Let's go back to Ben Roethsenberger's rookie season:
The Steelers had had mediocre quarterbacks for several seasons, and hadn't done much, despite having good overall talent.
They drafted Ben, and won a Superbowl.
For a lot of people, that proves that the quarterback is everything, and the team doesn't matter. But a knowlegable Steelers fan will laugh at that.
Ben was on a strict "pitch count" in every game, rarely throwing over 16 passes. He was a "game manager".
The Steelers offense steamrolled everybody (threw them under the Bus, as it were), and enjoyed an excellent defense.
Indeed, in the playoffs, Ben's wheels just about came off, and he was pretty bad. It was the running game and defense that won that Superbowl.
This is just to make the point: A talented, well-coached team can win a Superbowl with a questionable quarterback DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
Number Fire's Jim Sannes wrote a great article on why Fantasy owners should check out parts and pieces of the Browns offense.
Jim is mainly talking bargain-hunting in the lower rounds here, because they're being underrated. Isaiah Crowell might be the top semi-sleeper here, but he mentions Rodney Brittfield, Rodney Kesslerfield, and Njoku:
"It's hard to find any component of this offense who isn't worth their price, because they're all so insanely cheap".
I've got a slow connection, so I might not have got that quote exactly right, but I know I got the word "insanely" right. Amen Jimbo!!!
PFF (Mark Chichester) writes another great article on Seth DeValve. I myself was oblivious to his YAC yards, but the rest of it should sound familiar to my readers. I just want to point out that DeValve did what Mark describes as a smaller, slower rookie buried under Gary Barnidge (who I wish great luck to btw wherever he plays).
NFL Spinzone (good ole Peter Smith) breaks down the Browns defensive line expertly, as usual.
I really hardly need to read Pete's articles, because he is almost as smart as my humble DaVinci-like self, and rarely makes a mistake. Still, I do, because he goes into film study and detailed stats, and still teaches me stuff I didn't know.
In general on these three articles, I need to make a few corrections:
1: Njoku is "the rage" now, but Seth DeValve is, in reality, ahead of him. Even once Njoku learns the ropes, he won't be significantly better. Of the two Browns 2017 tight ends, DeValve is the one fantasy bargain-hunters should look at first.
Everybody knows, you can't trust rookie tight ends.
DeValve isn't the rookie.
2: Danny Shelton will play almost exlusively between RIGHT guard and center in this defense.
But I love how Peter Smith goes deeper, in matching up Browns defensive linemen with Browns offensive linemen to illustrate how competition in practice will hone their respective skills.
Garrett vs Thomas what you kidding me? (Of course Joe gets those days off, so really this will mostly "hone" Joe's backups).
How about Ogbah vs the right tackle? Peter was discussing the defensive line in this article, but Ogbah (and Orchard, and Nassib, etc) will certainly separate the wheat from the chaff at right tackle.
Speaking of which, Thomas Moore quotes Myles Garrett in making a case for Shon Coleman as the frontrunner. This is another great article---where have all the dumbasses gone?
3: Unless Josh Gordon comes back, Kenny Britt is the only true X receiver on this roster---and he is a true X.
I'm annually amazed at how many otherwise really smart people don't get this:
The X is the "number one" receiver in any conventional offense. He needs to be tall and physical, because defenders try to mug him at the line of scrimmage, and then put a free safety on top of him.
The Steelers love confusing dumbass Browns fans, as the 5'10" Antonio Brown is maybe the best wide receiver in the NFL right now. But he disappeared when Big Ben missed time.
He would disappear as a Cleveland Brown, too. As much crap as I'll get from Black Cloud for saying this, Big Ben is an exceptional quarterback who makes the most of him.
For normal quarterbacks, a number one needs to be a big tall deep threat with a big catch radius who can haul in not exactly perfect deep passes with defensive backs glued to their spines. He has to be able to slow down without getting accidentally/on purpose knocked off-balance, or leap or dive, or turn and reach; he needs to be physical.
Remember Travis Benjamin (btw great guy good luck to him too)? Earlier coaches who should remain nameless put Travis at X for Hoyer, Campbell, McCown et al.
They threw long passes to him (commonly "back shoulder throws"), but they almost never worked, even when they were right on the money.
That's because he was too light and short. Most cornerbacks actually had a reach advantage on him, and despite his impressive speed, he rarely got any separation on vertical routes.
Don't get confused here:
1: Antonio Brown is not a deep threat. He does almost all his damage on short and intermediate routes, just like Jerry Rice did.
2: What do Randy Moss, Josh Gordon, Brandon Marshall, Megatron, Green, Jones, Britt, etc have in common?
...ok (sigh) they're tall and physical. An ordinary quarterback can trust them deep.
3: A true number one receiver MUST BE a reliable deep threat.
Now, that's not Corey Coleman, or (for that matter) Antonio Brown. Or Steve Smith.
But I digress: Hue Jackson makes the most of what he has. I paid attention when Al Saunders, when asked to compare Terrelle Pryor to Kenny Britt, said that Britt was more "physical".
Hue will run a two-tight end BASE offense, with DeValve and Njoku as primary tight ends, and Britt and Coleman *when fkng available* as wide receivers.
This maps out a really punishing, brutal offense, considering Hue's announced determination to run more in 2017.
Nobody else sees this yet. The two primary tight ends are "Y's" or (I'll take competant) in-line blockers, and H-backs, and can line up wide, and attack outside, and should be exceptional blocking in space.
Kenny Britt isn't an ideal number one, but is above average in that role (shut up that's just the truth). He also excels in YAC yards, and blocks extremely well too. If Gordon comes back...wow.
I found out (I'll try to find the guy to give him his props) that Isaiah Crowell averaged 5.9 ypc vs EIGHT MAN ("stacked") Fronts!!!
Ok do the math. C'mon man do I have to spell everything out?
Oh yeah quarterback. No franchise QB we're all gonna die good grief ok I give up.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Browns Power Ranking 31st: I'm Trying to Grok.
I know I sound like a hyper-homer cheerleader here, but the dumbassitude is almost universally anti-Browns, and I have to take it where I find it.
First, I'm not offended by or worried about Gramps Hall not wanting to play for Cleveland. He's on his last legs, the Browns are not contenders in 2017, and he'd be a backup again anyway. I wouldn't want to come here if I were him either.
Get over it.
Now PFP again ranked the Browns 31st, and I want to thank them for this softball. I've included the link, because their analysis was actually reasonable (if shallow). This is another example of cognative disonance, because nothing in the article in any way supported their conclusion.
I'll try to help them out. It's just too stupid to pretend that Cody Kessler won't be as good as he was in 2016, but how 'bout them concussions?
Now we're talkin'! Who steps in for him? Well, Osweiler is the logical choice, but is he Denver Brock or Texans Brock? Even as Denver Brock, he was just kinda okay.
Everybody who pays attention knows that Kizer needs a lot of work, and could bust out anyway. So, if you figure Kessler goes down early, and assume the worst about his backup, you could put the Browns quarterbacks as a group in the bottom five.
(Don't start, Black Cloud. There are at least four teams with worse quarterback trios. Really more like seven or eight. I know there's a brain in there somewhere, BC...try to use it.)
Quarterback being the most important position, you can massively overestimate it's value, and talk yourself into ignoring this:
PFF expects the Browns to have the second best offensive line in the NFL. Check. USA Today ranks their secondary at 22. Ok. It should actually be better, but I'll take it.
Ok now you can put your excrement-colored glasses on for a look at the wide receivers. Assume Corey Coleman is made of fine china and will spend most of his time on bikes and in hot tubs (or in jail, which btw based on my info so far, I'd consider fair).
Britt will fall back from his carreer year last season, and just be you know, pretty good, but not that good. Ricardo Louis will be just a guy. Therefore, you tell yourself, the Browns will have the worst wide receivers in history (32nd).
See how helpful I am? See me embrace insanity?
