. We're waiting for the circuit judge, and he won't be here til around game twelve. By that time, these youngsters might have had a little time to prepare a defense. Sober up and go home now...this shotgun aint for show.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Accuracy
1: Colt had a bad game, okay. But it amazes me that the BOBW's are tossing in his two touchdown passes, and a few others thrown into traffic.
Okay (sigh): There are these opposing players called defensive backs, see? They are trying to stay right with the reciever, and to intercept the ball, okay? When a quarterback can put the ball where his reciever can catch it and the defensive back can't, that is good. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
2: Once again, the armchair Sargeant Rocks are up in arms talking about Peyton Hillis being soft. At that time, Montario Hardesty was the Browns best running back by a significant margin. Had Hillis insisted on playing anyway, he would be a selfish moron. Had Shurmer allowed him to play, I would have lobbied for his summary execution.
Guy plays three games with broken ribs and now you question his toughness. Stay in your armchairs and zip it.
3: McCoy may have fled the pocket prematurely a time or two, but here come the BOTW's (Baby-out-with-the bathwater's) again, lumping in the controlled roll-outs. When the quarterback never stops his retreat and keeps going, looping back and to his right, it's a designed play. It helps the offensive line. which knows in advance that there will be no pocket, and where the defrense's moving target is going. It helps the wide recievers, who know where he can and can't see.
A SMART coach adapts his game-plan to his talent. The Browns are having trouble pass-protecting, especially at right tackle. McCoy is very mobile and effective throwing on the move.
More: Defenders attacking the right tackle's best moves are inside. Smith, the tight end, was used more (at Moore's expense unfortunately) to chip defenders on the outside, plus if they looped wide around behind the tackle, McCoy (or a back kept in to protect) would have a clear throwing or running lane between guard and tackle.
The roll-out eliminates the threat of the quick DE or linebacker crossing the right tackle's face and shooting between him and the right guard. McCoy leads his pursuit right back into the right tackle...who kinda waits for him haha.
Pashos isn't really much better than his replacements as a pass blocker, but does have better reach; can force the outside rusher to take a wider angle, or knock him off-balance inside, buying himself time. He's just barely enough better that he doesn't often need tight end help.
With Pashos, McCoy can stay in the pocket a little more, Evan Moore (or Josh Cribbs) can be on the field more, and Pashos is one of the best run-blockers in the league, so...
Anyway, please go see what you did to the baby this time. I don't know how much more it can take.
4: McCoy's last drive was a thing of beauty. Phil Simms, who as I've mentioned brushes off any nquarterback without a cannon, said "It gets you to the next game". Yeah? For an almost-rookie in a new system with a new coach?
No, it made a big difference, as this whole offense needs to prove things to itself as well as to opponents. They now know that they can do it, and remember how they did it. It will be easier the second time. McCoy himself rarely had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as the Texas QB--they murdered most of their opponents. Now he's done it at the highest level. I don't need to be an ex-quarterback to know that it means a lot.
5: On that last drive, Little showed up big-time, and Massequoi in the clutch. The WR's caught most of the passes. It was promising in several ways, as the plan all along is to attack every part of the field, using every weapon.
6: I agree with Grossi's idea of using the hurry-up earlier in the game.
7: Massequoi is the number one reciever. Predictably, it was the great Pluto who said it second. Soon, others will blink and rub their eyes and realize that he has the speed, the YAC, and the hands to beat single coverage almost every time. Third season. Is it sinking in yet?
8: Hasselback is scary, but so is the Browns rapidly-developing defensive line. He looks foreward to blitzes to burn, but a four man front that gets pressure without a blitze is his ideal nemisis.
I love the delayed blitzes by Jackson. I wasn't able to watch the last one, but I like to think that Gocong delayed as well. Delayed blitzes are really this: If it's a run, you're in position. If it's a pass, you react AFTER the recievers have made their reads and can no longer exploit the space you vacate, and after the offensive linemen are engaged. Maybe even after the running back has seen no leaks and gone into a pattern, leaving no protection.
Hasselback is not very mobile. This defense, expecially with Joe Haden on one wide reciever and Ward on Jonson or a tight end, has a chance to mess Hasselback and co. up.
9: Johnson terrifies me. I grew up in Cleveland. Don't we all just KNOW that this game will be his coming-out party?
10: With Pashos, the Browns can run the ball, even against these guys. And they should. I still can't wait to see a two-back. And a two-back, two-tight-end offense too, for that matter (with Moore and Watson). They can force some truly lopsided matchups here.
You don't just open holes by blocking. You can also open holes by splitting tight ends out and putting running backs in the slot. Base defense personel have to leave the box to get on them. Then they have to react out of coverage to close on a runner--with the guy they meant to cover in their grill.
