In case you can't get Mariota, Garrett Grayson later might be okay after all. Phil Simms finally weighed in on the guy, and filled in the puzzle for me.
Phil says Grayson does everything well. Phil's only issue with him is that he's not exceptional at anything. In Phil's opinion, a great quarterback has to be great in one or two areas.
This sounds kind of fuzzy to me. Put Montana and Rodgers in the same category: Decisive, accurate, can salvage broken plays on the run. Big Ben is hard to take down and has a gun. Brady...well, what does Brady do great?
Peyton Manning: Outsmarts defenses and...and what?
In fact, Brady is a guy who does eveything well. For him and Manning, a big part of it is the strength of their personality, and their obsession. They ride their recievers and demand precise routes, moreso than any coach.
Is that one of Phil's traits? Leadership? If so, I understand a little better.
But the underlying theory...I'm not sure. A boxer who does everything well can usually kick everybody else's butt. So can a golpher. Tennis player. Basketball player. Pitcher.
Grayson is farther along his growth curve than most of the other quarterbacks, however. He doesn't have the same upside as the other guys. But, you know what? I'd take Alex Smith. He's not chopped liver. Alex Smith vs. Any Dalton? Ok!
And it's okay to draft Danny Shelton, but not instead of Cam Erving.
I know, Chris Mortenson recently pointed out that the Browns were 32nd in defense. Since nobody on NFL Radio corrected him, I know it must be true.
But somehow you have to deal with it, and Erving is an instant upgrade and center insurance. If the Browns can count on running the ball and protecting the quarterback, you can get by with a not-Mariota.
If the offense can control the clock and score steady points, you can get by with the worst defense in the NFL.
And then you know, all the mooing and baahing aside, Mike can stop the run with what he has. And I like Shelton a lot. Gil Brandt mentions his short-area quickness, and ability to screw up the pass by collapsing the pocket.
But damn...if he's this fat at 22, what about when he ages? Can his ankles and knees take it much longer?
I can tell, he can't help it. I'm not bashing the guy. BUT...
Also I love what Joe Thomas has said about Johnny Manziel. I don't think you can fool a guy like that, and Joe doesn't say anything he doesn't mean. This is very encouraging.
Not that you shouldn't go hard after Mariota anyway.
Also maybe I shouldn't say this, since you already said it and I want you to get a Charles Johnson-type number one reciever...like you had on your roster...but yeah: Who is Seattle's? Did New England have one?
Back to Mariota: I heard the Titans also want your second rounder this year. first rounder next year, first-born child, and a key to the executive restroom.
NOW we're in RG3 territory. Well, that's rediculous, but that's how horse-trading works. Be like the guy in Pawn Stars and laugh at them.
One player you could include in a trade is Travis Benjamin. They might ask for Hawkins instead. You could do that, since Gabriel will be better than both of them.
Or Schwartze, since Micheal Bowie is already here.
If you could get it to the two firsts, Schwartze, and...Manziel and Benjamin. Bet that would do it. Maybe the extra fourth rounder this year too if you have to.
Ok now you're ready. Go get him. I won't tell anybody I've been telling you what to do, since I'm too humble for that anyway. You can pretend you thought of it yourself.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Dear Ray Farmer: Hope You Listen to Me this Time!
Remember last year Ray? Bridgewater--then Bortles--then Carr? And what bugged you about Teddy, anyway? That he said to his agent he preferred Minnesota? Kyle didn't like him! That's it, isn't it? I know it couldn't have been his Pro Day where he threw without his trademark gloves...could it? RAY! TELL ME IT WASN'T THE PRO DAY that made you just flush all his films down the toilet!
It's okay, Ray. There's still a chance Manziel will come back from this stronger. He sure has a lot going for him. There's a chance.
Of course, you can't count on it, can you? I know you haven't really "moved on" as in given up on him, but you need more certaintly.
You know that people who think Josh McCown is the guy from last season are idiots. Having an offensive line helps somewhat, no? A healthy arm (wrist?) No midseason system change--you know little things like that?
So you're facing a nightmare scenario, aren't you? A journeyman quarterback with a strong line, running game, and decent recievers in a West Coast, with a strong defense.
Hovering at the edge of the playoffs...and maybe that's all. Light a candle for Johnny?
Yeah I guess so. But I told you, Ray: I know Johnny, because he is like me. I have his same weaknesses. Johnny loves to play, and hates to work. As in study. It does not interest him.
He's not like Peyton, or Tom. And guys like us--we just can't make ourselves love all those details, and all that repetition.
Don't get me wrong here: I'm in the kid's corner, big-time. He's demonstrated a much deeper understanding of football and his position than me, indicating that he has some natural interest in it.
But you can't count on him, and if not Johnny, then who?
So there he is: Marcus Mariota. Probably your only shot before you eventually get fired. You've got two firsts in the top fifteen, and that's as close as you'll ever get to a real franchise guy--and advancing into the playoffs, and winning a Superbowl.
Without that guy...
Marcus is the real deal, Ray. John Gruden (disclaimer: John never met a quarterback he didn't love, but listen to the specific things he says about this quarterback) just added his voice to the list of legitimate experts who believe in this guy.
He's got the most important ingredients. A cool head. Work ethic. Love for the position and for the game. Dedication. Maturity. Mentally, he's like Bridgewater. Except Bridgewater doesn't have a didactic memory.
That's got to be plan A, Ray. Both the firsts, and something else to get up to number two. Too many others are after him, and it's got to be number two.
You read this stuff, Ray? "Too many other needs?" "Who's he going to throw to?" Aint it funny?
You know and I know, a number one wide reciever would be ideal, but the team HAS no other immediate needs! You inherited a lot of talent and upgraded it since you took over. This is a GOOD TEAM! That's why Josh McCown (if not Johnny) will win a lot of games just by managing it!
You've got stuff piling up, of course: Mack might leave, especially since they so massively overpaid that other center. Schwartze too. You've got a 33 year-old safety and inside linebacker. You really could use that field-stretching double-team demanding number one reciever. You may not have replaced Cameron well enough.
But we both know, quarterback is job one. Recievers can develop, and you can for sure get one with the tools in round two, or even later, in this draft.
You can find offensive linemen and inside linebackers there, too. Remember that tight end, Tyler Croft? Third round, or even lower!
See if you can interest Tennessee in Johnny Manziel as part of the deal. They have a good young quarterback, but might see Manziel as a lottery ticket. When the two firsts aren't enough, try to add Manziel. If that's not enough, Manziel and a 2016 third rounder.
You know, the Titans are NOT a good team. They need a LOT of help.
If they're myopic or stupid, and just take that one stud, Mariota, or some other lesser trade (get used to working for the Browns, Ray. That happens all the time)...
Plan B is, offer a third rounder for Zach Mettenberger--the perfectly talented young quarterback they'll be dissing. That guy already has some experience, and will step right in to try to push McCown and Manziel aside. Mettenberger can be like Big Bird Flacco, except a little less athletic. Maybe better overall, though. Great upside.
Mariota is just a sky-is-the-limit guy, though. He's got to be job one.
And if you snag another 6'2", 220 lb wide reciever who clocks under 4.4, catches everything, and is always open, release an old veteran before you try to put him on the practice squad this time, ok? Can't believe you just let Charles Johnson go kick ass in Minnesota like that. See what happens when you don't listen to me?
What is that crap with old geezer wide recievers being mandatory, Ray? Really, it's NOT rocket science! Johnson could have kicked ass here just like he kicked ass there! You'd be coming into this season with your number one already HERE! C'mon, man!
Oh well, water under the Bridgewater. (Couldn't help myself sorry).
At least I trust you've learned your lesson. Always listen to Wile E Coyote.
Now GO GET MARCUS MARIOTA.
It's okay, Ray. There's still a chance Manziel will come back from this stronger. He sure has a lot going for him. There's a chance.
Of course, you can't count on it, can you? I know you haven't really "moved on" as in given up on him, but you need more certaintly.
You know that people who think Josh McCown is the guy from last season are idiots. Having an offensive line helps somewhat, no? A healthy arm (wrist?) No midseason system change--you know little things like that?
So you're facing a nightmare scenario, aren't you? A journeyman quarterback with a strong line, running game, and decent recievers in a West Coast, with a strong defense.
Hovering at the edge of the playoffs...and maybe that's all. Light a candle for Johnny?
Yeah I guess so. But I told you, Ray: I know Johnny, because he is like me. I have his same weaknesses. Johnny loves to play, and hates to work. As in study. It does not interest him.
He's not like Peyton, or Tom. And guys like us--we just can't make ourselves love all those details, and all that repetition.
Don't get me wrong here: I'm in the kid's corner, big-time. He's demonstrated a much deeper understanding of football and his position than me, indicating that he has some natural interest in it.
But you can't count on him, and if not Johnny, then who?