Ok now let's check out the rest of this dumpster fire:
Tight end: Well, I'm done helping here, because Seth DeValve is a secret weapon who I was personally underrated until I did my research and checked my experts.
Everybody knows about Njoku, and gives him his props, but even the Pittsburgh writer who wrote the linked article gave DeValve a "meh" (sure hope his team does!).
...jeez yer killing me here, but I'll help you rationalize some more:
Assume that Hue Jackson will only use one tight end (that's right assume he is a dumbass). Well, Njoku is a rookie. Even the best rookie tight ends have fairly modest production, so we can rationalize Njoku to maybe 15.
But DeValve is pesky, and now a veteran, so you have to upgrade the duo to top ten as a position group.
What about running back? Well, Crow and Duke averaged 4.9 ypc and combined for more receptions than most wide receivers get. We're supposed to ignore the upgraded offensive line and Hue Jackson here, but I can't make myself that stupid, ok?
In fact, which running backs are better than Isaiah Crowell? Well ok I'll give you Zeke, Belle, David Johnson, and...oh what really Lynch and Peterson again? Now? Ah screw it ok but still we're talking a top 5 combo here at least gdammit jeez it's like pulling teeth to get 5.9 ypc before Zietler/Tretter it's props how far am I supposed to dumbassify myself here?)
So on offense you got top 5 running backs, top 10 tight ends, a top two offensive line, but crappy quarterbacks and wide receivers (which is bullcrap, but I'm trying to channel dumbass rationalizations ok?)
Therefore, the terrible quarterback and utter lack of wide receivers will prevent the tight ends (oh sorry tight end singular) from accomplishing anything whatsoever.
I mean who's the slot receiver?
God I'm going to have to wash my brain out with soap here...
Ok so stipulating a #22 secondary, how can we dis a defensive line including Ogbah, Garrett, and Shelton?
...I'm sorry I can't do this. Hue Jackson and Gregg Williams are the coordinators, they're going to penetrate and run the ball, I didn't even get to Kirksey and Collins, and you are an idiot if you rank the Browns 31st.
JC it's like the Browns are Donald Trump! What's next Haslam colluding with the Rooneys? 31st? How can any sentient being ok nevermind ohmmm...ohmmm....
Anyway I just vented in the men's room (not writing on the walls btw) and I'm back now:
Cliffnotes for any new readers: Two tight ends (almost mandatory with Rodney DeValvefield and Njoku). "22 personnel" (two backs, two tight ends, one wide receiver) ( easy option where both tight ends can play H-back, block in-line, line up in the slot or wide, and where both running backs can go to the slot, and one can line up wide--especially useful if you run short on wide receivers)...
4-2 base defense useful when the two linebackers are Kirksey and Collins, one of the "defensive backs" is Jabrill Peppers, Ogbah and Garrett are true edge-rushers, Danny Shelton gets to line up in a gap...
If you read this Blog, you know all this stuff.
If you play Fantasy Football, you should consider Crow and Johnson both in any ppr league (just not as your rb1). You should avoid Corey Coleman until he's almost free. You should take a flyer on Josh Gordon if you can.
If you're in one of the more enlightened leagues which give you points for individual defenders, Garrett might be overpriced, but Ogbah will not be, and is underrated. Taylor might be better than Haden. Between Kirksey and Collins, take the cheapest (but DO take one!!!).
DeValve will dilute Njoku; find other tight ends.
The Browns defense will be respectable, and create a lot more turnovers, so it's a super-cheap backup option if you can.
...ok I mean Gregg Williams' 2017 Browns defense with Garrett, Ogbah, Shelton, Collins, Kirksey, Taylor, Haden, and Peppers should be above average. Because the 2016 Browns defense was so hideous, you could exploit the Memorex Moron majority by nabbing them dirt-cheap.
Take the Browns as your backup defense, and use the dough you save on a quarterback or something.
The Browns 2017 special teams will be as good as any:
Contrary to popular hysterical belief, Parkey was and is an excellent kicker. Gonzales might be even better, but either way, we got that covered.
They just added Jabrill Peppers as a returner, and (while you were sleeping) a whole bunch of spare defensive backs, linebackers, and tight ends.
I'm impressed. Oh yeah "why?"
Well, if you're punting, you use exactly ZERO real offensive linemen. Everybody who is blocking is also covering, and you need real athletes. The return team is the same. The only way they can get to a punter in time is via speed, and once the ball is in the air, you have people attacking and trying to block in space.
If a hypthetical team were to hypotheticly carry four tight ends, five running backs, and one or two extra defensive backs on it's roster, it might just be better in coverage and blocking for returns. Honest! Even for the Browns!
Not that this has anything to do with the two-tight end or "22" package or base 4-2 defense or anything.
Yeah "zingg" again oknevermind
First, I'm not offended by or worried about Gramps Hall not wanting to play for Cleveland. He's on his last legs, the Browns are not contenders in 2017, and he'd be a backup again anyway. I wouldn't want to come here if I were him either.
Get over it.
Now PFP again ranked the Browns 31st, and I want to thank them for this softball. I've included the link, because their analysis was actually reasonable (if shallow). This is another example of cognative disonance, because nothing in the article in any way supported their conclusion.
I'll try to help them out. It's just too stupid to pretend that Cody Kessler won't be as good as he was in 2016, but how 'bout them concussions?
Now we're talkin'! Who steps in for him? Well, Osweiler is the logical choice, but is he Denver Brock or Texans Brock? Even as Denver Brock, he was just kinda okay.
Everybody who pays attention knows that Kizer needs a lot of work, and could bust out anyway. So, if you figure Kessler goes down early, and assume the worst about his backup, you could put the Browns quarterbacks as a group in the bottom five.
(Don't start, Black Cloud. There are at least four teams with worse quarterback trios. Really more like seven or eight. I know there's a brain in there somewhere, BC...try to use it.)
Quarterback being the most important position, you can massively overestimate it's value, and talk yourself into ignoring this:
PFF expects the Browns to have the second best offensive line in the NFL. Check. USA Today ranks their secondary at 22. Ok. It should actually be better, but I'll take it.
Ok now you can put your excrement-colored glasses on for a look at the wide receivers. Assume Corey Coleman is made of fine china and will spend most of his time on bikes and in hot tubs (or in jail, which btw based on my info so far, I'd consider fair).
Britt will fall back from his carreer year last season, and just be you know, pretty good, but not that good. Ricardo Louis will be just a guy. Therefore, you tell yourself, the Browns will have the worst wide receivers in history (32nd).
See how helpful I am? See me embrace insanity?
Ok now let's check out the rest of this dumpster fire:
Tight end: Well, I'm done helping here, because Seth DeValve is a secret weapon who I was personally underrated until I did my research and checked my experts.
Everybody knows about Njoku, and gives him his props, but even the Pittsburgh writer who wrote the linked article gave DeValve a "meh" (sure hope his team does!).
...jeez yer killing me here, but I'll help you rationalize some more:
Assume that Hue Jackson will only use one tight end (that's right assume he is a dumbass). Well, Njoku is a rookie. Even the best rookie tight ends have fairly modest production, so we can rationalize Njoku to maybe 15.
But DeValve is pesky, and now a veteran, so you have to upgrade the duo to top ten as a position group.
What about running back? Well, Crow and Duke averaged 4.9 ypc and combined for more receptions than most wide receivers get. We're supposed to ignore the upgraded offensive line and Hue Jackson here, but I can't make myself that stupid, ok?
In fact, which running backs are better than Isaiah Crowell? Well ok I'll give you Zeke, Belle, David Johnson, and...oh what really Lynch and Peterson again? Now? Ah screw it ok but still we're talking a top 5 combo here at least gdammit jeez it's like pulling teeth to get 5.9 ypc before Zietler/Tretter it's props how far am I supposed to dumbassify myself here?)