Nickel and dime defenses are fast. Base defenses are not. USE THE GOONS, Pat!
Prediction: 15-1. Update to follow this game, when I get more info.
Okay (sigh): There are these opposing players called defensive backs, see? They are trying to stay right with the reciever, and to intercept the ball, okay? When a quarterback can put the ball where his reciever can catch it and the defensive back can't, that is good. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
2: Once again, the armchair Sargeant Rocks are up in arms talking about Peyton Hillis being soft. At that time, Montario Hardesty was the Browns best running back by a significant margin. Had Hillis insisted on playing anyway, he would be a selfish moron. Had Shurmer allowed him to play, I would have lobbied for his summary execution.
Guy plays three games with broken ribs and now you question his toughness. Stay in your armchairs and zip it.
3: McCoy may have fled the pocket prematurely a time or two, but here come the BOTW's (Baby-out-with-the bathwater's) again, lumping in the controlled roll-outs. When the quarterback never stops his retreat and keeps going, looping back and to his right, it's a designed play. It helps the offensive line. which knows in advance that there will be no pocket, and where the defrense's moving target is going. It helps the wide recievers, who know where he can and can't see.
A SMART coach adapts his game-plan to his talent. The Browns are having trouble pass-protecting, especially at right tackle. McCoy is very mobile and effective throwing on the move.
More: Defenders attacking the right tackle's best moves are inside. Smith, the tight end, was used more (at Moore's expense unfortunately) to chip defenders on the outside, plus if they looped wide around behind the tackle, McCoy (or a back kept in to protect) would have a clear throwing or running lane between guard and tackle.
The roll-out eliminates the threat of the quick DE or linebacker crossing the right tackle's face and shooting between him and the right guard. McCoy leads his pursuit right back into the right tackle...who kinda waits for him haha.
Pashos isn't really much better than his replacements as a pass blocker, but does have better reach; can force the outside rusher to take a wider angle, or knock him off-balance inside, buying himself time. He's just barely enough better that he doesn't often need tight end help.
With Pashos, McCoy can stay in the pocket a little more, Evan Moore (or Josh Cribbs) can be on the field more, and Pashos is one of the best run-blockers in the league, so...
Anyway, please go see what you did to the baby this time. I don't know how much more it can take.
4: McCoy's last drive was a thing of beauty. Phil Simms, who as I've mentioned brushes off any nquarterback without a cannon, said "It gets you to the next game". Yeah? For an almost-rookie in a new system with a new coach?
No, it made a big difference, as this whole offense needs to prove things to itself as well as to opponents. They now know that they can do it, and remember how they did it. It will be easier the second time. McCoy himself rarely had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as the Texas QB--they murdered most of their opponents. Now he's done it at the highest level. I don't need to be an ex-quarterback to know that it means a lot.
5: On that last drive, Little showed up big-time, and Massequoi in the clutch. The WR's caught most of the passes. It was promising in several ways, as the plan all along is to attack every part of the field, using every weapon.
6: I agree with Grossi's idea of using the hurry-up earlier in the game.
7: Massequoi is the number one reciever. Predictably, it was the great Pluto who said it second. Soon, others will blink and rub their eyes and realize that he has the speed, the YAC, and the hands to beat single coverage almost every time. Third season. Is it sinking in yet?
8: Hasselback is scary, but so is the Browns rapidly-developing defensive line. He looks foreward to blitzes to burn, but a four man front that gets pressure without a blitze is his ideal nemisis.
I love the delayed blitzes by Jackson. I wasn't able to watch the last one, but I like to think that Gocong delayed as well. Delayed blitzes are really this: If it's a run, you're in position. If it's a pass, you react AFTER the recievers have made their reads and can no longer exploit the space you vacate, and after the offensive linemen are engaged. Maybe even after the running back has seen no leaks and gone into a pattern, leaving no protection.
Hasselback is not very mobile. This defense, expecially with Joe Haden on one wide reciever and Ward on Jonson or a tight end, has a chance to mess Hasselback and co. up.
9: Johnson terrifies me. I grew up in Cleveland. Don't we all just KNOW that this game will be his coming-out party?
10: With Pashos, the Browns can run the ball, even against these guys. And they should. I still can't wait to see a two-back. And a two-back, two-tight-end offense too, for that matter (with Moore and Watson). They can force some truly lopsided matchups here.
You don't just open holes by blocking. You can also open holes by splitting tight ends out and putting running backs in the slot. Base defense personel have to leave the box to get on them. Then they have to react out of coverage to close on a runner--with the guy they meant to cover in their grill.
Nickel and dime defenses are fast. Base defenses are not. USE THE GOONS, Pat!
Prediction: 15-1. Update to follow this game, when I get more info.
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