So there he is: Marcus Mariota. Probably your only shot before you eventually get fired. You've got two firsts in the top fifteen, and that's as close as you'll ever get to a real franchise guy--and advancing into the playoffs, and winning a Superbowl.
Without that guy...
Marcus is the real deal, Ray. John Gruden (disclaimer: John never met a quarterback he didn't love, but listen to the specific things he says about this quarterback) just added his voice to the list of legitimate experts who believe in this guy.
He's got the most important ingredients. A cool head. Work ethic. Love for the position and for the game. Dedication. Maturity. Mentally, he's like Bridgewater. Except Bridgewater doesn't have a didactic memory.
That's got to be plan A, Ray. Both the firsts, and something else to get up to number two. Too many others are after him, and it's got to be number two.
You read this stuff, Ray? "Too many other needs?" "Who's he going to throw to?" Aint it funny?
You know and I know, a number one wide reciever would be ideal, but the team HAS no other immediate needs! You inherited a lot of talent and upgraded it since you took over. This is a GOOD TEAM! That's why Josh McCown (if not Johnny) will win a lot of games just by managing it!
You've got stuff piling up, of course: Mack might leave, especially since they so massively overpaid that other center. Schwartze too. You've got a 33 year-old safety and inside linebacker. You really could use that field-stretching double-team demanding number one reciever. You may not have replaced Cameron well enough.
But we both know, quarterback is job one. Recievers can develop, and you can for sure get one with the tools in round two, or even later, in this draft.
You can find offensive linemen and inside linebackers there, too. Remember that tight end, Tyler Croft? Third round, or even lower!
See if you can interest Tennessee in Johnny Manziel as part of the deal. They have a good young quarterback, but might see Manziel as a lottery ticket. When the two firsts aren't enough, try to add Manziel. If that's not enough, Manziel and a 2016 third rounder.
You know, the Titans are NOT a good team. They need a LOT of help.
If they're myopic or stupid, and just take that one stud, Mariota, or some other lesser trade (get used to working for the Browns, Ray. That happens all the time)...
Plan B is, offer a third rounder for Zach Mettenberger--the perfectly talented young quarterback they'll be dissing. That guy already has some experience, and will step right in to try to push McCown and Manziel aside. Mettenberger can be like Big Bird Flacco, except a little less athletic. Maybe better overall, though. Great upside.
Mariota is just a sky-is-the-limit guy, though. He's got to be job one.
And if you snag another 6'2", 220 lb wide reciever who clocks under 4.4, catches everything, and is always open, release an old veteran before you try to put him on the practice squad this time, ok? Can't believe you just let Charles Johnson go kick ass in Minnesota like that. See what happens when you don't listen to me?
What is that crap with old geezer wide recievers being mandatory, Ray? Really, it's NOT rocket science! Johnson could have kicked ass here just like he kicked ass there! You'd be coming into this season with your number one already HERE! C'mon, man!
Oh well, water under the Bridgewater. (Couldn't help myself sorry).
At least I trust you've learned your lesson. Always listen to Wile E Coyote.
Now GO GET MARCUS MARIOTA.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Browns Draft Silly Tortured Desperate Rumors
Here's one on NFL Radio:
Ray Farmer once again begs and pleads with P.T. Kelly (the meistro) for Sam Bradford, and this time he mercifully lets them have him for only just merely #19.
Then, with a flourish, he reaches into his top-hat for a couple elite players and trades the whole batch to Tennessee for Marcus Mariota.
He and Marcus drive off into the sunset, as Ray grins and waves next to his flat tire, overjoyed for an injured quarterback with one year left on an inflated contract he refuses to renegotiate. (He's the flat tire, by the way.)
These guys in Philly...wow.
At the end of the day, Ray Farmer isn't the only one who needs to stop saying at the end of the day. These guys also need to stop saying what a guy "brings to the table", pronouncing Jaguars "Jag-wires", saying "utilize" instead of "use" (seriously you're not impressing anybody with any brains).
Last week I was texting with my buddy Bub about Mariota. He said "ask the REDSKINS how that worked out when they sold the farm for RG3".
Good point, but not all the way: Washington gave up three first round picks, and a second that year. They would have no first round picks for two years into the future, and no pick above the third round that season.
That REDSKINS team was built largely of expensive free agents on their second contracts. It had some talent, but not as much young talent as the Browns have on both sides of the ball.
Permabashers will dispute this, because saying anything like that triggers the bash-reflex, but it's true.
When I heard this trade, I actually blogged that I was glad Mike Holmgren wasn't stupid enough to pay that price. Later, per Mike himself, I heard that he HAD made a similar offer, and lost what respect I had left for him.
Bub thinks three firsts is too much, even if two of them come this season. I don't. But he agreed that 12, 19, Manziel, and a second next season would not be too much.
Once again, Tony Grossi said that they might need to wait til next year to draft their quarterback, and once again I'm telling you--that can't happen. They'll draft as low or lower, and won't have two first round picks. They could be average with journeymen quarterbacks for years to come (unless Johnny comes out swinging--let's hope for that).
But one of Tony's readers pointed to Tashaun Gipson's absence from OTA's, and pointed to the second-round tender he recieved from the team.
Yeah, if I were Gipson, I'd be hurt and angry too. The only reason that Ray put the second, instead of the first-round tender on him was that he was willing to accept a second round draft pick for him.
He dangled Gipson, like bait. I agree with Tony and his reader: This guy came out of nowhere to become one of the best safeties in the NFL, and should have been a priority to get into a long-term contract.
On the other hand, we don't know what the Gipson camp was talking about. His demands might have been outrageous. In this case, I might have done something similar, if I felt that I might never come to terms with this guy, and was willing to pick up an extra second-round pick to use in a trade.
This assumes a lot of facts not in evidence, so for now we must assume that Ray just doesn't value Gipson...except...well...except maybe he values Mariota more?
I dunno.
At the end of the day, Ray Farmer sure isn't perfect. If he were perfect, he would have listened to me and not tried to stick Charles Johnson on the practice squad. Like me, he would have valued Bridgewater, Bortles, and Carr in that order, and Manziel not at all.
But trading down, Watson or no Watson, for the extra first and fourth this season? Good move! Drafting Gilbert? GOOD MOVE. BOOK IT.
Tony thinks a defensive lineman and wide reciever are the top needs. Edge-rusher, future center, and even safety are all more important than a defensive lineman. Two are coming off IR and a third was added.
I found it interesting that Ray Farmer said he didn't know where this Mariota crap came from. He said he was being asked about the quarterbacks and said Mariota was good.
He wasn't lying. That's how this crap starts. But I'm sure he does like him just fine.
Ok Ray, hope you listen to me this time! If you guys had listened to me, you would have Ryan Tannehill too. Instead of WeDone.
Ray Farmer once again begs and pleads with P.T. Kelly (the meistro) for Sam Bradford, and this time he mercifully lets them have him for only just merely #19.
Then, with a flourish, he reaches into his top-hat for a couple elite players and trades the whole batch to Tennessee for Marcus Mariota.
He and Marcus drive off into the sunset, as Ray grins and waves next to his flat tire, overjoyed for an injured quarterback with one year left on an inflated contract he refuses to renegotiate. (He's the flat tire, by the way.)
These guys in Philly...wow.
At the end of the day, Ray Farmer isn't the only one who needs to stop saying at the end of the day. These guys also need to stop saying what a guy "brings to the table", pronouncing Jaguars "Jag-wires", saying "utilize" instead of "use" (seriously you're not impressing anybody with any brains).
Last week I was texting with my buddy Bub about Mariota. He said "ask the REDSKINS how that worked out when they sold the farm for RG3".
Good point, but not all the way: Washington gave up three first round picks, and a second that year. They would have no first round picks for two years into the future, and no pick above the third round that season.
That REDSKINS team was built largely of expensive free agents on their second contracts. It had some talent, but not as much young talent as the Browns have on both sides of the ball.
Permabashers will dispute this, because saying anything like that triggers the bash-reflex, but it's true.
When I heard this trade, I actually blogged that I was glad Mike Holmgren wasn't stupid enough to pay that price. Later, per Mike himself, I heard that he HAD made a similar offer, and lost what respect I had left for him.
Bub thinks three firsts is too much, even if two of them come this season. I don't. But he agreed that 12, 19, Manziel, and a second next season would not be too much.
Once again, Tony Grossi said that they might need to wait til next year to draft their quarterback, and once again I'm telling you--that can't happen. They'll draft as low or lower, and won't have two first round picks. They could be average with journeymen quarterbacks for years to come (unless Johnny comes out swinging--let's hope for that).
But one of Tony's readers pointed to Tashaun Gipson's absence from OTA's, and pointed to the second-round tender he recieved from the team.
Yeah, if I were Gipson, I'd be hurt and angry too. The only reason that Ray put the second, instead of the first-round tender on him was that he was willing to accept a second round draft pick for him.