So on offense you got top 5 running backs, top 10 tight ends, a top two offensive line, but crappy quarterbacks and wide receivers (which is bullcrap, but I'm trying to channel dumbass rationalizations ok?)
Therefore, the terrible quarterback and utter lack of wide receivers will prevent the tight ends (oh sorry tight end singular) from accomplishing anything whatsoever.
I mean who's the slot receiver?
God I'm going to have to wash my brain out with soap here...
Ok so stipulating a #22 secondary, how can we dis a defensive line including Ogbah, Garrett, and Shelton?
...I'm sorry I can't do this. Hue Jackson and Gregg Williams are the coordinators, they're going to penetrate and run the ball, I didn't even get to Kirksey and Collins, and you are an idiot if you rank the Browns 31st.
JC it's like the Browns are Donald Trump! What's next Haslam colluding with the Rooneys? 31st? How can any sentient being ok nevermind ohmmm...ohmmm....
Anyway I just vented in the men's room (not writing on the walls btw) and I'm back now:
Cliffnotes for any new readers: Two tight ends (almost mandatory with Rodney DeValvefield and Njoku). "22 personnel" (two backs, two tight ends, one wide receiver) ( easy option where both tight ends can play H-back, block in-line, line up in the slot or wide, and where both running backs can go to the slot, and one can line up wide--especially useful if you run short on wide receivers)...
4-2 base defense useful when the two linebackers are Kirksey and Collins, one of the "defensive backs" is Jabrill Peppers, Ogbah and Garrett are true edge-rushers, Danny Shelton gets to line up in a gap...
If you read this Blog, you know all this stuff.
If you play Fantasy Football, you should consider Crow and Johnson both in any ppr league (just not as your rb1). You should avoid Corey Coleman until he's almost free. You should take a flyer on Josh Gordon if you can.
If you're in one of the more enlightened leagues which give you points for individual defenders, Garrett might be overpriced, but Ogbah will not be, and is underrated. Taylor might be better than Haden. Between Kirksey and Collins, take the cheapest (but DO take one!!!).
DeValve will dilute Njoku; find other tight ends.
The Browns defense will be respectable, and create a lot more turnovers, so it's a super-cheap backup option if you can.
...ok I mean Gregg Williams' 2017 Browns defense with Garrett, Ogbah, Shelton, Collins, Kirksey, Taylor, Haden, and Peppers should be above average. Because the 2016 Browns defense was so hideous, you could exploit the Memorex Moron majority by nabbing them dirt-cheap.
Take the Browns as your backup defense, and use the dough you save on a quarterback or something.
The Browns 2017 special teams will be as good as any:
Contrary to popular hysterical belief, Parkey was and is an excellent kicker. Gonzales might be even better, but either way, we got that covered.
They just added Jabrill Peppers as a returner, and (while you were sleeping) a whole bunch of spare defensive backs, linebackers, and tight ends.
I'm impressed. Oh yeah "why?"
Well, if you're punting, you use exactly ZERO real offensive linemen. Everybody who is blocking is also covering, and you need real athletes. The return team is the same. The only way they can get to a punter in time is via speed, and once the ball is in the air, you have people attacking and trying to block in space.
If a hypthetical team were to hypotheticly carry four tight ends, five running backs, and one or two extra defensive backs on it's roster, it might just be better in coverage and blocking for returns. Honest! Even for the Browns!
Not that this has anything to do with the two-tight end or "22" package or base 4-2 defense or anything.
Yeah "zingg" again oknevermind
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Cleveland Browns Pundit Corrections
1: Myles Garrett's leg presses are meaningless in terms of his FOOT injury. He didn't show calf raises because he isn't doing them yet *Myles if you read this don't be a dumbass and start doing them just to show me dammit*
2: Terry, the fact that Cody Kessler was under pressure 47% of the time is irrelevant. The fact that he completed 80% of his passes under pressure is not. How can you get a guy who was "overwhelmed by the speed of the game" out of any part of this?
And pressure means more than four passrushers, not guys getting in your face. Kessler was overwhelmed at times when guys reached him too quickly, but so are most quarterbacks--let alone rookies.
He was blitzed a lot (mostly inside), and reacted well to those blitzes. I know you try to be objective. You missed.
3: Most NFL wide receivers hit their strides in their third seasons. Game experience is only marginally more important than practice reps, which is why this is almost as true for guys who've rarely seen the field as it is for established guys.
Running correct routes, along with all other skills, is a matter of repetition. These skills are as easily developed against one's own teammates as against other teams in real games.
There is similar contact and deception on the practice field. Defenders try just as hard. Quarterbacks and coaches call you all the same names when you screw up.
The Browns do not need another "veteran" wide receiver...unless his initials are Josh Gordon...who you think they should cut....
4: Especially not when they have both DeValve and Njoku, will probably carry four tight ends, will run a lot of two-tight end formations, put a running back in the slot a bunch, and will rarely have more than two actual wide receivers on the field.
Who should the vedderrunn wide receiver put on the bench? Britt or Coleman? (Oh yeah Coleman. He's not vedderruned enuff yedd). And does the geezer need to be any good at all?
5: Nate Orchard was a defensive end in college, not a 3-4 OLB.
6: A "Hue Jackson offense" has always depended on the nature of the talent he's had to work with. He has never had two passcatching tight ends. He does now. Why can't you figure this out?
McNanoman asked the AFC North Beat writers if Hue Jackson would be coaching the Bengals in 2018. They all said no. I just wonder why he asked that question.
He'd leave a team whose core is entering it's prime for an old team that's fading why? Jeez, Pat!
Another writer tried to figure out how well Njoku would do as a rookie. Gronk (47 catches) aside, several other really good ones averaged around 36-38 catches as rookies.
The writer was reasonable to exempt Gronk, because Tom Brady won't be here.
But I'll settle for Njoku catching 36 and DeValve 47, provided both average over 15 ypc.
A Pittsburgh writer predicted Browns vs Steelers in 2017. I can't argue with his obvious conclusions. He tried to be objective, but didn't bother with much research.
He wondered if Njoku would be the only viable receiver. I know if you've got Antonio Brown on your team, it's hard to get excited about anybody else, but that's still pretty bad.
No bigee. He was as gentle as he could be in predicting a Steelers' sweep. Black Cloud might disown me for this, but I've met a lot of pretty cool Steelers fans. And while I'm at it, I don't hate Tom Brady or the Patriots either.
I just tell them "We're sneaking up on you. Get it while you still can."
I don't tell Ravens or Bengals fans that. Guess why.
2: Terry, the fact that Cody Kessler was under pressure 47% of the time is irrelevant. The fact that he completed 80% of his passes under pressure is not. How can you get a guy who was "overwhelmed by the speed of the game" out of any part of this?
And pressure means more than four passrushers, not guys getting in your face. Kessler was overwhelmed at times when guys reached him too quickly, but so are most quarterbacks--let alone rookies.
He was blitzed a lot (mostly inside), and reacted well to those blitzes. I know you try to be objective. You missed.
3: Most NFL wide receivers hit their strides in their third seasons. Game experience is only marginally more important than practice reps, which is why this is almost as true for guys who've rarely seen the field as it is for established guys.
Running correct routes, along with all other skills, is a matter of repetition. These skills are as easily developed against one's own teammates as against other teams in real games.
There is similar contact and deception on the practice field. Defenders try just as hard. Quarterbacks and coaches call you all the same names when you screw up.
The Browns do not need another "veteran" wide receiver...unless his initials are Josh Gordon...who you think they should cut....
4: Especially not when they have both DeValve and Njoku, will probably carry four tight ends, will run a lot of two-tight end formations, put a running back in the slot a bunch, and will rarely have more than two actual wide receivers on the field.
Who should the vedderrunn wide receiver put on the bench? Britt or Coleman? (Oh yeah Coleman. He's not vedderruned enuff yedd). And does the geezer need to be any good at all?
5: Nate Orchard was a defensive end in college, not a 3-4 OLB.
6: A "Hue Jackson offense" has always depended on the nature of the talent he's had to work with. He has never had two passcatching tight ends. He does now. Why can't you figure this out?
McNanoman asked the AFC North Beat writers if Hue Jackson would be coaching the Bengals in 2018. They all said no. I just wonder why he asked that question.
He'd leave a team whose core is entering it's prime for an old team that's fading why? Jeez, Pat!
Another writer tried to figure out how well Njoku would do as a rookie. Gronk (47 catches) aside, several other really good ones averaged around 36-38 catches as rookies.
The writer was reasonable to exempt Gronk, because Tom Brady won't be here.
But I'll settle for Njoku catching 36 and DeValve 47, provided both average over 15 ypc.
A Pittsburgh writer predicted Browns vs Steelers in 2017. I can't argue with his obvious conclusions. He tried to be objective, but didn't bother with much research.
He wondered if Njoku would be the only viable receiver. I know if you've got Antonio Brown on your team, it's hard to get excited about anybody else, but that's still pretty bad.
No bigee. He was as gentle as he could be in predicting a Steelers' sweep. Black Cloud might disown me for this, but I've met a lot of pretty cool Steelers fans. And while I'm at it, I don't hate Tom Brady or the Patriots either.
I just tell them "We're sneaking up on you. Get it while you still can."
I don't tell Ravens or Bengals fans that. Guess why.
Friday, July 7, 2017
Offensive Tackle, Josh Gordon, and the Cleveland Browns
Sadly, I'm unable to ferret out any idiocy to nuke today (slow dumbassitude day). But I can still nitpick at the sentient writers here and there:
This article by Joel W Cade on the right tackle competition was almost perfect.
Joel expects Shon Coleman to win it, because Erving wasn't picked by this regime, was a (more expensive) first round pick, and because (Joel says) the Browns will have to make a decision on his fifth year option after this season.
If they pick up that option, they have to pay him based on where he was drafted, and that's pretty expensive.
But Joel (who seems like he may have played offensive line himself at some point) was fair to Erving. He points out that Erving was a top notch offensive tackle in college, and is much, much better suited to play that than guard or center.
Cam Erving, and Shon Coleman, however, played left tackle. Joel and everybody else seems to think that right and left tackle are the same.
That's a minor point in the long run, but LeCharles Bentley and many others point out that adjusting from one side to the other is a major challenge. The stance, footwork, steps etc. are all unnatural for the player. Both Erving and Coleman were making this transition last season.
Joel might be right about economic factors influencing this decision, unless Erving looks substantially better.
But Joel thinks that if Erving does lose this competition, he'll probably be traded for a future draft pick, and at any rate won't be retained.
There, he might be wrong, and he may also be overestimating the impacts of salaries, and who drafted who.
Paul DePodesta will be pointing out that if Erving earns the starting job and plays well in his third season, he'll have a year (or two) left on his rookie contract after this, his third season.
He will have redeemed himself from his failure at center, and become a valuable trade commodity. Coleman would have two years left on his own contract, and presumably be ready to step in.
As it stands, Cam Erving is a failed center making first round money. He's almost untradable at that price, and getting beat out by a third round pick pretty much ices that cake.
The Coaches have no dog in this fight. They're both young players, and they'll want the best one to start, period. Sashi Brown may technicly have the final say on the roster, but can't dictate who starts (not that he would anyway, Illuminati boy).
Now, Hue Jackson genuinely respects Brown, DePodesta, and their long-term strategy. They discuss these things, and (PR aside) are timing their big "move" into the playoffs for 2018, and for continued improvement and sustained success therafter.
Therefore, if it's a tie, ERVING could be the winner. And if Erving loses, he should be retained unless he is not, in fact, one of the four best offensive tackles on this roster.
Time to put your snorkels on:
Roderick Johnson is the nominal backup at left tackle, but he's a project. Shon Coleman...not Cam Erving......has worked at left tackle on Big Joe's (sensible) days off.
The loser of the right tackle competition will be the swing-tackle in 2017. Rod Johnson may not even be active in some games. He can be a fake tight end in some elephant run-packages, but is absolutely not ready for regular service in the NFL yet.
And by the way, Rod Johnson didn't "force" Cam Erving from left tackle to center in college. They had a big hole at center, and felt Johnson was ready to step in at left tackle. As Joel points out, Erving was a GOOD left tackle, and several teams were looking to draft him as a tackle.
If Shon Coleman does win the right tackle competition, Erving still has a chance to "show" something if either tackle misses time due to injury, so they might still get a draft pick for him (or just retain a stud player).
Now, nobody is talking about Josh Gordon, so I can bring him up again. He's up for re-instatement in September, and if King Dickhead doesn't let him back in, he probably can (and should) sue the bastard personally.
Gordon has been called a "drug addict" etc. over things the majority of us do a lot, including walking through a room where people are smoking pot, and having a few drinks (with teammates) on a plane after his season was over, and drinking too much water.
He had more serious issues in college yes, but he has been pillaried and persecuted ever since he was drafted. The only thing wrong with this guy is his off-the-field college stuff and just being a freaking normal freaking young freaking man gdammit!
Imagine pissing in a cup two or three times a week ok? How long before they caught YOU too soon after one freaking Miller Lite?
...but I digress: He should be back, and I severely doubt that Sashi Brown will just cut him with two years left on his obsolete contract.
Dumb (no offense Terry Pluto): Cutting him for political or emotional reasons is a non-starter with this crew. He's not disruptive or a wife-beater and his teammates like and support him. Care to survey the quarterbacks?
Dumber: Nobody would trade anything significant for him at this point. He's one strike away from extinction, he's not that cheap, all the rosters will be set by then (point in a lawsuit: the timing is punitive), he's not familiar with their schemes or language, and he's not in "football" shape.
Dumbest: Josh does not need to start from square one with the Browns. He knows the scheme and the language, and being stupid is NOT, in reality, among his faults (he's actually really smart).
Now listen carefully (I'll write this slow):
In fourteen games. In his second NFL season. With three (or four?) quarterbacks named Joe. With no running game. As the unmistakable number one (double cover this guy every time) receiver. He was the best wide receiver in the NFL, and broke a few NFL records doing it.
I guarantee you: the prospect of Gordon's return influenced the Browns' offseason strategy.
We aren't talking "potential" here, ok? Josh Gordon can't miss (unless he gets suspended again). And Terry wants to cut him?
Back to DePodesta (just think of me, really): cutting Josh Gordon might just be THE dumbest thing any team in any sport has done since we came down out of the trees.
Anyway, I'm just reminding you guys that rumors of Josh Gordon's demise are greatly exhaggerrated.
I'm in a rare mood so I'll keep going with this and it's implications:
Ok well by this time the two-tight end offense with DeValve and Njoku is set as the base offense. With one running back, this allows for two wide receivers. With two running backs, this means only one wide receiver.
Well, obviously adding Gordon blows the two-back all to hell, because (once he's back up to speed) Josh has to play. You're not going to keep a Corey Coleman on the bench, and even if Coleman is injured (yet again sigh), Rodney Brittfield as a number TWO? Hell yes--he's been a number one most of his carreer.
Now just think about this, ok? Remember Edwards and Winslow? They put Derrick Anderson in the Pro Bowl, remember?
Well, how about two Winslows, who can block, an Edwards on steroids, a taller/quicker/faster Antonio Brown (Coleman) all on the same field at the same time?
Yeah I'm optimistic about Coleman. Despite his physical advantages, comparing him to Antonio Brown isn't realistic, especially given the respective quarterbacks, and how heavily performance outweighs potential.
G, give Brown his props. And Big Ben too. Know thine enema.
Nevermind: Just imagine Gordon, Njoku, DeValve, and Coleman (or Britt) on the field at the same time, over 75% of the time. And remember: with Josh Gordon, who the quarterback was didn't even matter!!!