He dangled Gipson, like bait. I agree with Tony and his reader: This guy came out of nowhere to become one of the best safeties in the NFL, and should have been a priority to get into a long-term contract.
On the other hand, we don't know what the Gipson camp was talking about. His demands might have been outrageous. In this case, I might have done something similar, if I felt that I might never come to terms with this guy, and was willing to pick up an extra second-round pick to use in a trade.
This assumes a lot of facts not in evidence, so for now we must assume that Ray just doesn't value Gipson...except...well...except maybe he values Mariota more?
I dunno.
At the end of the day, Ray Farmer sure isn't perfect. If he were perfect, he would have listened to me and not tried to stick Charles Johnson on the practice squad. Like me, he would have valued Bridgewater, Bortles, and Carr in that order, and Manziel not at all.
But trading down, Watson or no Watson, for the extra first and fourth this season? Good move! Drafting Gilbert? GOOD MOVE. BOOK IT.
Tony thinks a defensive lineman and wide reciever are the top needs. Edge-rusher, future center, and even safety are all more important than a defensive lineman. Two are coming off IR and a third was added.
I found it interesting that Ray Farmer said he didn't know where this Mariota crap came from. He said he was being asked about the quarterbacks and said Mariota was good.
He wasn't lying. That's how this crap starts. But I'm sure he does like him just fine.
Ok Ray, hope you listen to me this time! If you guys had listened to me, you would have Ryan Tannehill too. Instead of WeDone.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Please. Stop It.
Blah blah Johnny Maziel blah blah is he blah blah should we blah blah apology blah blah uniforms blah blah blah blaaaaaahhhhhhhughh!
...shoot...meee...
Well, Lane Adkins did a mercifully uniform and apology-free Fast Lane article in a slow news week.
Lane doubts that the Browns will make a big move to nab Mariota. I'd be more skeptical about this if another historicly accurate source hadn't made the same assertion.
But I do agree with Lane that we're mainly talking about moving up to number two overall. I believe Farmer will be keeping an eye on him, and will pull the trigger if he can get him cheaper.
I'm glad that Lane isn't among those who keep mindlessly repeating the phrase "too many other needs", at least.
Astutely, Lane lists a number of good alternatives to Danny Shelton at nose tackle or at least defensive line--but he's missing the boat too: Taylor and Hughes are healthy again, Randy Starks has been added, and Pettine (sigh) doesn't run a traditional 3-4.
Brashad Perriman, one of the "other" wide recievers, is shooting up the boards off a blazing-fast 40. Some are skeptical, (and rightfully so), since straight-line speed is only one asset an ideal wide reciever possesses, and isn't even the most important one.
However, Perriman's production with two different quarterbacks is undeniable. Demented Mock Drafters who see the Browns trading up for Amari Cooper don't get this:
Perriman should be there at 12 or even at 19, IF all three of the top five wide recievers have been taken.
And what are the odds of those three being gone? Well, that's three wide recievers in twelve picks, and (trust me) two quarterbacks will be taken by then as well. There's a pretty decent chance that at least one will be there at twelve.
I can pretty much guarantee you that, if Farmer hasn't moved to grab Mariota, he will prioritize wide reciever. This is truly the Browns' biggest need (except for quarterback...probably), and all these guys are worth being drafted that high.
I've read elswhere that the Browns really like Alvin Dupree as an edge-rusher, but don't know that source, and think that Shane Ray is at least as likely. One of those two guys could be there at 19.
Baloney aside, without knowing for sure about a healthy Mingo, or how Armonty Bryant will work out in an altered role, this is another base they want to cover.
However, if center(guard/tackle) Cam Erving is still there, I would take that guy. There's less (real) urgency to fix anything on this offensive line than to upgrade the pass rush, but if Alex Mack leaves after this season, red lights will be flashing and alarms will be ringing.
Plus, there's nothing wrong with replacing a slightly above average player with an exceptional one right now--and having hands-down the best offensive line in football, period, in 2015.
Imagine that: Yeah McCown probably at quarterback, but with a dominant offensive line, an elite wide reciever, excellent running backs, a West Coast, and a top-notch defense.
Trent Dilfer won a Superbowl like that.
...shoot...meee...
Well, Lane Adkins did a mercifully uniform and apology-free Fast Lane article in a slow news week.
Lane doubts that the Browns will make a big move to nab Mariota. I'd be more skeptical about this if another historicly accurate source hadn't made the same assertion.
But I do agree with Lane that we're mainly talking about moving up to number two overall. I believe Farmer will be keeping an eye on him, and will pull the trigger if he can get him cheaper.
I'm glad that Lane isn't among those who keep mindlessly repeating the phrase "too many other needs", at least.
Astutely, Lane lists a number of good alternatives to Danny Shelton at nose tackle or at least defensive line--but he's missing the boat too: Taylor and Hughes are healthy again, Randy Starks has been added, and Pettine (sigh) doesn't run a traditional 3-4.
Brashad Perriman, one of the "other" wide recievers, is shooting up the boards off a blazing-fast 40. Some are skeptical, (and rightfully so), since straight-line speed is only one asset an ideal wide reciever possesses, and isn't even the most important one.
However, Perriman's production with two different quarterbacks is undeniable. Demented Mock Drafters who see the Browns trading up for Amari Cooper don't get this:
Perriman should be there at 12 or even at 19, IF all three of the top five wide recievers have been taken.
And what are the odds of those three being gone? Well, that's three wide recievers in twelve picks, and (trust me) two quarterbacks will be taken by then as well. There's a pretty decent chance that at least one will be there at twelve.
I can pretty much guarantee you that, if Farmer hasn't moved to grab Mariota, he will prioritize wide reciever. This is truly the Browns' biggest need (except for quarterback...probably), and all these guys are worth being drafted that high.
I've read elswhere that the Browns really like Alvin Dupree as an edge-rusher, but don't know that source, and think that Shane Ray is at least as likely. One of those two guys could be there at 19.
Baloney aside, without knowing for sure about a healthy Mingo, or how Armonty Bryant will work out in an altered role, this is another base they want to cover.
However, if center(guard/tackle) Cam Erving is still there, I would take that guy. There's less (real) urgency to fix anything on this offensive line than to upgrade the pass rush, but if Alex Mack leaves after this season, red lights will be flashing and alarms will be ringing.
Plus, there's nothing wrong with replacing a slightly above average player with an exceptional one right now--and having hands-down the best offensive line in football, period, in 2015.
Imagine that: Yeah McCown probably at quarterback, but with a dominant offensive line, an elite wide reciever, excellent running backs, a West Coast, and a top-notch defense.
Trent Dilfer won a Superbowl like that.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
THEM
Oh, check this out! The Browns have two first-rounders! They might be able to get Mariota!
Crap! What can we do?
We've got to pull out all the stops. Ok...let's see...ok we move the Chargers to Los Angeles!
What's that going to do?
Philip Rivers said he doesn't want to go there, and he's in the last year of his deal!
So?
Sooo, the Chargers will either have to replace him, or else lose him after this season.
They can franchise him.
For one year. To franchise him a second time becomes cost-prohibitive. And now he's unhappy. This is a serious guy--a family guy, and he might retire if they franchise him.
Oh. OH!
Bingo! Would Tennessee rather have the Browns' draft picks, or a proven top five quarterback?
YES! Browns are screwed again! Brilliant! Okay call Roger--let's set this up!
Yeah, we need to cancel open season on Cameron and tell the refs to stop fabricating calls on Skrine anyway.
Tell 'em target Gilbert now!
Heh-heh excellent!
Yeah, Browns fans, it looks bad now. The Titans and Chargers are already talking, and Tennessee is a perfect landing spot for Philip Rivers too.
It aint over, by any means. Tennessee needs more than just a quarterback and, in my opinion, they have a young and promising quarterback in Mettenberger. I would rather have two first rounders, a 2016 second rounder, and a lottery ticket named Manziel than a 33-year-old quarterback.
Yes, Rivers is well-proven and on a par with any in the NFL, but look at Denver. There's a fairly talented team that went all-in with none other than Peyton Manning, and hasn't been able to get it done.
The Titans aren't as good as the Broncos. Rivers can't get them there all by himself.
But I know I'm different, and most likely the Titans want the big shiny expensive thing like everybody else, and the Browns are indeed screwed again.
Well, I loved what Roger Staubach said: Manziel has Wilson-like abilities. No doubt Roger reads my blog.
All Johnny's elder teammates, Roger, Rich Gannon, Jim Miller, and everybody else also must read my blog, because they agree that IF Johnny loves football enough to focus and work on it like all the best ones do, he can become like Russell Wilson.
That's kind of the problem, because it's a huge "IF". It's hard to make yourself love something. Like all these players say, quarterback is different. They have to be obsessed. They have to LIVE for this game.