I've told you: those who default Coleman to number one over Britt are premature. Britt is being massively dissed here!
But the key here is Gordon: Josh Gordon is right there with Julio Jones, and better than AJ Green, and I'm underselling him here. No listen to me: he's dangerous everywhere. He can take short and intermediate crossers to the house as well as he can catch long bombs.
One safety has to stay deep every single time he's on the field, and move to intercept him every time. Even if Josh crosses underneath, that single high safety has to "stay on top" of him, even if a corner is right there with him.
Do you see it, my crickets?Assuming knowing that Hue Jackson will run a lot, with two tight ends who can block, how do you stop this Josh Gordon offense?
The simplest answer is, you can't. Don't default to this quarterback crap. Britt has been studly with possibly worse quarterbacks than the Browns have fielded, usually as an X receiver. Gordon's best-of-five quarterbacks was Brian Hoyer.
Whoever wins the right tackle fight, he'll be a really good run-blocker in any scheme, and have a tight end to chip on passes 63-plus % of the time on passes, and when you blitze inside (vs a top 5 inside offensive line) you're taking guys who should be on a tight end out of coverage...
Anyhow, if Josh Gordon is reinstated, I'll be revising my estimates for 2017, because I can't see how any defense in the NFL could hold it to under 20 points.
Ok (sigh) I think the Stoolers are just too tough and experienced to pass up in 2017, but the Ratbirds and Bungles could be had.
Sans Josh Gordon, still 6 wins easy.
And with all due respect to Terry Pluto, PFF and Pro Football outsiders are right and you are wrong: The Browns 2017 offensive line should be at least the second best in the NFL.
I think Terry is afflicted with Billoreillyitis.
I was leaning towards Coleman in the right tackle competition until I read Joel's article. Now, I call it a dead heat.
This article by Joel W Cade on the right tackle competition was almost perfect.
Joel expects Shon Coleman to win it, because Erving wasn't picked by this regime, was a (more expensive) first round pick, and because (Joel says) the Browns will have to make a decision on his fifth year option after this season.
If they pick up that option, they have to pay him based on where he was drafted, and that's pretty expensive.
But Joel (who seems like he may have played offensive line himself at some point) was fair to Erving. He points out that Erving was a top notch offensive tackle in college, and is much, much better suited to play that than guard or center.
Cam Erving, and Shon Coleman, however, played left tackle. Joel and everybody else seems to think that right and left tackle are the same.
That's a minor point in the long run, but LeCharles Bentley and many others point out that adjusting from one side to the other is a major challenge. The stance, footwork, steps etc. are all unnatural for the player. Both Erving and Coleman were making this transition last season.
Joel might be right about economic factors influencing this decision, unless Erving looks substantially better.
But Joel thinks that if Erving does lose this competition, he'll probably be traded for a future draft pick, and at any rate won't be retained.
There, he might be wrong, and he may also be overestimating the impacts of salaries, and who drafted who.
Paul DePodesta will be pointing out that if Erving earns the starting job and plays well in his third season, he'll have a year (or two) left on his rookie contract after this, his third season.
He will have redeemed himself from his failure at center, and become a valuable trade commodity. Coleman would have two years left on his own contract, and presumably be ready to step in.
As it stands, Cam Erving is a failed center making first round money. He's almost untradable at that price, and getting beat out by a third round pick pretty much ices that cake.
The Coaches have no dog in this fight. They're both young players, and they'll want the best one to start, period. Sashi Brown may technicly have the final say on the roster, but can't dictate who starts (not that he would anyway, Illuminati boy).
Now, Hue Jackson genuinely respects Brown, DePodesta, and their long-term strategy. They discuss these things, and (PR aside) are timing their big "move" into the playoffs for 2018, and for continued improvement and sustained success therafter.
Therefore, if it's a tie, ERVING could be the winner. And if Erving loses, he should be retained unless he is not, in fact, one of the four best offensive tackles on this roster.
Time to put your snorkels on:
Roderick Johnson is the nominal backup at left tackle, but he's a project. Shon Coleman...not Cam Erving......has worked at left tackle on Big Joe's (sensible) days off.
The loser of the right tackle competition will be the swing-tackle in 2017. Rod Johnson may not even be active in some games. He can be a fake tight end in some elephant run-packages, but is absolutely not ready for regular service in the NFL yet.
And by the way, Rod Johnson didn't "force" Cam Erving from left tackle to center in college. They had a big hole at center, and felt Johnson was ready to step in at left tackle. As Joel points out, Erving was a GOOD left tackle, and several teams were looking to draft him as a tackle.
If Shon Coleman does win the right tackle competition, Erving still has a chance to "show" something if either tackle misses time due to injury, so they might still get a draft pick for him (or just retain a stud player).
Now, nobody is talking about Josh Gordon, so I can bring him up again. He's up for re-instatement in September, and if King Dickhead doesn't let him back in, he probably can (and should) sue the bastard personally.
Gordon has been called a "drug addict" etc. over things the majority of us do a lot, including walking through a room where people are smoking pot, and having a few drinks (with teammates) on a plane after his season was over, and drinking too much water.
He had more serious issues in college yes, but he has been pillaried and persecuted ever since he was drafted. The only thing wrong with this guy is his off-the-field college stuff and just being a freaking normal freaking young freaking man gdammit!
Imagine pissing in a cup two or three times a week ok? How long before they caught YOU too soon after one freaking Miller Lite?
...but I digress: He should be back, and I severely doubt that Sashi Brown will just cut him with two years left on his obsolete contract.
Dumb (no offense Terry Pluto): Cutting him for political or emotional reasons is a non-starter with this crew. He's not disruptive or a wife-beater and his teammates like and support him. Care to survey the quarterbacks?
Dumber: Nobody would trade anything significant for him at this point. He's one strike away from extinction, he's not that cheap, all the rosters will be set by then (point in a lawsuit: the timing is punitive), he's not familiar with their schemes or language, and he's not in "football" shape.
Dumbest: Josh does not need to start from square one with the Browns. He knows the scheme and the language, and being stupid is NOT, in reality, among his faults (he's actually really smart).
Now listen carefully (I'll write this slow):
In fourteen games. In his second NFL season. With three (or four?) quarterbacks named Joe. With no running game. As the unmistakable number one (double cover this guy every time) receiver. He was the best wide receiver in the NFL, and broke a few NFL records doing it.
I guarantee you: the prospect of Gordon's return influenced the Browns' offseason strategy.
We aren't talking "potential" here, ok? Josh Gordon can't miss (unless he gets suspended again). And Terry wants to cut him?
Back to DePodesta (just think of me, really): cutting Josh Gordon might just be THE dumbest thing any team in any sport has done since we came down out of the trees.
Anyway, I'm just reminding you guys that rumors of Josh Gordon's demise are greatly exhaggerrated.
I'm in a rare mood so I'll keep going with this and it's implications:
Ok well by this time the two-tight end offense with DeValve and Njoku is set as the base offense. With one running back, this allows for two wide receivers. With two running backs, this means only one wide receiver.
Well, obviously adding Gordon blows the two-back all to hell, because (once he's back up to speed) Josh has to play. You're not going to keep a Corey Coleman on the bench, and even if Coleman is injured (yet again sigh), Rodney Brittfield as a number TWO? Hell yes--he's been a number one most of his carreer.
Now just think about this, ok? Remember Edwards and Winslow? They put Derrick Anderson in the Pro Bowl, remember?
Well, how about two Winslows, who can block, an Edwards on steroids, a taller/quicker/faster Antonio Brown (Coleman) all on the same field at the same time?
Yeah I'm optimistic about Coleman. Despite his physical advantages, comparing him to Antonio Brown isn't realistic, especially given the respective quarterbacks, and how heavily performance outweighs potential.
G, give Brown his props. And Big Ben too. Know thine enema.
Nevermind: Just imagine Gordon, Njoku, DeValve, and Coleman (or Britt) on the field at the same time, over 75% of the time. And remember: with Josh Gordon, who the quarterback was didn't even matter!!!
I've told you: those who default Coleman to number one over Britt are premature. Britt is being massively dissed here!
But the key here is Gordon: Josh Gordon is right there with Julio Jones, and better than AJ Green, and I'm underselling him here. No listen to me: he's dangerous everywhere. He can take short and intermediate crossers to the house as well as he can catch long bombs.
One safety has to stay deep every single time he's on the field, and move to intercept him every time. Even if Josh crosses underneath, that single high safety has to "stay on top" of him, even if a corner is right there with him.
Do you see it, my crickets?
The simplest answer is, you can't. Don't default to this quarterback crap. Britt has been studly with possibly worse quarterbacks than the Browns have fielded, usually as an X receiver. Gordon's best-of-five quarterbacks was Brian Hoyer.
Whoever wins the right tackle fight, he'll be a really good run-blocker in any scheme, and have a tight end to chip on passes 63-plus % of the time on passes, and when you blitze inside (vs a top 5 inside offensive line) you're taking guys who should be on a tight end out of coverage...
Anyhow, if Josh Gordon is reinstated, I'll be revising my estimates for 2017, because I can't see how any defense in the NFL could hold it to under 20 points.
Ok (sigh) I think the Stoolers are just too tough and experienced to pass up in 2017, but the Ratbirds and Bungles could be had.
Sans Josh Gordon, still 6 wins easy.
And with all due respect to Terry Pluto, PFF and Pro Football outsiders are right and you are wrong: The Browns 2017 offensive line should be at least the second best in the NFL.
I think Terry is afflicted with Billoreillyitis.
I was leaning towards Coleman in the right tackle competition until I read Joel's article. Now, I call it a dead heat.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Vivisection of a Superficial Browns Analysis
Finally I found somebody to take my frustrations out on! It's been way too intelligent and sane around here lately.
Gary Horton of Fan Rag saved me with so much dumbassitude I...well I tear up a little...
Where to start? Ok well I'll start from the beginning of his article on the Browns:
Offense: Gary talks about how Hue Jackson likes to be creative, but is (not was) forced to run a vanilla scheme due to lack of overall talent and bad qquarterbacks. He goes on the say that the offensive line has sucked for the last TWO seasons (this includes with Mack and Schwartze).
I'll overlook that-it's just laziness on his part, and the tendancy of dumbasses to generalize a lot.
He does mention Tretter and Zietler, and says that this year's offensive line might be "solid" (I could tell it hurt him to admit that).
But come on man, last season the Browns lost both their starting guards to injury! By the end of the season they were starting their fourth center! How can you call that a lack of talent!?
The clown says none of the Browns quarterbacks can read a defense. That's idiotic. Dumbasses trust their reflexes. When a quarterback holds onto the ball, he must be confused.
Well, Kessler the ROOKIE might had to have been confused sometimes because he was a ROOKIE duh, but he was also reluctant to trust his receivers because he was a ROOKIE.
As I've explained, this is common among ROOKIE quarterbacks, who are paranoid about interceptions. It's very hard for them to throw to a SPOT before they see the receiver turn and look at them.
I don't know about Osweiler. No comment. He executed Kubiak's timing scheme ok, but could still have issues with reads.
Goober says that because of bad quarterbacks, Jackson had to run a vanilla scheme. No, Hue had Terrelle Pryor, Barnidge, and guys named Joe playing wide receiver.
Coleman came from BAYLOR for crying out loud, and Pryor was a quarterback. Here's a tip: Wide receivers matter, dumbass.
Defenses just sat back in coverage? Sure they did, once they were a couple freaking touchdowns ahead and made the offense one-dimensional. That wasn't on the freaking quarterbacks! And I'd hold the ball too (on third and long) if nobody was open!
Browns quarterbacks were sacked more than any other team's too, by the way. Any of that penetrate? It wasn't ALL indecision. It was partly BOTH GUARDS ON IR you idiot!
This clown mentions Zeitler and Tretter, and Njoku (didn't bother spelling his name right), but not DeValve, Bitonio, Thomas, C Coleman, Crowell or Duke. He didn't leave them out on purpose. He really is oblivious to their existance. If I were that oblivious, I could say the offense lacks talent too.
Ignorance is bliss. This guy has achieved Nirvana.
But wait! There's more!!!
Gomer knows his X's and O's (idiot savant?) so he describes how last season's defense screwed up a whole lot. That part is valid. There was miscommunication, bad reads, overpursuit, you name it.
But in introducing Gregg Williams, Nimrod says "this defense may lack talent, but--"
Couldn't Chumley stick with mental errors and screwups? No, of course not. Later, he says "mediocre talent".
I'm looking at the depth chart now, trying to find a mediocre player. Campbell? Meder? Cooper? Is Haden mediocre?
Let's see I'll list some probable starters and rotational guys, and I want you to yell "Stop!" when I hit a mediocre one ok?
Garrett (ok shut up Black Cloud quit being a PIA).
Collins? Shelton? Taylor? (Who said that? PFF ranked him damn near elite last season--do your homework!) Ogbah? Peppers? I still think Des Bryant will get released, but for now have to list him. Kirksey? Calhoun? McCourty/Haden?
Well okay now if you're yelling "stop!" I have to respect your opinion, although I disagree.
Haden and McCourty have been banged up recently (both groins--absolutely critical for man corners), and if they're healthy, I expect them to be really good. But I could be wrong.
Anyway the other guys I could name are all debatable, like the two rookie three tech defensive tackles. I can't make myself call Meder "mediocre". I like Shobert, Nassib, and other guys a lot, but they've yet to prove anything, so we won't go there.
But how many made the "Only a dumbass would call this guy mediocre" list before I got in the weeds? EIGHT.
And as I said in my last blog, Collins, Garrett, and Shelton look really good. I could have included Kirksey and Peppers in that group too, for that matter. Is Gomer talking overall mediocre? Are we grading on a curve here?
Now, he goes on to say that Williams will be "forced" to blitze to put pressure on quarterbacks. Well, he will blitze, but this implies that the 3-tech winner, Garrett, Ogbah, and Shelton will be inadequate. Say it with me now: That is stupid.
And the blitze will leave "marginal" players in coverage. Now I'm looking for "marginal" coverage guys hmm...
Ok well if you say Haden or McCourty I can't fight you. But Kirksey is actually very good in coverage, Calhoun was top notch even as a rookie. Peppers may or may not ever excel in man, but is just made for off-man or zone and running backs (like Duke). Yeah free safety is up for grabs but (laugh at me now but believe me later) watch out for Kai Nacua, and (upon further review) Ed Reynolds could sneak in there too.
Taylor isn't marginal either. In fact he's living up to his draft status, in spades. Even if Joe is 100% back, Jamar might still be better he is.
And of course McCourty should be able to play free safety if his twin bro does (for the Patriots). No need for a flexible groin here.
Sfb's also thinks that if Peppers and Garrett aren't instastuds, this defense is in deep shit, because this defense was almost last in sacks and gave up a ton of passing TDs last season.
On the surface, Einstein is correct. But only on the surface.
Joe Haden played with BOTH sides of his groin impaired. McCourty wasn't here. Calhoun was a rookie. Opposing quarterbacks DID have all day.
Ogbah and Nassib were both rookies. Orchard was injured. The two rookie three techs were drafted specificly because they're one-gap penetrators. Shelton has never had a chance to line up in a gap before. Holmes was a rookie too.
Now, Sherlock correctly says that Gregg will clean up the screwups (or else), but wonders if he can make anything of the inferior talent he's stuck with.
I've got to flag this guy. This article is definitely a top ten dumbest I've ever read. I'd put it in the top three, if not for his X's and O's. In 20-30 years, he might be a decent analyst.
Context. It's not a big word. Look it up.
Nassib, both Colemans, Ogbah, Calhoun, Nassib, Shobert, Kessler et al were rookies.