Johnny loves the challenge--running around, making something out of nothing--flying by the seat of his pants playing back yard football.
He'll have no problem spending hours in the film room studying himself, but what about studying next week's defense? That's not so much fun.
And standing in the pocket when his instincts scream "RUN!"; that's hard.
(A note on that: Johnny is short and will need to shift around some to find throwing lanes. He will never be a classic drop-back quarterback. But he'll have to stay in that area so that his offensive linemen can know where he is, and so that he can threaten the whole field.)
I dunno, but if THEY screw the Browns out of a top quarterback again, what else do they have?
Well, I've got a few ideas, actually. METTENBERGER! I like him better than Glennon. The top two teams might want to hold onto their young guns, though. Those who think a third round pick could buy them may be optimistic.
They represent quality depth for these teams. They aren't paid much, and do have a lot of upside, so if I'm them I just hold onto them.
But like I said I'm different. And both teams also lack talent in other areas that a higher draft pick could help a lot with.
Who knows? But let's deal with the worst-case scenario, which is Josh McCown and Johnny.
If you say just draft a quarterback later and make him a project, you haven't been paying attention. That works about one out of eight times. One out of eight or ten times, a guy with warts similar to the ones these "other" quarterbacks have ever become starting--let alone elite--quarterbacks.
Mettenberger could be an exception, because it was an injury that kept him out of the first round--and maybe the top twenty.
Connor Shaw is a great dark-horse, because he has everything except a strong arm. He tore it up throughout his college carreer, and he's exactly right for the West Coast offense this team wants to run.
I'd rather have Shaw than any of these other guys. You want to draft another quarterback and kick Shaw to the curb?
Thad Lewis? I like him better than these other guys too. I like Shaw better because he's younger, though, and did a lot more in college.
But Johnny has the arm, and can also be very accurate, with touch, too. He's the one with the best chance to succeed.
If a quarterback can't make certain hard, frozen-rope throws to the sideline, or low-trajectory throws deep, defenses quickly recognize these limitations and exploit them.
Manziel can threaten the whole field, so he has to get first crack.
Nice consolation prizes if the Browns get screwed out of the Mariota sweepstakes, though: I doubt that all of the top three wide recievers will be gone by twelve. There should be an elite centerguardtackle at 19, or at least one of several edge-rushers.
And hopefully Ray ignores Grossi and the majority of you guys and once again peddles some of his lower picks for 2016 picks one round higher again.
Hope for Mariota. Expect Johnny. Because of THEM.
Crap! What can we do?
We've got to pull out all the stops. Ok...let's see...ok we move the Chargers to Los Angeles!
What's that going to do?
Philip Rivers said he doesn't want to go there, and he's in the last year of his deal!
So?
Sooo, the Chargers will either have to replace him, or else lose him after this season.
They can franchise him.
For one year. To franchise him a second time becomes cost-prohibitive. And now he's unhappy. This is a serious guy--a family guy, and he might retire if they franchise him.
Oh. OH!
Bingo! Would Tennessee rather have the Browns' draft picks, or a proven top five quarterback?
YES! Browns are screwed again! Brilliant! Okay call Roger--let's set this up!
Yeah, we need to cancel open season on Cameron and tell the refs to stop fabricating calls on Skrine anyway.
Tell 'em target Gilbert now!
Heh-heh excellent!
Yeah, Browns fans, it looks bad now. The Titans and Chargers are already talking, and Tennessee is a perfect landing spot for Philip Rivers too.
It aint over, by any means. Tennessee needs more than just a quarterback and, in my opinion, they have a young and promising quarterback in Mettenberger. I would rather have two first rounders, a 2016 second rounder, and a lottery ticket named Manziel than a 33-year-old quarterback.
Yes, Rivers is well-proven and on a par with any in the NFL, but look at Denver. There's a fairly talented team that went all-in with none other than Peyton Manning, and hasn't been able to get it done.
The Titans aren't as good as the Broncos. Rivers can't get them there all by himself.
But I know I'm different, and most likely the Titans want the big shiny expensive thing like everybody else, and the Browns are indeed screwed again.
Well, I loved what Roger Staubach said: Manziel has Wilson-like abilities. No doubt Roger reads my blog.
All Johnny's elder teammates, Roger, Rich Gannon, Jim Miller, and everybody else also must read my blog, because they agree that IF Johnny loves football enough to focus and work on it like all the best ones do, he can become like Russell Wilson.
That's kind of the problem, because it's a huge "IF". It's hard to make yourself love something. Like all these players say, quarterback is different. They have to be obsessed. They have to LIVE for this game.
Johnny loves the challenge--running around, making something out of nothing--flying by the seat of his pants playing back yard football.
He'll have no problem spending hours in the film room studying himself, but what about studying next week's defense? That's not so much fun.
And standing in the pocket when his instincts scream "RUN!"; that's hard.
(A note on that: Johnny is short and will need to shift around some to find throwing lanes. He will never be a classic drop-back quarterback. But he'll have to stay in that area so that his offensive linemen can know where he is, and so that he can threaten the whole field.)
I dunno, but if THEY screw the Browns out of a top quarterback again, what else do they have?
Well, I've got a few ideas, actually. METTENBERGER! I like him better than Glennon. The top two teams might want to hold onto their young guns, though. Those who think a third round pick could buy them may be optimistic.
They represent quality depth for these teams. They aren't paid much, and do have a lot of upside, so if I'm them I just hold onto them.
But like I said I'm different. And both teams also lack talent in other areas that a higher draft pick could help a lot with.
Who knows? But let's deal with the worst-case scenario, which is Josh McCown and Johnny.
If you say just draft a quarterback later and make him a project, you haven't been paying attention. That works about one out of eight times. One out of eight or ten times, a guy with warts similar to the ones these "other" quarterbacks have ever become starting--let alone elite--quarterbacks.
Mettenberger could be an exception, because it was an injury that kept him out of the first round--and maybe the top twenty.
Connor Shaw is a great dark-horse, because he has everything except a strong arm. He tore it up throughout his college carreer, and he's exactly right for the West Coast offense this team wants to run.
I'd rather have Shaw than any of these other guys. You want to draft another quarterback and kick Shaw to the curb?
Thad Lewis? I like him better than these other guys too. I like Shaw better because he's younger, though, and did a lot more in college.
But Johnny has the arm, and can also be very accurate, with touch, too. He's the one with the best chance to succeed.
If a quarterback can't make certain hard, frozen-rope throws to the sideline, or low-trajectory throws deep, defenses quickly recognize these limitations and exploit them.
Manziel can threaten the whole field, so he has to get first crack.
Nice consolation prizes if the Browns get screwed out of the Mariota sweepstakes, though: I doubt that all of the top three wide recievers will be gone by twelve. There should be an elite centerguardtackle at 19, or at least one of several edge-rushers.
And hopefully Ray ignores Grossi and the majority of you guys and once again peddles some of his lower picks for 2016 picks one round higher again.
Hope for Mariota. Expect Johnny. Because of THEM.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Mariota Madness
In this excellent article, former NFL safety and Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost, who helped Mariota win a National Championship, says Marcus isn't the project most say he is.
Mariota made all the protection calls, and Oregon runs all the protections a pro team does. He changed plays, and, in general, it sounds very much like Chip Kelly and company relied heavily on the kid's brains.
Frost calls Mariota the smartest football player (not quarterback, but football player) he's ever been around. It's not just his brains, but his memory that Frost found impressive. Mariota never seemed to require a repetition of even complex information--he grasped and remembered everything the first time.
In this article by Dan Jeremiah (also excellent and insightful), Dan makes five common-sense suggestions on how to ease Marcus into the NFL. I won't rehash it--just use the link when you're done here.
Now, much is being made of Jameis Winston's interceptions. It's been rightly pointed out that Mariota had a number a fumbles, so he's pretty bad too, right?
Former quarterback Jim Miller (NFL Radio) has studied most of those fumbles, and explained them:
In the read-option, for a step or two the running back and quarterback run side-by-side. When the run is to the right, the right-handed quarterback puts the ball in the running back's belly with his knuckles "in", or towards the running back's gut and opposite his grasping hands.
The "signal" for the running back is this: If the quarterback withdraws his hand, the back takes the ball. If the quarterback leaves his hand there momentarily, the back is NOT to clamp down and take it.
Here, the quarterback can't screw up. It's always the back who screws up, because the quarterback is the one who has decided to let it go or keep it and is effectively giving the orders.
Miller said that sometimes the running back would clamp down on the ball with Mariota's hand still in there, just as the quarterback started to yank it out. That caused fumbles.
This Bleacher Report Article by Brett Sobleski might be the best one. Brett doesn't fool around with abstractions, but broke the kid's game and proven abilities down with mathematical precision--against the four toughest defenses he faced.
He addresses each "knock" on Mariota, and concludes with a brutally honest assessment.
Now that Tom Condon has allegedly said that Sam Bradford won't even negotiate with the Browns, I can stop worrying about that, thank God.
Bradford is a bone-head devoid of imagination, though. See my last entry: He's a sheep. He can't have looked at the talent on the team, and assumes that what happened before will keep happening.
Pete Franklin used to call these guys "front-runners", who wait for trains to come by and hop on. Hey bonehead! The biggest reason the Browns haven't won a lot YET is because they didn't have a ....wait for it...QUARTERBACK.
Dumbass.
Oh I forgot! No, he won't negotiate with the Browns because Doctor Evil TEXTED THE COACHES DURING GAMES! Yeah, that explains it!
Anyway, I saw another Philly homer-article proclaiming that Chip Kelly with his 20th overall pick is 50/50 to land Mariota. Call him Merlin Kelly! Wait til you see him walk on water!
Yeah that makes sense! Bradford won't talk contract with the Browns, but no doubt he will with the Titans or the other teams that were WORSE than the Browns!
If Chip doesn't use Bradford in that trade, then what's he going to offer? His first, second, and third this year and his next two or three first rounders? What are they smoking over there?
Ya know, if I had any real audience, I don't think I would have written this article. I'm already hearing Jaws saying Tampa might take Mariota instead, and too many other analysts are taking a closer look at Mariota themselves. Dammit.
Well don't! He's too nice! He doesn't stomp around and yell at people enough! He says he'll do his best--Winston talks about the Hall of Fame and multiple Superbowls and stuff! You don't want this quiet guy!
Check out all those come-from-behind wins Winston had!
Pro-style offense! Why, Mariota needs at least two--no three years on the bench before he can be allowed on an NFL field! Look at Manziel! Same thing! No, Winston is the safe pick, Tampa! And a home-boy too!
Ok stop reading now.
...are they gone? OK I've got Mariota madness. Don't read that Grossi stuff, Ray. Add next year's second...and Manziel of you have to. Or even next year's first! DO IT! I got your back!
Mariota made all the protection calls, and Oregon runs all the protections a pro team does. He changed plays, and, in general, it sounds very much like Chip Kelly and company relied heavily on the kid's brains.
Frost calls Mariota the smartest football player (not quarterback, but football player) he's ever been around. It's not just his brains, but his memory that Frost found impressive. Mariota never seemed to require a repetition of even complex information--he grasped and remembered everything the first time.
In this article by Dan Jeremiah (also excellent and insightful), Dan makes five common-sense suggestions on how to ease Marcus into the NFL. I won't rehash it--just use the link when you're done here.
Now, much is being made of Jameis Winston's interceptions. It's been rightly pointed out that Mariota had a number a fumbles, so he's pretty bad too, right?
Former quarterback Jim Miller (NFL Radio) has studied most of those fumbles, and explained them:
In the read-option, for a step or two the running back and quarterback run side-by-side. When the run is to the right, the right-handed quarterback puts the ball in the running back's belly with his knuckles "in", or towards the running back's gut and opposite his grasping hands.
The "signal" for the running back is this: If the quarterback withdraws his hand, the back takes the ball. If the quarterback leaves his hand there momentarily, the back is NOT to clamp down and take it.
Here, the quarterback can't screw up. It's always the back who screws up, because the quarterback is the one who has decided to let it go or keep it and is effectively giving the orders.
Miller said that sometimes the running back would clamp down on the ball with Mariota's hand still in there, just as the quarterback started to yank it out. That caused fumbles.
This Bleacher Report Article by Brett Sobleski might be the best one. Brett doesn't fool around with abstractions, but broke the kid's game and proven abilities down with mathematical precision--against the four toughest defenses he faced.
He addresses each "knock" on Mariota, and concludes with a brutally honest assessment.
Now that Tom Condon has allegedly said that Sam Bradford won't even negotiate with the Browns, I can stop worrying about that, thank God.
Bradford is a bone-head devoid of imagination, though. See my last entry: He's a sheep. He can't have looked at the talent on the team, and assumes that what happened before will keep happening.
Pete Franklin used to call these guys "front-runners", who wait for trains to come by and hop on. Hey bonehead! The biggest reason the Browns haven't won a lot YET is because they didn't have a ....wait for it...QUARTERBACK.
Dumbass.
Oh I forgot! No, he won't negotiate with the Browns because Doctor Evil TEXTED THE COACHES DURING GAMES! Yeah, that explains it!
Anyway, I saw another Philly homer-article proclaiming that Chip Kelly with his 20th overall pick is 50/50 to land Mariota. Call him Merlin Kelly! Wait til you see him walk on water!
Yeah that makes sense! Bradford won't talk contract with the Browns, but no doubt he will with the Titans or the other teams that were WORSE than the Browns!
If Chip doesn't use Bradford in that trade, then what's he going to offer? His first, second, and third this year and his next two or three first rounders? What are they smoking over there?
Ya know, if I had any real audience, I don't think I would have written this article. I'm already hearing Jaws saying Tampa might take Mariota instead, and too many other analysts are taking a closer look at Mariota themselves. Dammit.
Well don't! He's too nice! He doesn't stomp around and yell at people enough! He says he'll do his best--Winston talks about the Hall of Fame and multiple Superbowls and stuff! You don't want this quiet guy!
Check out all those come-from-behind wins Winston had!
Pro-style offense! Why, Mariota needs at least two--no three years on the bench before he can be allowed on an NFL field! Look at Manziel! Same thing! No, Winston is the safe pick, Tampa! And a home-boy too!
Ok stop reading now.
...are they gone? OK I've got Mariota madness. Don't read that Grossi stuff, Ray. Add next year's second...and Manziel of you have to. Or even next year's first! DO IT! I got your back!
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Mock Draft Mockeries
Humans are social creatures, with innate instincts to conform and "belong". This was useful in the bad old days, but as civilization/life became more complex, it's harmful.
As instinct, it's emotion-based, and cancels out critical thinking. This is why, prior to the establishment of the Department of Education, critical thinking was actually taught in most schools.
I can point to the majority of current mock drafts to pretty much prove how the herd instinct dominates us today--at the expense of critical thinking.
I can see how you could logically think that Danny Shelton would be a good pick for the Browns. It's not fair of me to expect people without Browns OCD (like me) to know that Mike Pettine doesn't run a traditional 3-4, that Phil Taylor played well at nose tackle early-on, or even to want a quick-fix, and to figure a nose tackle will do it.
If you're not obsessed like me, you just know that the Browns sucked against the run last season, and a nose tackle is important in a 3-4 as a blocker-magnet, and a guy who makes a big mess that running backs have to run around.
So even though they're wrong, I can't pick on them.
But the right tackle fixation? That's pure herd instinct.
Mitchell Schwartze can be described as the weakest link on the Browns offensive line. But that's a relative statement, because the rest of the line is exceptional. Schwartze actually ranks about in the middle of all offensive tackles, making him average. (Slightly above, actually--and improving).
It's logical to want to upgrade here, but the problem is the narrative:
"The Browns wanted to replace Schwartze at right tackle and move him to guard".
Where did that come from? Well, it came from a writer or commentator who thought that this would be a good idea. He or she no doubt was clearly stating their own opinion.
But another writer or commentator heard this, agreed, and reported it as fact, according to "sources".
All bets were off! It spread like wildfire until, a couple weeks later, Mike Pettine was asked about it at a press conference. He defended Schwartze, and said "I don't know where that came from".
Didn't matter. It also didn't matter when the real experts, who appeared oblivious to the fact that this was a rumor based on speculation nesting on a bed of wild guesses, pointed out that Schwartze doesn't fit a zone scheme at guard.
Some even said "that doesn't make sense". Didn't matter.
It was "out there", see?
So today, a whole bunch of mock drafters have the Browns using a first round pick on an offensive tackle. You see, it's taken root and grown. Replacing Mitchell Schwartze has become an urgent priority in their minds.
And it's all based on (ill-informed) bullcrap! It's now considered a "need"! It's been a long time since I could nothink like that, and I'm frankly amazed by it.
Don't be a sheep. Please.
Micheal Bowie started for the Superbowl Seahawks, and will challenge at right tackle and/or guard this season. This guy is no joke. He's already here and under contract. But because his name isn't mentioned constantly, he has ceased to exist for everybody but myself and a few others.
If Mike Pettine does feel that it's more important to replace Schwartze than to start phasing the aging John Greco into a utility role, Bowie can and will replace Schwartze.
He's better suited to the zone/trapping scheme the Browns will use, and stronger at the point.
Finally, why not THINK, just a little here: If the Browns do draft an offensive tackle in the first round, why not draft one who fits this blocking scheme perfectly, and is also the best CENTER in this draft (Cameron Erving)?