Both the offensive and defensive systems were new last season.
The Browns play in the AFC North.
Sashi tore the team down to the studs CONTEXT, ok? Why is this so hard for so many people to understand?
Do you see it, my crickets? If you think any of these former rookies will be the same as they were last season, you are mentally impaired. If you can call the general talent on this team "mediocre", you need a brain transplant.
Sigh...Black Cloud is poised to strike, so here's my disclaimer:
The Browns are highly unlikely to make the playoffs in 2017, and have about a .05% chance to take the Division. Their odds of going .500 are only a little better. Cody Kessler is not the best quarterback in history.
They're just not "mediocre". How can you look right at something and not see it? Some people just need that 2×4, I guess.
Gary Horton of Fan Rag saved me with so much dumbassitude I...well I tear up a little...
Where to start? Ok well I'll start from the beginning of his article on the Browns:
Offense: Gary talks about how Hue Jackson likes to be creative, but is (not was) forced to run a vanilla scheme due to lack of overall talent and bad qquarterbacks. He goes on the say that the offensive line has sucked for the last TWO seasons (this includes with Mack and Schwartze).
I'll overlook that-it's just laziness on his part, and the tendancy of dumbasses to generalize a lot.
He does mention Tretter and Zietler, and says that this year's offensive line might be "solid" (I could tell it hurt him to admit that).
But come on man, last season the Browns lost both their starting guards to injury! By the end of the season they were starting their fourth center! How can you call that a lack of talent!?
The clown says none of the Browns quarterbacks can read a defense. That's idiotic. Dumbasses trust their reflexes. When a quarterback holds onto the ball, he must be confused.
Well, Kessler the ROOKIE might had to have been confused sometimes because he was a ROOKIE duh, but he was also reluctant to trust his receivers because he was a ROOKIE.
As I've explained, this is common among ROOKIE quarterbacks, who are paranoid about interceptions. It's very hard for them to throw to a SPOT before they see the receiver turn and look at them.
I don't know about Osweiler. No comment. He executed Kubiak's timing scheme ok, but could still have issues with reads.
Goober says that because of bad quarterbacks, Jackson had to run a vanilla scheme. No, Hue had Terrelle Pryor, Barnidge, and guys named Joe playing wide receiver.
Coleman came from BAYLOR for crying out loud, and Pryor was a quarterback. Here's a tip: Wide receivers matter, dumbass.
Defenses just sat back in coverage? Sure they did, once they were a couple freaking touchdowns ahead and made the offense one-dimensional. That wasn't on the freaking quarterbacks! And I'd hold the ball too (on third and long) if nobody was open!
Browns quarterbacks were sacked more than any other team's too, by the way. Any of that penetrate? It wasn't ALL indecision. It was partly BOTH GUARDS ON IR you idiot!
This clown mentions Zeitler and Tretter, and Njoku (didn't bother spelling his name right), but not DeValve, Bitonio, Thomas, C Coleman, Crowell or Duke. He didn't leave them out on purpose. He really is oblivious to their existance. If I were that oblivious, I could say the offense lacks talent too.
Ignorance is bliss. This guy has achieved Nirvana.
But wait! There's more!!!
Gomer knows his X's and O's (idiot savant?) so he describes how last season's defense screwed up a whole lot. That part is valid. There was miscommunication, bad reads, overpursuit, you name it.
But in introducing Gregg Williams, Nimrod says "this defense may lack talent, but--"
Couldn't Chumley stick with mental errors and screwups? No, of course not. Later, he says "mediocre talent".
I'm looking at the depth chart now, trying to find a mediocre player. Campbell? Meder? Cooper? Is Haden mediocre?
Let's see I'll list some probable starters and rotational guys, and I want you to yell "Stop!" when I hit a mediocre one ok?
Garrett (ok shut up Black Cloud quit being a PIA).
Collins? Shelton? Taylor? (Who said that? PFF ranked him damn near elite last season--do your homework!) Ogbah? Peppers? I still think Des Bryant will get released, but for now have to list him. Kirksey? Calhoun? McCourty/Haden?
Well okay now if you're yelling "stop!" I have to respect your opinion, although I disagree.
Haden and McCourty have been banged up recently (both groins--absolutely critical for man corners), and if they're healthy, I expect them to be really good. But I could be wrong.
Anyway the other guys I could name are all debatable, like the two rookie three tech defensive tackles. I can't make myself call Meder "mediocre". I like Shobert, Nassib, and other guys a lot, but they've yet to prove anything, so we won't go there.
But how many made the "Only a dumbass would call this guy mediocre" list before I got in the weeds? EIGHT.
And as I said in my last blog, Collins, Garrett, and Shelton look really good. I could have included Kirksey and Peppers in that group too, for that matter. Is Gomer talking overall mediocre? Are we grading on a curve here?
Now, he goes on to say that Williams will be "forced" to blitze to put pressure on quarterbacks. Well, he will blitze, but this implies that the 3-tech winner, Garrett, Ogbah, and Shelton will be inadequate. Say it with me now: That is stupid.
And the blitze will leave "marginal" players in coverage. Now I'm looking for "marginal" coverage guys hmm...
Ok well if you say Haden or McCourty I can't fight you. But Kirksey is actually very good in coverage, Calhoun was top notch even as a rookie. Peppers may or may not ever excel in man, but is just made for off-man or zone and running backs (like Duke). Yeah free safety is up for grabs but (laugh at me now but believe me later) watch out for Kai Nacua, and (upon further review) Ed Reynolds could sneak in there too.
Taylor isn't marginal either. In fact he's living up to his draft status, in spades. Even if Joe is 100% back, Jamar might still be better he is.
And of course McCourty should be able to play free safety if his twin bro does (for the Patriots). No need for a flexible groin here.
Sfb's also thinks that if Peppers and Garrett aren't instastuds, this defense is in deep shit, because this defense was almost last in sacks and gave up a ton of passing TDs last season.
On the surface, Einstein is correct. But only on the surface.
Joe Haden played with BOTH sides of his groin impaired. McCourty wasn't here. Calhoun was a rookie. Opposing quarterbacks DID have all day.
Ogbah and Nassib were both rookies. Orchard was injured. The two rookie three techs were drafted specificly because they're one-gap penetrators. Shelton has never had a chance to line up in a gap before. Holmes was a rookie too.
Now, Sherlock correctly says that Gregg will clean up the screwups (or else), but wonders if he can make anything of the inferior talent he's stuck with.
I've got to flag this guy. This article is definitely a top ten dumbest I've ever read. I'd put it in the top three, if not for his X's and O's. In 20-30 years, he might be a decent analyst.
Context. It's not a big word. Look it up.
Nassib, both Colemans, Ogbah, Calhoun, Nassib, Shobert, Kessler et al were rookies.
Both the offensive and defensive systems were new last season.
The Browns play in the AFC North.
Sashi tore the team down to the studs CONTEXT, ok? Why is this so hard for so many people to understand?
Do you see it, my crickets? If you think any of these former rookies will be the same as they were last season, you are mentally impaired. If you can call the general talent on this team "mediocre", you need a brain transplant.
Sigh...Black Cloud is poised to strike, so here's my disclaimer:
The Browns are highly unlikely to make the playoffs in 2017, and have about a .05% chance to take the Division. Their odds of going .500 are only a little better. Cody Kessler is not the best quarterback in history.
They're just not "mediocre". How can you look right at something and not see it? Some people just need that 2×4, I guess.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Cleveland Browns WRs, Front 7, and More Obvious Stuff
On this Independance Day, it's great to hear from Americans who think independantly, and one of these is Thomas Moore.
Thomas just might be the first non-me to suggest that the Browns don't feel they need another veteran wide receiver.
Thomas is a lot more diplomatic than me, but points out the same things, like Al Saunders' opinions of the talent and improvement of the three wide receivers drafted in 2016.