At least Tony Grossi named him in his most recent mock. That's ONE guy who thinks with his brain, anyway.
A little known fact: if you repeat a lie, it remains a lie. Right tackle is LOW on the list of Browns' needs, and Mike Pettine might still not know where all the bleating about Schwartze came from.
1: Quarterback
2: Number one reciever
Below here, you can toss nose tackle, edge-rusher, and the other stuff in a box and label it "Best Available Player".
Late addition: Copy/paste from JerrySherk (maybe the real one?):
As instinct, it's emotion-based, and cancels out critical thinking. This is why, prior to the establishment of the Department of Education, critical thinking was actually taught in most schools.
I can point to the majority of current mock drafts to pretty much prove how the herd instinct dominates us today--at the expense of critical thinking.
I can see how you could logically think that Danny Shelton would be a good pick for the Browns. It's not fair of me to expect people without Browns OCD (like me) to know that Mike Pettine doesn't run a traditional 3-4, that Phil Taylor played well at nose tackle early-on, or even to want a quick-fix, and to figure a nose tackle will do it.
If you're not obsessed like me, you just know that the Browns sucked against the run last season, and a nose tackle is important in a 3-4 as a blocker-magnet, and a guy who makes a big mess that running backs have to run around.
So even though they're wrong, I can't pick on them.
But the right tackle fixation? That's pure herd instinct.
Mitchell Schwartze can be described as the weakest link on the Browns offensive line. But that's a relative statement, because the rest of the line is exceptional. Schwartze actually ranks about in the middle of all offensive tackles, making him average. (Slightly above, actually--and improving).
It's logical to want to upgrade here, but the problem is the narrative:
"The Browns wanted to replace Schwartze at right tackle and move him to guard".
Where did that come from? Well, it came from a writer or commentator who thought that this would be a good idea. He or she no doubt was clearly stating their own opinion.
But another writer or commentator heard this, agreed, and reported it as fact, according to "sources".
All bets were off! It spread like wildfire until, a couple weeks later, Mike Pettine was asked about it at a press conference. He defended Schwartze, and said "I don't know where that came from".
Didn't matter. It also didn't matter when the real experts, who appeared oblivious to the fact that this was a rumor based on speculation nesting on a bed of wild guesses, pointed out that Schwartze doesn't fit a zone scheme at guard.
Some even said "that doesn't make sense". Didn't matter.
It was "out there", see?
So today, a whole bunch of mock drafters have the Browns using a first round pick on an offensive tackle. You see, it's taken root and grown. Replacing Mitchell Schwartze has become an urgent priority in their minds.
And it's all based on (ill-informed) bullcrap! It's now considered a "need"! It's been a long time since I could nothink like that, and I'm frankly amazed by it.
Don't be a sheep. Please.
Micheal Bowie started for the Superbowl Seahawks, and will challenge at right tackle and/or guard this season. This guy is no joke. He's already here and under contract. But because his name isn't mentioned constantly, he has ceased to exist for everybody but myself and a few others.
If Mike Pettine does feel that it's more important to replace Schwartze than to start phasing the aging John Greco into a utility role, Bowie can and will replace Schwartze.
He's better suited to the zone/trapping scheme the Browns will use, and stronger at the point.
Finally, why not THINK, just a little here: If the Browns do draft an offensive tackle in the first round, why not draft one who fits this blocking scheme perfectly, and is also the best CENTER in this draft (Cameron Erving)?
At least Tony Grossi named him in his most recent mock. That's ONE guy who thinks with his brain, anyway.
A little known fact: if you repeat a lie, it remains a lie. Right tackle is LOW on the list of Browns' needs, and Mike Pettine might still not know where all the bleating about Schwartze came from.
1: Quarterback
2: Number one reciever
Below here, you can toss nose tackle, edge-rusher, and the other stuff in a box and label it "Best Available Player".
Late addition: Copy/paste from JerrySherk (maybe the real one?):
Please spend 12 and 19 to get Marcus, I would be thrilled if we can pull that off. We will have to get in front of the Jets, so 3-4-5 are the spots to target.
We can fill the other needs later in the draft and with the veteran FAs that are left. We have plenty of cap to do more 1-2 year deals with veterans while the draft choices from last year, this year, and next develop.
If we get the QB and show development then Mack probably stays. That's worth another 1st rd pick if we don't have to replace him.
We can also trade some of next years picks to get more players now if there is someone we need. We have comp picks next year to fill in and replace the picks we use this year.
We have the bridge QBs in McCown and Thaddy Lew. Go get Marcus and be patient until he's ready.
We can fill the other needs later in the draft and with the veteran FAs that are left. We have plenty of cap to do more 1-2 year deals with veterans while the draft choices from last year, this year, and next develop.
If we get the QB and show development then Mack probably stays. That's worth another 1st rd pick if we don't have to replace him.
We can also trade some of next years picks to get more players now if there is someone we need. We have comp picks next year to fill in and replace the picks we use this year.
We have the bridge QBs in McCown and Thaddy Lew. Go get Marcus and be patient until he's ready.
"We will not win anything until we fix QB."
Brilliant!
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Rob Housler and Possible QB Trades
The signing of Rob Housler mitigates one need going into the draft. I haven't studied the guy yet, or the reason for the decline in his production last season...
But what I do know is that he has been productive, and is only 27 so DUH!
It's like the 28 year-old Brian Hartline: Two and three seasons ago, if you didn't have Brian Hartline on your fantasy team, you were green with envy. Then he has one off year and he's off the map!
I expect Hartline to be the Fantasy Producer he was two and three seasons ago. Why not?
Update: I learned some stuff: Bruce Ariens doesn't value pass-catching tight ends that much. He leans on fast wide recievers and a strong running game. Tight ends must block. That's not what Housler does.
Ariens inherited him, and made the best use of him he could without changing his scheme, but he was never a good fit. HERE, he fits!
It's been said that Housler's production never matched his talent. That's true. However, he came out of the same draft as Jordan Cameron, and what did Cameron do as a rookie? Even as a second-year player? Any decent analyst kind of throws out a tight end's rookie season anyway. It's a big transition.
Nor did Cameron have Bruce Ariens take over the team and say "who's this guy?"
If Housler is used the way Cameron was, he just might go ape----. He's faster than Jordan. A LOT faster.
Now for the trade talk: This is about Mariota, not Bradford, for common sense reasons (see previous entry). (Disclaimer: I mean Bradford without a long-term contract.)
If I'm the Tennessee Titans, I might want Marcus Mariota myself, except I do have Zach Mettengerger. This sounds like Roethsenberger, which is a good sign (I kid. Jeez.) Zach slid in his own draft primarily because he had a severe injury, and was still rehabbing.
As a rookie, he was okay. But we're not grading on a curve here: A rookie on a team without a lot of talent doing "okay" is really good. If you're a Titans fan and don't like Mettenberger, you're not thinking. Dan Marino was the exception, not the rule.
So, if I'm the Titans, even if I think Mariota will eventually be better, I still want to fill my other needs. So I do what they're doing, and make it look like I'm going to draft Mariota.
I know that most of the other GMs are onto me, but it might not matter. Any team that wants to make sure will talk to me, because they know that any other team that wants to make sure will be talking to me.
Now, what do I want? Sam Bradford? No. Frankly as the Titans GM, I think all this Chip Kelly stuff is funny. He's not going to give me three firsts and a second, which is the least I'd want out of a team I see as drafting fairly low for awhile. That's a joke.
Numbers twelve and nineteen? Now there's a starting point! That's two birds in the hand, top twenty picks. But I remember that rediculous RG3 bidding war, and know I can get more.
Probably not as much, though, since everybody now knows that the Redskins are suffering for it now. Not simply because RG got hurt, but because they couldn't draft anybody to help him win.
Twelve, nineteen, and next year's Cleveland first rounder? Hmm. Well, as a GM, I know that Cleveland should win at least seven games, even with McCown. They have an elite offensive line, top-flight slot recievers, massively underrated big running backs, now a pretty scary pass-catching tight end, and a strong defense getting stronger, which a game-manager can win a lot of games with.
That 2016 first round pick could be pretty low, so...huh? Manziel too? Wow! He really really sucked. He's coming out of rehab. But what if...what if...?
Ross Tucker and Solomon Wilcotts are two of my favorite real experts, but they've both disappointed me recently, and yes: I am right. They are wrong.
Ross described West and Crowell as "best used as rotational guys, who you can't expect to carry the load". Solomon later described them as "average".
I expect fans and fake-experts to say this stuff. West and Crowell alternated, ergo niether is a "bellcow". That's right out of the Simpletonian Institute.
They are both every-down bellcow running backs. They're both pretty big, and both get stronger with more carries. The only reason niether one "took over" was because they were BOTH too good to keep on the bench.
Both were rookies, and West had a ton of carries in college. Rookie running backs accustomed to much shorter college seasons tend to hit a "wall" in their rookie seasons right about when the college season ends. Splitting the carries helped prevent this.
If you had Adrian Peterson and Jim Brown on the same team, which one would you park on the BENCH, huh?
No I didn't just say that Crowell and West are that good. I said what I said. But they are both E L I T E talents so no, Ross--Ray Farmer can't even be thinking about Adrian Peterson and his salary and his attitude here.
I personally expect Crowell to pull ahead in this race. He seems a little stronger and a little faster, and could morph into Beast Mode. He also has more tread left on his tires.
As I mentioned earlier, Solomon said he thought that the Browns trading away picks for Marcus Mariota would be a mistake, because the Browns have too many other needs.
I'm kind of flabbergasted, because Solly (and Ross) are two of the smartest people on the planet, and usually actually do their home-work.
They are wrong. I am right. Laugh at me now but believe me later:
Solly, please list the needs:
1: A number one reciever.
This is true. They can make due without one, but it's a missing piece of a championship team for sure.
2: A scary edge-rusher.
Sorta. We now know that Mingo was hurt last season, and I expect more out of Armonty Bryant than others do. Between the two, there's a good chance that guy is already here.
3: A nose tackle.
Who says? Phil Taylor is better there than at DE. This is a Mike Pettine defense, not a Dick LeBeau 3-4. Nose tackle is a simple answer to the complex question of why this defense was so bad against the run last season,
The run-stopping issue is already addressed with the addition of Randy Starks, and the healthy returns of Phil Taylor and John Hughes.
4: QUARTERBACK.
BINGO!
And just what do you think all these free agent signings were about? These were about filling needs prior to the draft. Two wide recievers and a tight end. We can debate about Dwayne Bowe as an upgrade, but Brian Hartline sure as hell is.
Housler vs. Cameron? Historically, you'd have to say Cameron is better. But Housler never had a real chance to do what he does best, and isn't HURT all the time.
Starks was targeted substantially because he takes great pride in stopping the run.
Ray couldn't get everybody he wanted, but systematically ran around with his bucket of mud and filled all the cracks he could.
A lot of people, unfortunately including Solly Wilcotts, haven't looked at these moves or their implications carefully enough.
The defense, aside from the defensive line, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties is a mess, I admit......
Calling number one wide reciever a need, the Browns need two players. The other one is a quarterback.
Armed with what I get from Mike Mayock, Jim Miller, Rich Gannon, and sources like that, I'll stick my neck out:
Ray Farmer should be willing to trade three first round picks and Manziel to make sure he gets Marcus Mariota. Chip Kelly and Sam Bradford can go pound sand.
Plan B: Glennon maybe. Or not.
But what I do know is that he has been productive, and is only 27 so DUH!
It's like the 28 year-old Brian Hartline: Two and three seasons ago, if you didn't have Brian Hartline on your fantasy team, you were green with envy. Then he has one off year and he's off the map!
I expect Hartline to be the Fantasy Producer he was two and three seasons ago. Why not?
Update: I learned some stuff: Bruce Ariens doesn't value pass-catching tight ends that much. He leans on fast wide recievers and a strong running game. Tight ends must block. That's not what Housler does.
Ariens inherited him, and made the best use of him he could without changing his scheme, but he was never a good fit. HERE, he fits!
It's been said that Housler's production never matched his talent. That's true. However, he came out of the same draft as Jordan Cameron, and what did Cameron do as a rookie? Even as a second-year player? Any decent analyst kind of throws out a tight end's rookie season anyway. It's a big transition.
Nor did Cameron have Bruce Ariens take over the team and say "who's this guy?"
If Housler is used the way Cameron was, he just might go ape----. He's faster than Jordan. A LOT faster.
Now for the trade talk: This is about Mariota, not Bradford, for common sense reasons (see previous entry). (Disclaimer: I mean Bradford without a long-term contract.)
If I'm the Tennessee Titans, I might want Marcus Mariota myself, except I do have Zach Mettengerger. This sounds like Roethsenberger, which is a good sign (I kid. Jeez.) Zach slid in his own draft primarily because he had a severe injury, and was still rehabbing.
As a rookie, he was okay. But we're not grading on a curve here: A rookie on a team without a lot of talent doing "okay" is really good. If you're a Titans fan and don't like Mettenberger, you're not thinking. Dan Marino was the exception, not the rule.
So, if I'm the Titans, even if I think Mariota will eventually be better, I still want to fill my other needs. So I do what they're doing, and make it look like I'm going to draft Mariota.
I know that most of the other GMs are onto me, but it might not matter. Any team that wants to make sure will talk to me, because they know that any other team that wants to make sure will be talking to me.
Now, what do I want? Sam Bradford? No. Frankly as the Titans GM, I think all this Chip Kelly stuff is funny. He's not going to give me three firsts and a second, which is the least I'd want out of a team I see as drafting fairly low for awhile. That's a joke.
Numbers twelve and nineteen? Now there's a starting point! That's two birds in the hand, top twenty picks. But I remember that rediculous RG3 bidding war, and know I can get more.
Probably not as much, though, since everybody now knows that the Redskins are suffering for it now. Not simply because RG got hurt, but because they couldn't draft anybody to help him win.
Twelve, nineteen, and next year's Cleveland first rounder? Hmm. Well, as a GM, I know that Cleveland should win at least seven games, even with McCown. They have an elite offensive line, top-flight slot recievers, massively underrated big running backs, now a pretty scary pass-catching tight end, and a strong defense getting stronger, which a game-manager can win a lot of games with.
That 2016 first round pick could be pretty low, so...huh? Manziel too? Wow! He really really sucked. He's coming out of rehab. But what if...what if...?
Ross Tucker and Solomon Wilcotts are two of my favorite real experts, but they've both disappointed me recently, and yes: I am right. They are wrong.
Ross described West and Crowell as "best used as rotational guys, who you can't expect to carry the load". Solomon later described them as "average".
I expect fans and fake-experts to say this stuff. West and Crowell alternated, ergo niether is a "bellcow". That's right out of the Simpletonian Institute.
They are both every-down bellcow running backs. They're both pretty big, and both get stronger with more carries. The only reason niether one "took over" was because they were BOTH too good to keep on the bench.
Both were rookies, and West had a ton of carries in college. Rookie running backs accustomed to much shorter college seasons tend to hit a "wall" in their rookie seasons right about when the college season ends. Splitting the carries helped prevent this.
If you had Adrian Peterson and Jim Brown on the same team, which one would you park on the BENCH, huh?
No I didn't just say that Crowell and West are that good. I said what I said. But they are both E L I T E talents so no, Ross--Ray Farmer can't even be thinking about Adrian Peterson and his salary and his attitude here.
I personally expect Crowell to pull ahead in this race. He seems a little stronger and a little faster, and could morph into Beast Mode. He also has more tread left on his tires.
As I mentioned earlier, Solomon said he thought that the Browns trading away picks for Marcus Mariota would be a mistake, because the Browns have too many other needs.
I'm kind of flabbergasted, because Solly (and Ross) are two of the smartest people on the planet, and usually actually do their home-work.
They are wrong. I am right. Laugh at me now but believe me later:
Solly, please list the needs:
1: A number one reciever.
This is true. They can make due without one, but it's a missing piece of a championship team for sure.
2: A scary edge-rusher.
Sorta. We now know that Mingo was hurt last season, and I expect more out of Armonty Bryant than others do. Between the two, there's a good chance that guy is already here.
3: A nose tackle.
Who says? Phil Taylor is better there than at DE. This is a Mike Pettine defense, not a Dick LeBeau 3-4. Nose tackle is a simple answer to the complex question of why this defense was so bad against the run last season,
The run-stopping issue is already addressed with the addition of Randy Starks, and the healthy returns of Phil Taylor and John Hughes.
4: QUARTERBACK.
BINGO!
And just what do you think all these free agent signings were about? These were about filling needs prior to the draft. Two wide recievers and a tight end. We can debate about Dwayne Bowe as an upgrade, but Brian Hartline sure as hell is.
Housler vs. Cameron? Historically, you'd have to say Cameron is better. But Housler never had a real chance to do what he does best, and isn't HURT all the time.
Starks was targeted substantially because he takes great pride in stopping the run.
Ray couldn't get everybody he wanted, but systematically ran around with his bucket of mud and filled all the cracks he could.
A lot of people, unfortunately including Solly Wilcotts, haven't looked at these moves or their implications carefully enough.
The defense, aside from the defensive line, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties is a mess, I admit......
Calling number one wide reciever a need, the Browns need two players. The other one is a quarterback.
Armed with what I get from Mike Mayock, Jim Miller, Rich Gannon, and sources like that, I'll stick my neck out:
Ray Farmer should be willing to trade three first round picks and Manziel to make sure he gets Marcus Mariota. Chip Kelly and Sam Bradford can go pound sand.