I also think Thomas is a real American because he failed to mention the probable two tight end offense Hue Jackson almost has to run. It means that Thomas is not among the despicable parasites who raid my blog for original thoughts...because they have none of their own.
I do like Higgins and Payton, (and Rannell Hall too), but expect Ricardo Louis to be one rung below Corey Coleman (who, on this planet, is one rung below Rodney Brittfield), because Louis has more big-play potential.
Jordan McElroy (fanragsports.com) deserves credit for being among the first writers after me to recognize the obvious fact that the 2017 Browns front 7 should be pretty scary under Gregg Williams.
Jordan isn't just another Captain Obvious, however. He sees Carl Nassib and Nate Orchard as serious contenders, along with Tyrone Holmes. In reality, the 2017 Browns have too many edge-rushing defensive ends. They'll probably be forced to release Cam Johnson, simply because he's the oldest in the crowd.
Like everybody else, Jordon regards the venerable Des Bryant as an institution here, and attributes super powers to him.
In reality, Des is a 3-tech DT in what Gregg Williams will have to make of this defense, and that is all. No defensive end, no one tech. As Hue said, he's a terrific player he's thrilled to have back, but Jordan and everybody else needs an ice-bath here:
Desmond Bryant is 31 years old. Unless Xavier Cooper is really a bust, the Browns will have to cut Saint Desmond. Both Brantley and Ogunjobi are very talented (I think Ogonjobi moreso).
Remember the wide receiver thing? Same deal. Saint Desmond is a seasoned vet, but if he's not significantly better than the younger, cheaper guy, well?
Now, Danny Shelton gets to attack in this defense from between the center and right guard. He's not two-gapping, but that doesn't matter, because they have to double-team him anyway. The center and right guard have to gang up on him, at least at first (to arrest his momentum), leaving the other three defensive linemen one-on-one, and the linebackers unblocked.
...ok zone-blocking is different, but Shelton short-circuits this under the new rules by deliberately tying up the oknevermind just trust me ok?
Anyway Jamie Meder has a better chance at making the final cut than Des does, because he can do what Shelton does/will do in this defense.
Ogbah Garrett check-check Nassib is different. He will be bigger and stronger this season (I'm still guessing at least 290 lbs), so he could move inside on passing downs.
The top linebackers are Collins, Kirksey, Alexander, Rodney Shobertfield, and Carder...ok and Peppers.
I'm kind of disgusted that Jamie Collins' move from New England to Cleveland rendered him a non-entity amonst the punditry. Lord Insideous no doubt beguiled Sashi Brown or something I dunno...but Jamie Collins is a terrific football player ok?
I read some other article "Kirksey needs to step up" wtf? Like all of 2016 was a mirage? Exactly how much better does he need to get?
Alexander (reminds me of London Fletcher) seems to be getting some well-earned props so I'll skip him, but Rodney Shobertfield will back me up on this: He will play a lot in 2017 and "surprise" everybody except my humble self.
Shobert's brains have been well-documented by everybody with eyes, but instincts are different, and he has those as well.
Throw his combine numbers out the window. Shobert's instincts put him a step ahead of other guys, and this can be seen on film.
Anyway, the Browns are eyeball deep in front seven people.
Collins and Garrett are headliners, but a lot of people thought Danny Shelton rated a Pro Bowl in his second season. That's three with All-pro talent. How many front sevens field that?
The obvious solution for permabashers is to raise the bar for everybody else. Shobert and Nassib were already interred when Gregg Williams got here. Now they'll have to pump the brakes on Ogbah and Kirksey too. Stand by for a massive increase in Garrett-bashing.
That's how you look right at something, and tell everybody it's not there. The clinical term is Yabuttitis.
That's fine. Hopefully the Steelers offensive linemen are reading that garbage.
Anyway, in summary the Browns wide receivers will be okay, and the front seven will be scary, at least here in reality.
Thomas just might be the first non-me to suggest that the Browns don't feel they need another veteran wide receiver.
Thomas is a lot more diplomatic than me, but points out the same things, like Al Saunders' opinions of the talent and improvement of the three wide receivers drafted in 2016.
I also think Thomas is a real American because he failed to mention the probable two tight end offense Hue Jackson almost has to run. It means that Thomas is not among the despicable parasites who raid my blog for original thoughts...because they have none of their own.
I do like Higgins and Payton, (and Rannell Hall too), but expect Ricardo Louis to be one rung below Corey Coleman (who, on this planet, is one rung below Rodney Brittfield), because Louis has more big-play potential.
Jordan McElroy (fanragsports.com) deserves credit for being among the first writers after me to recognize the obvious fact that the 2017 Browns front 7 should be pretty scary under Gregg Williams.
Jordan isn't just another Captain Obvious, however. He sees Carl Nassib and Nate Orchard as serious contenders, along with Tyrone Holmes. In reality, the 2017 Browns have too many edge-rushing defensive ends. They'll probably be forced to release Cam Johnson, simply because he's the oldest in the crowd.
Like everybody else, Jordon regards the venerable Des Bryant as an institution here, and attributes super powers to him.
In reality, Des is a 3-tech DT in what Gregg Williams will have to make of this defense, and that is all. No defensive end, no one tech. As Hue said, he's a terrific player he's thrilled to have back, but Jordan and everybody else needs an ice-bath here:
Desmond Bryant is 31 years old. Unless Xavier Cooper is really a bust, the Browns will have to cut Saint Desmond. Both Brantley and Ogunjobi are very talented (I think Ogonjobi moreso).
Remember the wide receiver thing? Same deal. Saint Desmond is a seasoned vet, but if he's not significantly better than the younger, cheaper guy, well?
Now, Danny Shelton gets to attack in this defense from between the center and right guard. He's not two-gapping, but that doesn't matter, because they have to double-team him anyway. The center and right guard have to gang up on him, at least at first (to arrest his momentum), leaving the other three defensive linemen one-on-one, and the linebackers unblocked.
...ok zone-blocking is different, but Shelton short-circuits this under the new rules by deliberately tying up the oknevermind just trust me ok?
Anyway Jamie Meder has a better chance at making the final cut than Des does, because he can do what Shelton does/will do in this defense.
Ogbah Garrett check-check Nassib is different. He will be bigger and stronger this season (I'm still guessing at least 290 lbs), so he could move inside on passing downs.
The top linebackers are Collins, Kirksey, Alexander, Rodney Shobertfield, and Carder...ok and Peppers.
I'm kind of disgusted that Jamie Collins' move from New England to Cleveland rendered him a non-entity amonst the punditry. Lord Insideous no doubt beguiled Sashi Brown or something I dunno...but Jamie Collins is a terrific football player ok?
I read some other article "Kirksey needs to step up" wtf? Like all of 2016 was a mirage? Exactly how much better does he need to get?
Alexander (reminds me of London Fletcher) seems to be getting some well-earned props so I'll skip him, but Rodney Shobertfield will back me up on this: He will play a lot in 2017 and "surprise" everybody except my humble self.
Shobert's brains have been well-documented by everybody with eyes, but instincts are different, and he has those as well.
Throw his combine numbers out the window. Shobert's instincts put him a step ahead of other guys, and this can be seen on film.
Anyway, the Browns are eyeball deep in front seven people.
Collins and Garrett are headliners, but a lot of people thought Danny Shelton rated a Pro Bowl in his second season. That's three with All-pro talent. How many front sevens field that?
The obvious solution for permabashers is to raise the bar for everybody else. Shobert and Nassib were already interred when Gregg Williams got here. Now they'll have to pump the brakes on Ogbah and Kirksey too. Stand by for a massive increase in Garrett-bashing.
That's how you look right at something, and tell everybody it's not there. The clinical term is Yabuttitis.
That's fine. Hopefully the Steelers offensive linemen are reading that garbage.
Anyway, in summary the Browns wide receivers will be okay, and the front seven will be scary, at least here in reality.
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