Plan B: Glennon maybe. Or not.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Cleveland Browns Rumor Control: Shovel, Hip-Waders, and Gas Mask Recommended
1: The Browns may well be talking to the Eagles about including Johnny Manziel in a trade for Sam Bradford.
BUT based on his performance and situation, Johnny could only be a small part of that trade, and Chip Kelly is still probably asking for at least #12 and a third rounder.
BUT Bradford's artificially-inflated contract expires at the end of this season, and
1a: It's 50/50 that he is unwilling to negotiate anything longer-term with the Browns. I could be wrong here, but if he or his agent ever said any such thing, I haven't heard it.
This rumor could as well be somebody like a more presumtuous, less objective version of me speculating about it and everybody repeating it as fact.
The speculation would be based on:
2: The front office "train wreck". Alex Marvez on NFL Radio said that the owner is meddlesome, and forced Farmer to draft Manziel.
This is ignorant as hell. Aside from this one comment: "Let's go get him", there is zero evidence that Haslam is any kind of micromanager, and ANY owner might have made this comment.
If you're a GM, you can't be a yes-man. Understand that. If you know that you will be blamed, and fired for, a draft pick who craps out, you "talk back" to the boss, and tell him "This is a bad idea".
If you don't, you have betrayed the owner, who hired you for your expertise to do this job, and you should be fired for that. Farmer was on-board with the Manziel pick.
Rob Chudzinski's Browns collapsed in the second half of it's season, and Jimmy fired him. I wouldn't have, but can certainly understand why Jimmy did.
Haslam is being blamed for a lot of stuff that happened before he ever got here. A bunch of people never gave him a chance.
3: The Browns have 90% moved on from Johnny Manziel. This one is absolutely true. But a lot of people don't comprehend what that means.
They still hope he can pull out of this and become a good or great quarterback, but because they can't depend on that, they have to assume the worst and proceed as if he's done.
All this is is common sense. Anyone who understands business--or war--gets this.
Back to 1a: Bradford won't sign a deal with the Browns: It's possible that this is bullcrap, because the Browns have an excellent backfield and offensive line. They NOW have an above average corps of wide recievers. YES THEY DO.
They'll have an excellent defense.
They'll run a West Coast offense which is tailor made for a smart sharpshooter like Bradford.
He's from Oklahoma, and probably isn't a SISSY about the weather, and he's an adult, so cost of living and stability are at least as important to him as strip clubs that stay open all night.
Back to 1: trade talks ongoing: IF Farmer makes any such deal without a new contract in-hand, he should be fired immediately. We can HOPE that Haslam "meddles" to the extent that he vetos it.
This is business. He's a businessman. Therefore, it almost certainly won't happen without that contract.
P.T. Kelly can't expect Manziel to be his guy, any more than the Browns can. He's a better fit for Kelly's offense, but he has yet to prove that he will put the work in, or can ever make the reads.
Kelly has to somehow want Marcus Mariota out of this deal, and has to be asking the Browns to give him the ammunition. That's #12 and then some, and it's too damn much for a quarterback who is made of fine china.
Therefore, this deal is unlikely.
4: The Browns have cooled on Marcus Mariota because they didn't get him in for a visit immediately.
Figure that one out. It's too obvious for me to bother with.
5: Hoyer wasn't re-signed because of Textageddon. Oh, puh-leez! Rightly or wrongly, they simply felt that Brian was not the man.
In other news, Mike Mayock has moved Mariota ahead of Winston in the quarterback derby. Bucky Brooks, another former NFL player who I respect, is sticking with Winston.
I favor Mayock due to the the fact that he was a defensive back, and as such studied quarterbacks even as a player. Also because I have a lot more experience with Mayock, and have found him pretty damn correct over time.
Mayock cites the fact that Mariota has indeed made multiple reads a number of times. I would never be able to see this on his tapes myself, but if Mayock says he did, then he did. Nor is he the only legitimate expert who's said this.
That, coupled with his four total interceptions, shows a whole lot of promise.
Gil Brandt doesn't think much of Mike Glennon, but Bucky Brooks does. Bucky thinks that if he has a strong supporting cast, he could be really good.
I lean towards Bucky on this one, because his QBR and statistics aren't bad, and he's only a third-year player. Also, Gil pushed for Johnny Manziel hard himself, so...
In truth, Gil's whole history with quarterbacks hasn't been that good for a long time. I'm sorry. But he's still great on every other position.
Based on all of this, I now believe that Plan A for Farmer is to pay the price, and go after Marcus Mariota.
Whether or not he can succeed is another matter.
BUT based on his performance and situation, Johnny could only be a small part of that trade, and Chip Kelly is still probably asking for at least #12 and a third rounder.
BUT Bradford's artificially-inflated contract expires at the end of this season, and
1a: It's 50/50 that he is unwilling to negotiate anything longer-term with the Browns. I could be wrong here, but if he or his agent ever said any such thing, I haven't heard it.
This rumor could as well be somebody like a more presumtuous, less objective version of me speculating about it and everybody repeating it as fact.
The speculation would be based on:
2: The front office "train wreck". Alex Marvez on NFL Radio said that the owner is meddlesome, and forced Farmer to draft Manziel.
This is ignorant as hell. Aside from this one comment: "Let's go get him", there is zero evidence that Haslam is any kind of micromanager, and ANY owner might have made this comment.
If you're a GM, you can't be a yes-man. Understand that. If you know that you will be blamed, and fired for, a draft pick who craps out, you "talk back" to the boss, and tell him "This is a bad idea".
If you don't, you have betrayed the owner, who hired you for your expertise to do this job, and you should be fired for that. Farmer was on-board with the Manziel pick.
Rob Chudzinski's Browns collapsed in the second half of it's season, and Jimmy fired him. I wouldn't have, but can certainly understand why Jimmy did.
Haslam is being blamed for a lot of stuff that happened before he ever got here. A bunch of people never gave him a chance.
3: The Browns have 90% moved on from Johnny Manziel. This one is absolutely true. But a lot of people don't comprehend what that means.
They still hope he can pull out of this and become a good or great quarterback, but because they can't depend on that, they have to assume the worst and proceed as if he's done.
All this is is common sense. Anyone who understands business--or war--gets this.
Back to 1a: Bradford won't sign a deal with the Browns: It's possible that this is bullcrap, because the Browns have an excellent backfield and offensive line. They NOW have an above average corps of wide recievers. YES THEY DO.
They'll have an excellent defense.
They'll run a West Coast offense which is tailor made for a smart sharpshooter like Bradford.
He's from Oklahoma, and probably isn't a SISSY about the weather, and he's an adult, so cost of living and stability are at least as important to him as strip clubs that stay open all night.
Back to 1: trade talks ongoing: IF Farmer makes any such deal without a new contract in-hand, he should be fired immediately. We can HOPE that Haslam "meddles" to the extent that he vetos it.
This is business. He's a businessman. Therefore, it almost certainly won't happen without that contract.
P.T. Kelly can't expect Manziel to be his guy, any more than the Browns can. He's a better fit for Kelly's offense, but he has yet to prove that he will put the work in, or can ever make the reads.
Kelly has to somehow want Marcus Mariota out of this deal, and has to be asking the Browns to give him the ammunition. That's #12 and then some, and it's too damn much for a quarterback who is made of fine china.
Therefore, this deal is unlikely.
4: The Browns have cooled on Marcus Mariota because they didn't get him in for a visit immediately.
Figure that one out. It's too obvious for me to bother with.
5: Hoyer wasn't re-signed because of Textageddon. Oh, puh-leez! Rightly or wrongly, they simply felt that Brian was not the man.
In other news, Mike Mayock has moved Mariota ahead of Winston in the quarterback derby. Bucky Brooks, another former NFL player who I respect, is sticking with Winston.
I favor Mayock due to the the fact that he was a defensive back, and as such studied quarterbacks even as a player. Also because I have a lot more experience with Mayock, and have found him pretty damn correct over time.
Mayock cites the fact that Mariota has indeed made multiple reads a number of times. I would never be able to see this on his tapes myself, but if Mayock says he did, then he did. Nor is he the only legitimate expert who's said this.
That, coupled with his four total interceptions, shows a whole lot of promise.
Gil Brandt doesn't think much of Mike Glennon, but Bucky Brooks does. Bucky thinks that if he has a strong supporting cast, he could be really good.
I lean towards Bucky on this one, because his QBR and statistics aren't bad, and he's only a third-year player. Also, Gil pushed for Johnny Manziel hard himself, so...
In truth, Gil's whole history with quarterbacks hasn't been that good for a long time. I'm sorry. But he's still great on every other position.
Based on all of this, I now believe that Plan A for Farmer is to pay the price, and go after Marcus Mariota.
Whether or not he can succeed is another matter.
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